Table of Contents

Route: Kansas City to Badlands National Park and Back

Theme: Prairie and Plains
Highlights: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Badlands National Park, Black Hills

---

Introduction

The vast expanses of the American Prairie offer a journey through some of the most iconic and unspoiled landscapes of the Midwest. This "Prairie and Plains" road trip takes you from the bustling city of Kansas City through the rolling prairies and rugged badlands of Kansas and South Dakota, culminating in the breathtaking landscapes of Badlands National Park and the Black Hills. Along the way, you'll explore the rich history, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty of the Great Plains, where the sky seems to stretch on forever and the land holds stories of the past.

Personal Insights from William Stanek:
"The American Prairie is a place of quiet beauty, where the vastness of the land and sky creates a sense of serenity and timelessness. Hui Cha and I have always been drawn to these wide-open spaces, where the subtle beauty of the grasslands gives way to the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands and Black Hills. This road trip is a journey through some of the most unique and unspoiled landscapes in the Midwest, where you can connect with nature, experience the rich history of the Plains, and find a sense of peace and wonder in the heart of America. We hope this guide inspires you to explore these incredible places and to appreciate the quiet majesty of the American Prairie."

---

Day 1: Kansas City to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Morning: Departure from Kansas City

• Overview: Start your journey in Kansas City, Missouri, a vibrant city known for its jazz music, barbecue, and rich cultural history. After breakfast, set out on a 2-hour drive southwest to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas. This journey takes you through the rolling hills and farmlands of eastern Kansas, providing a peaceful start to your adventure.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Flint Hills Scenic Byway: Consider taking this scenic route through the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in North America. The rolling hills and sweeping vistas provide a beautiful introduction to the region.

Lunch Stop: Cottonwood Falls, KS

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Ad Astra Food & Drink: A charming restaurant offering a menu of locally sourced dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and comfort food, served in a cozy, small-town setting.
  2. Emma Chase cafe: A local favorite known for its home-cooked meals, including burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials, with a welcoming, down-home atmosphere.
  3. Keller Feed & Wine Company: A unique spot offering American classics with a twist, including steaks, seafood, and a selection of fine wines, perfect for a relaxing lunch.

Afternoon: Explore Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

• Overview: Spend the afternoon exploring Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, a 10,000-acre site dedicated to preserving one of the last remnants of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The preserve offers a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic sites that allow you to experience the beauty and history of the Great Plains.
• Recommended Activities:
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the preserve's extensive trail system, which takes you through rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and historic ranchlands. The Southwind Nature Trail and Scenic Overlook Trail offer stunning views of the prairie landscape.
  • Visitor Center and Historic Ranch: Visit the visitor center to learn about the history and ecology of the tallgrass prairie. Explore the historic buildings of the 1881 Spring Hill Ranch, including the limestone barn and house, which provide insight into the life of early settlers.
  • Bison Herd: If time allows, take a drive to the preserve's bison viewing area, where you can see these majestic animals grazing on the prairie.
• Photography Tips: "The tallgrass prairie is a place of subtle beauty - capture the golden hues of the grasses, the vibrant colors of the wildflowers, and the expansive views of the rolling hills. The Southwind Nature Trail offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially in the late afternoon when the light is soft and warm."

Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening in the Flint Hills region, where you can dine at a local restaurant and perhaps take a sunset walk through the prairie.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Prairie Nut Hut (Alma, KS): Known for its unique menu of local specialties, including fried chicken, steaks, and burgers, served in a rustic, small-town setting.
  2. Somerset cafe (Cottonwood Falls, KS): A cozy spot offering homemade comfort food, including hearty soups, sandwiches, and pies.
  3. Grand Central Hotel & Grill (Cottonwood Falls, KS): A historic hotel and restaurant offering fine dining with a menu of steaks, seafood, and local specialties.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Grand Central Hotel (Cottonwood Falls): A historic hotel offering comfortable accommodations and a prime location near Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
  2. Prairiewood Retreat & Preserve (Manhattan, KS): A luxurious retreat offering secluded cabins and beautiful views of the surrounding prairie.
  3. Clover Cliff Ranch Bed & Breakfast (Elmdale, KS): A charming B&B offering cozy rooms, a historic setting, and easy access to the Flint Hills.

---

Day 2: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to Badlands National Park

Morning: Drive to Badlands National Park

• Overview: After breakfast, set out on a 6-hour drive north to Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This journey takes you through the heart of the Great Plains, where the landscape gradually shifts from rolling prairies to the dramatic badlands of South Dakota. Consider stopping along the way to stretch your legs and explore some of the small towns and historic sites that dot the route.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Council Grove, KS: A historic town along the Santa Fe Trail, offering opportunities to explore historic sites, including the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and the Last Chance Store.
  • Sioux Falls, SD: If you have time, take a short detour to Sioux Falls, where you can visit Falls Park and explore the city's vibrant downtown area.

Lunch Stop: Mitchell, SD

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. The Depot Pub & Grill: A popular spot offering a range of American dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, served in a historic railroad depot.
  2. Chef Louie's Steak House: Known for its steaks and classic American fare, served in a cozy, old-school setting.
  3. The Corn Palace cafe: Located near the famous Corn Palace, offering a variety of comfort food dishes, perfect for a quick and hearty lunch.

Afternoon: Arrive at Badlands National Park

• Overview: Arrive at Badlands National Park in the afternoon, where you can spend the rest of the day exploring the park's rugged landscapes. The Badlands are known for their sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, as well as their rich fossil beds and diverse wildlife.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Badlands Loop Road: This scenic drive takes you through the heart of the park, offering numerous overlooks and pullouts where you can stop to admire the stunning landscapes and take photographs.
  • Notch Trail: A moderately challenging hike that takes you through a canyon and up a ladder to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Badlands. The trail is short but offers some of the best views in the park.
  • Fossil Exhibit Trail: A short, accessible trail that features interpretive displays about the fossils found in the Badlands and the ancient animals that once roamed the area.
• Photography Tips: "The Badlands offer some of the most dramatic and otherworldly landscapes in the Midwest - capture the rugged beauty of the eroded buttes and spires, the vibrant colors of the rock layers, and the vastness of the prairie. The Notch Trail is a must for sunset photography, with its stunning views and warm, golden light."

Evening: Spend the evening in or near Badlands National Park, where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps take a stargazing walk to experience the park's famously dark skies.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant: Located within the park, offering a menu of American comfort food with a focus on local flavors and ingredients.
  2. Badlands Saloon and Grille (Interior, SD): A casual spot offering burgers, steaks, and other hearty dishes, perfect for a relaxed meal after a day of exploring.
  3. Wall Drug cafe (Wall, SD): A quirky, iconic spot offering a range of classic American dishes, located in the famous Wall Drug complex.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Cedar Pass Lodge: Offering cabins with modern amenities and a prime location within Badlands National Park, perfect for a comfortable and convenient stay.
  2. Badlands Interior Motel and Campground: A budget-friendly option offering rooms, cabins, and campsites just outside the park's boundaries.
  3. Frontier Cabins Motel (Wall, SD): Offering cozy cabins with rustic decor and easy access to Badlands National Park and the nearby attractions.

---

Day 3: Explore Badlands National Park and Black Hills

Morning: Explore More of Badlands National Park

• Overview: Spend the morning exploring more of Badlands National Park, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The park is home to bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and prairie dogs, as well as a rich array of birdlife.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Saddle Pass Trail: A short but steep trail that takes you to the top of a ridge with panoramic views of the Badlands. The trail is challenging but rewarding, offering some of the best views in the park.
  • Window and Door Trails: Two short, easy trails that take you through the heart of the Badlands, offering unique perspectives of the eroded formations and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Big Badlands Overlook: One of the most iconic viewpoints in the park, offering sweeping views of the Badlands' rugged terrain and colorful rock layers.
• Photography Tips: "The morning light in the Badlands is soft and golden - capture the rich colors of the rock formations, the sweeping vistas, and the play of light and shadow on the landscape. The Saddle Pass Trail offers excellent opportunities for sunrise photography, with its elevated viewpoint and dramatic views."

Lunch Stop: Rapid City, SD

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Firehouse Brewing Company: A popular spot offering a range of burgers, sandwiches, and craft beers, located in a historic firehouse in downtown Rapid City.
  2. Delmonico Grill: Known for its steaks and upscale American fare, served in an elegant, old-school setting.
  3. Tally's Silver Spoon: Offering a creative menu of American dishes with a focus on local ingredients and modern flavors, perfect for a relaxing lunch.

Afternoon: Explore the Black Hills

• Overview: After lunch, continue your journey into the Black Hills, a region known for its dramatic granite peaks, dense forests, and rich history. The Black Hills offer a wide range of outdoor activities, as well as historic sites and cultural attractions.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial: One of America's most iconic landmarks, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents. Take a walk along the Presidential Trail for up-close views of the monument.
  • Custer State Park: A beautiful state park offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to a large herd of bison, as well as pronghorn, elk, and mountain goats.
  • Needles Highway: A scenic drive that takes you through narrow tunnels, past towering granite spires, and along winding roads with breathtaking views of the Black Hills.
• Photography Tips: "The Black Hills offer a diverse range of landscapes and photo opportunities - capture the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, the dramatic rock formations of the Needles Highway, and the abundant wildlife of Custer State Park. The soft light of late afternoon is perfect for photographing the rugged beauty of this region."

Evening: Spend the evening in the Black Hills, where you can dine at a local restaurant and perhaps take a sunset drive or a night hike to experience the beauty of the area after dark.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. The Alpine Inn (Hill City, SD): A popular spot known for its steaks and classic German dishes, served in a charming, historic setting.
  2. Skogen Kitchen (Custer, SD): Offering a creative menu of modern American dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, perfect for a special dinner.
  3. State Game Lodge (Custer State Park): A historic lodge offering fine dining with a menu of steaks, seafood, and local specialties, served in a beautiful, rustic setting.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. State Game Lodge (Custer State Park): Offering historic and modern accommodations in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the park's attractions.
  2. Sylvan Lake Lodge (Custer State Park): A charming lodge offering cozy rooms and cabins near the scenic Sylvan Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding Black Hills.
  3. K Bar S Lodge (Keystone, SD): A comfortable lodge offering modern amenities and beautiful views of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding forest.

---

Day 4: Black Hills to Kansas City

Morning: Scenic Drive Back to Kansas City

• Overview: After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kansas City, a 9-hour drive that takes you through the wide-open plains of South Dakota and Nebraska. This final leg of your journey offers a chance to reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences you've had, as well as opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument (Nebraska): A historic landmark along the Oregon Trail, offering stunning views of the surrounding plains and a glimpse into the history of westward expansion.
  • Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Nebraska): Another iconic landmark along the Oregon Trail, offering a visitor center and interpretive displays about the area's history and geology.

Lunch Stop: Kearney, NE

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Sozo American Cuisine: A popular spot offering a range of American dishes, including steaks, seafood, and burgers, served in a modern, casual setting.
  2. Thunderhead Brewing: A brewpub offering a variety of craft beers and a menu of pizzas, sandwiches, and pub fare, perfect for a relaxed lunch.
  3. The Flippin' Sweet: Known for its creative pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, served in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere.

Afternoon: Continue Drive to Kansas City

• Overview: After lunch, continue your drive back to Kansas City, with optional stops along the way to explore the small towns and historic sites of Kansas and Nebraska.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site (Topeka, KS): Learn about the landmark Supreme Court case that ended legal segregation in public schools and visit the historic Monroe Elementary School.

Evening: Arrive back in Kansas City, where you can enjoy a final dinner and reflect on your journey through the American Prairie.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Q39: A popular spot known for its award-winning BBQ and modern American dishes, served in a stylish, casual setting.
  2. Jack Stack Barbecue: Another Kansas City favorite, offering a range of BBQ dishes, including ribs, brisket, and burnt ends, served in a classic, no-frills atmosphere.
  3. The Rieger: Offering a menu of creative, modern American dishes with a focus on local ingredients, served in a historic, elegant setting.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. The Fontaine: A luxurious hotel offering stylish accommodations, a rooftop pool, and a prime location near the Country Club Plaza.
  2. The Raphael Hotel: A historic boutique hotel offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and a charming, European-inspired atmosphere.
  3. 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City: A unique hotel offering contemporary accommodations, a modern art museum, and a central location in downtown Kansas City.

---

Conclusion

Reflections from William Stanek:
"This road trip through the American Prairie has taken us on a journey through some of the most expansive and iconic landscapes in the Midwest, from the rolling hills of the Flint Hills to the rugged beauty of the Badlands and the Black Hills. Each stop has offered something unique, whether it's the serene beauty of the tallgrass prairie, the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park, or the rich history of the Black Hills. Hui Cha and I have always been drawn to the quiet majesty of the Great Plains, where the land seems to stretch on forever and the sky is a canvas for endless possibilities. We hope this guide inspires you to explore these incredible places, to connect with the natural beauty of the prairie and plains, and to find peace and inspiration in the heart of America."