Origin
Springfield, SD
Evening in Springfield on Saturday
Local time
8:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Springfield, SD to Spearfish, SD
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 44m
Distance
383.3 mi
617 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 33m
★
6 AM
6h 45m
8 AM
7h 9m
10 AM
6h 53m
12 PM
6h 51m
3 PM
6h 54m
5 PM
7h 7m
8 PM
6h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Springfield, SD
Wikimedia Commons
Spearfish, SD
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 383.3-mile journey from Springfield to Spearfish, South Dakota, a drive that will take approximately 6 hours and 44 minutes. This trip is primarily highway-focused, with 99% of the route utilizing interstates and major state highways like I-90 and SD Highway 37. Consider this a solid day trip, as the drive is manageable within a single day. With an estimated fuel cost of $58, it's an economical option for exploring the Great Plains. The route offers a straightforward passage across South Dakota, making it an efficient way to travel between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
191.6 miles from Springfield, SD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 319.5 mi | 5h 4m |
| SD Highway 37 | 55.9 mi | 1h 25m |
| SD Highway 50 | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| South Highway 37 | 1 mi | 1m |
| Walnut Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| East Jackson Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Burr Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| 8th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 319.5 mi, about 5h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield, SD and Spearfish, SD.
1
Start on SD 37P
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
8th Street
2
Turn left onto SD 37P
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Walnut Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto SD 37
8.8 mi
·
15 min
·
SD Highway 37
4
Turn left onto SD 37; SD 50
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
SD Highway 50
5
Turn right onto SD 37
47 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
SD Highway 37
6
Continue on SD 37
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Highway 37
7
Continue on SD 37
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
South Burr Street
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
9
Merge onto I 90; SD 37
274 mi
·
4 hr 19 min
·
I 90; SD 37
10
Continue on I 90; US 14; SD 79
31 mi
·
31 min
·
I 90; US 14; SD 79
11
Continue on I 90; US 14; SD 34
14 mi
·
14 min
·
I 90; US 14; SD 34
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward Jackson Boulevard, Black Hills State University
13
Turn left onto East Jackson Boulevard
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Jackson Boulevard
14
Turn left onto I 90 Business
149 ft
·
14 sec
·
North Main Street
15
Arrive at destination
I 90 Business
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour and 44-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Springfield to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 319.5 miles on I-90, plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. The $58 fuel cost is a good estimate, but be sure to check your fuel gauge regularly, especially before heading into longer stretches. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule as needed.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 191.6 miles from Springfield, SD, or about 3h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 319.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 84 miles or 1h 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 191.6 miles or 3h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spearfish, SD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Springfield, SD so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Springfield, SD
This is one driving day of about 383.3 miles and 6h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Springfield, SD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 90 for about 319.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
192 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 84 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 191.6 miles from Springfield, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 319.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 55 decision points cluster between mile 1.1 and 382.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
1.1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
SD 37 / SD Highway 37
At end of road, turn right onto SD 37 / SD Highway 37
Navigation decision point
4
13.9 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
SD 37 / SD Highway 37
Turn right onto SD 37 / SD Highway 37
Navigation decision point
3
62.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m in
|
I 90; SD 37
Merge onto I 90; SD 37
Merge point - match speed before joining
5
382.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 42m in
Take the exit toward Jackson Boulevard, Black Hills State University
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Jackson Boulevard, Black Hills State Uni...
4
382.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 42m in
|
East Jackson Boulevard
Turn left onto East Jackson Boulevard
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.92 one way
$119.85 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
134 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $65.79 | $131.59 |
| premium | $4.89 | $73.76 | $147.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $84.63 | $169.26 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 134.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 115 | 1 | $40.25 | $18.40 |
| Efficient EV | 95.8 | 1 | $33.54 | $15.33 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 153.3 | 1 | $53.66 | $24.53 |
Gas CO2
134 kg
EV CO2
45 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Spearfish, SD
Evening in Spearfish on Saturday
Local time
7:06 PM
MDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
5 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 44m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
National Memorial
Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, devel...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 343.6
View on nps.gov
Badlands National Park
National Park
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
$30
near mile 277.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, designed for efficient travel across the Great Plains. You'll spend the vast majority of your time on high-speed roads, with I-90 forming the backbone of the journey for a significant 319.5-mile stretch. While the highway percentage is high at 99%, the inclusion of SD Highway 37 and SD Highway 50 offers slight variations in the driving experience before you rejoin the interstate. Expect a consistent pace for most of the trip, making it ideal for covering ground quickly.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 319.5 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and SD Highway 37. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near SD 37 / SD Highway 37.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 44m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 5 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (SD 37 / SD Highway 37): Navigation decision point; at 13.9 miles (SD 37 / SD Highway 37): Navigation decision point; at 62.8 miles (I 90; SD 37): Merge point - match speed before joining.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,699 ft
1,298 ft
Total Climb
2,897 ft
Total Descent
552 ft
Highest Point
3,699 ft
~355.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,401 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 44m. Total distance: 383.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 44m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 319.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Spearfish, SD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through SD can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (SD 37 / SD Highway 37): Navigation decision point; at 13.9 miles (SD 37 / SD Highway 37): Navigation decision point; at 62.8 miles (I 90; SD 37): Merge point - match speed before joining.
Yes — Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Spearfish, SD before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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