Day three of my road trip from Edmond, Oklahoma, to Alaska was hands-down the most spectacular yet, despite wet, rainy, and foggy conditions. Starting in Hot Springs, South Dakota, and ending in a remote RV park in southeast Montana, I covered a shorter distance today—around 300 miles—but every mile was packed with jaw-dropping scenery and rich history. From the stunning drives through Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and the iconic Needles Highway to the wide-open spaces of Wyoming and Montana, this day was a love letter to the beauty of the road less traveled. Here’s a recap of the adventure, inspired by my latest video below, along with a dive into the Black Hills’ fascinating history.
A Late Start and a Charming Encounter
I woke up in Hot Springs, South Dakota, at a cozy group of log cabins where I’d stayed the night. Before hitting the road, I interviewed the owners, a delightful couple, including a woman who went to Edmond High School—talk about a small world! Work obligations kept me busy in the morning, so I didn’t get rolling until later than planned, but the delay was worth it for the scenery that awaited. With my 2015 Chevy Silverado loaded and my Starlink Mini ready to keep me connected, I headed north into the Black Hills, ready for a day of exploration.
The Black Hills: A Scenic Masterpiece
The Black Hills of South Dakota are nothing short of magical, and today’s drive proved it. My route took me through Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and the legendary Needles Highway, each offering its own flavor of breathtaking beauty. Despite the rain and fog, the landscapes were unforgettable—rugged granite spires, rolling prairies, and dense pine forests shrouded in mist. I couldn’t stop pulling over to snap photos and capture video, even as the rain poured down. One highlight was a spot on the Needles Highway where the road looped around in a dramatic spiral, offering a perfect vantage point for some incredible footage. The wet conditions only added to the mystique, with fog curling around the rock formations like something out of a dream.
Wind Cave National Park greeted me with sweeping grasslands and limestone cliffs, while Custer State Park offered winding roads through forests and open meadows. The Needles Highway, with its narrow tunnels and towering granite “needles,” was the star of the show—every turn revealed a new postcard-worthy view. I didn’t spot much wildlife due to the weather, but the scenery more than made up for it. My camera was working overtime, and I hope my photos inspire others to explore these places, whether in person or from the comfort of home.
The Black Hills: A Land of Native American History and Modern Legacy
The Black Hills, or Pahá Sápa in Lakota, are sacred to the Lakota Sioux and other Native American tribes. For centuries, these forested hills and prairies were a spiritual and cultural heartland, used for ceremonies, hunting, and gathering. The Lakota considered the Black Hills the center of their universe, a place of profound significance. However, the 19th century brought conflict as white settlers and gold seekers flooded the region, especially after the 1874 Custer Expedition confirmed gold deposits. The U.S. government’s violation of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which had guaranteed the Black Hills to the Lakota, led to the Great Sioux War and the eventual loss of the land to settlers. Today, the Black Hills remain a point of contention, with ongoing efforts by Native communities to reclaim their cultural and legal rights.
The transition to modern settlement saw the Black Hills become a hub for mining, ranching, and tourism. One of the most iconic landmarks, Mount Rushmore, was carved into this history between 1927 and 1941. Conceived by South Dakota historian Doane Robinson to boost tourism, the project was led by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who chose the granite face of Mount Rushmore to depict presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The monument, completed despite challenging conditions and funding issues, became a symbol of American ambition but also a source of controversy, as it was built on sacred Lakota land. Driving through the Black Hills today, I felt the weight of this layered history—Native reverence, settler expansion, and modern tourism all intertwined.
From Wyoming to Montana: Wide-Open Beauty
After the Black Hills, I headed north on Highway 385, but muddy conditions forced me to backtrack and take a brief stretch of interstate through Rapid City. From there, I returned to my beloved backroads, crossing into Wyoming’s long, flat highways. The open scenery—endless plains under a vast sky—was beautiful in its simplicity, though I wished I had more time to stop and photograph. As the day grew late, I pushed on into southeast Montana, where I found an RV park in the middle of nowhere to camp for the night. The nearest Walmart was 100 miles away, with only a small grocery store and gas station nearby—a true taste of remote living. My truck bed tent was ready, but the real MVP was my Starlink Mini, delivering 150-200 Mbps internet in this isolated spot. It’s been a game-changer, letting me stay connected for work and share my journey, even in places where local internet is spotty at best.
Embracing the Everyday Adventure
Today reminded me why I love exploring wide-open spaces and unusual places. The Black Hills, with their dramatic beauty and complex history, were a highlight, but even the quiet stretches of Wyoming and Montana held their own charm. I believe any place can be wonderful if you approach it with curiosity, and my camera is my way of capturing that magic to share with others. Whether it’s a misty mountain pass or a lonely prairie road, these everyday places are what make travel so rewarding. I hope my photos and stories inspire you to hit the road and find beauty in the unexpected corners of the world.
As I settle in for the night in Montana, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s drive through the state, with Canada just a day away. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue this North to Alaska adventure! Have you explored the Black Hills or found beauty in an unexpected place? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
