We started out our 9-day road trip with a stop at the Corn Palace.

We camped two nights in Badlands National park – in the 97F heat! We hiked, drove the scenic route through the park, drank 5 cent coffee at Wall Drug, and spent lots of time in the (air conditioned) Visitors Center.

Our favorite hike was the Notch Trail with a big log ladder.

Then it was off to Custer State Park for three nights. Thankfully, we were in a camping cabin there, because it stormed like the dickens!

The days were fairly clear, so we got in some good hiking, including Lovers' Leap Trail.

While staying in Custer, we made side trips to Wind Cave National Park to see its famous boxwork formations…

And Mount Rushmore.

Then it was off to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. After seeing the weather forecast, we chickened out on camping in TRNP and holed up in a hotel room. Boy was that a good decision! We had storms and even a tornado warning while we were there! The rain cleared long enough for us to take in the views…

Get in a few hikes…

And hang out with the locals!