Road Trips from Brandon, SD
Heading out of Brandon, South Dakota, you've got options ranging from short hops to longer hauls. The terrain is mostly flat, making for easy driving, but there are some routes with gentle rolls and even a few with more significant hills. Several nearby destinations offer access to parks, and some are within a half-day's drive, perfect for a quick escape. If you're looking for a longer adventure, there are routes over five hours that include major attractions like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Total Routes
8
Shortest
0.7h
With Parks Nearby
7
Under 2 hours
Weekend trip
7 total in this range
Spearfish, SD
6h 22m396.1 mi one way
This is a longer drive at 396.1 miles and 6.4 hours, but it gets you to a destination with parks, including Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. The terrain is gently rolling, offering a change from the flatlands closer to Brandon.
Rapid City, SD
5h 38m352.3 mi one way
A substantial trip of 352.3 miles taking 5.6 hours, this route is a good choice if you're aiming for major attractions like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. The terrain transitions to gently rolling hills as you approach.
Colonial Pine Hills, SD
5h 50m359.8 mi one way
Clocking in at 359.8 miles and 5.8 hours, this destination is comparable in distance to Rapid City and also offers access to Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. The terrain is hillier with moderate elevation changes, providing a more dynamic drive.
Custer, SD
6h 31m391.1 mi one way
North Spearfish, SD
6h 26m400.1 mi one way
This is one of the longest trips, covering 400.1 miles over 6.4 hours. Like other western South Dakota destinations, it provides access to parks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. The terrain is gently rolling.
Browse by Mood
Spearfish, SD
6h 22m396.1 mi one way
Rapid City, SD
5h 38m352.3 mi one way
Colonial Pine Hills, SD
5h 50m359.8 mi one way
Custer, SD
6h 31m391.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat terrain and nearby parks, spring drives offer an accessible way to see emerging landscapes without challenging driving conditions.
Summer
The longer routes to parks like Badlands and Mount Rushmore are ideal for summer exploration, with gently rolling and hilly terrain adding variety.
Fall
Fall drives benefit from the varied terrain available, from flat to hilly, making any route a scenic option as the seasons change.
Winter
The predominantly flat terrain on shorter routes makes them more manageable for winter travel, though longer drives should be approached with caution.
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 Brandon, SD city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.