DH and I are flying into Rapid City the end of the month for a couple of weeks, returning mid June. Continuing work on our "National Park collection" and adding some new ones in SD (but I'm not really sure the trip isn't just an excuse to go back to our favorite, Yellowstone). Reservations are all made but am still tweaking Yellowstone since cancellations are starting - just got one night at OF Inn and two more nights in the (teeny, tiny) OF Lodge cabins to go with a couple of nights at Canyon. I'm trying to arrange it so the actual driving time each day is no more than 4 hrs. because we're not early getting out in the morning and we like to stop along the way to photograph or take a look at things we find out about en route.

First 2 nights are in Rapid City, with one day for Badlands NP and one day open. Then we're moving to Hill City, next morning and afternoon at Wind Cave, evening at Rushmore on Day 3. Day 4 we leave Hill City and go by Jewel Cave, then drive to Casper for the night. Day 5 look around Casper, then go to Riverton for a night. Day 6 to OF Inn. Days 7 & 8 at OF Lodge, the night of Day 9 in West Yellowstone. Day 10 to NV City, VA City, Big Sky (looking for advice here), Days 11 & 12 at Canyon Lodge, Day 13 to Cody and Buffalo Bill Museum. Day 14 maybe B B Museum in AM, then on to Buffalo. Day 15 we drive back to Rapid City, maybe via Devil's Tower or Deadhorse. Looking for advice in several areas.

1. Recommendations for the 2nd day in Badlands area. Crazy Horse? Custer State Park? Somewhere else? (If we really want to spend more time in Badlands NP after the first day, we'll probably go back. But most likely we'll be looking for something different.)

2. Since it's a short drive from Casper to Riverton, we should be able to spend several hours in Casper or on stops en route. Suggestions for things to see/do in Casper? Map indicates Rts. 220/287 more picturesque than the more direct Rts. 20/26. Any advice there? Unless we have lunch in Casper, it appears we might better take picnic stuff.

3. Skipping Tetons this trip but thought we might spend the day after our W. Y'stone night heading to Bozeman, VA City, NV City, Big Sky since we've never been north of Gardiner (except to the Glacier area). Suggestions for an itinerary for that day?

4. Think we'll probably stop by Devil's Tower on the way from Buffalo to Rapid City. What about Deadwood? Do we need to see a shootout or something? (Were in Tombstone for a few hours several years ago and cannot remember if we saw a shootout there or not, if that tells you anything about our shootout interests. And forget the casinos, have had enough of those in Vegas and Cherokee.) Have seen some reference to Lead but only that it's "interesting". Interesting how? Since our return flight out of Rapid City is not till after 3PM, we could spend the night in Spearfish or Deadwood (assuming there are motel rooms still available). Would that be a good idea?

Also any restaurant suggestions are welcome. After Wind Cave, should we try to eat before we get to Rushmore (looks like either Keystone or take the long way and stop in Custer City) or will cafeteria at Rushmore be as good as anything convenient along the way? We've spent a total of about 14 days in Yellowstone previously but have not been any of the other places.