Road trip itineraries from Ohio to Mount Rushmore include Chicago, Madison, Rochester, Sioux Falls, Yankton Reservation, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Rapid City.
They are all must-see places for the most enjoyable experience.
The North Central region of the United States offers an excellent opportunity for an unforgettable road trip.
Home to urban centers, breathtaking national parks, and places of major historical significance, it surely can make for an exciting road trip.
This post will go over interesting things to see, where to eat and sleep, times and distances, and other fascinating information to make your trip more enjoyable.
Whether you prefer a more casual trip or you are up for an adventure, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Can I drive from Ohio to Mount Rushmore?
Driving to Mount Rushmore from Ohio might take 18-20 hours. The driving distance is approximately 1,250 miles. You can make this trip in 2-5 days, depending on how much you want to rush it.
The broad and interconnected American highway system allows you to effortlessly drive from Ohio to Mount Rushmore. In fact, if you stick to I90, you’ll have a relatively easy drive.
If you choose the shortest route, staying overnight in Rochester, Minnesota, it will take you 2 days if you drive 10 hours per day. That plan, however, may not be ideal since you’ll arrive at your destination exhausted.
Should you decide to take it easier – and you should, for all of these reasons – you could visit places like Chicago, Rochester, Sioux Falls, and the stunning Badlands National Park.
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Recommended Road trip itineraries from Ohio to Mount Rushmore
Here are some recommended itineraries for art lovers, nature lovers, and adventurous people
1. Road trip itineraries from Ohio to Mount Rushmore for art lovers
This road trip itinerary is perfect for art lovers who want to enjoy some of the great arts between Ohio and Mount Rushmore.
From viewing historical and cultural pieces of art to paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramic art, and performing arts, there are a lot of opportunities for an art lover to see and learn about art on this trip.
Day 1: To begin your journey in Columbus, Ohio, visit the Columbus Museum of Art, the museum gathers and displays paintings and ceramic art from various parts of the world.
In the evening, drive to Fort Wayne and visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. It contains a vast variety of art collections.
Day 2: Drive to the Cultural center in Chicago, Illinois. It features a variety of performing, visual, and literary arts.
In the evening, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, there, you will be able to enjoy contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, and theater.
Day 3: Drive to Burpee Museum of Natural History, Illinois, where you can see preserved animals.
In the evening, drive to Old Minnehaha County Courthouse, Sioux Falls. It is a three-story building. Each floor exhibits the history and culture of the Native American culture.
Day 4: Drive to Art Alley, Rapid City, to see and click your pictures with buildings decorated with paintings and writing in the graffiti style.
In the evening, drive to Mount Rush National Memorial & Sculptor’s Studio, Mount Rushmore, to see sculptures carved into Mount Rushmore.
2. Road trip itineraries from Ohio to Mount Rushmore for nature lovers
This road trip itinerary is perfect for nature lovers who want to explore and know more about nature.
The spectator views of lakes, ponds, gardens, and waterfalls prove to be very pleasing to the eyes. It can be a source of peace for anyone.
Day 1: Start your trip with a drive to Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, where you can watch waterfalls and cliffs and can-do fishing.
Then drive to Ogden gardens Valparaiso, where you can see flower gardens, trees, shrubs, and a beautiful small pond.
Also, you can have a little picnic over there as well.
Day 2: Drive to Village at Winona, Warsaw. It has various shops and dining areas. Here you can sit and have your favorite food with a beautiful view of the lake.
Day 3: Drive to Congo River golf & exploration, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. It is a miniature golf court with a river running throughout with a spectacular view of a waterfall which is very pleasing to the eyes.
Day 4: Drive to Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Rockford. It is a beautiful place with many trees, flowers, and butterflies.
Small ponds in the garden make it look even more pleasant for the eyes.
In the evening, drive to Breezy Point Picnic Area, Mount Rushmore. It is a clear walkway with several picnic spots and benches.
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3. Road trip itineraries from Ohio to Mount Rushmore for adventurous people
This road trip itinerary is perfect for people who are adventurers and want to do outdoor activities between Ohio and Mount Rushmore.
Watching movies, experiencing skydiving, enjoying Lego-themed rides, and hiking can be very amusing for a person.
Day 1: Start your trip from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ohio, where you can see many plants and animals.
Drive to parkway bank park, Rosemont, Illinois. There you can enjoy movies, food, and other kinds of entertainment, all within walking distance.
Day 2: Drive to iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Chicago Rosemont, where you can have a fantastic and unique skydiving experience in a room.
In the evening, drive to Legoland Discovery Center, Hoffman estates, where you can have various Lego-themed rides, a cinema, and a gift shop.
Day 3: Drive to Amusement Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It features a mini golf court, go-karts, thrill rides, laser tag & other games.
Day 4: Drive to Rushmore cave, where you can enjoy going into the cave, the mountain coasters, the zip line, and the climbing area.
In the evening, go to Rushmore tramway adventures, where you can go hiking and various other activities.
4. Road trip itineraries from Ohio to Mount Rushmore for romantic couples
A road trip from Ohio to Mount Rushmore can be a romantic and memorable getaway for couples.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 6-day trip
Day 1: Depart Ohio and head towards Chicago. Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and visit the Willis Tower for a bird’s eye view of the city. Overnight in Chicago.
Day 2: Continue on to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Take a romantic walk around Lake Calhoun and visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Overnight in Minneapolis.
Day 3: Drive through South Dakota and visit the Badlands National Park. The park offers stunning landscapes and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Overnight in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Day 4: Visit Custer State Park, where you can take a romantic drive along the Needles Highway.
Afterward, head to Mount Rushmore and take a guided tour of the monument.
5. Road trip itineraries from Ohio to Mount Rushmore for history enthusiasts
Here is a potential road trip itinerary for history buffs visiting Mount Rushmore from Ohio
Day 1: Depart Ohio and drive to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum, which commemorates the Civil War battle that took place there in 1863.
Day 2: Continue on to Washington, D.C., where you can visit several historical sites, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the National Museum of American History.
Day 3: Leave Washington, D.C., and drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Take a tour of the sculpture, learn about the history of the area and the monument at the visitor center, and explore nearby hiking trails.
Day 4: Leave Mount Rushmore and drive to Badlands National Park. It has interesting geological formations. Visit some of the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails, and learn about the history of the area.
6. Ohio to Mount Rushmore road trip itineraries for music lovers
Day 1: Start in Cleveland, Ohio, and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The museum features exhibits on the history of rock and roll music, as well as a collection of artifacts from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Day 2: Head to Chicago, Illinois, and visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This center features a variety of concerts and performances, including a free lunchtime concert series.
Day 3: Make your way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and visit the Pabst Theater. The theater is a historic venue that hosts a wide variety of concerts and performances.
Day 4: Continue on to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and visit the historic First Avenue music venue. The venue is a favorite among music lovers and has hosted performances by some of the biggest names in the industry.
Day 5: End your trip in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is a massive granite sculpture of the heads of four U.S. presidents.
Along the way, you can visit Rapid City, SD, for a night and check out the local music scene and events.
Is a road trip to Mount Rushmore worth it?
A road trip to Mount Rushmore is worth the time and effort. Although it’s quite a long stretch of road to cover, the scenic views and roadside attractions make it a great option to explore with your family and friends or even on your own.
Compared to flying, road trips can offer a unique and memorable experience, with the opportunity to stop and smell the roses along the way.
Here is why a road trip to Mount Rushmore is a worthwhile experience
Attractions and activities while driving from Ohio to Mount Rushmore
Here are some of the best attractions and activities that can be enjoyed while driving from Ohio to Mount Rushmore:
Indiana Dunes State Park
One of the newest national parks in the US, the Indiana Dunes State Park is situated along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 5 hours from Ohio.
With beautiful beaches, dunes, wetlands, marshes, forests, and super fun hiking trails, it is a hub of biodiversity with over 1,100 flowering plants and 350 bird species.
Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park in South Dakota is a National Historic Landmark made popular by the Split Rock Creek lined with Sioux quartzite formations overlooking the rushing water.
An 8.5-hour drive from Chicago, the Palisades are popular among campers, photographers, hikers, and rock climbers. It makes for a refreshing stop as you drive west along the I-90 to reach Mount Rushmore.
You can even stay at one of the State Park’s budget-friendly cabins for a good night’s sleep with several activities such as biking, birdwatching, fishing, stargazing, hiking, and rock climbing.
Wall Drug
On your way along the I-90 in South Dakota, you will see several signs for Wall Drug.
A must-stop for travelers visiting or passing by South Dakota, Wall Drug is a cultural and historical site famous for its free ice water and delicious food, shopping, and activities.
Offering a relaxing break for you and your family, you can enjoy their famous buffalo burgers, homemade donuts, and 5-cent coffee.
It also boasts a large art gallery and a backyard for all sorts of activities for the kids to enjoy, including a mini Mount Rushmore!
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a variety of activities for road trippers to enjoy.
One popular option is to visit the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The nearby Crazy Horse Memorial is also worth visiting, which is a mountain monument under construction depicting the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing into the distance.
Badlands National Park
Located in Southwestern Dakota, Badlands National Park boasts a striking landscape and is one of the most beautiful national parks in the US.
Filled with sprawling prairies and canyons, it is home to one of the world’s richest fossil collections, with paleontologists on site to tell you more about them.
The best way to get to the Badlands National Park is to drive along the Badlands Loop Road, as it has all the popular viewpoints!
Tips for maximizing the time and enjoyment of the road trip
Here are a few simple tips and tricks to make your Ohio to Mount Rushmore road trip the best one yet:
- Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before the road trip.
- Carry a variety of healthy snacks to keep you charged along the way.
- Keep yourself hydrated. You can take a cooler to keep your drinks in to keep them cool.
- Stretch your legs every 2 hours or so to minimize tiredness and fatigue.
- Download offline maps so that you always know where you are going, even in places with no signals.
- Make a nice playlist to uplift everyone’s mood.
- Download your favorite movies for some downtime.
- Be flexible with the itinerary and be prepared for surprises along the way.
Takeaway: A road trip from Ohio to Mount Rushmore is a worthwhile experience!
Taking a total of approximately 20 hours, a road trip from Ohio to Mount Rushmore is a great option if you love to explore and are ready for some adventure!
With a beautiful destination to reach and equally amazing stops along the way, we’re sure your Ohio to Mount Rushmore road trip will be an unforgettable one.
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