help with a route
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 147
Likes: 53
help with a route
Wife and I are traveling from mid MO, out to Loveland, CO to visit her sister. We would like to travel back thru the bad lands and end up at Mt Rushmore, then drop back down to head back to Mo. Would like a few opinions of what routes to take and what to avoid.
We've never been out that way, and will be taking our C8.
Thanks in advance for any help
We've never been out that way, and will be taking our C8.
Thanks in advance for any help
Racer
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 386
Likes: 323
From: Baldwin County - "Sweet Home" Alabama
That is definitely a detour drive from MO to CO then run thorugh Mt. Rushmore and The badlands but can be done, I did a similar route about 15 years ago from Denver after flying in and picking up a car I had just purchased. I took I25 North to I90 which going back east runs you thorugh Mount Rushmore National Park and Badlands National Park, from there did Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway, it was simply amazing, give yourself lots of time because you will be making many stops. The drive back was again on I90 east to Chicago then 294 Interchange to I65 south all the way back to Alabama. Spent almost 3 weeks on the road but I was in no hurry.
The Badlands portion was the best, you can get more info here:
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/tr...e-scenic-byway
Tips:
While driving the loop stay off the overlooks that have only dirt roads.
Make sure you have a FULL tank of gas when in the parks.
Check the weather for those top down days, especially when doing the loop
Hotel choices are plenty on I90, however, during the summer months some have limited availability so plan your trip accordingly, I would suggest using a driving route/trip planner.
The Badlands portion was the best, you can get more info here:
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/tr...e-scenic-byway
Tips:
While driving the loop stay off the overlooks that have only dirt roads.
Make sure you have a FULL tank of gas when in the parks.
Check the weather for those top down days, especially when doing the loop
Hotel choices are plenty on I90, however, during the summer months some have limited availability so plan your trip accordingly, I would suggest using a driving route/trip planner.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 746
Likes: 657
From: San Jose CA
I can suggest a road in the area to take for a drive. Hwy 87 that travels through Custer State Park. Its the Needles Highway and you will drive through a very narrow tunnel of rock (one vehicle at a time, from both directions) .
Also take a look at Hwy 385 to Deadwood then 14A to Sturgis.
Also take a look at Hwy 385 to Deadwood then 14A to Sturgis.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 2,151
From: Kelso, Wa
I have two bits of advice....
1)download IExit app for your phone. It shows EVERY service at EVERY exit on the interstate highway system. .. Invaluable for plotting stops for food-gas-lodging, or for just seeing what's ahead.
2)Go to myscenicdrives.com to plot your route. (free) ...
Used in combination it's easy to know where to go and where to stop every day (hour?) of your trip.
1)download IExit app for your phone. It shows EVERY service at EVERY exit on the interstate highway system. .. Invaluable for plotting stops for food-gas-lodging, or for just seeing what's ahead.
2)Go to myscenicdrives.com to plot your route. (free) ...
Used in combination it's easy to know where to go and where to stop every day (hour?) of your trip.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,891
Likes: 4,344
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
You may want to ask in one or more of the regional forums such as Mountain - Prairie - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,430
Likes: 3,620
From: Commerce Texas
I have two bits of advice....
1)download IExit app for your phone. It shows EVERY service at EVERY exit on the interstate highway system. .. Invaluable for plotting stops for food-gas-lodging, or for just seeing what's ahead.
2)Go to myscenicdrives.com to plot your route. (free) ...
Used in combination it's easy to know where to go and where to stop every day (hour?) of your trip.
1)download IExit app for your phone. It shows EVERY service at EVERY exit on the interstate highway system. .. Invaluable for plotting stops for food-gas-lodging, or for just seeing what's ahead.
2)Go to myscenicdrives.com to plot your route. (free) ...
Used in combination it's easy to know where to go and where to stop every day (hour?) of your trip.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 1,289
From: Plano, Texas
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Be safe out there and try to take several stops and breaks to make sure you guys have fresh energy as much as possible. You might not take the best routes but still make the best of it of course.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 857
From: MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Wife and I are traveling from mid MO, out to Loveland, CO to visit her sister. We would like to travel back thru the bad lands and end up at Mt Rushmore, then drop back down to head back to Mo. Would like a few opinions of what routes to take and what to avoid.
We've never been out that way, and will be taking our C8.
Thanks in advance for any help
We've never been out that way, and will be taking our C8.
Thanks in advance for any help
Link Black Hills Corvette Classic
Cheers,
Goose
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2020
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From: Kelso, Wa
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,087
Likes: 1,361
From: Macon GA
Although I’m not specifically familiar with your route, I do have some advice…if you’re not ppf’d, and have windshield protection installed, you may want to, at the very least, use a novistetch bra on the trip and seriously consider getting protection for your windshield…I’ve flown into Denver a couple of times to view the sites out west, including Mt Rushmore, and my rental cars have taken a beating! Rocks flying on the roads a plenty as I remember it, including a busted windshield when I drove through an Indian reservation, and all though the road was paved, the dirt and rocks were almost as bad as a dirt road. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to do the trip in my C8, but I do suggest taking some precautions to protect your Vette…
Pro
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Spoiler
Last edited by Scruff Vette; Jun 29, 2025 at 08:44 PM. Reason: what is "spoiler"?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 562
From: Margaritaville Daytona
Wife and I are traveling from mid MO, out to Loveland, CO to visit her sister. We would like to travel back thru the bad lands and end up at Mt Rushmore, then drop back down to head back to Mo. Would like a few opinions of what routes to take and what to avoid.
We've never been out that way, and will be taking our C8.
Thanks in advance for any help
We've never been out that way, and will be taking our C8.
Thanks in advance for any help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 147
Likes: 53
Although I’m not specifically familiar with your route, I do have some advice…if you’re not ppf’d, and have windshield protection installed, you may want to, at the very least, use a novistetch bra on the trip and seriously consider getting protection for your windshield…I’ve flown into Denver a couple of times to view the sites out west, including Mt Rushmore, and my rental cars have taken a beating! Rocks flying on the roads a plenty as I remember it, including a busted windshield when I drove through an Indian reservation, and all though the road was paved, the dirt and rocks were almost as bad as a dirt road. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to do the trip in my C8, but I do suggest taking some precautions to protect your Vette…
But I'm ok with it all. Bought the car to enjoy and road trip in.