Road Trips from Box Elder, SD
Box Elder is a solid launchpad for exploring the Black Hills and beyond. You've got a few excellent day trip options nearby, including the iconic Mount Rushmore, offering scenic drives with some challenging climbs. For longer excursions, you can head east across the state, with several destinations promising over 300 miles of highway driving and access to Badlands National Park. Whether you're looking for a quick scenic tour or a more extended journey, Box Elder offers a variety of routes.
Total Routes
7
Shortest
4.2h
With Parks Nearby
7
Weekend trip
7 total in this range
Wagner, SD
5h293.2 mi one way
Gettysburg, SD
4h 10m240.3 mi one way
If a longer day trip with a higher drive score (8 out of 10) is what you're after, Gettysburg at 240.3 miles is a strong contender. It offers access to both Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, featuring gently rolling terrain for most of the 4.2-hour drive.
Webster, SD
6h 52m406.9 mi one way
This 406.9-mile route to Webster is one of the longest options, covering 6.9 hours with a drive score of 8. It provides access to Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, traversing gently rolling terrain.
Tea, SD
5h 30m344.3 mi one way
A substantial 344.3-mile drive to Tea takes about 5.5 hours, offering a drive score of 8. This route grants access to Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with the terrain being gently rolling.
Harrisburg, SD
5h 36m348.4 mi one way
Heading to Harrisburg covers 348.4 miles over 5.6 hours, boasting a drive score of 8. This option includes visits to Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, characterized by gently rolling terrain.
Browse by Mood
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers access to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park, with terrain that is mostly gently rolling, though some higher-altitude sections may still have variable conditions.
Summer
Summer is ideal for exploring parks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, with all routes featuring gently rolling terrain suitable for extended drives.
Fall
Fall drives provide access to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park, with gently rolling terrain making for pleasant journeys.
Winter
Winter travel is possible, with routes offering access to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park, though high-altitude sections may present challenges.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Box Elder, SD city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.