5 days in Fort Collins, Cheyenne & Rapid City Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Tue): view the masterpieces at Patterson Glassworks Studio & Gallery and then hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour. On the 5th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of 1883 Water Works, then admire all the interesting features of Trail Ridge Road, then look for gifts at Vern's Toffee House, and finally sample the tasty concoctions at New Belgium Brewing Company.

For maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Fort Collins trip itinerary website.

Minneapolis to Fort Collins is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Minneapolis to Fort Collins, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Minneapolis in July, expect slightly colder with lows of 55°F in Fort Collins. You will have some time to spend on the 6th (Thu) before leaving for Cheyenne.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): explore the engaging exhibits at Wyoming State Museum, admire the natural beauty at Paul Smith Children's Village, and then make a trip to Cheyenne Big Boots.

To find photos, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Cheyenne trip site.

Traveling by car from Fort Collins to Cheyenne takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. July in Cheyenne sees daily highs of 84°F and lows of 56°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can go by car to Rapid City.

On the 7th (Fri), learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Reptile Gardens, then identify plant and animal life at Bear Country USA, then explore the striking landscape of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and finally immerse yourself in nature at Custer State Park. Keep things going the next day: wander the streets of Downtown Rapid City, look for gifts at Alex Johnson Mercantile, then get in on the family fun at Storybook Island, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Chapel in the Hills.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Rapid City journey maker app.

Getting from Cheyenne to Rapid City by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Cheyenne in July, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Rapid City, with lows around 62°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.