Fourteen days. Five states. Countless miles of shifting scenery.
A simple road trip soon turned into a journey of wonder. It became a patchwork of quiet art galleries, golden plains, and the steaming geysers of the great American West.
From the glass artistry of Ohio to the rugged cliffs of South Dakota, every stop offered something new. There was a different color of sky, a different rhythm of silence, and a different kind of awe. There’s a certain magic to traveling by road. You watch the landscapes change. One horizon melts into the next. You realize how vast and varied the world can feel even within a single country.
“Some trips aren’t about distance — they’re about how many times you stop, breathe, and say ‘wow.’”
This was one of those trips. It began in Toledo, Ohio and carried me through the heart of America. I traveled to the sweeping mountains of Wyoming and Montana before circling home again.
Day 1 — Ohio: Where the Journey Began
Every great journey deserves a quiet beginning. Mine started in Toledo, Ohio. It began inside the serene halls of the Toledo Museum of Art.
The museum was calm that morning, sunlight filtering softly through tall windows and casting golden reflections across marble floors. Each gallery felt like a breath between chapters — still, thoughtful, and filled with beauty. Paintings lined the walls in careful conversation. Sculptures stood frozen mid-motion. The air carried that familiar hush that only museums seem to hold.
I wandered slowly through the exhibits and paused in front of a favorite painting. I wanted to let it linger a little longer. There was no rush. No itinerary was waiting to pull me away. Art gently reminds us it has a way of slowing time. Across the street, the Glass Pavilion shimmered like a transparent jewel, celebrating the craftsmanship that Toledo is famous for. Inside, I watched molten glass take shape under the glow of fire — fragile and fleeting, yet impossibly beautiful.
That quiet morning became my anchor for the days ahead. This stop reminded me to begin the journey with awareness before the long stretches of highway and open skies. I needed to really see the world before rushing past it.
Art before adventure — a reminder to notice beauty before it rushes past.
Day 2 — Through Indiana & Illinois: Between Places
The second day was all about the road — long stretches of highway unfolding beneath an endless sky. I didn’t make any stops this time, but there was something comforting about simply passing through. The scenery shifted gradually. It moved from the gentle greens of Ohio to the golden fields of Indiana. Then it transitioned to the open expanses of Illinois, where farms rolled past like pages in a book.
These were the in-between moments of travel — the ones without souvenirs or snapshots, just time. I found peace in watching the world blur by outside the window. I caught glimpses of small towns, quiet gas stations, and stretches of wildflowers along the roadside. Sometimes, the most beautiful parts of a trip are the ones that ask nothing of you — just presence.
✍️ “Some days aren’t about arriving — they’re about learning how to keep going.”
Day 3 — Iowa: A Glimpse of Heritage and Heartland
By the third day, the road had carried me into the quiet heart of Iowa. Golden fields stretched endlessly beneath a wide, open sky. There’s a particular stillness to the Midwest. A kind of calm lingers even when you’re just passing through. Here, it felt especially grounding.
My first stop was the Amana Colonies, a cluster of seven historic villages that feel frozen in time. The Amana Colonies were founded in the 1850s by German settlers. They are known for their craftsmanship. The colonists are recognized for simple living and a strong sense of community. Brick storefronts, handmade goods, and flower-filled gardens lined the streets. As I wandered, it almost felt like stepping back into another era. The scent of baked bread and wood smoke drifted through the air. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down. You relax even without trying.
Later that evening, I had dinner at the Iowa Machine Shed, a local favorite that celebrates Midwestern comfort food. The restaurant’s motto — “Dedicated to the American farmer” — was perfect. It felt especially appropriate after a day spent among fields and history. The portions were hearty, the atmosphere warm, and every dish felt like a nod to Iowa’s roots.
The sun dipped low over the plains. I couldn’t help but feel that this stop was the perfect midpoint of the journey. It was quiet, unhurried, and full of heart.
️“The heartland teaches you to pause. You learn to listen to the wind and taste the comfort of a good meal. You let time stretch a little longer.”
Day 4 — South Dakota: Whimsy, Wonder, and the Open Plains
Crossing into South Dakota, the scenery began to shift. Rolling fields gave way to wide, open plains. The plains were dotted with the occasional roadside curiosity that begged for a stop.
The first was the Corn Palace in Mitchell, a landmark unlike any other. Every year, its walls are redecorated with murals made entirely from corn, grains, and native grasses. These murals are a living tribute to the state’s agricultural pride. It was delightfully quirky. As I stood beneath its golden towers, I couldn’t help but admire the creativity woven from something so ordinary.
Further west, the highway extended toward the Dignity of Earth and Sky statue. It is a breathtaking tribute. This work honors the Lakota and Dakota people. The 50-foot stainless steel sculpture rises above the Missouri River, her star-quilt cloak rippling in the wind. The view was quiet and humbling. It served as a reminder that beauty doesn’t always demand attention. Sometimes, it simply stands tall and still.
My last stop of the day was Wall Drug. It feels both like a roadside legend. It is also a time capsule of Americana. Wall Drug had a mix of cowboy kitsch, souvenirs, and endless signs leading up to it. It was pure road trip nostalgia.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, South Dakota revealed itself as a blend of whimsy and reverence. Corn palaces, sculptures, and old-fashioned charm coexist beneath the same boundless sky.
“Somewhere between novelty and awe, the Midwest finds its rhythm — a heartbeat of small towns and open skies.”
Day 5 – Faces, Hills, and Western Nights
South Dakota continued to unfold in layers of history and landscape. Each stop revealed a different side of the American story.
The Borglum Story: Behind the Faces of Mount Rushmore
The day began at The Borglum Story, a museum dedicated to Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind Mount Rushmore. Walking through the exhibits, I learned about the years of planning, carving, and perseverance that shaped the monument. I also discovered the complex legacy it symbolizes. Photography was not allowed in any of the exhibitions. I did manage to snap a few photos of some of the sculptures that were outside.
Mount Rushmore: Iconic Views and History in Stone
Not long after, I arrived at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The granite faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln stood silent against the morning light. Seeing it in person felt both surreal and humbling — the scale immense, the craftsmanship striking. I lingered for a while, taking in the view and the crisp mountain air.
Custer State Park: Wildlife, Scenic Drives, and Nature Escapes
From there, the road wound deeper into Custer State Park. Rolling hills gave way to pine forests. The Wildlife Loop Road felt like driving through a living postcard. Prairie dogs darted across the fields. The Black Hills rose softly in the distance. The tour guide surprised us during this part of the tour. They allowed us to feed the burros—wild donkeys—at the park.
Fort Hays Chuckwagon: A Taste of the Old West
As the sun began to set, I made my way to the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper and Show. Dinner was hearty and classic. It included slow-cooked beef, biscuits, and baked beans. Laughter, old-fashioned country music, and entertainment by the band accompanied the meal. It was the perfect ending to a day rooted in Americana. The day ranged from monumental art to the simple joy of good food and song.
“Some days remind you that history isn’t just in books — it’s carved into mountains, sung on stages, and found in the laughter shared under a South Dakota sunset.”
Day 6 – Stories in Stone and Spirit
The Journey Museum: Discovering the Stories of the Black Hills
The morning began in Rapid City at the Journey Museum, a place that lives up to its name. Inside, the exhibits traced the story of the Black Hills — from ancient geology to Lakota heritage and pioneer life. Fossils, photographs, and oral histories wove together to form a tapestry of time. Together, they show how the land has shaped generations of people. The land has also been shaped by them. Walking through so many eras in a single morning was grounding. It showed how art, earth, and humanity all intersect here. We even got to see Tinker, the skeleton of a juvenile T Rex.
Hill City: Charming Streets and Local Gems
Afterward, we made our way toward Hill City, a charming stop nestled in the heart of the Black Hills. With its historic downtown, art galleries, and rustic atmosphere, Hill City offered a quiet moment between major landmarks. The streets buzzed softly with small-town life — a blend of Western heritage and local creativity. It felt like a place where time slowed down just enough to notice the details. You could see antique signs and colorful storefronts and feel the rhythm of the hills all around.
Crazy Horse Memorial: Honoring History in Monumental Style
From there, the road led to one of South Dakota’s most powerful landmarks: the Crazy Horse Memorial. The unfinished monument is carved into Thunderhead Mountain. It stands as a tribute to the Oglala Lakota leader. It also honors the spirit of Native resilience. Even in its incomplete state, it was awe-inspiring — a work in progress that carries deep meaning.
The on-site museum and cultural center offered even more context. It showcased handcrafted beadwork, storytelling exhibits, and photographs. These reminded visitors that this isn’t just a sculpture — it’s a living legacy still unfolding. Standing before the mountain, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history, hope, and determination all at once.
“Art can capture faces, but monuments like Crazy Horse capture spirit — something that endures long after the carving stops.”
Day 7 – Gold Beneath the Hills
Exploring Lead: The Homestake Gold Mine Adventure
The day began in Lead, a town that wears its mining heritage proudly. Lead was once one of the richest gold mining towns in the country. It is home to the Homestake Gold Mine, a site that quite literally shaped the Black Hills. When standing at the overlook, one can’t help but marvel at the vast open pit. It serves as a reminder of how deeply humans have dug. This was done both for fortune and for discovery. Inside the Homestake Visitor Center, exhibits traced the town’s evolution from a mining boomtown to a hub of scientific research. The stories of miners and the machinery are fascinating. Even the geological formations reflect the gritty ambition buried deep in the earth.
Downtown Deadwood: A Step Back in Time
From there, the journey continued to Deadwood. Its name feels like it belongs in a Western legend. In many ways, it does. Downtown Deadwood is a blend of history and entertainment. Restored saloons and casinos are prominent features. Brick-lined streets echo with the footsteps of the Old West. Walking along Main Street, one could easily imagine the days of Wild Bill Hickok. Calamity Jane’s legacy is still woven into the town’s lore.
Deadwood’s historic storefronts and preserved architecture create the feeling that time paused. This pause allows visitors to peek into another era. The blend of gold rush history and modern life gives the town an unmistakable charm. Past and present meet somewhere between the sound of slot machines and the creak of wooden boardwalks.
High Plains Western Heritage Center: Celebrating Regional History
In the afternoon, the drive led to Spearfish. The High Plains Western Heritage Center beautifully preserves the spirit of the American West there. This museum honors the pioneers, ranchers, and Native cultures who shaped life on the plains. Displays of antique wagons, saddles, and ranching tools offered a tangible link to the past. Exhibits on regional history painted a vivid picture of surviving and thriving in the rugged landscape. It was a fitting stop after the gold rush towns. This visit tied together the many threads of Western history that run through this region. The highlight of the center was a nature walk, filled with South Dakota’s native flora. These included prickly pears, prairie roses, and much more.
“In the Black Hills, even the gold feels like it tells stories. It speaks of people who chased dreams. Some struck fortune. Others left legends behind.”
Final Thoughts – Between Plains and Possibility
The first week of the journey was a reminder. Beauty doesn’t always need to be sought in faraway places. Sometimes, it unfolds mile by mile, between museum walls and prairie skies. The Toledo Museum of Art had a calm elegance. The Amana Colonies showed quiet strength. Each stop felt like a small lesson in noticing. We paused long enough to let art, history, and the open road leave their mark.
The miles stretched westward. The landscapes began to shift. Fields gave way to hills. These hills transformed into rugged plains. The Midwest’s vastness was both humbling and grounding. It was dotted with moments of human creativity. There was a palace made of corn. A sculpture watched over the Missouri River. There was also a drugstore turned roadside legend.
By the time the road reached the Black Hills, the trip had transformed from a drive into an unfolding story. Standing before Mount Rushmore held a weight of history. Wandering the halls of the Journey Museum was equally significant. Tracing the legacy of gold in Lead and Deadwood revealed historical depth that still hums beneath the surface. These were places built on ambition and resilience — reminders of how people carve meaning from the land around them.
✍️ “The road teaches you to look closer. It encourages you to find beauty not in where you’re headed. Instead, appreciate how far you’ve come.”
As Part One comes to a close, the adventure feels both rooted and restless. It is ready to trade gold dust and prairie wind for the wild horizons of the West.
As Part One comes to a close, the adventure feels both rooted and restless. It is ready to trade gold dust and prairie wind for the wild horizons of the West.
Next up: Yellowstone’s steaming geysers. Experience Wyoming’s open skies. Feel the quiet awe of reaching the journey’s farthest point. Then, the long road home begins.
English