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Plan a driving trip to experience many national parks and monuments, as well as other interesting Western sights in South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.

When Yellowstone, America's first national park, was founded by Congress in 1872, it established a tradition for the preservation of our country's natural resources. Today, we count 391 natural treasures from Acadia to Mt. Zion in our National Park system, and they continue to entice travelers from around the world who are passionate about the splendor of the great outdoors. Spending one to three weeks in this fascinating part of the American West will introduce you to many of our most popular parks and monuments, and expose you to the history of several Native American tribes as well as the prairie pioneers. Plan well and select from these suggestions the sites and attractions that will most please your family.

Starting Slow in Rapid City

If you have to fly in and rent a car for this classic road trip, start in Rapid City, located on the outskirts of the Black Hills National Forest (605/673-9200) of South Dakota. In order to spend a few days exploring this area, you can choose from among a number of chain hotels with indoor pools (a good idea) in and around the city. In addition, Rushmore Waterslide (605/348-8962) is perfect for cooling-down, fun activities during the summer.

With Rapid City as your base there's much to explore. For an overview, visit the Journey Museum (605/394-6923), which offers a high-tech trip through 2.5 billion years of the region, highlighting history, art, geology, archaeology, Native American artifacts and traditions, and the stories of the pioneer settlers and their challenges. Reptile Gardens (800/335-0275), features rare reptiles, mammals, wild birds and beautiful orchids in their indoor jungle. Located east of Rapid City off I-90, you will find Wall Drug (605/279-2175), the world's largest drug store at more than 76,000 square feet and a good place to shop for souvenirs. It is a family-friendly attraction of its own, and a great place to stop for lunch.

Also, take a walk through the beautiful grounds of the Chapel in the Hills (605/352-8281). Open to the public for no charge from May-September, the Scandinavia-like scenery is host to a beautiful church and is a very popular site for weddings; even the locals call it a "picture-perfect scenic beauty."

The "Shrine of Democracy" and More

Southwest of Rapid City via Routes US 16 and SD 244, it is about 25 miles (40 minutes) to the most recognized symbol of this region, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum began the project in 1927 at the age of 60, and when he died in 1941, it was not yet complete. Known as the "Shrine of Democracy," this awesome site has recently undergone a $60 million rebuilding project, and now offers a walking trail, a 2,500-seat amphitheater, a visitor center, a museum, a foodservice facility and a gift shop. Visitors will learn about the nearly 400 men who helped to carve the monument for an average salary of $1.00 per hour, and that the presidents' noses are 20-feet long and their mouths are 18-feet wide. From May through September, the evening lighting ceremony is a particularly impressive sight.

Continuing southwest from here, it's about 17 miles (25 minutes) via Routes SD 244, US 16 and US 385 to another sculptural marvel, which is still incomplete. The creation of the Crazy Horse Memorial (605/673-4681) complex was begun in 1948 at the request of Lakota elders who wanted the white man to learn about Native American heroes. Crazy Horse was chosen because he symbolized their spirit, pride and courage. When finished, this mountain carving, done in the round, will stand 563-feet high and 64-feet long. The complex also includes an Indian Museum, a Native American educational and cultural center, a sculptor's studio and workshop, audio/visual presentations and galleries.

If you're planning to stay overnight in this area, consider the beautiful 71,000-acre Custer State Park (605/255-4515), where herds of bison roam freely. Several resort accommodations within the park range from cabins and cottages to lodges, and can be viewed on the site.