Most Midwesterners have to commit at least a week of vacation time to reaching and exploring western South Dakota’s squiggly, wiggly scenic-drive paradise. Trust us. It’s worth it. The Black Hills and Badlands put the West in Midwest: hairpin turns, alpine creeks, towering rock formations, mountain goats, not to mention Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Key routes Jaw-dropping scenery abounds throughout the region, but everyone should drive these scenic byways: the 70-mile Peter Norbeck, 20-mile Spearfish Canyon and the 31-mile Badlands Loop. The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway includes the legendary Needles Highway.

More from Midwest Living

A fall trip to South Dakota's Black Hills [1]

Highlights of South Dakota's Black Hills and Badlands [2]

Two-day Black Hills getaway [3]

For maps and trip planning

Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Association [4]

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway [5]

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway [6]

Badlands Loop Scenic Byway [7]