The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Amarillo, Texas to Spearfish, South Dakota

There's nothing like the open road and a good old-fashioned American road trip. One of the best routes to take is from Amarillo, Texas to Spearfish, South Dakota. It's a long drive, but there are so many amazing things to see and do along the way. From stunning vistas to quirky roadside attractions, here are the top places to see on this epic road trip.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Before hitting the road, be sure to explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park located in Amarillo. The park is the second-largest canyon in the U.S., next to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The canyon boasts spectacular views, scenic trails, and rich history. It's a great place to hike, bike, camp, explore Native American history, or just take in the stunning beauty of this geological wonder.

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch, located just west of Amarillo, is a perfect complement to the rugged terrain of Palo Duro Canyon. This iconic roadside attraction is a must-see spot along Route 66. Cadillac Ranch showcases ten vintage Cadillacs from 1949 to 1963 that are half-buried, nose-first, into the dirt. You can bring your own spray paint and add your mark to the cars, contributing to the ever-changing and colorful display.

Caprock Canyons State Park

As you continue your journey, make sure to visit Caprock Canyons State Park near Quitaque, Texas. The park is home to the Texas State Bison Herd, one of the few remaining bison herds in the country. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, camp, and take guided tours to see these majestic and iconic animals in their natural habitat.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a town steeped in history, art, and culture. Take a detour off the beaten path to discover the Santa Fe Plaza, a National Historic Landmark District featuring Spanish colonial architecture and art galleries. Visit the oldest church in the U.S., the San Miguel Mission, which dates back to the early 1600s and serves as a testament to the city's Spanish heritage and culture. Santa Fe is also home to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which houses the largest collection of her work in the world, as well as numerous other world-class art museums.

Mesa Verde National Park

Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, built by ancient Puebloan people who lived in the area almost a thousand years ago. Take a tour of the dwellings to learn about the rich history of the settlement and the ingenious way in which the Puebloans adapted to their environment.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

No trip to South Dakota would be complete without visiting the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The faces carved into the granite are of the four most influential presidents in American history: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. There is a visitor center, a museum, and a gift shop at the memorial that provide visitors with background information about the creation of this iconic landmark.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Another must-see for those visiting South Dakota is the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is a massive Mountain carving in the Black Hills that when completed, will be the largest sculpture in the world. It depicts the famous Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding on his horse with his arm outstretched and pointing into the distance. The monument is still being worked on and visitors can watch the progress which began in 1948.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a rugged and beautiful landscape that has been formed over millions of years. It features striking rock formations, deep canyons, and unique wildlife. Take a scenic drive through the park and stop at one of the many overlooks to capture the stunning beauty of the landscape.

Wall Drug

Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota is a must-visit roadside attraction. It is a quirky and fun stop that has been around for over 90 years. The establishment began as a drugstore in 1931 and has evolved into a sprawling complex of restaurants, shops, and even a dinosaur park.

Conclusion

With so many amazing places to visit and things to see, this Amarillo to Spearfish road trip has it all. From historic churches to sprawling national parks and quirky roadside attractions, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So pack up your car, hit the road, and make sure to stop at these amazing locations along the way.