Day 7: Rockwell City, IA to Badlands National Park, SD

Total Miles Driven - 1,875 miles

Today’s Miles - 435

Tuesday, May 31st

Today was dedicated to making up miles and snapping many pictures of America’s Heartland. I wasn’t originally planning on driving so much today, but I needed to make up for yesterday’s early stop. I anticipated this stretch being hard and monotonous. Was I ever wrong! It was the easiest day of the trip so far because of all the stunning views and wonderful weather. Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota did not disappoint with their gold fields, skies that go on forever, and rolling hills. It was an incredible drive and I feel so privileged to have experienced it. I am amazed by the vastness of our country when you get off the I-95 corridor in the Northeast. All the roads stretched for miles slicing through the landscape with small towns and gas stations vitally placed.

Tonight I am camping at the footsteps of the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. I am going to enjoy a hot shower, campfire, and hopefully a good night’s sleep anticipating tomorrow’s views.