Amanda and I usually save up each year for a vacation the next year, we randomly pick a place and off we go! Unfortunately like many, our 2020 vacation had to be placed on hold due to the pandemic. Slowly things are opening back up and since we've both been vaccinated we wanted to try again for our vacation. 

But this time instead of going one place we decided to take a road trip for the ages to make up for the time we lost last year.  Like many, we had to use our previously saved money to stay afloat for 2020 and early 2021. Now we are finally digging out of the hole we were in and have been pitching into the vacation fund once more. After some research, we decided to take a major trip out west! We will be traveling from Ohio to the Dakotas, Wyoming and Montana and back home again all in 12 days. This trip is going to be a memorable one for us because we are making it that way. Go big or go home! Trip details are below. We have already paid for 8 out of the 11 hotels we booked. After researching flight costs and rental prices we found it would be more cost effective to just drive the whole time so that's what we are doing.  

Our trip begins September 2nd when we begin the 14hr drive to Sioux Falls where we will start off by visiting the famous Japanese gardens, Falls Park, have lunch at the Falls Overlook cafe and spend time supporting local small business owners before turning in for the night at a local budget hotel.

The next day we will be getting up bright and early and starting the drive to Badlands National Park to do some hiking. Afterwards, we'll head to Rapid city and stop by the well-known Wall drug store for a bite to eat before heading to bed.

The 3rd day is another early at em' because we will be driving to Custer State Park and the Sylvan Lake area for a picnic lunch before taking the scenic Needles highway back to Hot Springs. Once there we'll pop over to the Mammoth site and stop by Moccasin Springs natural mineral spa to soak in the mineral rich waters before lodging for the night.

The next day we are off to Wind Cave National Park for a guided tour of the caves, then back to Rapid city to do some exploring and relaxing the rest of the day.
The next day we stop at the Devils Tower national monument for a little hike on our way to Casper.  

The next day is more driving! From Casper is an estimated 5 hour drive to the south entrance of Yellowstone. We'll see Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring on our way to West Yellowstone where we stay for the night.

The following morning it's back into Yellowstone to explore Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon village, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Artist Point, and much more before driving up into Cook city-Silver Gate and resting up.

The next day it's on to Billings for a much deserved day of relaxation. We may visit Moss Mansion museum but it depends on funds.

The next day is mostly driving across Montana to start our trip home. We may stop at Pompeys Pillar National Monument and Theodore Roosevelt National Park before stopping for the night in Dickinson.

The next couple days will be spent driving home. We'll pass through Bismarck, Jamestown and Fargo ND before stopping.

One final stop on the way home will be at Janesville WI to sleep before making final stretch to Ohio.