* I know this isn't technically the correct section, but I'm hoping somone will see the thread either here or in the Mid West sub forum



I'm going to be driving across the country in my focus for the All Ford Nationals in Pennsylvania. I'm planning on driving back to CA by way of highway 80/90 and Rapid City seems like a logical place to stop for me based on timing.

Does anyone on here live there, or any surrounding areas?

Thanks!

[cheers]

12 hour bump.

Nick, I didn't see a similar thread in the Midwest section. Did you want this one there? I can move it if needed.

I know there is someone that posts up in that section from Rapid City but I can't remember who.

I put it in the general midwest chat. Feel free to move this over there though just in case.

i live in Sioux Falls, SD

I thought it was you, but I didn't feel like tracking you down.

Well, between the two of you maybe you can help me on the route below:

http://g.co/maps/c34qy

From Lincoln to Rapid City specifically: Seem like a good way to go? Suggestions, better options?

when google it from my house (NE Lincoln) it has you going back up to omaha, straight up I-29 and straight west on I-90. I actually drove a good chunk of that section of I-29 today and there were some lane closures.

The other route it recommends (only 4 minutes longer duration) zig zags on some highways but it looks like it would be a decent drive. the majority of NE's highways are in very good condition and you shouldn't have any issues. Cell coverage may be spotty in areas.

Another thing you may need to worry about driving highways if finding premium fuel, if you need it. My parents took their Z3 on the back highways to Mount Rushmore and they had a hard time finding a place to fill up.

I'm guessing that created more problems than solutions, but something to think about. Hopefully Lightning will chime in with some more info.

Thankfully my car is still pretty stock in the engine bay so 87 works fine.

What about speed limits? I drive for a living so I have no problem doing long stretchs of highway, I'm just worried about taking smaller roads and getting held up by 18 wheelers or driving through a bunch of 25mph small towns.

the long stretches are all 60 or 65, most being 65. when you come up on towns most of them are small enough they don't make you slow down too much, usually down to 25. some of the larger towns you may have to drop to 35 or 25.

It looks like Valparaiso, Columbus, Neligh (never heard of it), O'neill, and Spencer are only ones you will have to go into town. Most of the other ones look like you skirt around or through.

you'd be better to stay on 29 to sioux falls then shoot west.
the route going north from north platte takes you through a wildlife refuge south of valentine. its a long boring drive through the sand hills and is 2 lane. its not actually all bad.
if you do take it make sure you fill up in valentine before going any further north. once you hit the border your on the rosebud indian reservation, theres 1 gas station in rosebud and thats it until the interstate and murdo.
make sure to stop in murdo and the car museum :) on your way to rapid.
most tourist attractions in the hills arent yet open, but some are year round.

do you plan on stopping at mt rushmore and crazy horse? if so stop at rushmore then backtrack a couple miles to hwy 16a (iron mt road) excellent drive and takes you to custer state park if you want to see buffalo and such. drive through to custer then head north a few miles to see crazy horse.
you will see so much more taking 16a including the pigtail bridges and one lane tunnels carved through the granite, not to mention a spectacular view of mt rushmore from the top. also a must drive if you want would be take 16a to 87 needles hwy. very excellent drive and scenery.
I can do you a map if youd like.

My suggested drive for a fun and scenic drive.
16a is iron mt road, 87 is needles hwy. couple mile backtrack from mt rushmore and youll still catch crazyhorse.


http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Keystone,+SD&daddr=43.886,-103.43668+to:43.840721,-103.395063+to:43.87793,-103.57854+to:Custer,+SD&hl=en&sll=43.842946,-103.431473&sspn=0.257027,0.676346&geocode=FfjKnQIdevbV-Sm7AKUYFjZ9hzGgi8c_-4kZLg%3BFbClnQIdeK7V-Sm5sMLbbDZ9hzFLDAJznBHRPw%3BFdH0nAIdCVHW-Sm37OImMDd9hzETwbJZYMDsbw%3BFSqGnQIdVITT-Sn1JE7TkcpihzFflvdazgLNQg%3BFXvTmwIdKjXT-SlRbWIuf8xihzGATnq383u3wA&oq=custer&mra=dpe&mrsp=3&sz=11&via=1,2,3&t=m&z=11

by the way, if you do take 29 to sioux falls, iowa is 70mph on the interstate and watch yourself around towns. they are using speed cameras now. only ones i actually saw were in sioux city.
I'm in aberdeen which is in the north eastern part of sd.

Awesome, great info!

Thanks.

When you say watch yourself on speed, would I be ok doing 75 in a 70 or should I be at 70 and no more?

on the open interstate 75 will be fine, but nearing a city get down to the speed limit and stay there when your in iowa.

when are you coming through?

First week of June, coming back from the All Ford Nationals in Carlisle.

I don't think I'll be driving much through Iowa, only the far south west corner on highway 29 and 2.