South Dakota Travel Guide

Read our complete guide to South Dakota for an unforgettable vacation. Explore historical and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, local food and drinks, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to South Dakota

South Dakota, located in the Great Plains region of the United States, is known for its vast open spaces, iconic landscapes, and cultural heritage. With its rich history, adventurous outdoor activities, and diverse cuisine, South Dakota draws millions of travelers each year. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit, activities to do, food to try, and tips for traveling in South Dakota.

List of Places to Visit in South Dakota

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Badlands National Park
  • Wind Cave National Park
  • Custer State Park
  • Black Hills National Forest
  • Mammoth Site
  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
  • Lewis and Clark Lake

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

South Dakota is rich in history, and its cultural attractions reflect that. Here are some must-visit museums and historical places:

  • National Music Museum: Located in Vermillion, this museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of musical instruments with over 15,000 items from around the globe.
  • Journey Museum & Learning Center: This Museum in Rapid City is dedicated to the history and culture of the Black Hills.
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead: Located outside De Smet, this historic site preserves the place where the famous “Little House” author grew up.
  • Pioneer Auto Museum: Located in Murdo, this museum showcases over 275 rare vehicles and memorabilia that trace the history of America’s automobile.
  • Homestake Gold Mine: This mine in Lead was in operation for more than a century and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Natural Attractions of South Dakota: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

South Dakota is home to numerous natural wonders, including stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Here are some of the most popular natural attractions:

  • Badlands National Park: This vast area in southwestern South Dakota is known for its dramatic landscape, which features layered rock formations, deep canyons, and unique wildlife.
  • Wind Cave National Park: Located near Hot Springs, this park boasts one of the world’s longest caves and unique wildlife like bison, pronghorns, and coyotes.
  • Custer State Park: This 71,000-acre park in the Black Hills is home to numerous campgrounds and hiking trails and offers visitors the opportunity to see wildlife like bison, elk, and pronghorns.
  • Sylvan Lake: Known for its clear waters and stunning views, this lake is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and hiking.
  • Spearfish Canyon: This gorgeous canyon features waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and miles of hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Dakota

South Dakota’s natural beauty makes it ideal for hiking and biking. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Black Elk Peak Trail: This trail in the Black Hills leads to the highest point east of the Rockies and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • George S. Mickelson Trail: This 109-mile trail stretches from Deadwood to Edgemont and offers breathtaking views of South Dakota’s vast landscape.
  • Big Hill Trails: Located in Custer State Park, these trails range from easy to difficult and provide visitors with spectacular views.
  • Little Spearfish Trail System: This trail system in Spearfish Canyon offers a variety of hiking and biking options and is known for its stunning waterfalls.
  • Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway: This drive in Badlands National Park offers a unique opportunity to see the park’s famous formations up close.

Best Things to Do in South Dakota: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities to do in South Dakota. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial: This iconic landmark features the faces of four of America’s most famous presidents carved into the granite mountain.
  • Take a horseback ride through Custer State Park: Horseback riding is a popular activity in South Dakota’s parks and forests.
  • Tour the Crazy Horse Memorial: This massive sculpture, located in the Black Hills, honors the Native American warrior and features an informative museum on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
  • Experience the Wild West in Deadwood: This historic town offers a glimpse into the past with its museums, saloons, and galleries.
  • Go fishing on the Missouri River: Anglers flock to the Missouri River for its abundant fish species like walleye, bass, and catfish.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Dakota

Here are some suggestions for how to spend a week in South Dakota:

Day Destination Activities
1 Rapid City Visit the Journey Museum & Learning Center, historic downtown, and local breweries.
2 Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial Take a tour of these famous landmarks and visit the nearby Black Hills National Forest.
3 Custer State Park Go horseback riding, visit Sylvan Lake, and drive the Wildlife Loop Road.
4 Badlands National Park Hike the trails, tour the visitor center, and visit the famed Wall Drug Store.
5 Spearfish Canyon Hike the trails, see the waterfalls, and visit the historic town of Deadwood.
6 Missouri River Go fishing or take a boat tour of the river.
7 Departure Head to the airport or continue your travels in the region.

Food and Drink Scene in South Dakota

Must-Try Dishes

South Dakota’s culinary scene is steeped in traditional Midwestern flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Chislic: Cubes of fried meat, typically lamb, served as a snack or appetizer.
  • Kuchen: A dessert that resembles a custard pie and is typically filled with fruit like apples or peaches.
  • Bison burger: Made with lean and flavorful bison meat and often paired with South Dakota’s famous fry sauce.
  • Kolaches: A traditional pastry filled with fruit, cream cheese, or meat.
  • Cornbread: A staple in many South Dakota households, typically served warm with honey butter.

Local Beverages

South Dakota is home to several breweries and wineries, serving up flavorful local drinks. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Miner Brewing Company: Located in Hill City, this microbrewery serves up craft beers made on-site.
  • Badlands Distillery: This distillery in Kadoka produces unique whiskeys, rums, and vodkas made with local ingredients.
  • Prairie Berry Winery: This winery in Hill City produces unique and flavorful wines made from regional fruits like chokecherries and currants.

Where to Stay in South Dakota: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Dakota offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to rustic cabins. Here are some suggestions:

  • White House Inn: This historic hotel in Rapid City provides travelers with comfortable rooms and suites and is conveniently located for exploring the area.
  • Sylvan Lake Lodge: This lodge in Custer State Park offers guests a luxurious stay in a stunning setting.
  • Prairie Wind Bed & Breakfast: This charming bed and breakfast in Quinn is known for its homestyle breakfasts and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Palmer Gulch Resort: This resort in the Black Hills offers a variety of accommodations, from cabins and lodges to campgrounds and RV sites.

What to Buy in South Dakota: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting South Dakota, there are plenty of unique souvenirs to bring home. Here are some ideas:

  • Black Hills gold jewelry: This distinctive gold jewelry features leaves and grape clusters and is a timeless souvenir of South Dakota.
  • Buffalo leather products: South Dakota’s bison are known for their high-quality hides, which can be made into bags, wallets, and other leather accessories.
  • Prairie-inspired art: From paintings to sculptures, many local artists capture the beauty of South Dakota’s landscapes and wildlife.
  • Wild-caught game: Visitors can take home locally-caught game like bison, elk, and venison if they are interested in cooking some authentic Midwestern cuisine.

Local Culture and Customs of South Dakota

South Dakota’s culture is heavily influenced by its Native American heritage and its rural roots. Visitors can expect to encounter friendly people, a relaxed pace of life, and a deep appreciation for nature and history.

Best Time to Visit South Dakota

The best time to visit South Dakota depends on what you want to do. Summer is the most popular time for tourism, as this is when most of the attractions and parks are open. Fall is a great time to see the changing colors of the trees and avoid the crowds, while winter offers opportunities for winter sports like skiing. Spring is a shoulder season and can provide a great balance between mild weather and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Dakota

Do:

  • Take the time to explore South Dakota’s cultural heritage at museums and historic sites.
  • Take in the stunning natural beauty of the state’s parks and forests.
  • Try some local cuisine, including traditional Midwestern dishes and locally-produced drinks.
  • Visit the state’s small towns and get to know the friendly locals.

Don’t:

  • Ignore posted signs and warnings while hiking or exploring natural areas.
  • Disrespect Native American heritage and culture.
  • Underestimate the value of travel insurance, especially for outdoor activities and adventure sports.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Dakota

South Dakota is generally a safe place to travel, but visitors should exercise common sense and take precautions. Be aware of wildlife while hiking or camping and be mindful of weather conditions. Also, be cautious driving in areas with wildlife crossing signs, such as Custer State Park.

Health in South Dakota

South Dakota does not have any specific health risks, but visitors should take general precautions like staying hydrated and using sunscreen. As with any outdoor activity, there is a risk of injury while hiking or doing adventure sports, so visitors should be prepared and take necessary precautions.

Getting to South Dakota: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Dakota

South Dakota has several regional airports, including:

  • Rapid City Regional Airport
  • Sioux Falls Regional Airport
  • Pierre Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near South Dakota

Greyhound offers bus service to Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Spearfish.

Other Options

Driving is a popular option for getting around South Dakota, as the state is well-connected by highways. Additionally, scenic drives like the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway offer visitors a unique way to experience the state’s natural beauty.

How to Get Around in South Dakota

The best way to get around South Dakota is by car, although many towns have bike-friendly infrastructure. Visitors can rent a car at any of the airports or in major cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

Where to Go Next from South Dakota: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

South Dakota is well situated for exploring other parts of the region, including:

  • Yellowstone National Park: Located just to the west of South Dakota, this iconic national park offers stunning natural scenery, including geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This park in North Dakota features incredible views of the Badlands and unique wildlife like bison, prairie dogs, and wild horses.
  • Minneapolis: This bustling city is located just a few hours east of Sioux Falls and is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, amazing food, and beautiful parks.

Conclusion

South Dakota is a unique destination that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, learning about history and culture, or trying flavorful local cuisine, South Dakota has it all. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be able to plan an unforgettable vacation to this Midwestern gem.

Mount Rushmore Mount Rushmore


    Badlands and Black Hills
    Glacial Lakes
    Great Lakes
    Southeast South Dakota