Fourth of July road trip

Rapid City to Custer for Fourth of July

Distance

45 mi

Driving

1.25 hrs + traffic

Halfway

Keystone

The next Fourth of July lands on Sunday, July 4, 2027. On US-16 and the Wildlife Loop Road, the heaviest traffic usually hits the two days before the Fourth and the day after. Fireworks nights fill small-town rooms first, so lock your overnight early.

Book the halfway night early

Keystone sits about 25 miles from Rapid City and 20 miles from Custer. Holiday weekends sell out the rooms near the highway first.

• Stays in Keystone
• Stays in Custer

Along the way

• Wildlife Loop Road bison herds
• Begging burros
• Needles Highway

Full drive guide for this route