JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

My wife and I plan on taking a trip from Muskegon, MI to Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota during the first 2 weeks in October. I plan on taking I 90 out but am undecided as to which way to return home.....either I80 back into Chicago or a northern route connecting up back into the Upper Peninsula.
Based on all your experiences can anyone offer any advice as to photo opportunities for us along the way in addition to what may be the most scenic route to return home with.
I should note that this trip is being done following my 3rd cardiac surgery this year......pacemaker in March, Afib ablation in May, and a second Afib ablation this coming Wednesday. The Dr said there are no limitations except for the first week and to enjoy life.......We plan on doing just that and trusting in the Lord.
Thanks for the input.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

You might enjoy Deadwood, SD and the town of Custer, SD. Devil's Tower is amazing and is close by as well. All take a minimum of effort or st least as slow as you need to go. Check them out on Google.

Dennis

twowindsbear

To see another huge mountain blasted and bulldozed into a large sculpture - look for the Crazy Horse Memorial, also in that area.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

We live in SW Michigan and went to Glacier then down to South Dakota last year about this time. Nice thing about Rushmore and Black Hills is that you don't have to do a lot of hiking if you don't want to, or if you want, a lot of hiking. If you've never been to Rushmore, it's more impressive in person than you could imagine. Of course, there's the Crazy Horse monument near there too. Don't miss Custer State Park west of Rapid City, either. Windy roads, lots of animals including bison. I'd take I90 and stop by the Badlands on the way. We took the state highway west from there rather than get back on the freeway. Then stay in Rapid City area and do Rushmore and Custer from there. If you're so inclined Rapid City has stuff too, but we avoid city stuff. There are also Jewel and Wind Caves in the Black Hills. If you stay in Wall SD or near there, then you can enter the Badlands at the Wall end and go on to Rapid City the back way. We stayed at the My Place motel on the west edge of Rapid City, newer motel with kitchenettes, near shopping and restaurants, and used that as a base for going to Rushmore one day, Custer and Black Hills the next. Then we took 90 part way back then somehow across on 20 through Nebraska before dropping down to Lincoln on 80. If you go across Hwy 20 in Nebraska there are a couple of fossil parks, Agate and another (Ashfall?) and it's a nice break from the freeways. If you have the money, take the Badger ferry from Manitowoc to Ludington across Lake Michigan. You'll need reservations, though. If you go North you'll have to go clear east through the UP and backtrack through Michigan to Muskegon. Nice break from driving that long trip. BTW, we didn't make any reservations and had no problem finding rooms.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Personally, I'd avoid Chicago. Besides, the UP and Northern Michigan have so much more to offer.

Quinn 4

Back in the 1980s I visited Rushmore/Black Hills/Rapid City/ Deadwood for a week. Landed in Rapid City, rented a car and off I go. Camera I use was a Pentax K-1000 with two lenses: Cambron 24mm (which is great for indoor work and small areas) other lens was a Pentax 35 - 70mm lens. Film I use was 400 speed film. Came back with great pictures. Today(2017)people seeing those pictures are impress of what their are looking at. Still have that camera and lenses. Enjoy the area, you will not be disappointed

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

Thanks to each of you for the input and I will put the ideas in my notebook. We are thinking of travelling through the UP on the way back as we will be taking the Lake Express Ferry from Muskegon to begin with. Hopefully we will see some colors.
Reservations though have to be made since the wife has had problems in the past sleeping in cars.
Thanks again

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Colors are going to be early this year. Peak in my area is supposed to be 1st week in October. They're talking peak in the UP last week in September, with some changes already starting.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

There are interesting sights in mining country - iron mining in Minn and copper mining in Upper Peninsula.

billpan45

Avoid Chicago. We went through on a rainy Sunday night and it was unpleasant. Also, our E-Z Pass is not recognized in Illinois, so we got a $10 fine. In SD, I recommend Spearfish Canyon and Custer Park. Wonderful state with friendly people. Have fun.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

When you get there, make sure you take a spin on the Needles Highway.

dakotacheryl Loc: Near Mt Rushmore

This is where I live...colors are already changing at elevation (my house is at 6000 ft.) and I'm hoping that doesn't mean we will be having a bad winter!! Spearfish Canyon is also a pretty drive, but the leaf change will be done for by then.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Get photos of Mount Rushmore before the crazies have it blasted off the mountain...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

cdayton

I'm certainly no fan of heavy traffic, but Chicago offers great opportunities if you are interested in architecture and great museums. There are many art nouveau and Art Deco buildings as well as designs by Mies van der Rohe and Louis Sullivan not to mention the Wrigley building. Of course the Art Institute is world famous for its impressionist collection. It will be a refreshing stop after driving through the depressing Bad Lands of SD and avoiding the tacky vendors that surround Mt Rushmore (of course, rewatch North by Northwest before visiting).

jjyiii

Here are a few shots I did while driving through the Black Hills, but if you have the chance, drive through the Bad Laands. Between the beauty of the sea scape left millions of years ago, the wild life is fabulous as well