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24 Top Things to Do in South Dakota

Boasting fascinating historic sites, the Mount Rushmore State has much to offer.

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Exploring the stunning and otherworldly landscape of the Badlands is just one of many things to do in South Dakota.

Across a vast expanse of natural beauty, South Dakota is rich in history, outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences. The state boasts two of the longest caves in the world, the world's largest mammoth research facility, the final resting place of western legends, sacred Native American sites and many other unique attractions the whole family will love.

Ready to start planning your trip? From Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills to Badlands National Park and Crazy Horse Monument, read on for a list of the top things to do in South Dakota.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Crazy Horse Memorial: Crazy Horse

This larger-than-life mountain monument is dedicated to Crazy Horse (Tasunke Witco in Lakota), who led a band of Lakota warriors against George Custer's battalion at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The Crazy Horse monument, which has been under construction since 1948, is located in the heart of the Black Hills and is the world's largest sculptural undertaking. Despite the fact that the monument remains unfinished, it attracts more than 1 million visitors every year.

During your visit, you can also check out the Indian Museum of North America, which houses artwork and artifacts from more than 300 Native Nations, as well as the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, where you can learn about Native American history and culture through hands-on activities and instruction from Native artists.

Throughout the year, the campus also hosts cultural performances, speaker series, art workshops, laser light shows and more. You can also dine at the Laughing Water Restaurant before you leave. Visitors say the memorial is a great place to learn about the Indigenous people of the region and to witness history in the making.

Address: 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730

Mount Rushmore: Keystone

Carved into the Six Grandfathers Mountain, as it was known by the Lakota Sioux, Mount Rushmore is a tribute to four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Located less than 25 miles southwest of Rapid City, the monument was first carved in 1927, and the final drilling took place in 1941. The end result was four faces, each 60 feet tall – the original plans included the presidents' bodies down to their waists, but the project ran out of funds.

Past visitors call Mount Rushmore a bucket list item and recommend taking one of the ranger-guided tours. One of the top attractions in the U.S. , monument is busiest during the summer months, so if you want smaller crowds (without the cold weather), time your visit to Mount Rushmore for May, September or October.

Address: 13000 state Highway 244, Keystone, SD 57751

[ Mount Rushmore Tour Options: Meals, Music & Mount Rushmore | Mount Rushmore Bus Tour ]

Custer State Park

Located roughly 30 miles southwest of Rapid City, Custer State Park boasts rolling hills, granite peaks and crystal-clear water. Whether you're planning a daytrip or want to stay overnight (the park offers campgrounds and the historic Custer State Park Resort), there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Options include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, horseback riding, swimming and snowshoeing.

The park is also famous for its herd of nearly 1,500 free-roaming bison, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep, wild turkeys and more. Many visitors particularly recommend a visit to Sylvan Lake, which features calm water and stunning rock formations that make it a popular wedding destination.

[Read: The Best Midwest Vacations for Families .]

Badlands National Park

About 60 miles southeast of Rapid City, you'll find Badlands National Park. The park's otherworldly landscape is a labyrinth of pinnacles, buttes, spires and canyons, which formed over the course of 75 million years. It's also home to ancient fossils of saber-toothed cats and three-toed horses, among other species. Even if you just want to drive through the park via the Badlands Loop Road, you'll likely want to make several stops to take in the region's fascinating topography. Recent visitors praised Badlands National Park's excellent hiking trails, but the Badlands are also a great place to observe wildlife, ride horses, go for a bike ride or spot constellations in the night sky – the park even hosts an annual Astronomy Festival every summer. Plus, for visitors looking to stay overnight, the park offers two official campgrounds.

Wind Cave National Park: Hot Springs

Wind Cave, named for the barometric winds coming out of the cave's entrance, is the first cave in the world to be declared a national park. According to Lakota oral tradition, the cave is a sacred place from which humans and bison first emerged to live on the earth's surface. Spanning more than 150 miles, Wind Cave National Park is the sixth-longest cave in the world and is home to the world's largest concentration of boxwork formations – a rare structure of honeycomb calcite on the cave's walls. If you're planning a visit, make sure you reserve a ranger-guided tour early, as they often sell out a few hours in advance.

Above the cave, you can experience the biodiversity of the prairie. There are more than 30 miles of hiking trails, and you'll be able to see free-roaming bison, prairie dogs, elk, various birds and more.

The park has an official campground, but backcountry camping is also an option for more experienced adventurers. Recent visitors say the rangers and visitor center staff are very knowledgeable about the area, and even if you don't get to tour the cave, the park is worth a visit.

Address: 26611 U.S. Route 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

National Music Museum: Vermillion

Located at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion – about 60 miles south of Sioux Falls – the National Music Museum reopened its doors in 2021 after three years of extensive renovations. While the museum's permanent exhibits are still closed – select spaces will open in 2022 – the museum hosts various events where guests can experience different musical styles and genres via live performances.

As exhibits begin reopening, visitors will be able to learn about the art and craft of musical instruments and the role they play in our lives. You'll also be able to see and learn about the various musical instruments that have been used throughout human history in different cultures and civilizations. For anyone who appreciates music and its contribution to the human experience, recent travelers highly recommend the National Music Museum.

Address: 414 E. Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069

Jewel Cave: Custer

South Dakota's intriguing Jewel Cave, located roughly 50 miles southwest of Rapid City, is the third-longest cave in the world. With more than 210 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, the cave provides a fascinating array of colors, fragile formations and scientific mysteries.

Guided cave tours are available, though they tend to sell out quickly, so book in advance. Keep in mind, tours range from moderately difficult to strenuous, so consider your health and potential physical limitations before booking. The historic lantern tour is a half-mile route through low and narrow passages with a tour guide dressed in 1930s garb, and the only light is provided by lanterns. The scenic tour, the cave's most popular tour, is another half-mile route that includes a visit to various chambers and passages along a paved trail with electric lighting. Meanwhile, the discovery tour is a short 20-minute introduction to Jewel Cave and is an excellent option for those who require a wheelchair or have difficulty climbing stairs. Past visitors to this tourist attraction say that the cave is an otherworldly experience and a great activity for families with small children.

Address: 11149 U.S. Route 16, Building B12, Custer, SD 57730

South Dakota Air and Space Museum: Philip

Situated less than 12 miles outside of Rapid City, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum is home to an extensive collection of aircraft, documents and artifacts that provide a complete history of Ellsworth Air Force Base, which played a crucial role in the Cold War. Here, visitors will be able to see B-29, B-52 and B-1 bombers; Titan I and Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles; an intact missile silo; and other artifacts.

Entrance to the museum is free, but there is a small fee for the bus tour to the missile silo. As you plan your trip, note that the indoor galleries are closed in January and February and tours of the base and the missile silo are only offered from mid-May to mid-September. Recent visitors called the South Dakota Air and Space Museum an excellent educational experience, particularly if you're an aviation or history buff.

Address: 24545 Cottonwood Road, Philip, SD 57567

Old Courthouse Museum: Sioux Falls

Sitting in downtown Sioux Falls, the Old Courthouse Museum is a restored 19th-century quartzite building with various exhibits detailing the history of the region. Inside the courthouse, you'll find granite pillars, slate stairs, tiled fireplaces and stained-glass windows. Meanwhile, 16 large murals, painted in the early 20th century, adorn the museum's hallways and depict early life in the Dakota Territory – the territory, which formed in 1861, initially included both North and South Dakota, as well as portions of Wyoming and Montana . The courthouse also features various exhibits where visitors can learn about the radiomen of World War II, the city planning efforts of early Sioux Falls, Native American tools and more.

Past visitors say that the museum provides an interesting look at the region's history, and the architecture of the building alone makes it worth the trip. Both admission to the museum and two-hour parking are free of charge.

Address: 200 W. Sixth St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104

The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs: Hot Springs

Courtesy of The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

This paleontological site and museum, located in Hot Springs, is ideal for history buffs. Despite the age of its ancient inhabitants, the site was only recently discovered when a heavy machine operator struck a 7-foot-long mammoth tusk while leveling the ground for a housing development in 1974. Still an active dig site, this attraction has produced a variety of Ice Age fossils, including bones from mammoths, mollusks, giant short-faced bears, camels and more.

The museum also offers self-guided tours, along with various classes, learning activities, summer classes and other opportunities to learn about paleontology, archaeology, animal tracks and other related topics. Past visitors say The Mammoth Site is a great experience for both adults and children and offers fascinating archeological displays.

The site is open year-round, with the exception of select holidays, and charges a fee for admission (kids 3 and younger are free).

Address: 1800 Highway 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Spearfish Canyon

Predating the Grand Canyon , Spearfish Canyon is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Dakota. The canyon stretches between Spearfish, which is near the South Dakota-Wyoming border, and Cheyenne Crossing, 20 miles to the south. Driving through the canyon, expect to see towering limestone cliffs, spruces, Ponderosa pines, aspens, birches and other tree varieties. You may also come across deer, mountain goats, porcupines and bobcats.

Some of the major attractions you'll want to include on your itinerary are Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, a cascading 60-foot waterfall with an observation platform. Plan your trip between September and October to experience Spearfish Canyon's beautiful fall foliage . Locals never tire of driving through the canyon, but some visitors say that you'll need to get out of your car and hike to get the full experience.

Bear Country USA: Rapid City

On the road to Mount Rushmore from Rapid City, you'll find Bear Country USA. Open from spring through late November, the drive-thru wildlife park allows you to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including black bears, elk, mountain lions, buffalo and reindeer, all from the comfort of your car. There's also a Wildlife Walk area at this tourist attraction where you'll find demonstrations, programs, keeper chats, a restaurant and a gift shop.

Many past guests say it's a great experience to see the animals in a more natural setting, although some note that depending on the time of day, it can get busy and the animals may be sleeping. Keep in mind, the park charges based on the number of occupants in each vehicle, not per vehicle. Understandably, convertibles, motorcycles and soft-top vehicles aren't allowed, but the park does offer free courtesy vehicles you can use.

Address: 13820 U.S. Route 16, Rapid City, SD 57702

Historic Deadwood

Established in 1876, Deadwood was a Wild West town established by gold prospectors. About 15 miles southeast of Spearfish, the town is now filled with attractions and fun activities. You can visit Mount Moriah Cemetery to see the graves of legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, visit the town brothel to learn about Deadwood's history of prostitution – which didn't end until 1980 – and check out the Adams Museum, which was founded in 1930 and provides a look into the history of the Black Hills. Some of the artifacts on display include a pencil sketch drawing of Wild Bill Hickok and Potato Creek Johnny's original 7.346-troy-ounce gold nugget.

The town is also home to several casinos and gaming halls, a handful of breweries and wineries, and shops where you can buy souvenirs, Amish furniture and a variety of other wares. Visitors say the charm of the Wild West is well preserved in the town and particularly enjoy the daily shootout reenactment.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: Sturgis

Courtesy of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

If you're a hardcore biker, there's nothing quite like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Every year, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists descend on the small town of Sturgis for one of the largest and longest-running motorcycle rallies in the world. Some non-bikers visit the town during the rally, which begins on the first Friday of August and lasts for 10 days, just to take in the experience. The rally hosts several events, including an opening ceremony, a pub crawl, a golf tournament, a beard and mustache contest, and a 5k run. There are also concerts with a mix of home-grown bands and household names.

With so many people visiting this small town at once, be prepared to plan your accommodations well in advance. Options include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, cottages, vacation rentals, campgrounds and RV parks.

Reptile Gardens: Rapid City

Just 7 miles south of Rapid City, Reptile Gardens is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's largest reptile zoo. You won't find more species and subspecies of reptiles at any other zoo or wildlife park anywhere on earth. This unique park is set in beautiful botanical gardens, which feature a variety of flora and fauna, and it even houses some of the world's deadliest snakes, along with turtles, tortoises, lizards, crocodilians, birds, amphibians, bugs and some species that are native to South Dakota. In addition to the exhibits, which include a nearly 16-foot-long saltwater crocodile and giant tortoises you can mingle with, the park also hosts bird and snake shows, oceanic art, a gift shop and a cafe.

Admission prices vary based on what time of the year you visit, with the summer season costing more than the others. Visitors recommend going early in the day to beat the crowds, but note that if you go during the offseason when admission is cheaper, you may miss out on some shows and experiences.

Address: 8955 U.S. Route 16, Rapid City, SD 57702

Good Earth State Park at Blood Run: Sioux Falls

South Dakota's newest state park is located just outside of Sioux Falls near the Iowa border. The National Historic Landmark is an important cultural and historical site, as it's one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the country. The combination of the river, flood plains, wildlife, pipestone and protection from winds made the area a gathering place for ceremonies and a trading center for Native Americans between A.D. 1300 and 1700.

At the massive visitor center, you can check out the exhibits and programs that highlight the area's historical and cultural significance. You'll also find hiking trails, fishing holes, picnic tables and other activities that allow you to connect with nature. Past visitors of the park have noted that the hiking trails are relatively easy with great views and the visitor center exhibits are impressive.

Address: 26924 480th Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Needles Highway

This 14-mile scenic byway lies just 30 miles south of Rapid City, but you'll feel like you've entered a completely different world. Completed in 1922, the road has you traverse sharp turns and narrow tunnels, dwarfed at every turn by needlelike granite spires. You'll also pass through tranquil meadows surrounded by birch and aspen trees. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you'll want to take it slow, not only for safety reasons but also to savor the stunning views. However, recent visitors suggest going early in the day to avoid congestion on the road.

Note that Needles Highway closes every year with the first snow of the season and doesn't reopen again until April 1, or possibly later, depending on the weather conditions.

Storybook Island: Rapid City

A lot of the top places to visit in South Dakota are focused on the state's natural beauty and historical and cultural significance. But if you're looking for a fun place to entertain your kids, Storybook Island in Rapid City should be on your radar. Just keep in mind, the theme park is only open during the summer season. It doesn't charge admission, but there is a small fee for rides on the park's carousel and train.

The family-friendly theme park provides more than 100 storybook and nursery rhyme settings where children can play, as well as live theater productions to entertain the whole family. Past visitors call this unique attraction a must if you have small children, and while some exhibits are showing signs of age – the park has been around for more than 60 years – it doesn't appear to take away from the experience.

Address: 1301 Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City, SD 57702

Porter Sculpture Park: Montrose

Courtesy of Porter Sculpture Park

A little more than 30 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, Porter Sculpture Park offers a fascinating set of eclectic, larger-than-life metal sculptures created by Wayne Porter. The park is home to more than 50 installations, including a 60-foot-tall bull head, a butterfly, potted flowers and a pink rocking horse. You're more than welcome to touch and even climb on the art, making the park an excellent destination for families with children, and if you have trouble walking, there are golf carts available.

If you're on your way to or from Sioux Falls, visitors say it's worth the detour. Admission is affordable, and kids 12 and younger can get in for free. Keep in mind, the park is only open between mid-May and mid-October.

Address: 25700 451st Ave., Montrose, SD 57048

Black Elk Peak

If you're an avid hiker, Black Elk Peak should be on your bucket list. The mountain is the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and the Pyrenees Mountains in France. At the 7,242-foot peak, hikers will be able to take in views that stretch to North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming. At the top, visitors can also check out the stone fire tower that was built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

There are more than a dozen different trails that you can take to get to the top of Black Elk Peak, most of which range from 7 to 13 miles round trip. Note, however, that some trails require paid entry to Custer State Park. Visitors say the hikes range from moderate to difficult with some rocky areas and steep inclines, but the views are worth it.

Butterfly House & Aquarium: Sioux Falls

Courtesy of Butterfly House & Aquarium

Located in Sioux Falls, the Butterfly House & Aquarium is perfect for children and adults alike. At the Butterfly House, visitors will get the chance to walk among more than 800 free-flying butterflies. You can even purchase feeding equipment to have the insects eating out of your hand. At the aquarium, you'll get to see hundreds of species of fish and coral. There's also a Pacific tide pool, where you can see and touch some of the animals that are found along the coast from Southern California up to Alaska.

Past visitors say the Butterfly House is a calm and serene experience, and while the aquarium is on the small side, there's still a lot to see.

Address: 4320 S. Oxbow Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Falls Park: Sioux Falls

If you only have time to do one thing in Sioux Falls, locals recommend Falls Park, which is where the city got its name. Spanning more than 128 acres, the park lies north of the downtown area and features a stretch of the Big Sioux River where it flows over three tiers of rose-colored quartzite. On average, 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the falls every second.

Visitors can take in the majestic falls from various viewing platforms throughout the park, including a five-story observation tower. For a more active park experience, check out one of the park's many walking and biking trails. Falls Park is easy to reach and is a great free activity the whole family can enjoy.

Address: 131 E. Falls Park Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Termesphere Gallery: Spearfish

Courtesy of Termesphere Gallery

Located near Spearfish, the Termesphere Gallery is one of the more unique experiences visitors can have in South Dakota. Termespheres are spherical paintings that their creator, artist Dick Termes, calls a three-dimensional exploration of an entirely closed universe. Some recent visitors call the artist's work a hidden gem in the Black Hills. You can even purchase one of Termes' pieces through his website. The gallery is open seven days a week, but entrance is by appointment only. To make an appointment to visit, call 605-642-4805.

Address: 1920 Christensen Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie: Vermillion

If you've ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is one South Dakota attraction you don't want to miss. Due to the ever-changing course of the Missouri River, other sites they visited are in doubt. In the area near Vermillion, the pair of explorers visited the top of Spirit Mound in an attempt to understand the site's mysterious legend. The local Sioux, Omaha and Otoe tribes believed that 18-inch humans with large heads lived on the mound. In fact, Indigenous people feared the area, believing the little people to be devils who would kill anyone who approached. Today, visitors can enjoy a tranquil hike to the mound while contemplating its historical and spiritual significance.

Address: 31148 state Highway 19, Vermillion, SD 57069

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Adventure Vacations
• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Top Things to Do in Montana
• The Top Things to Do in Colorado
• The Top Things to Do in Arkansas
• The Top Restaurants in Omaha, Nebraska

Tags: Travel , US Vacations

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Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Planner and Itinerary

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Are you looking for the ULTIMATE South Dakota Road Trip Planner?  With our South Dakota road trip itinerary we cover all of the main South Dakota attractions, tell you where to stay and what to see with 7 days in South Dakota. 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Table of Contents

South Dakota Road Trip Planner Tips and Tricks

South Dakota has to be one of our ultimate US Bucket List experiences and one of the best US road trips that you can do. 

And South Dakota really has something on offer for everyone from amazing national monuments and national parks, great hikes and wildlife experiences as well as some great quirky in town attractions. 

In this South Dakota road trip itinerary we will cover all of the main sights but before we get onto our South Dakota road trip itinerary we thought it would be good to answer some of your frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip. 

How Long do you need for Your South Dakota Road Trip?

Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore with Kids or Without

When you are looking to put together the first thing you will want to know is how long do you need for your South Dakota road trip itinerary? 

With all that there is to see in South Dakota, and also the likely distance you are traveling to get to South Dakota we recommend having a good amount of time for your Black Hills vacation. 

When we went to South Dakota we had 7 days in this amazing state and I think this is the perfect amount of time to tour this state. For this reason we have outlined out prefect 7 day itinerary. However if you don’t have as long as this feel free to cut out the days that appeal least to you so you have the right amount of days. 

We recommend a minimum of 4 days in South Dakota to ensure you see a good amount of this state’s amazing scenery and attractions. 

Should I drive or Fly to South Dakota?

When you are traveling to South Dakota you really have two options of how to get there 

• flying and 
• driving. 

If you have a shorter amount of time for your South Dakota road your best option is to fly into the state. Most people who decide to fly into the state fo to either Rapid City or Sioux Falls and then rent a vehicle. 

Out of these two options we recommend Rapid City as this is more centrally located to the main attractions.

However if you have more time we recommend driving into South Dakota as this will reduce costs of having to hire a car on arrival.  South Dakota as a state really doesn’t have any public transport to speak of so you will need to have a car with you to fully experience this amazing state.

When we visited South Dakota as part of a large road trip to Yellowstone and Utah, we flew into Denver which is only a 6 hour drive from South Dakota.

If you plan to road trip from other states we recommend trying out some of our other road trip guides:

• Denver to Mount Rushmore Road Trip. 
• Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip

Best Time to Visit South Dakota

There are definitely better time to visit South Dakota than others. 

Although not the official state motto, South Dakota is colloquially called the Blizzard State. Therefore it should come as no surprise that we don’t recommend taking your South Dakota family vacation in Winter or winter adjacent months. 

The best time to visit your South Dakota vacation for weather has to summer, however you should also expect crowds to be high during this period (But no where need as crowded as other Northern national parks such as Yellowstone). 

And if you are visiting South Dakota in summer you need to plan for walking in heat – so be sure to check out our South Dakota Summer packing list. 

Peak season in South Dakota technically runs from1st May and ends around 30th September which is when we recommend ed most people, particularly families with small children travel to South Dakota.

It is also worth noting that if you visit South Dakota in Fall (September or October depending on the year) you will see some amazing fall colors especially in the Spearfish Canyon area. 

Where to Base Yourself for your South Dakota Road Trip

Where to stay for this South Dakota Road Trip itinerary

The first questions when you plan a trip to South Dakota has to be about where to base yourself or whether to travel.

South Dakota is a large state with lots to see. However for 7 days in South Dakota we recommend basing yourself out of the West of the state in the Rapid City, Custer State Park and Black Hills area. 

If you only want to stay in one location for this road trip, which is especially helpful if you are doing a South Dakota road trip with family or with toddlers and kids, then we recommend Rapid City.

Rapid City is within easy driving of all the major South Dakota attractions so is very convenient. 

If you are looking for convenient places to stay in Rapid City with good family friendly amenities then the following are in prime positions:

• La Quinta  
•  Fairfield Inn & Suites

Alternatively you could based your self out of Rapid City for some of the itinerary before moving on to some lodges or more nature focussed accommodation near Badlands or Mount Rushmore. 

Some great places to stay with older children include:

• Mount Rushmore Under Canvas or 
• Custer State Park Lodges. 

The Perfect South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

Note about this South Dakota Road Trip Planner and itinerary : The days here are put together to make the most of your time in South Dakota however the days are designed so they can be done in any order.

Day 1 of the perfect South Dakota Itinerary 

Today is all about the outdoors and the thing that was top of my SD Road trip bucket list was  The Badlands National Park.

Badlands National Park

Badlands with Kids – A must for your South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

Badlands National Park is one of the lesser visited parks but it is still worth getting to the Badlands National Park for sunrise. Watching the sun rise over the majestic geological formations of the Badlands is simply breathtaking and well worth the early start. You will also be rewarded with having the park entirely to yourselves. We visited over labour day weekend and we didn’t see people for at least an hour after our arrival.

Depending on which direction you are arriving from, will depend on which entrance you arrive through. We came in via the Pinnacles Entrance as this is the closest (less than an hours drive) from Rapid City.

The Badlands is name because historically this unique landscape was impassable to man. The local Lakota Tribe called the area mako sica traditionally which literally translates to land bad hence why we call it the Badlands today. 

It is worth stopping at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at the Badlands as a great place to learn more about the park. Also if you are visiting this national park with kids you will want to pick a Junior Ranger pack. The Centre is open daily (Christmas and Thanksgiving exceptions). 

There are lots of great Badlands Hikes, including some easy Badland hikes that are suitable for novice hikers and people traveling to the national park with toddlers . 

Another must do in the Badlands, whatever type of traveler you are is to drive the Badlands scenic loop road, officially known as Highway 240. The views from this scenic byway are beautiful and take in many of the parks biggest highlights. 

The scenic highway is over 40 miles long and without stopping would take an hour to drive. However this would be missing out on so much. 

Our South Dakota Road Trip Planner featured the Badlands on Day 1

To be able to avail of some of the fantastic Badlands hikes as well as photo opportunities we recommend spending at least half a day of your South Dakota itinerary for this park. 

Also although there is plenty of things to do on the Scenic byway we also  recommend taking a slight detour at the start of your day to see Roberts Prairie Dog Town. These creatures are great to watch but if travelling with children please make sure they do not get too close.

The Praire Dog Town should be on your South Dakota Road Trip Planner

Once you have visited the Prairie Dog Town you can continue down the road. This is optional but we were glad we did as we saw the most spectacular herd of bison running here. It was a better bison experience than we had even in Yellowstone.

South Dakota Trip Itinerary – Visiting Badlands

Once you have detoured enough, head back towards the loop road. 

Some of our favourite hikes that we did on our trip with kids in Badlands were: 

• The Notch Trail (1.5 miles)
• Cliff Shelf Nature Trail (0.5 miles)
• Fossil Exhibit Trail (0.25) – this was my toddler’s favourite hike and is sure to be a favourite amongst any kids with the bronze wast fossil replicas and is a very easy boardwalk hike.

There are a few more strenuous hikes for those feeling more adventurous.

For more information on the best and easiest hikes in Badlands National Park click here. 

For those that are in a RV or who enjoy camping there are campgrounds within this national park that you can stay at. The most popular place to camp in the park is at Cedar Pass Campground followed by Sage Creek Campground.

Permits are not required in the campgrounds but it is always prudent to inform rangers of camping plans in more primitive campsites.

But if you prefer a lodge accommodation over camping and want to stay in the park then there is just one option which is Cedar Pass Lodge. 

Cedar Pass Lodge is made of wooden lodge cabins and have beautiful views of the national park. However it is worth noting that as this is the only lodge in the park, that is gets booked up very quickly. Therefore we recommend booking Cedar Pass Lodge well in advance to avoid disappointment. 

If you are not staying the park though we recommend heading to

There is no way you can miss Wall Drug. Whatever direction you are driving towards Badlands from you will see constant billboards for Wall Drug and really can not be missed.

It is one of those great American roadside attractions and an absolute must see in South Dakota. It is a wild west themed souvenir superstore. But alongside the gift shops there are also restaurants, a museum, a dinosaur and more. Families will really love it. 

It is a great place to get souvenirs from, stop for refreshments and use have a wander. You simply must try the donuts when you stop.

No South Dakota itinerary is complete without stopping at Wall Drug

If you want to stay close to Badlands, and you can’t get into the Cedar Pass lodge then your next closest place is the hotels in Wall. Again these hotels fill up quickly especially in peak season so again it is imperative that you make reservations early. 

We recommend spending one day of your South Dakota itinerary at the Badlands but if you want to do lots of hiking you could extend your time in the park. 

And as an added bonus, if you have extra time in your Badlands itinerary you could also stop at the Minuteman Missile Site. From the Ben Reifel Visitor Centre, it is only a 16 minute drive to get to the missile site. 

The Minuteman Missiles are a part of the Cold War history and were located in the great plains ready to be fired if need arose. At the site you can see the Missile launch areas as well as learn about the Cold War history. 

Day Two of the perfect South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary 

Today is another day of bigger hitter tourist attractions, indeed one of the biggest in the whole of the US and features the iconic Mount Rushmore alongside some other big South Dakota attractions. 

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore Instagram Captions and Quotes

For me no South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary is complete without visiting Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous and iconic tourist attractions in the US and a must for any USA Bucket list and certainly at the top of most people’s South Dakota bucket list. 

AS this is one of America’s most famous and revered attractions it should come as no surprise that Mount Rushmore gets very busy. For this reason we advise you to get to Mount Rushmore very early. 

When we visited on the  Labour Day Weekend we arrived at 5am and literally had the place to ourselves. Therefore my top piece of advice for creating your road trip to Mount Rushmore vacation itinerary is to get to Rushmore early – very early.

For those that don’t know Mount Rushmore is a a huge sculptural craiving in the granite of the Black Hills featuring four of America’s famous presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

The monument was completed in 1941, and was carved by sculptor Gutzon Borglum with his son and took just under 15 years to complete (1927-1941). 

I have been asked a few times since we went to Rushmore what was the experience like and how long we actually spent there. I will be honest, I didn’t time our visit but we spent well over an hour at the monument and we could have spent longer if we had done hikes while we were there.

Some of the attractions and things to include when visiting Mount Rushmore include: 

• Strolling the Avenue of Flags
• The Sculptors Studio 
• Lincoln Borglum Museum
• The  Presidents Trail – a hike which will take on an uphill trail to get a closer look at the sculptures.
• Eat the Famous Memorial Team Ice Cream

toddler at Mount Rushmore – Mount Rushmore with kids

The Avenue of Flags is a great place for those looking for great instagram photos and captions for Mount Rushmore as this avenue contains all the state and territories flags alongside the dates when they were admitted into the Union. 

In the Lincoln Borglum Museum has many interactive exhibits and is a great place to learn about the sculpting process. 

But perhaps the best thing to do at Rushmore is the President Trail. The trail is only 0.5 mile however don’t let the shortness of the trail fool you. It is more intensive than you think. There are well over 400 steps on this trail that takes you to get a closer look at the presidents heads. 

It is also a great place to spot wildlife though obviously not the best place in South Dakota for wildlife encounters

Also, although we recommend going to Mount Rushmore in the morning, if you can make your way back to Mount Rushmore in the evening, we recommend it. There is the Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony that is held nightly at the monument and is a beautiful way to see the sculpture all lit up. 

Now I wouldn’t plan a Mount Rushmore road trip itinerary as the only activity to do in one day but you could certainly plan to spend half a day there. 

For a complete guide to visiting Mount Rushmore including all of our top tips and for a full Mount Rushmore itinerary  check out this post.

Crazy Horse Monument

Why you Should include Crazy horse on your South dakota Road Trip itinerary

Once you have finished at Mount Rushmore we recommend taking a short 25 minute drive from Rushmore to the Crazy Horse Monument.

The Crazy Horse Monument is not as well known as Mount Rushmore but just as impressive. Here instead of the presidents being sculpted into the Granite, Crazy horse, Lakota warrior is depicted instead.

The Monument has been under construction since the 1940s and is no where near completion however it is still worth a visit. As once this monument is completed it will be the largest sculpture in the world. 

There is also a visitor center here when you can learn more about the battles between the Lakota Tribe and Government as well as more on the life and heritage of the Lakota.

The final stop of the day will be your second national park of your South Dakota road trip as you are heading to 

Wind Cave National Park 

Wind Cave is actually one of the oldest National Parks in the country and one of the largest cave systems in the world too! 

It is a great place to view wildlife but on your national park bucket list should be one of the guided tours of the caves. Be sure to check tour timings online here and plan your day accordingly.

Alternatively you could spend the afternoon at 

Keystone 

Keystone is known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore and is a town full of activities. If you are short on time for South Dakota vacation and you are most interested in Mount Rushmore then Keystone is a great place to base yourself out of. 

A popular place to stay out of Keystone is Mount Rushmore Under Canvas. However this is really for those traveling as a couple or with older instead of those traveling with younger children or toddlers. 

If you are traveling to Mount Rushmore with kids then they may enjoy the gold panning activity. 

However one of the most popular activities from Keystone is the 1880 Train from Keystone to Hill City, South Dakota. The train is a two hour round trip and is something my train loving son would adore. 

Day 3 and 4 of Your South Dakota Itinerary 

While on our South Dakota road trip itinerary so far we have hit two national parks, today is all about one of South Dakota’s most famous and beautiful State Parks, Custer State Park. 

Custer State Park

Custer State Park is renowned for having some amazing scenic drives as well as some of South DAkota’s best wildlife opportunities. 

Custer State Park, in my opinion,  in any other part of the country is likely to be national park due to the wildlife and drives. And in fact this is the largest state park in the whole of the US. 

There are 3 main parts of the scenic drive known as the Peter Norbeck Byway. These are:

• the Wildlife Loop
• Needles Highway, and
• the Iron Mountain Road. 

On top of these roads are favorite things to do in Custer State Park are:

Driving the Wildlife Loop

The wildlife loop is actually an 18 mile stretch of road that forms part o the Peter Norbeck Byway. We recommend heading to this part of the drive first thing in the morning if you can. Otherwise head there for dusk.

It is well known that animals are more active at sunrise and sundown so if you want to see wildlife this is the best time to go. 

Wildlife that you can see on this drive and that we did see include:

• Prairie Dogs
• Whitetail and Mule Deer
• Birds including eagles and hawks for instance. 

We actually found that we had better bison experiences in South Dakota over Yellowstone. And this is no surprise when you find out that there is a herd of 1000+ bison in Custer! In fact this herd is bigger than any other in the country.

This is definitely a highlight for any wildlife lover in South Dakota. 

Driving the Iron Mountain Road 

The Iron MOuntain Road is also known as 16A. There are lots of switch backs on this road and some amazing tunnels through the tunnels of the mountain. 

This road connects Mount Rushmore and Custer STate Park. 

Although they road is not all that long you will need at least an hour and a half to complete this road as the recommended speed limit on this is 20mph due to the bend and pigtail curves. 

Needles Highway

Perhaps the most famous of all the scenic roads in South Dakota is the Needles Highway. 

The Needles Highway, or Highway 87 (SD 87) as it is otherwise known, is a 14 mile long drive that goes through forests and amazing rock formations made of granite that shoot up from the ground like needles, hence the name. 

This is something you can definitely only do in South Dakota in Summer as this road shuts during the Winter. The reason for this is because it is quite a challenging drive and there are many tight tight tunnels to go through. 

In particular the most notorious tunnel is the Needles Eye tunnel. Please note that only small cars can actually fit through this very small tunnel. RVs and Trailers and larger vehicles definitely can not pass through. 

As only one vehicle can get through this tunnel at one time we advise doing this drive very early in the morning. The reason for this is that later in the day there can become a real logjam as you wait for cars to come through from both sides. 

Also it is worth noting that this drive is very popular with motorcyclists, especially around the Sturgis Rally weekend. 

If you plan to drive both the Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway you can expect it to take 2-3 hours. But if you are traveling at peak season and later in the day then it can take longer. 

Other great things to do in Custer State Park include:

• having a picnic on Sylvan Lake. 
• Black Elk Peak Hike if you are a more accomplished hiker. 

And on top of these natural attractions there are a few other activities that appeal to travelers but particularly for families. 

Some activities that you could do in Custer State Park include horse riding, restaurants, safari jeeps and more. We also recommend booking dinner in the park at the 

Chuck Wagon Dinner 

This is a traditional dinner from the Bluebell Lodge in the park. You take a 45 minute hayride through the park to go to a chuck wagon feast complete with food and singing. Just be sure to book this experience in advance as it does get filled up early. 

You can stay in the park at the Lodges, the most popular being the Bluebell Lodge, but be sure to make reservations early as this does get filled up very early. 

For more information on the perfect way to spend time in Custer check out our  two day Custer State Park Itinerary. 

Day 5 of your South Dakota vacation itinerary 

On Day 4 of our South Dakota vacation itinerary we recommend heading away from Rushmore and Rapid City towards the Black Hills and Deadwood. 

The first activity of the day is to drive the 

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

You may think after driving The Needles Highway and the Iron Mountain Road that south Dakota wouldn’t have many more scenic drives left to offer. However then you drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. 

This road is 22 miles long and will take you roughly two hours to drive if you want to stop at some of the amazing overlooks. 

Some of the most popular stops are at the many waterfalls along the road including but not limited to:

• Bridalveil Falls,
• Roughlock Falls, and
• Spearfish Falls

There is also a huge hydro power plan on the route that is worth stopping to see and film buffs will recognise much of the terrain as filming locations for the award winning film Dancing With Wolves. 

Once you have completed your drive we recommend the next stop on your trip as the town of Deadwood. 

Deadwood Cemetry

Deadwood is renowned because of its connections with many of the Wild West Era heroes and because of its popularity on film and screen such as in the TV show Deadwood with Timothy Oliphant and Ian McShane and also in films such as the classic musical Calamity Jane. 

In case you haven’t watched the TV show which tells the story of the towns foundation, Deadwood was founded in 1876 during the Gold Rush. 

It attracted many of Wild West America’s most famous people such as Wild Bill Hicock and Calamity Jane, both of whom have graves in the Deadwood cemetery. 

Deadwood was a dangerous place and largely abandoned at the close of the Gold Rush but now it is a popular tourist attraction in South Dakota. 

Some highlights on a trip to Deadwood are strolling down main street, finding famous graves in the graveyard or watching a recreation shootout. 

Black Hills National Forest

For those looking for some more outdoor pursuits I recommend visiting the Black Hills National Forest and enjoy some more hikes. 

Or alternatively you could go to Sturgis the town famous for its Motorbike rally but also for having a great Motorcycle Museum. 

Day 6 of your South Dakota Road Trip 

Ok, I know that this is your South Dakota Road Trip planner, however we recommend nipping just over the South Dakota border into Wyoming to visit 

Devil’s Tower National Monument

DEvils Tower National Monument

It would be a travesty to close to a national monument and not visit which is why we recommend heading to the Devil’s Tower. 

Devils Tower is a stroking geological feature and was famously the filming location for the culmination of the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It truly is a great place to spend a morning. 

Once you are finished we recommend heading into Rapid City to spend your last afternoon. 

Rapid City is a great city that has a lot to offer no matter what kind of traveller you are. We have a whole guide on visiting Rapid city with kids here but for your afternoon we recommend heading to one or two of the below attractions, depending on which appeals to you most. 

Dinosaur Park

A visit to Dinosaur Park for your south dakota vacation itinerary

A visit to Dinosaur Park is a must for your South Dakota vacation itinerary.  The Dinosaur Park was created to capitalised on the tourists visiting the area to see Mount Rushmore and to help spark economic growth in the region. 

The Dinosaur Park in Rapid City contains seven dinosaur statues on a hill overlooking the city and is now on the National Historic Register of Places.

At the park you can see the five original dinosaurs ( an apatosaurus, a T Rex, a Triceratops, a Stegosaurus and a Trachodon) as well as two other statues added at a later date. 

Admission to see the dinosaur park is free so it is a great thing to do if you are on a budget.

While there it is worth completing the Skyline Drive as it offers unrivalled views of the city.

Storybook island

Things to do In Rapid City with kids / Best Things to do in Rapid city with toddlers

If you are visiting Rapid City with toddlers or younger kids this quirky free attraction is a must. It is a small park created by the Rotary club of Rapid City and contains statutes of all the main storybook and fairytale characters

President Walk

Things to do in Rapid City

Another must in the centre of Rapid City is to walk the avenue of Presidents. The bronze life size sculptures are a really quirky way to end your visit to south Dakota.

All around the city you will find bronze statues of the presidents of the United States in famous poses. 

What else to add to your 7 day South Dakota Road Trip Planner

For your last day in South Dakota we recommend selecting the option that most appeals to you form the below, or covering something you missed off the above.

Some options for your final day include:

Bear Country

A drive through park that will guarantee bear spotting. This is a great addition to a road trip to South Dakota for people who want to see a bear but haven’t had any luck at seeing them in the wild. We tried during our trip but we didn’t see a bear unfortunately and this is a must do for us on our next visit to the area. 

The Reptile Gardens

The Reptile Gardens is a  guiness world record holding collection of reptiles. This was a huge hit with our toddler and I would say is one of the best things to do in Rapid City with toddlers. 

FAQS about planning a trip to South Dakota

How far out do you need to start planning a trip to south dakota.

We didn’t have much lead in time when we were planning a trip to South Dakota. We started planning about two weeks prior to our trip and we were travelling at peak season.

However we did find that some of the accommodation we initially considered such as places to stay near Mount Rushmore, Badlands and accommodation in Custer State Park were actually already fully booked.

If you want one of these accommodations, which I think really will enhance your experience then I would recommend that you start planning a trip to South Dakota about a year out however we are proof that you can plan last minute road trip to South Dakota. 

Should you buy an America the Beautiful Pass for this trip?

America the Beautiful Pass is an 80USD pass that grants you access to all the National Parks and some national monuments. However it does not grant access to the State Parks such as Custer. 

In this guide we recommend visiting Badlands (20USD Admission), Devils Tower (25 USD), Mount Rushmore (free)  and Wind Cave (free admission but tour is an additional fee). Custer State Park is outside of the America the Beautiful remit. 

Therefore if these are the only parks you plan to do in the year, it will not be a cost saving. However if you plan to visit more national parks and national monuments then the America the Beautiful Pass may be worth it for you. 

How far is Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore – can you do it in a one day?

If you only have one day in South Dakota then it is possible to do Badlands and Mount Rushmore in the same day.

The time between Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore is  about an hour and a half depending on traffic and which Badlands entrance you are at.

If you want to travel from Wall south Dakota to Mount Rushmore the driving time is around 1 hour 20 minutes. 

If possible however I would visit the Badlands and Wall on a different day to Rushmore to maximise time in your itinerary. 

Have you done a South Dakota Road Trip? What would you add to this itinerary? 

Saturday 15th of June 2019

Iron Mountain Road outside of Keystone is a must do. With the pigtail bridges, spectacular overlooks, and tunnels framing Mt. Rushmore I would put it on par with needles highway.

Angharad Paull

Monday 20th of May 2019

I've been to the Badlands - but a long time ago, I remember loving the name! This looks fab, what a great itinerary and I didnt know where Mount Rushmore was either! #fearlessfamtrav

Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays

Sunday 19th of May 2019

South Dakota is now on my list, ashamed to admit that if asked I would not have been able to tell you where Mount Rushmore was before! #FearlessFamilyTravel

MomOfTwoLittleGirls

Saturday 18th of May 2019

That looks like an awesome family trip. It's definitely one I'm pinning for our future US trip. To see running bison is a must!! #fearlessfamtrav

Nicky@Go Live Young

Friday 17th of May 2019

What a fantastic destination for a family road trip. The scenery looks amazing. The US is somewhere we need to explore a lot more of #fearlessfamtrav

South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary (4 + 7 Days)

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: June 4, 2020

UPDATED: February 16, 2024

A South Dakota road trip offers scenic byways, famous attractions and national parks. You can drive Needles Highway to Sylvan Lake and Black Elk Peak, and you can drive Iron Mountain Road from Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. South Dakota’s Black Hills are beautiful and filled with family friendly activities.

In this guide, we’re going to show you exactly how to plan the perfect South Dakota road trip itinerary for 4 days or 7 days based entirely on our own experiences in the area.

Introducing South Dakota

South Dakota is undoubtably most famous for Mount Rushmore, but there’s so much more to see in the beautiful Black Hills region.

We’re confident you will be left stunned by the awesome hiking and scenic drives on offer. And if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to get away from the crowds , South Dakota’s Black Hills are definitely for you.

Our South Dakota Road Trip Experience

We’ve explored far and wide throughout South Dakota’s Black Hills on two separate occasions, first in the fall of 2019 and again in the spring of 2021. We love the area and consider the Black Hills as one of the best road trips in the US .

We’ve personally visited every place, attraction, park and scenic road listed in this guide. Our itineraries are tried and tested , so you can rest assured they work. Read more about us .

Here’s a short YouTube video we put together with a GoPro from our first visit to South Dakota.

About This Guide

Planning the perfect South Dakota road trip itinerary begins with creating a priority list of attractions, hikes and scenic drives.

We’re going to start by showing you the 4 most unmissable places to visit in the Black Hills, followed by other places you should visit with more time . Later in the guide we will show you exactly how to plan South Dakota road trip itineraries for 4 days and 7 days .

Unmissable South Dakota Road Trip Stops

So what are the places you simply cannot miss on your visit to South Dakota?

Well, we’ve seen all there is to see in South Dakota’s Black Hills and here are the 4 stops we think all first time visitors should prioritize.

• Badlands National Park
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Custer State Park
• Black Elk Peak

Let’s take a closer look at each stop.

1. Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park should be included in every South Dakota road trip itinerary. It’s unique landscape is incredibly photogenic , there’s loads of fun short hikes and it can be accessed in less than one hour from Rapid City.

We think Badlands is one of the best US national parks because it’s so easy to visit, there’s never any crowds and the topography is spectacular. You’ll only need around 4 or 5 hours to fully explore Badlands.

Read more in our Badlands travel guides :

• Best things to do in Badlands National Park
• The best hikes in Badlands National Park
• How to hike Notch Trail in Badlands
• Best hotels near Badlands National Park
• Best Badlands National Park photo spots

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

How could you go to South Dakota and not see one of America’s most famous monuments ? It would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Mount Rushmore is located just 5 minutes drive from Keystone , which is one of the most popular places to set up base for a South Dakota road trip.

The iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is carved into a towering granite rock formation, which faces directly into the sun at dawn . We watched a stunning sunrise at Mt Rushmore when the former presidents faces turned from grey to pink and orange.

You can either look up at Mt Rushmore from a huge amphitheater or you can walk the Presidents Trail which is a boardwalk with over 200 steps taking you closer to the giant sculpture.

Read more in our Mount Rushmore travel guides :

• How to visit Mount Rushmore for the first time
• 10 best things to do near Mount Rushmore
• Best hotels near Mount Rushmore

3. Custer State Park

Custer State Park is one of the largest and best US state parks . We’ve been to dozens of amazing state parks and Custer is definitely up there as one of our favorites. If you’re planning a South Dakota road trip with your family, Custer State Park is one place you definitely can’t miss.

You can drive an 18-mile wildlife loop to see animals, hike several picturesque trails and take on 2 of the most scenic drives in America. Here’s a time-lapse for one of the two drives called Iron Mountain Road .

Read more in our Custer State Park travel guide:

• 6 best things to do in Custer State Park

4. Black Elk Peak Hike

Black Elk Peak is our top hiking recommendation for your visit to South Dakota. If you love to hike in new places, don’t miss the chance to summit this amazing trail. It’s a moderately difficult 7-mile roundtrip hike with magical views from the top.

We hiked Black Elk Peak during our first South Dakota road trip and it blew us away. You’ll find it included in our popular list of the 50 best hikes in the US .

Read more in our Black Elk Peak hiking guide :

• How to hike Black Elk Peak Trail in South Dakota

Places To Visit With More Time

We’ve covered the absolute must visits on your South Dakota road trip, but there’s loads more fantastic places you can also explore if you have more time or you like to create action packed itineraries .

We consider South Dakota’s Black Hills to be one of the best US vacation spots for a reason!

Here’s a list of the places you should visit with more time:

1. Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is a partially carved mountain sculpture , which has been under construction since 1948 but is still a long way from completion.

If it’s completed, Crazy Horse will be much larger than nearby Mount Rushmore. Entry fees are surprisingly steep for Crazy Horse but all proceeds go directly into furthering construction efforts.

2. Deadwood

Deadwood is a popular Wild West gold rush town , which has retained elements of its old western appearance.

You can stop for a hot chocolate in a quaint cafe next to the site where Wild Bill Hickok was assassinated in 1876, walk the historic main street and soak up the unique western architecture .

Further Reading: Where to stay in Deadwood SD

3. Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower is a remarkable and quite literally unmissable rock formation just across the border from South Dakota into Wyoming. The enormous igneous rock formation dominates the skyline and it’s even more impressive from close up.

You can hike an easy and relaxing loop trail around the base of Devils Tower but we also highly recommend the awesome view from Joyner Ridge .

Further Reading: How to visit Devils Tower National Monument

4. Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is one of the longest and most complex cave systems on the planet. It features unique formations known as boxwork.

You must join a daily ranger-led tour in order to walk through the vast Wind Cave network. Here are tour times throughout the year. Some tours can be reserved in advance but others are first come first served only.

There’s also a handful of nearby hikes with excellent views and you might even see wildlife roaming freely on the surrounding prairie.

5. Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave is the third longest cave in the world with 208 miles of mapped and surveyed passages. Similarly to Wind Cave, ranger led tours at 9:00am and 2:45pm are the only way to go inside the Jewel Cave network.

Jewel Cave features more common cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites, whereas Wind Cave features boxwork which is a rare honeycomb-like formation. We think Jewel Cave is the more attractive cave , but there’s more to see and do around Wind Cave.

6. Spearfish Canyon

The 20 mile drive through Spearfish Canyon scenic byway is one of the best hidden gem spots in the Black Hills. It’s a lovely drive within itself, but there’s also loads of great places to stop along the way including waterfalls and hikes.

We stopped to hike Devils Bathtub Trail which turned out to be a really fun unmarked trail running alongside a creek with plenty of crossings.

Now you know the best places to visit on your road trip through South Dakota, let’s get into the itineraries.

4 Days South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

We’re beginning with a 4 days South Dakota road trip itinerary that assumes you are booking a hotel in Keystone for the duration of your trip. Use the map above to see the attractions we recommend for each day.

Days 1, 3 and 4 are full with what we consider the most unmissable attractions. Day 2 has room for you to include your other top priorities, but we’ll also show you how we would spend the second day which you can see in the map above.

Day 1 – Badlands

Start the day by visiting the fantastic Minuteman Missile National Historic Site where you will learn all about the Cold War , including decommissioned US Nuclear Missile locations in South Dakota.

Next, enter Badlands National Park and spend the day hiking, exploring, wildlife spotting and taking photos of the alien-like landscape.

Later, drive to Wall which is just outside the northwest Badlands entrance to check out Wall Drug Store . Finally, drive to Keystone , grab dinner at old-west themed  Red Garter Saloon and check into your hotel.

Day 2 – Mount Rushmore

The major thing to see on day 2 is Mount Rushmore . You can do that any time of day and it really only takes a few hours at the most. Personally, we think sunrise is the best time of day to see the sculpture because it’s really quiet and the colors are amazing. But we know sunrise isn’t for everyone!

Remember, you can go to an evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore between June and September for a unique experience.

You’ll have action packed days 3 and 4 , so day 2 in this itinerary is the day to visit other places on your Black Hills wishlist like Deadwood, Wind Cave or even Devils Tower.

Personally we would do Mt Rushmore for sunrise, then drive to either Wind Cave or Jewel Cave (pre-booking a tour in advance), stop at Crazy Horse next on the way up to Deadwood , drive Spearfish Canyon and visit Devils Tower . It would be a long and busy day but it would mean seeing everything.

Day 3 – Custer State Park

Start the day by driving the super-scenic Iron Mountain Highway from Keystone to Custer State Park. You’ll love driving Iron Mountain Road which is essentially non-stop curves, hairpins, narrow tunnels with Mount Rushmore views and even pigtail turns.

Go to the Custer State Park visitor center and watch the movie narrated by Kevin Costner. Next, pay the $20 entrance fee for Custer State Park (good for 7 days) and drive the one way wildlife loop for 18 miles, Hopefully you’ll be able to see plenty of animals roaming. They’re most active in the morning and late afternoon.

After the wildlife loop, enter the east entrance to the awesome Needles Highway and drive as far as Cathedral Spires Trail , which is a popular short but moderately difficult hike. Complete the scenic Needles Highway drive, leaving to the west and without stopping at Sylvan Lake .

Day 4 – Black Elk Peak

Start the final day by driving to Sylvan Lake and the trailhead for Black Elk Peak . This amazing hike is the perfect way to finish a short but sweet South Dakota road trip. You already have your 7 day pass for Custer State Park so you won’t have to pay again to enter the Sylvan Lake area.

Hiking the moderately challenging 7-mile roundtrip Black Elk Peak Trail will take up a huge chunk of your day . However, if you’re an experienced hiker you can also take on the tough Sunday Gulch Trail which is located on the opposite side of Sylvan Lake.

Not a hiker? No problem!

You can change day 4 on this itinerary to instead visit the northern parts of the Black Hills. Your day would include Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon and Devils Tower. In this case, change your day 2 to focus more on the southern areas of the Black Hills.

7 Days South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

Let’s move onto our 7 days South Dakota road trip itinerary which covers all points of interest and takes things slowly . This itinerary assumes you are booking different hotels throughout your trip for the most efficiency.

Use the map above to see the most efficient one week South Dakota road trip. We’ve included hotel icons at the end of each day so you know where to stay every night.

Day 1 – Badlands National Park

Pick up your hire car at Rapid City airport and drive east on I-90.

Stop at Wall Drug and visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site before spending the afternoon soaking up extra-terrestrial views from scenic overlooks, hiking and spotting wildlife in Badlands National Park .

Our to hiking picks are Notch Trail and Door Trail . We highly recommend you stop at every overlook but definitely don’t miss Yellow Mounds for something a bit different. Stay in Badlands for sunset.

Either camp in Badlands, stay at Cedar Lodge inside the park or drive to Wall to stay in one of five hotels.

Day 2 – Badlands + Wind Cave

The beauty of having more time is that you can make the most of the best light . We highly recommend heading back into Badlands in the morning for sunrise .

This is also the time to hike any trails you missed yesterday like Castle Trail . If you didn’t arrive into Badlands until later on day 1, hike Notch Trail and Door Trail today. Once you’re done in Badlands, drive all the way down to Wind Cave National Park .

There’s a great little hike you can do near Wind Cave called Rankin Ridge Trail , which leads a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the park. Next, stop in at Wind Cave visitor center to get information about cave tours for the next morning if you haven’t already booked a tour online.

Check into a hotel in nearby Hot Springs .

Day 3 – Wind Cave, Needles Highway + Cathedral Spires

Get an early start and be at Wind Cave visitor center around 30 minutes before it opens for the day. Cave tours are split between advanced tickets and first come first served which sell out quickly after opening. And you can do more than one tour.

Grab lunch in Custer and then drive the famous Needles Highway scenic byway beginning on the east side. You’ll pay $20 entrance fee for Custer State Park at Needles Highway south entrance and it’s good for 7 days.

Stop at Cathedral Spires trailhead and park on the tight U-bend. The Cathedral Spires trail really showcases the natural beauty of the famous granite rock formations in the Black Hills.

Drive back to a Custer hotel for the night.

Day 4 – Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake + Black Elk Peak

Arrive at Custer wildlife loop as early as you can to stand the best chance of seeing animals when they’re most active. Drive slowly through the one way park and maybe even get out of your car to walk up a hill for a better view.

Drive Needles Highway again or take SD-89 for a more direct route to Sylvan Lake . There’s loads to do around Sylvan Lake, especially when the weather is warmer. Families can relax and have a picnic, the kids can swim or hike around the lake in a loop, and the adults can even take on Sunday Gulch .

However, our top recommendation for day 4 is to hike Black Elk Peak . You can see into 4 US states from the summit and even the trail itself is picturesque.

Once you are down, drive back to Custer again for the night.

Day 5 – Jewel Cave, Crazy Horse, Iron Mountain + Mount Rushmore

Arrive to Jewel Cave early to ensure you get onto a cave tour before they sell out. Jewel Cave is just 15 minutes drive from the town of Custer. After your cave tour you could hike the 5.5 mile roundtrip Hell Canyon Trail or you can drive straight to Crazy Horse .

You can actually see Crazy Horse from the main road without having to pay entry, which is helpful to know if you’re trying to balance the budget or you’re short on time .

Next, grab lunch in Custer before driving to the southern entrance for Iron Mountain scenic byway near Custer State Park visitor center. At the other end of the awesome Iron Mountain Road it’s finally time for you to visit Mount Rushmore !

By now it will be getting to the later part of the afternoon or early evening. You might be able to see the sun disappear behind the presidents heads and you also might want to stay for the evening light show .

Check into a Keystone hotel.

Day 6 – Deadwood + Spearfish Canyon

If you’re interested in photography, we highly recommend you wake up early and see Mt Rushmore at sunrise . It is just a few minutes drive from Keystone so you are perfectly located.

Later in the morning you can take US-385 north for 1 hour until you reach the small town of Deadwood . Once you arrive, walk down the historic main street, learn about famous Wild West characters and stop in somewhere for a coffee or a beer.

Spearfish Canyon is one of our favorite parts of the Black Hills. From Deadwood, take US-14 southwest as far as Cheyenne Crossing and Savoy. Stop first at Savoy to see Roughlock Falls . You can also hike Iron Creek or Devils Bathtub , before stopping at Bridal Veil Falls on the roadside.

Check into a hotel in Spearfish .

Day 7 – Devils Tower + Rapid City

Take either I-90 and US-14, or WY-24 to Devils Tower . We took the latter and it was a very peaceful drive. Spend the late morning walking around the base of Devils Tower and enjoying the views over this unique geological feature.

Before leaving, don’t forget to drive up to Joyner Ridge which has the best views of Devils Tower across the meadows.

Finally, you’ll drive I-90 to Rapid City to spend the afternoon relaxing around town. Rapid City is filled with excellent restaurants and it’s the best place to spend the night before flying out of Rapid City airport the next morning.

South Dakota Road Trip Packing

Packing for your South Dakota road trip will depend entirely on what time of year you decide to visit.

We first visited South Dakota in October when the weather was perfect for hiking in shorts and t-shirts but it was cold in the morning and at night.

The second time we visited the Black Hills in April and there was a lot of snow on the ground , which of course meant it was much colder.

If you visit in summer you can expect hot days so your packing list will look very different to a spring or fall trip.

Here’s a quick packing list of items to remember no matter when you visit the area:

• America the Beautiful Pass – REI
• Car emergency kit – First Secure
• In case of snow – Snow Brush
• Hiking shoes – Men | Women
• Day hiking backpack – Best day bags
• Down Jacket – Men | Women

Further Reading: Essential road trip packing list

Where To Stay

You won’t have any issues finding places to stay on your South Dakota road trip.

We’ve written a comprehensive guide to the best hotels near Mount Rushmore , which goes into far greater detail on choosing the perfect places to stay in the entire region.

You might also want to read our ultimate guide on how to book the cheapest hotels  to learn about ways you can save money.

Below you will find our recommended lodging options for each stop along this South Dakota road trip itinerary.

1. Badlands Lodging

Campgrounds

There are 2 campgrounds inside the National Park: Cedar Pass RV Park and Campground has facilities but Sage Creek Campground is primitive (without facilities).

Cedar Pass Lodge is the only accommodation located within the park.

There are five hotels in Wall near Badlands National Park:

• Badlands Frontier Cabins
• Best Western Plains Motel
• Americas Best Value Inn Wall
• Days Inn by Wyndham Wall
• Travelodge by Wyndham Wall

Further Reading: Where to stay near Badlands National Park

2. Mount Rushmore Lodging

Camping is very popular around the Mount Rushmore area. Black Hills National Forest has around 30 campgrounds to choose between.

Keystone is the most convenient place to stay near Mt Rushmore. It has a very central location among the best things to do in the area.

Here are some of the top rated hotels in Keystone:

• Rockerville Lodge + Cabins
• Comfort Inn + Suites
• Powder House Lodge
• Roosevelt Inn
• Rushmore Express + Suites

Further Reading: The best hotels in Keystone SD

3. Custer State Park Lodging

Custer State Park has 10 campground options available, including in the foothills of Black Elk Peak near Sylvan Lake.

If you’d prefer to set up a base closer to Custer State Park’s wildlife loop and Black Elk Peak, stay in the town of Custer which is in between the two attractions.

Here are the best value hotels in Custer to consider:

• Chalet Motel
• Chief Motel
• Rocket Motel
• Comfort Inn
• Holiday Inn Express

Further Reading: The best hotels in Custer SD

Camping Special

Are you planning to camp during your road trip through South Dakota?

We’ve teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers an exclusive no strings attached 30 day free trial with The Dyrt PRO .

This is our favorite camping app because it finds the best campgrounds along any driving route and there are no additional booking fees. You can also use Dyrt Alerts to receive notifications when sold out campgrounds have cancellations.

In Conclusion

South Dakota’s Black Hills region has a wide range of attractions and activities to suit travelers of all ages and preferences. If it’s your first time in South Dakota, you shouldn’t miss Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Black Elk Peak.

We’ve enjoyed two fantastic road trips through South Dakota. We think 4 days is easily enough time to see the highlights of South Dakota’s Black Hills but 7 days would allow you to slow down, see fewer attractions each day and have a more relaxing experience.

More From South Dakota

• Exactly how to hike Black Elk Peak Trail
• The best things to do in Custer State Park
• Complete Mount Rushmore vacation planner

More US Road Trips

• Best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip
• Best places to visit on a New England fall road trip
• How to plan a Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip
• How to plan a Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip
• Complete guide to the best Utah road trips
• The perfect 3 day Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip itinerary

Want more South Dakota content? Head over to our South Dakota Travel Guides to explore Mount Rushmore, Badlands, the Black Hills and beyond.

We hope this South Dakota road trip itinerary guide helps with planning your Black Hills vacation!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need help planning your trip in the comments section below.

Happy road tripping,

Mark and Kristen

Was This Guide Helpful? Pin It For Your Visit To South Dakota!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

4 thoughts on “South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary (4 + 7 Days)”

6 Seniors going on a South Dakota trip in May, Not many hikers in our group. What would be the best location to stay so we only have 1 location to drive out from each day. Moving each day is not real practical for us. Also, any ideas replacing the hiking parts of the tour. Great info, thanks so much.

Hi Jim, great to hear you have a trip to SD planned. Rapid City could be the best place for you to stay – it has a greater hotel selection, more places to eat and drink, and it has easy access to I-90 so you can easily reach Badlands, Devils Tower and all other spots in the Black Hills. If you’d rather be right in the Black Hills, you can stay in Keystone near Mt Rushmore, or in Custer which is close to Sylvan Lake and Wind Cave. It depends on how many days you are going for and what you would prefer to see, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied even without the hikes. Have a great trip!

Really enjoying your national park posts, keep them coming.

Glad you’re enjoying the US National Park posts Graham, we’re enjoying writing them!

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Dakota

Written by Brad Lane Updated May 4, 2023

Author Brad Lane has enjoyed traveling throughout South Dakota.

South Dakota offers tourist attractions and rugged natural beauty in the center of the country. From badlands jutting into the sky to National Music Museums, South Dakota offers several reasons to take a family vacation.

The outdoors is truly stunning in South Dakota, arguably drawing the most visitors. The Black Hills on the western side of the state define most outdoor adventures. Within these wooded acres, which supported Indigenous populations for thousands of years, are an array of places to visit, like underground caves and larger-than-life monuments.

The landscapes of South Dakota come with a unique history that adds to the experience of visiting. Other sightseeing destinations, like Deadwood, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Good Earth State Park, also expand on the history of the region.

Find your own story to tell with our list of the top attractions in South Dakota.

1. Mount Rushmore National Monument

2. custer state park, 3. badlands national park, 4. falls park, 5. crazy horse memorial, 6. wind cave national park, 7. mammoth site, 8. deadwood, 9. spearfish canyon, 10. national music museum, 11. good earth state park at blood run, 12. sertoma butterfly house and marine cove, 13. old courthouse museum, 14. rapid city, map of tourist attractions in south dakota.

Mount Rushmore National Monument is South Dakota's most prominent tourist attraction. Carved into the side of the mountain are the heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The carving, designed by Gutzon Borglum, was begun in 1927, halted for several decades, and finally completed in 1991.

More than 400,000 tons of rock were blasted from the side of the mountain in its creation. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center on the terrace overlooking the monument is a fun part of any visit. The 0.6-mile Presidential Trail departs from the terrace, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the monument. The monument is illuminated in the evening and accompanied by a patriotic ceremony.

While Mount Rushmore is often a defining feature of a South Dakota vacation, most people only spend about a half day at the monument. The Black Hills surrounding Mount Rushmore offer many more days to add to a vacation itinerary. To make the most out of the area, it's recommended to look into some of the best campgrounds near Mount Rushmore .

Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, South Dakota

Custer State Park is one of the best state parks in South Dakota and covers a wide range of adventure terrain. A large herd of bison roams the peaceful landscape, encompassing a staggering 71,000 acres, and Granite peaks tower over the forests, lakes, and streams.

Scenic drives, like the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road , provide easy access to the park with great views along the way. And several campgrounds within the park host visitors from around the world. For the more adventurous, there are trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

One must-travel route in Custer is the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail. This waterfront route leads around the rock-lined reservoir and has many side trails to explore. In the same area, hikers will also find the challenging trailhead leading up to Black Elk Peak , formerly known as Harney Peak, standing tall as the highest peak in the state.

Another top thing to do at Custer State Park is tour the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road in the southeast corner of the park. The best time to make this scenic loop is early morning or late evening when the resident bison are most active.

Address: 13329 U.S. 16A, Custer, South Dakota

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Custer, South Dakota

The dramatic landscape of Badlands National Park consists of uniquely formed hills and pinnacles made from the erosion of clay and sand. A large herd of bison roams freely within the park, adding a unique element to the whole experience. This inhospitable scenery is strangely beautiful and one of South Dakota's most visited destinations.

Parking places and viewpoints line the Badlands Loop Road , which tours the scenic environment from the northwestern Pinnacles Entrance to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center . Changing vistas of rugged rock formations are the real appeal of this scenic route, as well as the Buffalo Gap National Grassland , one of the last remaining intact prairie landscapes in North America.

The Cedar Pass area is home to the park's eight designated trails. Routes like the Door, Window, and Notch Trails offer an easy hike into the challenging environment. Maps are available from park administration or from visitor centers. The best campgrounds at Badlands National Park include two within the park and several in the adjacent communities.

Falls Park is the centerpiece attraction of Sioux Falls in the southeast corner of the state. The namesake park encompasses over 120 acres and a picturesque scene where the Big Sioux River tumbles through the landscape.

This massive public park and popular place to visit offers several vantage points of the moving water, including a five-story observation tower . Other visitor amenities include paved hiking trails, picnic benches, and an Information Center. It's easy to spend the whole day at the tumbling park when the weather is nice.

And Falls Park is just the tip of things to do in Sioux City . The town has other outdoor landscapes to explore, like the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail. Sioux City is also home to several cultural attractions, and anyone visiting should also spend time wandering downtown.

The Crazy Horse Memorial, north of Custer, has been a work in progress since it was begun in 1947. The head and upper body portion of revered Lakota leader Crazy Horse have been carved into this mountain, similar to the Mount Rushmore carvings just down the road.

The on-site Indian Museum of North America enriches any visit to Crazy Horse. The museum grounds feature several visitor experiences , including the Native American Education and Cultural Center. Visitors can access scheduled bus rides to the base of the memorial throughout the day to meet Crazy Horse face-to-face.

Address: 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park , located just north of Hot Springs , is home to a huge karstic cave system, thought to be among the largest in the world. It was discovered in 1881 by a hunter who noticed a draft coming from a split in the rock. The cave contains a unique and delicate cave structure known as "boxwork , " which is found in only a few other places in the world.

The only way to explore Wind Cave is through one of many guided sightseeing tours that take place nearly every day of the year. Different tours are available for different ability levels, with most routes following lighted and cement pathways installed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

For those not interested in an underground tour, the above-ground area of the park is also very beautiful, with rolling hills and roaming bison. The Elk Mountain Campground at the national park sits among these above-ground surroundings and provides a less crowded experience than other campgrounds in the area.

The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs features several preserved Columbian mammoth bones . More than 60 mammoths, including three woolly mammoths, have been discovered at this site. Visitors can see partially uncovered mammoth bones shown as they were found , in a covered, climate-controlled building.

Guided tours are available, giving visitors a glimpse of the excavation process. Junior and Advanced Paleontology Classes are available for anyone interested in getting their hands dirty. The on-site Ice Age Exhibit Hall displays some of the fossils being found underground. Standard admission tickets are required to tour the site.

The Mammoth Site hosts all sorts of special events and weekly activities. Their event calendar includes things like family archaeology nights and Atlatl lessons. These programs typically take place throughout the summer. Tours of the dig site are available throughout the year.

Address: 1800 US Bypass, Hot Springs, South Dakota

Deadwood was a famous gold-mining town on the Frontier of the American West, spurred by the discovery of gold in the surrounding hills in 1875. Dense Black Hills still surround this blast-from-the-past destination, steeped in a rich history still seen on the streets.

Deadwood's Wild West origins are on full display and waiting to be experienced throughout the downtown streets. Some of the top attractions of Deadwood include reenacted shootouts on Historic Main Street , the Adams Museum, and the Broken Boot Gold Mine .

Mount Moriah Cemetery is another fun place to visit in Deadwood, serving as the final resting place for some of the biggest characters of the Wild West, including "Wild Bill" Hickok , who met his demise in a local Deadwood establishment.

The city still has a touch of its wilder days, but much of the fun is centered around families looking to enjoy a South Dakota vacation. The town does attract an evening crowd with several places to visit and things to do at night.

Spearfish Canyon is a beautiful natural area known for an abundance of ponderosa and spruce pines and stunning waterfalls from dramatic cliffsides. Popular roadside attractions and hikes in Spearfish Canyon include Bridal Veil and the Rough Lock Falls, and the Spearfish Peak and Little Crow Peak.

Any time of the year guarantees beautiful natural scenery along the 22-mile route. New color bursts forward in the spring until everything is aglow in Spearfish Canyon throughout the summer. However, the fall is arguably the best time to visit, thanks to the stunning change of color.

Just north of Spearfish is the geographical center of the United States. The city of Spearfish, the northern terminus of Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, is a great base camp, with a lively community and several places to spend the night. The nearby Spearfish City Campground is one of the best campgrounds in South Dakota .

The National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion features thousands of American, European, and non-Western instruments from all over the world. The museum also covers a wide range of historical periods.

At this self-touted spot for music lovers, a small admission fee provides access to a wide variety of musical instruments, ranging from American electric guitars to German zithers.

The museum features over 15,000 instruments on display. A recent renovation of the museum space included several new display cases and a brightly lit gallery. Music aficionado or not, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of musical instruments.

Address: 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion

Good Earth State Park is on the western side of the state and the outskirts of Sioux Falls. It has a deep history in the area despite its relatively new status as a state park. It's part of the larger Blood Run National Historic Landmark and occupies a lush area that once served as a thriving trading center and gathering place for the Oneota people .

The site is currently regarded as one of the oldest areas of human history in the country. Visitors today can learn about the culture and history of the area through a newly installed 11,000-square-foot visitor center.

The park also maintains over 650 acres of native habitat , including interpretive trails that lead to the Big Sioux River. These allow visitors to experience the environment that has hosted these Native American people for thousands of years.

Address: 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The Sertoma Butterfly House in Sioux Falls is home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies from all over the world. While the butterflies are the true highlight, Sertoma also features an extensive aquarium that is home to a variety of marine life in tanks and petting pools .

Popular exhibits and activities at the Butterfly House include the Pacific Tide Pool and Shark & Stingray Touch Pool , and the 3,600-square-foot indoor tropical garden that hosts the butterflies. The new Under the Dock exhibit illustrates in a fun way the wide world of aquatic life never too far away.

Visitors are also encouraged to check out weekly classes and events at the Sertoma Butterfly House, including yoga, meditation, and tai-chi in the garden. The Butterfly House and Aquarium is open seven days a week between 10am and 4pm.

Address: 4320 Oxbow Avenue, Sioux Falls

The Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls is a restored 1800s quartzite building with three floors. The interior contains several interesting features, including murals on the walls showing life in an earlier era of South Dakota. All the museum exhibits relate to the history of the state and town .

Admission is free , although donations are accepted. Popular permanent exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum include a replica of a 19th-century schoolroom and an artifact-filled gallery dedicated to the First World War.

Address: 6th and Main Street, Sioux Falls

Rapid City is a popular tourist destination within the Black Hills on the western side of the state. It's a common basecamp for those interested in exploring the area's monuments, like Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, within a scenic hour's drive. Rapid City is also nearly equidistant from Badlands National Park.

Rapid City has plenty of in-town attractions . Popular things to do include visiting Storybook Island and the Chapel in the Hills. However, the must-visit in Rapid City is Reptile Gardens , featuring a wide variety of animals and floral presentations.

The city has several restaurants and hotel options that support the generous summer traffic. Expect the highest prices during summer, but this time of year does have the warmest weather. Consider visiting in the fall for cooler weather and better prices.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Places to Visit in South Dakota: The things to do in South Dakota spread far and wide. You'll find plenty of culture in cities like Sioux Falls , and Rapid City . Outside of the urban areas, the national parks of South Dakota offer a range of outdoor adventures. For ideas on great places to pitch your tent or park your RV, see our article on the top campgrounds in South Dakota .

More on South Dakota

The 30 things everyone should do at least once in South Dakota, according to people who've done them

Posted: May 23, 2024 | Last updated: May 23, 2024

Highest-rated things to do in South Dakota, according to Tripadvisor

Whether you've lived in South Dakota your whole life or are planning a trip there for the first time, there are plenty of things to do no matter your tastes. From historic landmarks and museums to stunning parks and hiking trails, Stacker compiled a list of the highest things to do in South Dakota on Tripadvisor .

The list includes must-see sites, unusual activities off the beaten path, iconic buildings and museums, and plenty of places you're likely to have heard of and still others that may be new to you. Whether you're a seasoned local or looking for something fun to do during your visit, we've got you covered. Keep reading for the highest-rated things to do in South Dakota.

#30. Needles Eye

- Rating: 5 / 5 (1,687 reviews) - Category: Geologic Formations - Read more on Tripadvisor

#29. Downtown Rapid City

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,251 reviews) - Category: Neighborhoods - Read more on Tripadvisor

#28. Spearfish Canyon

- Rating: 5 / 5 (774 reviews) - Category: Canyons - Read more on Tripadvisor

#27. Days of '76 Museum

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (238 reviews) - Category: History Museums - Read more on Tripadvisor

#26. Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (267 reviews) - Category: Speciality Museums - Read more on Tripadvisor

#25. Rushmore Tramway Adventures

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,338 reviews) - Category: Amusement & Theme Parks - Read more on Tripadvisor

#24. The Museum @ Black Hills Institute

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (262 reviews) - Category: Natural History Museums - Read more on Tripadvisor

#23. South Dakota Air and Space Museum

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (904 reviews) - Category: Military Museums, Speciality Museums - Read more on Tripadvisor

#22. Broken Boot Gold Mine

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (375 reviews) - Category: Mines - Read more on Tripadvisor

#21. SculptureWalk & Arc of Dreams Monument

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (532 reviews) - Category: Hiking Trails - Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Tatanka: Story of the Bison

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (419 reviews) - Category: Speciality Museums, Points of Interest & Landmarks - Read more on Tripadvisor

#19. Badlands National Park

- Rating: 5 / 5 (743 reviews) - Category: National Parks - Read more on Tripadvisor

#18. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (112 reviews) - Category: Sporting Events - Read more on Tripadvisor

#17. Storybook Island

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (803 reviews) - Category: Amusement & Theme Parks - Read more on Tripadvisor

#16. Sylvan Lake

- Rating: 5 / 5 (1,901 reviews) - Category: Bodies of Water - Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Adams Museum

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (683 reviews) - Category: History Museums - Read more on Tripadvisor

#14. Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,668 reviews) - Category: Natural History Museums, Science Museums - Read more on Tripadvisor

#13. Historic Old Town

- Rating: 4 / 5 (1,140 reviews) - Category: Historic Walking Areas - Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. Iron Mountain Road

- Rating: 5 / 5 (1,647 reviews) - Category: Scenic Drives - Read more on Tripadvisor

#11. Loop Road

- Rating: 5 / 5 (1,930 reviews) - Category: Scenic Drives - Read more on Tripadvisor

#10. Black Elk Peak

- Rating: 5 / 5 (282 reviews) - Category: Mountains - Read more on Tripadvisor

#9. Mount Moriah Cemetery

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,774 reviews) - Category: Cemeteries - Read more on Tripadvisor

#8. Wildlife Loop Road

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,652 reviews) - Category: Scenic Drives - Read more on Tripadvisor

#7. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (11,329 reviews) - Category: National Parks, Monuments & Statues - Read more on Tripadvisor

#6. Adams House

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (479 reviews) - Category: Historic Sites, History Museums - Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. Custer State Park

- Rating: 5 / 5 (5,884 reviews) - Category: State Parks - Read more on Tripadvisor

#4. Falls Park

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (3,264 reviews) - Category: Parks - Read more on Tripadvisor

#3. Reptile Gardens

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,204 reviews) - Category: Nature & Wildlife Areas, Zoos - Read more on Tripadvisor

#2. Needles Highway

- Rating: 5 / 5 (882 reviews) - Category: Scenic Drives - Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. Bear Country USA

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (4,010 reviews) - Category: Nature & Wildlife Areas - Read more on Tripadvisor

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South Dakota Road Trip – 7 Stops You Don’t Want To Miss

South Dakota. Driving east on I-90, the state seems pretty boring and flat. Then just before you hit the Wyoming border, BOOM! You got Rapid City, the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills! Our opinion quickly changed about a South Dakota road trip. Here is our recommendation for an epic South Dakota Family Vacation!

If you have even more time look to add this road trip into a National Park road trip and continue on the adventure!!

Table of Contents

South Dakota Road Trip Route

The Badlands

The Badlands are awesome! They are so beautiful and unlike landscapes you would normally see in the United States. It is so weird how they aren’t there and then all of a sudden you drive into the park and there are these amazing formations everywhere. It’s like you’re on another planet!

When we went, it was hot. Like hot with a capital H. O. T!! They say that happens in the Badlands and it is usually warmer than other areas. It must have to do with the ground and how it reflects or absorbs the heat (I don’t really know what I am talking about), but just believe me when I say it gets HOT! Like regularly 100+ in the summer.

Hiking In The Badlands

There are some really cool hiking areas, like the Notch Trails, so be prepared by bringing water and not going too far down a trail without having water with you. Plus if you are going to be climbing, make sure your kids have Keens or running shoes on. We had regular flip flop sandals and we were slipping all over the place.

There are lots of opportunities to get out and climb and see some amazing views! Even though it is hot, you can still look for wildlife like prairie dogs. It was too hot for our kids and I don’t blame them.

We spent a lot of time in our car driving around and checking things out. Then we would jump out of the car to check out a cool spot for 5 minutes then jump right back in the car. You can drive Badlands Loop Road for a great look at the north part of the Badlands.

They do have a nice air conditioned visitor center with a museum, an opportunity to get your Junior Ranger badge, and even get a Badlands tattoo!

I would expect nothing less from a place called the Badlands! If you are continuing your trip east from the Badlands, check out Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Learn more about boondocking in Badlands National Park . This is another area with few places to stay. So if you’re looking for a lot of vacation home, hotel, or campground options during your South Dakota family vacation, you’ll probably have to look farther out.

Nomad View – There is an epic camping spot you can stay at right outside the park. It is on BLM land so it is free but there are no hookups and it can get crazy windy. But the views are amazing! If you are interested in staying here and boondocking check out our post for tips on boondocking.

We weren’t sure what to expect of a city in South Dakota that’s near Sturgis and Deadwood, but we were pleasantly surprised by how cool the downtown area was! If Rapid City isn’t on your list of places to visit on your South Dakota road trip, it should be.

They have an awesome square in the city that has a stage for music, a large open grassy area, and a splash pad for kids. The square is also surrounded with restaurants and shops. We ate down the street at the Firehouse Brewing Company . It was a great family friendly restaurant with a nice outdoor eating area and the kids all left with fireman hats. Score!

After dinner we walked down the street and hung out in the square, played tag on the grass, danced on the stage, and of course got soaked in the splash pad. When it gets dark you can keep playing in the colorful lights that go on display making it look like the water is changing colors.

They also have amazing murals on the outside walls of the buildings and statues on the street corners throughout the downtown area. I am sure the city has even more to offer, but our kids were happy and content in the square so we just hung out there.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Even though it’s an hour driving west of Rapid City, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a gorgeous 20 mile drive through the Black Hills of South Dakota . With vertical cliffs and high walls, some of the canyons only get 1 hour of sunlight a day. This drive should make your list of things to do on your South Dakota road trip!

Dinosaur Park

**Temporarily closed. Reopening in May 2024 hopefully!

This is a free park at the top of Rapid City where the kids can climb around on dinosaurs. There is also an amazing view of the city from here.

The Dinosaur park has a gift shop/concession area. I think it is worth a stop if you are in the area!

Where to stay

Vacation home.

Luxurious Purle House – Renovated historic home located just 5 minutes from all the downtown shops and restaurants. Take a walk or ride your bike!

Staybridge Suites Rapid City – Rushmore – Located in Rapid City just miles away from downtown, the Rushmore Mall, and museums, this hotel offers a swimming pool and is pet friendly.

The Rushmore Hotel & Suites – Just a 10 minute walk from downtown, the Rushmore Hotel is a great location to stay in Rapid City. It also has a martini lounge with live music on the weekends.

Bear Country

We almost didn’t go. We had just been to Yellowstone and we had seen multiple bears out in the wild. However, I read a few reviews and they were really good, so we decided to give it a try. I am really glad we did. It was really cool!

You drive in, pay, and then follow a road through the park which takes you right into the habitat of each of the animals. They had wolves, mountain lions, bears, and more! I mean Oh My!

When we got to the bears, we couldn’t believe how many there were. There had to be over 20 bears and they were right there next to your car. They were very clear about how you HAD to keep your windows closed at all times and I see why!

When you were done driving through, you pulled over in a parking lot and walked around to check out all the baby animals. There were the cutest bear cubs, baby foxes, and so many more adorable baby animals.

We highly recommend making this one of your stops on your South Dakota road trip! We have mixed feeling about zoos and animals in captivity. Especially since being at Yellowstone. But I have to say that the animals all looked well fed and happy.

**Open seasonally!!

Custer State Park

Custer State Park covers 71,000 miles and is South Dakota’s largest state park. While you are here we recommend you visit the Black Hills, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake and do the Wildlife Loop Road.

If you are looking for a unique adventure check out this hot air balloon trip over the Black Hills and Custer State Park!

Check out all the details below:

Black Hills

We were really impressed with the Black Hills National Forest area which includes Custer State Park and the stops we list below. There are so many great things to do in the Black Hills .

Iron Mountain Road

We drove this beautiful 17 mile road which consists of 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 tunnels, and some of the best scenery in South Dakota! As you drive, you go through these super tight square cut-outs in the mountains. A couple of them give you an amazing view of Mount Rushmore. If you have a high zoom lens for your camera, bring it with you because you can get some amazing pictures!

Norbeck Overlook

We stopped at Norbeck Overlook on the Iron Mountain Road and the kids did some impromptu rock scrambling. Then we continued driving.

When driving through, make sure the vehicle you have isn’t too tall or wide for some of the tunnels on the drive. There are literally square cut-outs in the rock that only a single car can fit through. Consult the all-knowing Google if you have a wide car or a dually truck. This was one of the coolest drives we have been on and is definitely a must on a South Dakota family vacation.

Needles Highway

Another must-see is Needles Highway. Seriously do it! You drive up to the top of the mountain and see these needle-like formations. They were really cool and looked like something out of the Lord of the Rings. Precious!

Once you reach the top you drive through this tight tunnel. It is a bit nerve wrecking but also really cool!

Sylvan Lake

At the top is Sylvan Lake. We brought our blow up paddle boards and got out to do some paddle boarding and to hang out by the lake. There is a beach area here as well but it was pretty busy so we opted to set up on the grass across the lake from the beach. It was perfect for paddle boarding.

You can also hike around Sylvan Lake for a nice easy walk.

Sunday Gulch Trail

An awesome 4 mile loop trail that is marked as Hard on All Trails . We did it clockwise which meant that we climbed up and out of the gulch at the end which was super fun. I would not want to go counter clockwise and climb down into the gulch first. It is hard but well worth it!

Wildlife Loop Road

We have done this drive a couple times and we have heard that you could see a lot of animals. Unfortunately we only saw a few our first time. It was a nice drive but after being at Yellowstone , it just couldn’t compare.

The second time we saw a huge herd of Bison. We were hoping to see the burrows but we never did. After seeing the bison (close by where we started) we didn’t see anything else and it was a somewhat long and boring drive . . . I guess it just depends on what animals are out.

If you are in the area, we still recommend you stop. It was really pretty and we know people who have had the burrows actually stick their heads in the window of your car! If you want to know more check out this post: Things do in Custer State Park .

Vacation Homes

The Wandering Goat – A 3-acre getaway provides a nice place to relax on the 3-sided porch to take in all the beautiful views after a day at Custer State Park.

Cozy Creekside Cottage – This cottage is a little off the beaten path but only a short drive to Custer State Park. The outside deck area has a grill and a gas fireplace.

Hidden Lake Campground and Resort – About a 45 minute drive from Custer State Park, Hidden Lake Campground is situated on a lake. Go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing during your stay.

Larsson’s Crooked Creek Resort – Located 2 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota this campground has 84 RV sites, 15 cabins, a 14-room lodge, and12 Presidential Creek Side Sites. Amenities include a barn with music and kids movies and an on-site café and bakery.

There are very few places to stay in this area so just be aware as you’re planning your South Dakota family vacation.

Mount Rushmore

I have mixed feelings about Mount Rushmore National Memorial . I mean it is a mountain with faces carved out of it . . . But it is one of those places that you can’t not do on a South Dakota road trip. I don’t know if it is the National Park setup that makes it that way or if it is just the awe of what they were capable of doing to the rock and how cool and detailed the faces are.

If you have never been, you should go. There is a museum area, a video, restaurant, and concessions. Plus your kids can get a Junior Ranger badge (check, homeschooling done for the day!).

We stayed late to see the lighting of Mount Rushmore. I wouldn’t recommend you do that. We thought there would be a light display or fireworks or something. Nope, they literally just put a spot light on the mountain, and prior to that, they talked for about 20 minutes. If your kids are older, they would enjoy the talk and presentation beforehand. With younger kids, they couldn’t have cared less. So we spent the majority of the time trying to keep them quiet.

Then when the light show was done, we sprinted for the car so we didn’t get stuck in the parking garage! So, if you are going to stay, you would want to watch/listen from as far back as possible so you can be the first one out. A trick Clark Griswold taught me 🙂

You don’t have to pay for getting into Mount Rushmore (this was a stipulation by the designer or something) but you do have to pay to park. Sneaky sneaky.

If you are looking for a tour so you don’t have to do the planning check out this Rapid City: Private Black Hills Monument Full Day Tour.

The Carriage House at McDonald Mountain Ranch – Although this is only a 1 bedroom cabin, it does have 2 bathrooms, 2 levels, and would be great for a quick stay. Offers a washer/dryer and is just a short drive from Mount Rushmore.

Keystone Escape w/ Amazing Mt Rushmore View – The porch views from this escape are breathtaking. This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom cabin would be great for a family looking to explore Mount Rushmore.

Baymont by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt. Rushmore – Located in Keystone, South Dakota, this hotel is less than 2 miles from Mount Rushmore. Black Hills National Forest is only 12 miles away.

Ramada by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt Rushmore – Just minutes away from Mount Rushmore, this option offers an indoor heated pool, hot tub, gift shop, and fireplaces in the guest rooms.

If you are looking for more parks nearby, Wind Cave National Park is about a 30 minute scenic drive south of Custer State Park. If you have extra time, this stop would be a great addition to your South Dakota family vacation.

South Dakota has a lot to offer and you could either make it a quick stop as part of a longer road trip or you could stay in Rapid City for the week and spend a good day or two at each of the locations we mentioned.

We spent a week there and know there is a ton more to do, like the 1880 train in Keystone, South Dakota. Let us know in the comments of other places you have been to in South Dakota. I’m sure we’ll be back!

Also if you like this area we recommend checking out these other great posts for family vacations and road trips!

Things to do with kids in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Road Trip With Kids: 11 Tips To Make It Enjoyable For Everyone

Florida Keys Road Trip: 29 Amazing Places To Visit [Map Included]

Florida Road Trip: 31 Amazing Places You Won’t Want To Miss

6 Epic National Park Road Trip Ideas [Maps Included]

37 Stops For The Best Cross Country Road Trip [Map Included]

Utah Road Trip: All 5 Utah National Parks & More [Map Included]

26 Oregon Coast Road Trip Stops You Don’t Want To Miss

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9 thoughts on “South Dakota Road Trip – 7 Stops You Don’t Want To Miss”

My kids are grown now – the youngest graduates from college this year but 5 years ago we took an epic out west road trip and included South Dakota in our trip. We went to several of the places that you went to including Custer State Park. But for us we saw so many animals there : coyote, prairie dogs, pronghorns, wild burros and a buffalo traffic jam. Then at Yellowstone – one moose and a few scattered buffalo. Go figure! My kids so loved this trip that my oldest – who is 27 – went back to SD this summer and did the Black Hills and Badlands on his own.

That is so funny! We saw HUNDREDS of buffalo in Yellowstone and several grizzlies, then in Custer, we did see the prairie dogs, but that was pretty much it. Like you said, go figure! That is very cool your oldest went back there. That means he really enjoyed the trip you took before 🙂 Great job!

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I am in the planning stages of this road trip. How long were you in the Rapid City/Badlands/Custer area? Where did you stay? Looking forward to your response.

We were in Rapid City for only a few days. We stayed at 3 Flags RV park.

This is wonderful, thank you! I’m wondering about your accommodations – did you move around, stay somewhere and use it as a home base for day trips? Other? Thank you so much!

We stayed at an RV park just outside of Rapid City. That offered a good base camp to everything in the area.

Thanks for the details…. very helpful for me since I am in charge to plan for a road trip to SD. How many days total is this itinerary?

Great! I would say a week would be good! But you could do it less time or more time. We usually prefer not to be rushed.

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Located on the Great Plains and home to Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and nine Native American tribes, South Dakota attracts visitors who are thrilled by the destination. The landscape encompasses prairies, mountains, lakes, woods, and 63 state parks and recreation areas. Underground caves include Jewel Cave, the third longest cave in the world, and Wind Cave, located under a wildlife sanctuary.

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The Happiness Function

South dakota bucket list: 38 best things to do in south dakota this summer.

I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. After one road trip, you’ll see why my parents moved us here in the mid-’90s.

“ The Mount Rushmore State ” offers endless opportunities for adventure, from exploring awe-inspiring caves and parks to admiring breathtaking scenic views. Its rural, its remote, and still has the spirit of the West. 

Here are the top things to do in South Dakota while you’re driving across the state on your epic summer road trip.

The Best Things To Do in South Dakota

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History buffs will uncover a treasure trove of attractions when crossing the state line. At first sight, you’ll be surprised by how rural the state is. If you’re driving into the western part of the state, you’ll be greeted by the Black Hills. If you’re driving in from the eastern side, you’ll be greeted by fields of corn, soybeans, and sunflowers.

South Dakota has some of the best national parks in the country, making it the perfect state for your summer road trip. 

It is home to sacred Native American sites and various museums where you can explore and learn about the “olden days.” I think it’s important that we take a moment to acknowledge the nine Tribes that consider South Dakota their home.

1. Wind Cave National Park

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Theodore Roosevelt established Wind Cave as the eighth national park in the United States, making it the first cave to receive national protection . 

Wind Cave National Park is one of the world’s longest and most complex caves, with over 150 miles of explored passages . Given that, you may consider it worthwhile to book a guided tour of the cave to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

If staying above ground is more your speed, the park has more than 30 miles of hiking trails , offering the opportunity to see bison, black elk, and other wildlife. For a more immersive adventure, you can also catch a ranger-led wildlife-watching tour.

Do you find the night sky fascinating? Well, prepare to experience it in a whole new way from the park. Since this South Dakota attraction is far from major cities, it’s an ideal location for stargazing.

2. Badlands National Park

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Badlands National Park hosts the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the U.S., so visitors can enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife while exploring this authentic Wild West wonderland.

In addition to its prairies, Badlands National Park is known for its labyrinth of spires, canyons, buttes, and pinnacles, which formed over 75 million years ago.

Take a drive through the park on Badlands Loop Road . Along the way, be sure to stop at various points of interest, such as Big Badlands Overlook, Prairie Wind Overlook, and Yellow Mounds Overlook. The Bigfoot Pass Overlook includes a picnic area, making for a great spot to break for a picnic lunch.

3. Custer State Park

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Custer State Park is a true gem among South Dakota’s “Great 8 Iconic Landmarks.” Sprawling across 71,000 acres, this park offers opportunities to take in the captivating beauty of the surrounding terrain.

The park is most famous for its herd of bison that roam freely through the grassy plains.

It is also known for having the highest point in the Black Hills—Black Elk Peak. You can hike to the lookout tower . 

A visit to Custer State Park isn’t complete without a scenic drive along the Wildlife Loop Road. This route showcases the region’s landscapes and provides opportunities for up-close wildlife encounters.

4. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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Gracing the Black Hills of Keystone, South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is a must-see attraction . Four famous faces are carved into the granite mountainside: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. This iconic landmark draws over two million visitors annually .

Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center, where you’ll find a museum, a bookstore, and information on Mount Rushmore’s history, including the monument’s construction and the artists who created it.

If you visit in the evenings during the summer months, Mount Rushmore is illuminated with memorable lighting featuring patriotic music and a flag-lowering ceremony.

5. Crazy Horse Memorial

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One of South Dakota’s quintessential attractions is the Crazy Horse Memorial , a massive mountain sculpture still being carved in the Black Hills. This monument honors one of the most revered Native American leaders and warriors in history. When completed, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world, standing 641 feet long and 563 feet tall.

In addition to admiring this impressive work of art from afar, you can explore the on-site Indian Museum of North America to get a deeper understanding of Native American culture and history.

To make your visit to Crazy Horse Memorial even more remarkable, consider attending one of their special events organized throughout the year. 

6. The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

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The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs offers a unique perspective on history and paleontology. It boasts the world’s largest concentration of mammoth remains, giving visitors a glimpse into life during the Ice Age.

As an active paleontological excavation site, you can witness firsthand how scientists work to uncover and study fossils. Guided tours provide insight into how these specimens are found and what they teach us about prehistoric times.

When planning your trip to the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs , be sure to stop by the Information Center first for tips on getting the most out of your visit.

7. Old Courthouse Museum

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The Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls is the perfect destination for anyone interested in learning about the region’s natural and cultural histories. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century quartzite building that originally served as a courthouse, the museum houses three floors of exhibits dedicated to regional history.

At the Old Courthouse Museum , you can explore fascinating relics spanning from colonial times to modern-day Sioux Falls. There are Native American artifacts, pioneer-era items, and displays detailing South Dakota’s role in key moments in United States history.

The museum store also offers unique and affordable Dakota-made items that add an authentic touch to your trip souvenir collection.

Admission is free.

8. South Dakota Air and Space Museum

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The South Dakota Air and Space Museum gives you the opportunity to tap into your love for aviation. Located just off I-90 in Rapid City, this museum boasts over 30 indoor and outdoor aircraft on display.

A primary attraction at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum is its outdoor air park. Here, you’ll find a vast collection of historic military aircraft from different wars, including World War II.

Admission to the museum is free.

9. Black Hills National Forest

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The Black Hills National Forest is a breathtaking expanse of forests, caves, mountains, and grasslands covering more than 1.2 million acres in South Dakota and parts of Wyoming.

The forest offers various activities, such as camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. There are also plenty of sightseeing options, such as a scenic drive along Iron Mountain Road.

The forest’s two most popular rock climbing spots are the Needles and Sylvan Lake. Both areas have established climbing routes with bolted anchors and fixed protection. However, you’re responsible for bringing your own gear, and it’s best to be somewhat familiar with fundamental climbing techniques before taking to the mountain.

10. Jewel Cave National Monument

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Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-longest cave system in the world and offers you the chance to explore stunning crystal formations and unique geological features.

You can book a guided tour to ensure a more immersive experience. The tours tend to sell out quickly, so plan ahead and book in advance. 

11. Spearfish Canyon

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Spearfish Canyon is a 19-mile-long canyon stretching from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing. You’ll find towering limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and miles of hiking trails.

Spearfish Canyon’s wildlife is as diverse as it gets, with mountain goats and eagles alongside other bird species living in the area’s rugged terrain.

In winter months, skiing and snowmobiling are popular activities at the nearby ski resort, Terry Peak Ski Area , which is just outside of Deadwood and Lead in the Northern Black Hills.

12. Falls Park

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Located in Sioux Falls, Falls Park is a must-visit destination when you’re traveling to South Dakota. It’s a good place to stop and stretch your legs.

This 128-acre park has waterfalls created by the Big Sioux River as it flows through the city center.

In addition to taking in the views of the falls, you can explore the walking trails. There’s also an observation tower that provides views of the park from above.

13. Deadwood

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Deadwood is a historic town in South Dakota that you don’t want to miss. The bustling downtown district, known as Historic Main Street or Historic Old Town, is home to unique shops, restaurants, and casinos that will entertain you for hours on end.

Do you have a passion for history? You’ll love visiting Mount Moriah Cemetery, where iconic figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried.

Outdoor enthusiasts are also well-catered in and around Deadwood . For instance, take a scenic drive across the border into Wyoming to see Devils Tower or head out for a day on the northern terminus of the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail. If winter sports are more your thing, you’ll enjoy skiing at the nearby ski resort .

Just north of Deadwood, visitors can hike to the Friendship Tower at Mount Theodore Roosevelt. This is a tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt by his good friend Seth Bullock.

14. Sylvan Lake

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The stunning Sylvan Lake is nestled in Custer State Park and offers you breathtaking views of the Black Hills. Theodore Reder created the lake in 1881, and to this day, it remains one of the park’s most recognizable attractions.

During the summer months, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or hiking.

15. National Music Museum

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The National Music Museum was made with music lovers in mind. It’s located on the campus of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and it’s one of the largest institutions in the world dedicated to musical instruments. The museum boasts over 15,000 extraordinary instruments, ranging from rare violins to pianos from the 16th century.

The building itself is a beautifully restored Carnegie building, which adds even more charm to your visit.

Admission to the National Music Museum is free. 

16. Mitchell Corn Palace

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If you’re looking for a unique and quirky attraction in South Dakota, the Mitchell Corn Palace should definitely be on your list. Built in 1892 to showcase the state’s agricultural success, it’s now decorated with intricate corn murals—an impressive sight!

The building itself is mostly brick and concrete, but there are large wooden sections that can be filled with crop art. Inside, you’ll find even more corn murals and learn about the fascinating history of the place.

It might sound like an odd attraction, but the Corn Palace has been visited by some notable people over the years, including Theodore Roosevelt and even Elvis Presley!

17. Good Earth State Park

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Just southeast of Sioux Falls, Good Earth State Park offers wild prairies, light forests, hilly inclines, and gradual slopes that make for excellent trails.

It’s a nice place to check out that isn’t too far from the city.

18. Children’s Museum of South Dakota

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Located in Brookings, the Children’s Museum of South Dakota boasts an array of hands-on exhibits and hours of engaging entertainment.

Inside the museum, kids can explore the water room, build structures in the building station, and create their own meals at the cafe exhibit. And don’t speed past the “Under the Hood” exhibit, where you can design and build vehicles using recycled materials.

With everything from science experiments to art-making stations available, there’s no shortage of imagination-sparking experiences to be had.

19. Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

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The Lewis & Clark Recreation Area offers plenty of outdoor activities, with the 1.2-mile Gavins Point Nature Trail offering a scenic journey through the area’s flora and fauna.

If you like camping, the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area has 418 campsites and 19 rental cabins. Along with several recreational facilities, you can take advantage of the park’s full-service marina or relax along its sandy beaches.

The history buffs will appreciate how this park is connected with the Lewis and Clark expedition. 

20. Ingalls Homestead

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If you or anyone you’re traveling with is a fan of the Wilder family, Ingalls Homestead is a must-visit location in South Dakota. This historic homestead is located near De Smet and offers an authentic demonstration of pioneer heritage through various hands-on activities.

One of the most unique activities at Ingalls Homestead is the chance to camp out through the night on the prairie, just like Laura did in her books.

Camping on the site is an intimate adventure, as there are only four covered wagons, one bunkhouse, a few RV sites, and some tent camping options available.

21. Bear Butte State Park

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Bear Butte State Park is located near Sturgis, South Dakota. Established in 1961, it features a fascinating geological laccolith .

Many Native American tribes consider the geological feature sacred and frequent the location for religious ceremonies.

It is a great place to hike.

22. Dignity: of Earth & Sky

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Dignity: of Earth and Sky is a remarkable 50-foot sculpture in Chamberlain, South Dakota. It pays tribute to the Native American women belonging to the Lakota and Dakota Nations, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.

The statue’s dress, leggings, and moccasins are patterned after traditional Native attire from the 1850s.

The Dignity sculpture overlooks the Missouri River at a rest area and Welcome Center in Chamberlain and is visible even while driving on I-90.

People flock here yearly to marvel at its intricate details that capture the essence of South Dakota’s Indigenous people.

23. Adams Museum

The Adams Museum in Deadwood, South Dakota, showcases the Old West’s rich heritage and the people who significantly shaped it. You can explore exhibits on General George Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, and Calamity Jane, among many other famed names.

A highlight of visiting the Adams Museum is its beautifully restored Victorian mansion. You can take a self-guided tour through each room to see what life was like for wealthy families during this period. 

24. Petrified Wood Park and Museum

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Sorry, the image above is actually of a tunnel along Iron Mount Road.

The Petrified Wood Park and Museum in Lemmon takes up an entire city block and is built entirely out of petrified wood, fossils, and stone. You can wander through the park to see locally gathered petrified wood formations and other geological specimens of interest.

In addition to the outdoor displays, the free museum showcases a collection of historical artifacts and antiques from the town’s past.

Open year-round, this stop provides insight into life in small-town America during earlier times.

25. McCrory Gardens

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Located on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings, McCrory Gardens is a bit of a hidden gem. This oasis features a 25-acre botanical garden and a 45-acre arboretum showcasing diverse plant species.

You can explore the beautiful scenery at your own pace to learn more about the plants and their histories.

You can catch some awesome events depending on when you plan your visit.

26. Storybook Island

One of the must-see attractions in South Dakota, especially if you’re traveling with young children, is Storybook Island .

This admission-free theme park boasts over 100 sets based on popular fairy tales and storybooks, including Cinderella’s Castle and Alice’s Wonderland.

Founded more than 60 years ago by Merle Gunderson and Rapid City Rotary Club, Storybook Island offers plenty of opportunities for little ones to climb, slide, crawl, jump, and play on playground equipment.

27. Reptile Gardens

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Reptile Gardens is home to a vast variety of reptiles, including crocodiles, tortoises, lizards, frogs, salamanders, and bugs, as well as poisonous and nonvenomous snakes from all over the world.

One of the most unique attractions in this location is its famous skydome. 

In addition to the skydome, you can check out their botanical garden and Prairie Dog Town or visit the Gator and Crocs arena.

28. Porter Sculpture Park

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Created by local artist Wayne Porter, this park features over 50 larger-than-life metal sculptures that are both thought-provoking and whimsical. You’ll find everything from giant bugs to a towering dinosaur park at this quirky attraction.

One of the most popular sculptures at Porter Sculpture Park is the “World’s Largest Bull’s Head.” This massive sculpture stands 60 feet tall and weighs over 25 tons. Another must-see sculpture at Porter Sculpture Park is the T-Rex.

The park is only open seasonally, so visit their website before planning a stop.

29. Butterfly House & Aquarium

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One of the top attractions in Sioux Falls is the Butterfly House & Aquarium .

This destination invites you to explore a tropical conservatory filled with over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world. 

The Butterfly House & Aquarium also boasts 12 aquariums featuring marine fish, jellies, and corals. It’s a perfect way to learn about different sea life species while watching their movements through crystal-clear tanks.

30. Rushmore Tramway Adventures

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A definite favorite attraction in South Dakota is bound to be Rushmore Tramway Adventures , located near the Mount Rushmore National Monument.

This thrilling adventure park is sure to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you. You can ride the alpine slide down the mountain, jump off a tower, or fly through the treetops on a zipline tour. One of their newest attractions is Pinnacle Zipline, which provides lots of exhilaration as you zip over a mile of forest at speeds over 40 mph!

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, take a scenic chairlift ride and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Black Hills.

31. Termesphere Gallery

Image Credit: zrfphoto/Depositphotos.com.

Located in Spearfish, South Dakota, the Termesphere Gallery is a must-visit attraction for art and math enthusiasts.

This unique gallery displays the works of local artist D. Termes, who paints on globes called Termespheres. Each Termesphere is a revolving three-dimensional optical illusion that creates its own closed universe.

Open year-round, you can marvel at the intricate designs of these extraordinary spherical paintings. 

32. Bear Country USA

Image Credit: cybernesco/Depositphotos.com.

Bear Country USA is a wildlife park that offers you the opportunity to drive a 3-mile loop through natural enclosures and see North American mammals up close. From bison and elk to wolves and black bears, there’s a diverse range of animals to spot during your journey.

While the Black Hills don’t (typically) have wild bears anymore, Bear Country USA gives you the opportunity to see them up close.

33. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs

Evans Plunge is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Black Hills. Established back in 1890, it features a naturally spring-fed pool with water that remains at a constant temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

If mineral springs and natural hot springs appeal to you, Evans Plunge should definitely be on your list. It boasts warm waters and a rich history as part of the Hot Springs National Historic District.

This attraction offers one of the best things to do in South Dakota.

34. Big Thunder Gold Mine

Image Credit: jeffbanke/Depositphotos.com.

Located in Keystone, Big Thunder Gold Mine has been in operation since 1892 and offers a guided tour of its underground tunnels.

The museum features fascinating exhibits about the Black Hills’ mining history and even offers gold panning opportunities if you’re eager to try your hand at striking it rich.

35. Black Hills Balloons

Image Credit: Veneratio/Depositphotos.com.

With more than 30 years of flying experience, Black Hills Balloons is the only hot air balloon operator in the area, and they offer incredible views of the Black Hills region.

During your flight, you’ll gain perspective on how vast and beautiful the American heartland truly is–from South Dakota to Wyoming and as far as the eye can see.

Even though it can be nerve-wracking to sit in a basket thousands of feet above the ground at first, rest assured that Black Hills Balloons prioritizes safety for all its passengers.

36. WaTiki Waterpark

Image Credit: eunikas/Depositphotos.com.

If you are looking for a fun and refreshing way to cool off on your South Dakota trip, head to WaTiki Indoor Waterpark in Rapid City. Trust me, your kids will thank you.

This water park is the largest indoor attraction of its kind in the Dakotas and is newly renovated with 30,000 square feet of slides, lazy rivers, activity pools, and an arcade – perfect for a summer road trip.

With a mission to save water and be more environmentally friendly, WaTiki asks that you B-Y-O-T (bring your own towel) when heading out for some fun at their facility. If you do happen to forget one, towels are available for purchase.

37. The National Presidential Wax Museum

The National Presidential Wax Museum features over 100 lifelike wax figures of all 46 U.S. presidents. Each figure has been posed to illustrate memorable milestones from American presidential history.

You can take a journey through time and learn about defining moments in U.S. history as you see realistic wax sculptures in dramatic settings. From George Washington to Joe Biden, each president is represented with great detail, including their clothing, facial expressions, and mannerisms.

38. Wall Drug

Image Credit: YAY_Images/Depositphotos.com.

Anyone who has driven anywhere near South Dakota has seen the famous Wall Drug signs dotted along the interstate. Yes, it is absolutely worth the stop.

Check out the cute shops, grab some ice cream, take some pictures, and then be on your way. You’ll be able to say you’ve visited this iconic roadside attraction. 

Where indicated, images courtesy of Depositphotos.com .

Ashlee Fechino

10 comments.

I am making my way through all 50 states, currently on #32 and full disclosure I’ve been not exactly anticipating South Dakota, but I’m impressed! There really is a lot of beauty there and this blog post is so helpful in planning my trip!

You’re going to be surprised! The Black Hills are incredible. Have fun on your 50 state journey. What a great life experience. Thanks for sharing.

You never really hear about South Dakota. Saved this for later, because this place looks INSANELY awesome!! Wind Cave National Park looks super unique, too!

Hi Samantha – thanks for saving. You HAVE to visit. You’ll have a great time! Thanks for reading. Enjoy your summer.

An extensive list of choices to explore and enjoy South Dakota. Wind Cave sounds amazing with 150 miles of caves. However the stargazing caught my interest. And Spearfish Canyon natural environment sounds wonderful.

Hi Marilyn – I grew up in the Black Hills. There is so much to see and do if you love outdoor adventures. Have fun visiting. All of the places you listed are wonderful. Have a great summer.

Your post is extremely comprehensive, with so many terrific ideas of things to do in South Dakota. I haven’t been back to South Dakota since I was a teenager but I would like to visit again and check out the Badlands again or take a hot-air balloon ride over the Black Hills

Hi Michelle – thanks for reading. You’ll have to go back as an adult. You’ll have the best time!

Wow, South Dakota has so much to offer! I’ll have to add this to my list for sure!

Thanks for reading, Shreya. Have a great summer.

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10 Top Things to do in South Dakota (+5 Day Itinerary for Families)

Are you looking to take a Family Road Trip through South Dakota? Are you wondering where you should go, what you should do & and what activities your family will like the most? That’s where I’d like to help.

In South Dakota you can explore incredibly diverse and breathtaking landscapes, learn some fascinating U.S. history or even drive along side a herd of wild bison. But on top of this, you can also go to an incredibly fun chuckwagon dinner or even visit a real active dig site with the largest concentration of Columbian Mammoth fossils in the world!  There are just so many options to choose from. 

Below, you’ll find what we feel are the top sites to visit in the Mount Rushmore area of South Dakota. You’ll also find information for planning your trip and even tips on how to best visit this incredible area in 1 week!

Short on Time? (This is a long one)

Bookmark or Pin This for Later

Sites in this Post :

Mt. rushmore, sylvan lake.

Needles Hwy

Custer State Park

The Badlands

Mammoth Site at Hot Springs

Devils Tower

More Sites You Might Enjoy

Our Itinerary

Planning your south dakota road trip:.

If Arriving by Airplane: 

Fly into Rapid City, SD or to Denver, CO (Denver is cheaper but know that it is a 6 hour drive each way to Mt Rushmore)

Fun Family Experiences:

Chuckwagon Cookout and Hayride

Time Needed:

The area around Mt. Rushmore needs at least 4 (maybe 5 days, to do everything listed here), plus 2 days allotted for your flight/ drive time.

Major Events:

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is in this area usually in August, check the exact date if you want to avoid or attend this crowded event.

The Buffalo Round Up is another major event and this is usually in September.

Use this map to help plan your route.

https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/docs/custer-map.pdf

Top South Dakota Sites:

Mount rushmore, south dakota.

First, I want to start with the main reason most people visit South Dakota to vacation, Mt. Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an Iconic American Monument, carved by Gutzon Borglum into the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1941.  This magnificent sculpture memorializes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It honors their importance in American History.

Standing in the presence of this enormous monument is an unbelievable feeling.  The time, the effort and the skill that was used to create Mt. Rushmore is truly amazing.

How to Get to Mount Rushmore:

Drive Iron Mountain Road (US Hwy 16 A)

This road is 17 miles long, has 314 curves and 14 switch backs .  The speed limit is 20 mph and it takes ~60 minutes to drive.  Iron Mountain Road is a very windy road that passes through 3 granite tunnels.  These tunnels beautifully frame Mount Rushmore and that’s the main reason I recommend to drive this road to reach this monument.  It’s the perfect first view!

Please note that the narrowest tunnel is only 13′ wide X 11′ high. Check your vehicle size if there is any question.

Also, go slow on this windy road. Opening windows, sucking on hard candy or chewing gum may be needed if you or your family is prone to queasiness. You may also want to have some Dramamine for kids with you if car sickness has been a problem in the past.

Things To Do at Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore itself is free to see but there is a $10 fee to park.

Visit the Lincoln Borgum Visitor Center

• Watch the impressive 14 minute film on how Mt. Rushmore was carved.
• We were really impressed by the skill and effort involved in creating this humongous monument. I had no idea that 90% of Mt. Rushmore was carved using dynamite! What an incredible skill!

The Perfect Spot for Lunch – Carver’s Cafe

Hike Presidential Trail

• We loved this easy 0.6 mile trail!
• Please note that there are 422 stairs on the trail that will allow you to get up close to the mountain sculpture.

Don’t forget to stop by the ice cream shop and try the Vanilla Ice Cream based off the original recipe from Thomas Jefferson!  This was a family favorite! And we all still talk about how amazing it was to try this taste of history!

Fun Fact: Thomas Jefferson brought the first written recipe for ice cream to America in 1780.

Eating Thomas Jefferson’s vanilla ice cream recipe in front of Mt Rushmore!

History Behind Why These Four Individuals Were Chosen:

George washington.

George Washington led the colonists in the American Revolutionary War to win independence from Great Britain and was the first president of the United States. He was chosen to represent the birth of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, doubled the size of our country with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803 and was the third president of the United States. He was chosen to represent the growth of the United States.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and is known for holding the nation together during the American Civil War. He was chosen to represent the preservation of the United States.

Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and is known for his leadership during America’s period of rapid economic growth. He is also considered the Father of America’s National Parks. During his presidency he established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks and 18 national monuments which protected over 230 million acres of public land. Theodore Roosevelt was chosen to represent the development of the United States.

Get Kids Excited to Visit! 

We spent 3 hours here – This included time to eat lunch, have an ice cream snack, watch the video in the visitor center, and walk presidential trail.

Arrive early because this is a busy tourist destination and it will become packed by mid-day.

More Information:

https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm

Sylvan lake is a 30 minute drive (15.2 miles) from Mt. Rushmore.

Upon my first glimpse of Sylvan Lake, I was stopped dead in my tracks.  This lake is incredible! I was in complete awe of the stunning rock formations that surrounded this lake. They are spectacular!  Immediately we knew that we wanted to walk the 1 mile trail that circles this lake.

This trail was a Blast! The trail itself is easy and flat but the amazing rocks that line the trail are just begging to be climbed on.

So if you have kids that are anything like mine, plan a little extra time for exploring and climbing on these incredible boulders.

Time Needed

We spent ~1hr 30min here. This included our rock exploring adventures.

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets was filmed here! We had a great time looking for its mythical city of gold!

We saw several people swimming here. Being from Florida we thought they were crazy to be swimming in such cold water, but the people swimming seemed to be having fun.

Facilities:

There are restrooms and a gift shop here beside the lake’s parking lot. 

Needles Highway

Needles Eye Tunnel

Needles Highway takes about 60 minutes to drive, but it can take longer if a larger vehicle has a problem getting through the one-way Needles Eye Tunnel.

This happened to us. A tour group had a bus that only had inches to spare on either side as they tried to squeeze through this incredibly narrow tunnel!

Needles Eye Tunnel is one of three tunnels on this road. This famous tunnel is only 8’4″ wide x 11’3″ high!

Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87) was completed in 1922 and connects Sylvan Lake to Custer State Park.

Custer State Park is home to one of the largest herds of American Bison in the World (~1400)!  I was overwhelmed with how many bison we saw here!  They were everywhere!

If you’re looking to view these magnificent herds too, make sure you drive around during the morning hours or just before sunset in the evening.

But please stay in your car and watch these magnificent and powerful animals from a distance. They are wild and nobody wants to get hurt while on vacation.

Watching these enormous herds will be an experience that your family is not likely to forget!

Great Books for Kids on the American Bison:

The Buffalo are Back by Jean Craighead George

Wildlife Loop Road

Wildlife Loop Road is an 18 mile loop road in Custer State Park. This road is supposed to be great for seeing animals. For many people it is, but unfortunately for us we saw almost no animals the morning we drove it.

The pictures of Bison above are all from driving the main roads in the park or from our Hayride and Chuckwagon Dinner.

~1hr and 30 minutes to drive Wildlife Loop Road. (depending on “wildlife jams”)

Animals you may Encounter:

Free roaming bison (the park has between 1,000-1,400 on average), white tailed deer, mule deer, elk, prairie dogs, or some of the parks feral burros.

If you are lucky you may even see a big horned sheep, a coyote or a mountain lion.

Events like this is what traveling is all about! Discovering the unknown, learning about our world and creating everlasting memories!

Here a coyote and a herd of deer showed us that the world doesn’t always work the way we think it should (deer chasing away and barking at a coyote, really???) We also learned that some animals are not as helpless as we originally thought. And here also we created an everlasting memory that we will talk about years to come.

Custer State Park is a great place to create your own everlasting memories with your family on a South Dakota road trip.

Custer State Park costs $20 for a weekly vehicle pass.

More information on Custer State Park: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/

Hotel: Blue Bell Lodge

The room was perfect for our family of five and that night our Hayride and Chuckwagon Dinner left from our hotel’s lobby!

This made it the perfect place to stay on our South Dakota Family Vacation!

Hotel: https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/blue-bell-lodge/

Hayride and Chuckwagon Cookout

This Hayride and Chuckwagon Dinner is an incredible family experience that I would recommend to anyone!

Begin your journey on a 45 minutes hayride through Custer State Park where you will sing traditional cowboy songs, listen to stories about the area and possibly find one of the bison herds roaming by.

An Added Bonus!

To add to the atmosphere, each person receives their very own cowboy hat and bandanna! Our children thought that this was the best!  Next, you will arrive at your cookout dinner. There is a wonderful selection of food so fill up your plate and dine out in the open. As you eat you will be entertained with folk music and cowboy songs.

This experience was definitely a highlight for our family and I highly recommend an experience like this for any South Dakota road trip!

Drive Badlands Loop Road, hike through this unreal landscape and gaze in awe at the beautiful colors that dance across these rocks at sunset!

We love the Badlands and highly recommend going to anyone on a South Dakota Family Vacation!

~1 day, with staying overnight preferred to beat the heat and to best experience the colors of the Badlands.

We stayed at Cedar Pass Lodge and loved it!

https://www.cedarpasslodge.com/

The Badlands: Top Family Sites and Hikes You Shouldn’t Miss!

We were seriously impressed with this active dig site!

It was amazing to learn why over 50 different animal species (many extinct today) and at least 61 different mammoths have been found in this one spot!

Seeing these fossils still immersed in the rock, just waiting to be carefully dug out, helped us realize all of the hard work that goes into creating the fossil structures that we find in museums everywhere today.

I couldn’t believe it when they told us that they have been excavating this site for 46 years and that they haven’t even uncovered a quarter of what’s here!

I truly feel that Mammoth Site at Hot Springs would be a perfect addition to any South Dakota Family Vacation!

Join the 30 minute guided tour and see the 10 minute video.

Allow ~1 hour to visit

Website: mammothsite.org

Discover More About Prehistoric Animals:

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Steven Spielberg fans will likely recognize this incredible tower that was featured in the 1977 movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Out of nowhere this spectacular tower emerges from the plains.

Rising 1,267 feet above the northeastern plains of Wyoming, geologist believe that this natural phenomenon occurred from molten rock pushing up into the sedimentary rock ~50 million years ago and then cooling. About 5 to 10 million years ago, erosion of the land surrounding began to reveal this incredible tower.

Devils Tower is a phenomenon that I don’t think exists anywhere else in the world!

Walk the Trail

To best experience this monument walk the 1.3 mile easy trail that circles it’s base. This hike takes ~45 minutes to walk and here you will realize just how big and impressive this tower really is!

A clerical error was made that forgot the apostrophe when naming Devils Tower. This error was never corrected and to this day the tower is still called Devils Tower.

Devils Tower was also America’s first national monument.

It’s hard to really comprehend just how large Devils Tower is until you get right up next to it! Wow!!!  Standing here, looking up at this tower, left us completely speechless.

We did not climb the rocks in the picture above with our three children. This is off the main trail and is at your own risk. To us it looked too dangerous to tackle with a 5, 7 and 9 year old, but as you can see there were lots of people climbing the rocks in this area.

I know that this is a decent drive from Mt. Rushmore but I really think that Devils Tower should be on anyone’s list when visiting the Mt. Rushmore area of South Dakota. This Tower is Incredible!

Read More: 

• How to Hike at the Incredible Devils Tower with Kids !
• Arrived in the Badlands (on the east side) in time to watch the evening colors emerge.
• Hotel in Badlands National Park or in the nearby town of Wall, SD
•  Drove through the Badlands National Park . Picnic lunch.
• Hiked Door Trail (am), Fossil Exhibit Trail, Castle Trail (part)
• Drove 1 hr to Hotel in Rapid City, SD
• We went to Bear Country USA this evening.
• Drove 2hr 15 min to Devils Tower, WY .
• Hiked Tower Trail at Devils Tower.
• Drove through Spearfish Canyon . Saw Roughlock Falls.
• Hotel at Blue Bell Lodge     or a  Hotel near Custer, SD
• Evening Chuckwagon Cookout through Blue Bell Lodge
• Custer State Park – Drove Wildlife Loop Rd (early morning). Then drove Iron Mountain Rd to get to Mount Rushmore.
• Hiked Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore , lunch & Thomas Jefferson’s ice cream. (~3 hours here)
• Drove to Sylvan Lake (hiked around the lake).
• Drove Needles Highway
• Headed down to Mammoth Site at Hot Springs . (~1 hour) (This was close to closing but we had plenty of time here.)
• Hotel in Hot Springs, SD
• Travel Day – to head back home or continue on your trip.

Small Road Trip Toys for Kids!

Available in 13 Colors

Jeliku Pocket Fidget Toy

Coogam Metal Wire Puzzle Set

Wikki Stix Travel Kit, Reusable Sculpting Sticks

More Great Sites For a South Dakota Road Trip:

• Jewel Cave National Monument – https://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm
• Spearfish Canyon – https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5063002
• Big Thunder Gold Mine – http://www.bigthundermine.com/
• Bear Country USA – https://www.bearcountryusa.com/
• Reptile Gardens – https://www.reptilegardens.com/

Family Fun:

Junior ranger program.

We Love the Junior Ranger Programs! Your kids will love becoming Junior Rangers at Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Devils Tower. Just stop by the visitor centers and pick up their Junior Ranger Booklets. Have your children complete the activities marked for their age and they can earn their official Junior Ranger Badges! They will learn so much about where they are at and you will too!

The Junior Ranger Program is an amazing way for families to learn all about where they are visiting. The activities are designed for children with categories up to 13+. Our kids loved earning these badges and they are a great keepsake. These badges also saved us many a trip to the gift shop for a souvenir. I love how this program really gets kids thinking about where they are and helps them to appreciate their experience in that national park.

Our Kid’s Favorite Books for our South Dakota Road Trip

• Little House on the Prairie  by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• If You Traveled West in a Covered Wagon   by Ellen Levine
• Daily Life in a Covered Wagon   by Paul Erickson
• If You Lived With the Sioux Indians   by Ann Mcgovern
• Buffalo Before Breakfast (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pop Osborne
• Babies of the Badlands by Kat Socks

South Dakota Family Road Trip

I hope you found the information that you were looking for in this South Dakota road trip guide.

Have an Incredible Trip with Your Traveling Feet!

South Dakota Road Trip Summer Gear We Love:

Tilley Mens Womens LTM6 Broad Brim Hat

Outdoor Research Kid’s Rambler Sombrero Hat

Dri-Equip Youth Athletic All Sport Dri-Fit Tee Shirts in 24 Colors

Nalgene 16oz wide mouth water bottle

POPULAR TOURS IN SOUTH DAKOTA

If You Found This Post Helpful, Please Share / Pin It

Related Posts For Nearby Sites :

• The Badlands: Tops Family Sites & Hikes You Shouldn’t Miss!
• Discovering Scott’s Bluff National Monument with Kids

Related Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip:

• The Ultimate Guide for Creating a Successful Road Trip
• 10 Fantastic Road Trip Toys (Non-Electronic)

Traveling with Kids & Looking for Great Books?

• 100 Fantastic American History Books for Kids (Elementary to Tweens)
• 15 Best Travel & Adventure Series for Kids (Elementary to Tweens)
• 20+ Must-Read Fantasy Books Series for Tweens

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Welcome to 10 Traveling Feet! My name is Jenny and we are a family of five that loves to explore & learn about our incredible world! Discover our favorite sites, top hikes, fantastic hidden gems and helpful travel tips for Your Next Adventure! Let's Find Your "Traveling Feet!"

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Just wanted to take a second and say how much I enjoyed your post. My family leaves in a couple of days and I was very worried we had tried to cram in too many sites over our 12 day journey, but your itinerary gave me a boost of confidence! Thanks, Hillery from Huntsville AL

I’m so glad our itinerary could help you. I hope you and your family have a fantastic trip!! -Jenny

South Dakota's Scenic National Park Is Underrated, But Not For Long

Badlands National Park, with its unique geology and wildlife, is one of the most underrated national parks in the Great Plains, but not for long!

• Badlands National Park offers underrated beauty with unique geological formations and diverse wildlife.
• Despite fewer crowds than other parks, Badlands National Park saw over a million visitors in 2023 as it gains popularity.
• The park's history with Native American tribes and World War II adds depth to its scenic landscape and rich culture.

When it comes to the Great Plains region of the U.S., there is one name that manages to garner most of the attention. Yellowstone National Park is a titan among the national parks, standing as the oldest national park in the world and one of the most visited national parks in the US today.

With so much attention going to one corner of the Great Plains, some other, less flashy sides of the region get forgotten. Tucked away in South Dakota lies Badlands National Park, an underrated gem just waiting for its turn in the sun. Like Yellowstone, Badlands National Park features incredible geological formations and truly unique wildlife. Badlands National Park also has a variety of scenic hiking trails that may rival the best scenic hikes in Yellowstone National Park .

Badlands is more than just a discount Yellowstone, however. Full of culturally and historically significant sites and natural landscapes found nowhere else, Badlands National Park is an experience all its own.

10 Adventurous Things To Do In South Dakota

About badlands national park, badlands national park takes some effort to reach, but offers lower crowds than nearby national parks.

So where is Badlands National Park? Located just over 60 miles from Rapid City and nearly 400 miles from the international airport in Denver, Badlands National Park is rather remote, helping maintain its underrated status.

Once guests finally make it to the gate, they will face only a quarter of the crowds of mega-attractions like Yellowstone. Badlands charges an entrance fee of $30 which, like at all national parks, is valid for seven days after the initial purchase. With two main driving routes to explore and plenty of space, Badlands will feel worlds away from the masses.

While it doesn't pull in the crowds of Yellowstone, considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the US , over a million people still make their way to Badlands National Park, and numbers continue to rise. More and more people are discovering the beauty of the Badlands, and this underrated gem is unlikely to stay under the radar for long.

Wondering how Yellowstone compares? While Badlands saw just over one million guests in 2023, Yellowstone had 4.5 million visitors during the same time frame.

The Geology Of Badlands National Park

The namesake badlands were formed over millions of years, and have left striking marks on the land.

One of the main reasons so many people continue to visit Badlands National Park is the incredible geological formations. The namesake badlands formations are full of often colorful striations, giving an almost artificial look to the mountains and foothills around the park.

The oldest of these formations is approximately 75 million years old and has preserved a unique moment in time. Fossils hit at the long-gone creatures of this once underwater region, and form a perfect foundation for the mountains that would later come.

Other layers, made of silt, shale, limestone, and even volcanic ash, create an unbeatable array of color and texture in the mountains. Depending on the location, some of these layers have red, yellow, and orange tints, adding even more dimension to this one-of-a-kind region.

Driving through Badlands National Park

Some of the most popular formations, including the Sharps Formation and Brule Formation, are best visited on one of the three driving routes within Badlands National Park. One of the best activities in Badlands National Park, scenic drives offer a snapshot of the various landscapes in one quick sweep.

The most popular road through Badlands is the Badlands Loop Road, which includes popular overlook stops like the Pinnacles Overlook, with views of the Sharps Formation, and access to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Consisting of dirt roads and smaller turnouts, the South Unit of the Badlands and the Sage Creek Rim Road of the North Unit Wilderness Area offer their own views of the unusual geological formations of Badlands National Park.

Hit Multiple National Parks With These 7 Road Trip Itineraries

The residents of badlands national park, current and historical residents of badlands national park all have an effect on visitor experiences.

When it comes to the Great Plains region of the US, wildlife is one of the biggest draws. Like Yellowstone National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park nearby, Badlands National Park is one of the best national parks in the US for wildlife viewing . Bison and pronghorns in particular are commonly seen wandering across the road or along the hiking trails around the park.

In addition to these oversized residents, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, grouse, and prairie dogs all call the badlands home.

While many of the herd animals can be seen from the road, exploring some of the scenic hiking trails in Badlands National Park provides opportunities to see some of the shier creatures of the park. Badlands National Park has a variety of trails available, and also allows hiking on its backcountry dirt roads.

By exploring the varied terrain of Badlands, hikers can enjoy the wildlife that lives in every pocket of the park.

While enjoying wildlife in its natural habitat is one of the most exciting parts of visiting a national park, safety must come first. NPS offers plenty of tips for respecting wildlife in national parks , including staying 100 feet from any wild animal. In general, the rule is, "if it notices you, you're too close."

Historical Residents

While the wildlife now shares the land protected by Badlands National Park with waves of guests, they once used the region's natural formations to hide from the Native American populations that called the park home.

• The Badlands were once home to the Lakota people, who are credited with naming the park. The Lakota called the area "mako sica" meaning "bad lands."

The same textured geological formations that make the park so popular provided many challenges for the nomadic tribes. When wet, the land would get slick and muddy, making it hard to cross. The sedimentary deposits also affect the water supply in the area, limiting the drinkable water.

During World War II, the inhospitable area was used as a bombing range, further reinforcing the "bad lands" stereotype of the region. Despite the bad press, Badlands National Park has established itself as one of the most scenic parts of the Great Plains.

Mount Rushmore & Other South Dakota Tourist Traps, Plus Alternatives

Badlands National Park is one of the most underrated attractions in the Great Plains, falling into the shadow of the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park in nearby Wyoming. Somewhat remote, Badlands National Park requires some effort to visit, but promises plenty of payoff when guests arrive. Unusual geological formations, formed by layers of sediment deposits over millions of years, create colorful striped mountains across the park.

In addition to visitors, bison, antelope, prairie dogs, and a variety of birds can often be found wandering the park, proving this hidden gem is full of life and beauty.

• 10 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in South Dakota This Summer

South Dakota is the 16th largest US state, with an area of over 77,000 square miles. Despite this, it only has approximately ten people per square mile. But what it lacks in large populous cities, South Dakota makes up for with wide open spaces, breathtakingly beautiful vistas, and unparalleled natural wonder. More importantly, the Mount Rushmore state also has a variety of lovely small towns packed with personality. From picturesque Missouri River towns to the starkly beautiful Black Hills and Badlands; to a rich cultural heritage and Old West history, South Dakota's varied landscapes and small towns make it the perfect place to visit this summer.

The oldest town in South Dakota’s Black Hills , Custer is perfectly placed for anyone looking to explore the area’s over five million acres of scenic natural beauty this summer. Just a short trip away from popular outdoor destinations like Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park, as well as cultural attractions like the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer makes a great base for planning any Black Hills vacation.

Additionally, no visit to Custer would be complete without a trip to Custer State Park, where visitors can wildlife watch on the Wildlife Loop Road or enjoy hiking, kayaking, and the breathtaking scenery of Sylvan Lake. While visiting, be sure to enjoy the majestic beauty and scenic trails of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota.

Located in the Northern Black Hills region, Spearfish is a picturesque paradise off South Dakota’s Interstate 90. Known for its endless year-round outdoor adventures, from hiking, fishing, and biking to snowshoeing ice climbing, and wildlife watching, Spearfish is a nature-lover's dream. However, the summer is when this small town of under 15,000 residents really shines with plenty of sunny days and cool, clear nights—an idyllic backdrop for exploring nearby attractions like Spearfish Canyon and Iron Creek Lake.

And don’t forget about Spearfish’s beautiful downtown. Home to Black Hills State University, the area also boasts a variety of hiking/biking trails as well as a Historic Walking Tour where visitors can learn about Spearfish’s rich Black Hills history.

Often referred to as the “Heart of the Black Hills,” Hill City is a great place to set up camp for a Black Hills adventure. Just a short drive away from many of the area’s best attractions like Mount Rushmore , the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Black Elk Peak, Hill City is also less than 25 minutes from Custer State Park. Here, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of Cathedral Spires and the surrounding landscape, as well as access to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.

Hill City also offers a unique way to explore the area with a ride on the Black Hill’s Central Railroad’s 1880 Train. A two-hour roundtrip journey from Hill City to nearby Keystone, the tour is a scenic journey into the area’s history, heritage, and culture. Hill City’s beautiful. walkable downtown area is also home to plenty of shops, wineries, microbreweries, and restaurants for those seeking a more laidback adventure.

Located in the southeastern part of South Dakota on the banks of the Missouri River, Vermillion is a picture-perfect college town home to the University of South Dakota. Vermillion is also extremely walkable and has many historic and cultural attractions, such as the W.H. Over Museum, the Austin-Whittemore House Museum, and the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival every June. The National Music Museum—located on the University of South Dakota campus—is another unique Vermillion attraction, and is home to over 15,000 instruments spanning hundreds of years.

Additionally, the small town of less than 12,000 residents also has its fair share of recreational opportunities, too. The short hike to the top of the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie offers spectacular views of the area, while also allowing visitors to experience history firsthand by walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark . Vermillion’s Clay County Park and nearby Lewis & Clark Recreation Area are also great summer spots to enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, bird-watching, and scenic waterfront views.

Hot Springs

Situated in beautiful southern South Dakota, Hot Springs is an idyllic gateway known for its relaxing thermal springs. Founded as a natural retreat, the area’s six major springs—located within a scenic canyon—offer visitors the opportunity to combine their Black Hills adventures with relaxation and tranquility. The oldest attraction in the Black Hills, Evans Plunge’s scenic sparkling springs are worth a visit, while the Moccasin Springs Mineral Spa is the historic home to the town’s original hot springs and features four outdoor pools. Hot Springs is also home to a charming downtown area lined with quaint sandstone buildings.

Historic attractions like the Pioneer Museum thrive on the town’s heritage, while popular spots like The Mammoth Site providing a glimpse even further back in time—to the Ice Age. Summer is also a great time to visit Hot Springs, with local attractions like the Angostura State Recreation Area boasting everything from watersports to camping for outdoor adventurers.

Located in the Black Hills, Keystone is the closest town to the iconic Mount Rushmore. However, the former gold-mining town is more than just a place to stay while visiting the popular national landmark, it has a history, culture, and natural beauty all its own. Lined with 19th-century architecture, Keystone’s main street is all Western charm, and there are plenty of attractions where visitors can learn about the town’s heritage and history.

The Visitor Center Walking Tour is a must, while the Keystone Boardwalk and the Keystone Cemetery—with its stellar view of Mount Rushmore—are worthy stops steeped in Americana. There is also plenty of outdoor recreation in and around Keystone like scenic hiking trails in nearby Custer State Park with views of Center Lake and the Presidential Trail Loop near Mount Rushmore with its stunning monument views.

No trip to the Northern Black Hills would be complete without a visit to Deadwood. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the former gold mining town is steeped in history and lore. It is a living testament to the Wild West and a time when iconic characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane called Deadwood their home. Walk in the footsteps of the legendary gunslingers while strolling Deadwood’s historic streets, catch a historic re-enactment, and visit Mount Moriah Cemetery where many of the town’s most famous residents were laid to rest.

Surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, Deadwood also has its share of outdoor recreation, especially in summer. Nearby Spearfish Canyon, the Mickelson Trail, and the Homestake Trail are all scenic hikes that showcase the region’s stellar views. Looking for more adventure? Then head to nearby Lead, a former mining town with plenty of history, heritage, and small-town charm, which can be seen in landmarks like Cheyenne Crossing and the Historic Homestake Opera House and Recreation Building.

Located in southeastern South Dakota, Mitchell is a heartland town bustling with history, culture, family fun, and adventure. Perhaps the most famous attraction in Mitchell, The World’s Only Corn Palace is the best example of the small town’s charm. Home to many of Mitchell’s concerts and annual events, the Corn Palace’s domes, colorful interiors, and six-foot-tall corn cob Cornelius have been delighting visitors for almost a century. However, the corn-y monument isn’t the only reason to visit Mitchell.

Sites such as the Dakota Discovery Museum and The Prehistoric Indian Village offer a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage, while Lake Mitchell and the town’s many parks showcase its natural beauty. Mitchell is also a great place to start (or finish) a road trip. The state’s largest city, Sioux Falls, is less than 100 miles from Mitchell and is a great way to explore many exciting attractions along Interstate 90.

Despite being the capital city of South Dakota, Pierre boasts under 15,000 residents—making it the perfect blend of tiny-town charm and bustling, small-city energy. Located in the heart of the Mount Rushmore State, Pierre is also the ideal place to stay when exploring the surrounding area, including its sister city Fort Pierre.

However, the Missouri River town has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area’s rich culture and heritage, such as the State Capitol, the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society, and historic sites on both sides of the river like Fischers Lilly Park and La Framboise Island. The Missouri River also offers outdoor recreation like watersports and fishing, while LaFramboise Island Nature Area has plenty of hiking and biking trails, bird and wildlife watching, and idyllic forested landscapes.

Wall is a tiny town with eclectic, tourist-friendly charm. Nicknamed “The Gateway to the Badlands,” Wall’s proximity to Badlands National Park has given it this reputation of being charming, welcoming, and fun. The town is also centrally located and still nearby many of the area’s top towns and attractions, like Deadwood, Rapid City, and Mount Rushmore. Additionally, Wall hosts thousands of visitors every year who are drawn to both its Badlands location and its unique tourist attraction, Wall Drug Store.

Consisting of shops, boutiques, a restaurant, and plenty of photo ops (including an 80-foot green dinosaur), in summer there are plenty of activities in the Wall Drug’s backyard area, and many local festivities including the “Wall Celebration” every July. Roadtrippers will also love the small town’s proximity to many scenic drives, hiking trails, and historic sites like the Prairie Homestead.

Often referred to as "the land of infinite variety" because of its diverse regions, attractions, and scenery, South Dakota is also home to a plethora of small towns scattered throughout its idyllic Great Plains countryside. Not only are these small towns charming, but each is distinctive in its own right, offering visitors everything from history and heritage to outdoor attractions and proximity to some of the state's most famous landmarks. Whether it's a visit to Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, or the beautiful Black Hills region, South Dakota's lovely small towns are must-visit summer getaways.

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Travel South Dakota's Summer Campaign Off to Hot Start

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wed., May 22, 2024 CONTACT : Katlyn Svendsen , Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director, Travel South Dakota, (605) 773-3301

Travel South Dakota’s Summer Campaign Off to Hot Start

PIERRE, S.D. – With Memorial Day nearing, summer travel is on the minds of many, including those who have seen Travel South Dakota’s newly launched iteration of “So Much South Dakota, So Little Time.” The campaign is seeing early success, having already generated an estimated $21.4 million in revenue through more than 97,200 hotel and flight bookings.

Launched in March, the campaign has generated 82 million impressions, reaching more than 9.7 million individuals. Web traffic to TravelSouthDakota.com is up 53% since the campaign launch.

Travel South Dakota’s campaign seeks to remind prospective travelers of the joys that arise from letting go, following intuitions, and being spontaneous. This year’s creative direction taps into nostalgia in a place where travel is less complicated and more raw and transformational.

“People are attracted to South Dakota’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, and the opportunity to experience the wonder and awe of authentic experiences,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “Staying in front of target audiences with our message reminds people of the great places that await them in South Dakota, and that there is so much more to experience and explore in our state than most realize.”

Launched in March and continuing through October 2024, the “So Much South Dakota, So Little Time” peak campaign will continue to increase brand awareness, change perception, and drive qualified traffic to the Travel South Dakota website. The length of the campaign has been extended through October to prepare for seasonal shifts, take advantage of key travel planning timing, and reduce shoulder season gaps. 

As video performance for Travel South Dakota’s campaigns has been consistently excelling and this year’s plan focuses on video content in a variety of lengths. Creatively, the campaign includes never-before-seen footage from across the state. To relate to the different audiences, there are several storylines. A consumer may follow a friend group’s statewide adventure that goes from sailing in Yankton to a concert in Historic Deadwood; a family that goes from watching a rodeo to exploring the Children’s Museum of South Dakota in Brookings; or a couple that goes from fine dining in Sioux Falls to rock climbing in the Black Hills. 

The campaign aims to garner more than 138 million impressions regionally and 80 million impressions nationally across a mix of paid media channels including TV, video, audio, print magazine, out-of-home, podcasts, display, and paid social. Also in the mix are podcast host reads coming from Atlas Obscura, Bobby Bones, Hannah Brown, Office Ladies, and others. The out-of-home efforts are focused in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Denver, Colorado. Also new this year, Kansas City, Missouri has been added to the list of key markets.

Based on recent research from Longwoods International, the “So Much South Dakota, So Little Time” campaign is resonating with potential visitors as 63% were aware of the advertising and reported it improved their overall perception of the state. After exposure to the campaign, consumers reported increasing their thoughts as the state being “an exciting place,” a “fun spot for a vacation,” and a “must-see destination.”  

The “So Much South Dakota, So Little Time” peak campaign promises to restore the mystery in people’s lives and offer summer travelers a chance to escape and leave feeling transformed and fulfilled.

For more inspiration and travel planning resources, visit TravelSouthDakota.com .

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

Media Notes :

• For downloadable examples of the creative for the “So Much South Dakota, So Little Time” campaign, click here .