Road Trippin’: From Rapid City to Green Bay

Looking for a good excuse to see some of the north mid-east? Look no furthers. This road trip guide takes you to some of the best-known (and unknown) places in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Pack your bags and hit the road from Rapid City to Green Bay.

Start: Rapid City, South Dakota

Hit up Elks Theatre, a historical cite which shows classic movies in their annual Nostalgia Series (every January), hosts concerts and events, as well as shows current blockbusters and independent films. Before or after the show, be sure to stop in at Bully Blends for a cup of custom roast coffee, exotic tea, or handcrafted ale. If you’re road tripping with the kiddies, be sure to stop by the Dinosaur Park to see giant statues of dinosaurs, or check out the Reptile Garden’s Sky Dome—an indoor jungle, home to exotic plants and lots of reptiles. And with Mount Rushmore a mere 30-minute road trip away be sure to do a little camping and sight seeing while in the area.

Next Stop: Fargo, North Dakota

Travel Miles: 520 (8 hours, 30 minutes)

Fargo’s a place to see if only to experience Bonanzaville, USA. A history museum complex made up of 47 buildings on 12 acres, Bonanzaville, USA is open for the public to explore exhibits such as horse-drawn vehicles, medical and dental equipment, and a newspaper printing press. Another point of interest is the Fargo Air Museum, an aviation museum that includes historic aircraft, 90% of which are in flying condition. If you’re looking for good brew, stop at JL Beer’s—and be sure to try their burgers. Also try out Doolittles Woodfire Grill—their meat being cooked wood-roasted, rotisserie-style, makes for a smokey, juicy treat.

Next Stop: Bloomington, Minnesota

Travel Miles: 250 (4 hours)

Bloomington is home to the Mall of America, also known as the Megamall. The mall welcomes 40 million visitors every year, and has many attractions amongst its hundreds of stores, such as Radisson Blu Hotel, Nickelodeon Universe, and SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. It’s a one-stop-fits-all destination. Soon, Phase II of the Megamall will be open, including an IKEA store. For some great dining, take a 15-minute mini road trip to Minneapolis. Home to the Best Chef in the Midwest, Isaac Becker, 123 Eatery has craveable fine food without the snobbery. Or try out In Season, a restaurant that offers, as it’s name implies, only that which is in season, guaranteeing a fresh meal each night.

Final Destination: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Travel Miles: 290 (5 hours)

Home of the Green Bay Packers, Green Bay offers more than just sports. With many attractions and places to enjoy great food, Green Bay is definitely a place worthy of a road trip. Hit up Bay Beach Amusement Park, near the mouth of the Fox River as it flows into Green Bay. The park features rides (including a roller coaster) and concessions. Take a walk through the Green Bay Botanical Garden, and see perennial flowers and ornamental grasses, magnolias and crabapples, roses, and a children’s garden complete with a tree house, slide, maze, and sundial. And for food, try Kavarna Coffeehouse, obviously for the coffee and espresso-based drinks, but also for their vegetarian menu. Also try out Sammy’s Pizza or the Pancake Place for some family-friendly atmosphere and delicious food.

Road trippin’ from Rapid City to Green Bay offers all the best things about travel. But did we ignore your favorite place to eat or hang out? Tell us about it in the comments!

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