Origin
Whitewood, SD
Evening in Whitewood on Wednesday
Local time
5:13 PM
MDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Whitewood, SD to Kirk, SD
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
29m
Distance
20.3 mi
33 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 27m
★
6 AM
0h 29m
8 AM
0h 34m
10 AM
0h 31m
12 PM
0h 30m
3 PM
0h 31m
5 PM
0h 34m
8 PM
0h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Whitewood, SD
Julio Lopez
Kirk, SD
Luis Quintero
Trip Overview
This short, 20.3-mile drive from Whitewood to Kirk, South Dakota, can easily be completed in about 29 minutes, making it perfect for a brief excursion. Primarily utilizing US Highway 85, I-90, and US Highway 14A, this route is largely highway-focused, with 73% of it on faster roads. With a modest fuel cost estimated at $3, it's an economical option for a day trip within the Great Plains region. You won't need to break this drive up with an overnight stay, offering plenty of flexibility for your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
10.2 miles from Whitewood, SD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-centric experience on this 20.3-mile journey, with 73% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 7.3 miles on US Highway 85, offering a consistent pace. While the profile is predominantly highway, the transitions between US Highway 85, I-90, and US Highway 14A will provide some variation in the driving experience. This route is built for efficiency rather than leisurely sightseeing.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US Highway 85 is the longest continuous segment at about 7.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 85 and I 90. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR 320 / Laurel Street.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 20.3 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR 320 / Laurel Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.9 miles (US 14A; US 85 / Main Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CR 320 / Laurel Street
Turn left onto CR 320 / Laurel Street
Navigation decision point
5
5.9 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit toward US 85 South: Deadwood, Lead
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 85 South: Deadwood, Lead
5
13.9 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
US 14A; US 85 / Main Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 14A; US 85 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
4
18.9 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
Chicago Street
Turn right onto Chicago Street
Navigation decision point
5
18.9 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
Chicago Street
Keep slight left at fork onto Chicago Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Whitewood, SD to Kirk, SD, road signs begin pointing toward Lead along the way.
Lead
5.9 mi in
|
~7m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 85 | 7.3 mi | 8m |
| I 90 | 4.8 mi | 4m |
| US Highway 14A | 2.6 mi | 2m |
| Pioneer Way | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Mountain View Drive | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| Laurel Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Glendale Drive | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 85
— 7.3 mi, about 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Whitewood, SD and Kirk, SD.
1
Start on South Street
35 ft
·
7 sec
·
South Street
2
Turn left onto CR 320
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Laurel Street
3
Continue on SD 34; CR 320
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
SD Highway 34
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
5
Merge onto I 90; US 14
4.8 mi
·
4 min
·
I 90; US 14
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward US 85 South: Deadwood, Lead
7
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
8
Continue on US 85
7.3 mi
·
8 min
·
US Highway 85
9
At end of road, turn right onto US 14A; US 85
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
10
Continue on US 14A; US 85
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Pioneer Way
11
Continue on US 14A; US 85 Truck
2.6 mi
·
2 min
·
US Highway 14A
12
Continue on US 14A; US 85 Truck
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
·
Glendale Drive
13
Turn right onto Chicago Street
147 ft
·
6 sec
·
Chicago Street
14
Keep slight left at fork onto Chicago Street
350 ft
·
15 sec
·
Chicago Street
15
Continue on 3rd Street
0.2 mi
·
49 sec
·
3rd Street
16
Turn left onto Mountain View Drive
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Mountain View Drive
17
Turn left onto Grier Avenue
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
Grier Avenue
18
Turn left onto Lost Irishman Road
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Lost Irishman Road
19
Turn left
249 ft
·
18 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given its short 29-minute duration, you have the flexibility to depart at any time of day and aren't pressed for time. The estimated fuel cost of just $3 means you won't need to worry much about refueling stops. Since there are no designated stops mentioned, plan to make any necessary breaks before you leave Whitewood or upon arrival in Kirk. Keep an eye on road conditions, especially if traveling during inclement weather, as the highway-focused nature of the route means you'll be exposed to the elements.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 10.2 miles from Whitewood, SD, or about 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 7.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 20 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 10.2 miles or 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kirk, SD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Whitewood, SD.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Whitewood, SD
This is one driving day of about 20.3 miles and 29m.
At 20.3 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 85 for about 7.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 10.2 mi from Whitewood, SD · 12m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 10.2 miles from Whitewood, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Kirk, SD
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Kirk, SD if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.17 one way
$6.35 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
7 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $3.48 | $6.97 |
| premium | $4.89 | $3.91 | $7.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $4.48 | $8.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 7.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 71% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.1 | 0 | $2.13 | $0.97 |
| Efficient EV | 5.1 | 0 | $1.78 | $0.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 8.1 | 0 | $2.84 | $1.30 |
Gas CO2
7 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (71% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Kirk, SD
Evening in Kirk on Wednesday
Local time
5:13 PM
MDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
29m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Whitewood, SD to Kirk, SD covers 20.3 miles and takes about 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US Highway 85, I 90, US Highway 14A. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 10.2 miles from Whitewood, SD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.17 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 20.3 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR 320 / Laurel Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.9 miles (US 14A; US 85 / Main Street): Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Whitewood, SD to Kirk, SD, road signs begin pointing toward Lead along the way.
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