Starting in Omaha....
 

Would like to start a driving trip through the Dakotas by starting in Omaha. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

Do you want suggestions for things to do and see IN Omaha or only after you leave?

Why would you go to Omaha? (just kidding)

Thanks, Musicfan - probably both - plan to go west and north.

In Omaha:

--the zoo; it is world-class and very impressive
--Lauritzen Gardens botanical gardens
--Durham Western Heritage Museum

All of the above are in close proximity to each other. The Old Market or one of the downtown hotels (several nice ones have opened recently) would be good bases for exploring.

When we visited South Dakota some years ago, we drove north from Omaha on I-29, then west on I-90 (I think), stopping in DeSmet (home of Laura Ingalls Wilder), the Badlands, and Mount Rushmore/Black Hills.

Another favorite stop in that part of the country is Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, NE.

OK, I'll just echo musicfan...years ago we made same trip (DeSmet, Badlands, Black Hills, etc.) Our three youngsters enjoyed climbing around Badland rocks and we camped at Sylvan Lake. Another year just the two of us set forth and also enjoyed Ft. Robinson Pk. plus a side trip to see an encampment at Chatham St. Pk. Robinson has jeep rides into hills, nice swimming pool, some entertainment, night walk seeing jail where Sitting Bull was killed.