Southeast South Dakota Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip to Southeast South Dakota with our comprehensive travel guide featuring the top places to visit, food and drink scene, hiking/biking routes, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Southeast South Dakota

Southeast South Dakota is a hidden gem in the Great Plains region of the USA. The region is rich in history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures that attract tourists from all over the world. Southeast South Dakota is not only home to national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, but it also boasts several museums, art galleries, and festivals that showcase the state’s culture and heritage. This comprehensive travel guide provides a detailed itinerary of Southeast South Dakota’s must-visit attractions, best things to do, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Southeast South Dakota

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Badlands National Park
  • Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
  • National Music Museum
  • Homestake Mine
  • Old Courthouse Museum
  • Sioux Falls Park
  • Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Southeast South Dakota is home to some of the most notable museums and historical places in the USA. We’ve listed some of the most significant cultural attractions below:

  • National Music Museum: This museum holds more than 15,000 musical instruments from different countries and periods. The unique collections include instruments owned by famous composers, Woodstock pieces from the 60s, and many more.
  • Homestake Mine: Explore the world’s largest gold mine in history, now turned into a science center that includes an underground laboratory used for world-renowned research.
  • Old Courthouse Museum: Located in Sioux Falls, this courthouse was built-in 1893 and served as a home for county offices for over 70 years. Now, it is turned into a museum showcasing the history of the area, including Native American cultures and early pioneers.

Natural Attractions of Southeast South Dakota: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Southeast South Dakota has natural beauty that cannot be found anywhere else, including three national parks, numerous state parks, and breathtaking landscapes that will take your breath away. Here are some of the most notable natural attractions:

  • Badlands National Park: The park’s unique geological features include colorful layered rocks, canyons, and gullies that have been formed over millions of years. The park features several hiking trails and scenic drives.
  • Lewis and Clark Recreation Area: This park is located in the town of Yankton and includes resort facilities, marinas, and campsites. It is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the sunset.
  • Big Sioux River Recreation Trail: This stunning scenic route runs alongside the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls. It’s a perfect place to hike, bike, or take a stroll.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast South Dakota

Southeast South Dakota offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in the region, including:

  • George S. Mickelson Trail: This 109-mile trail runs through the Black Hills, offering stunning views of pine forests, creeks, and mountains.
  • Big Sioux River Recreation Trail: This 17 mile trail runs along the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls. It offers fantastic views and is perfect for families to hike, bike, or take a stroll.
  • Fort Sisseton Historic State Park Trail: This trail runs for around 6 miles, starting at the front of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and offers fantastic views of prairies, wetlands, and wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Southeast South Dakota: Activities and Tours

Southeast South Dakota truly has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

  • Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Explore Badlands National Park
  • Take a guided tour of the Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Dig fossils at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
  • Learn about the culture and heritage of the region at the National Music Museum
  • Go underground at Homestake Mine
  • Enjoy the beauty of nature at Sioux Falls Park
  • Rent a boat and relax at the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast South Dakota

Day 1: Visit Mount Rushmore and nearby attractions such as Keystone’s mining museum.

Day 2: Explore Crazy Horse Memorial, and after lunch, drive to Custer State Park and Wildlife Loop Road.

Day 3: Explore Wind Cave National Park, and after lunch, visit the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs.

Day 4: Visit Badlands National Park, hike the Notch Trail, the Cliff Shelf Trail, or the Door Trail.

Day 5: Drive back to Sioux Falls and spend the day visiting the National Music Museum and Sioux Falls Park.

Day 6: Take a guided tour of Homestake Mine and explore the surrounding area.

Day 7: Relax at the Lewis And Clark Recreation Area, featuring boating, swimming, and fishing.

Food and Drink Scene of Southeast South Dakota

Southeast South Dakota’s food and drink scene is as rich in flavor as it is in history. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: This sandwich is a classic Midwestern dish, featuring a tenderized and breaded pork tenderloin served on a bun with various toppings.
  • Chislic: This local South Dakota dish features cubed meat on skewers that are grilled or deep-fried and served with seasoning.
  • Kuchen: This traditional German dish is a type of cake that is found all over the state of South Dakota, and it is available in many flavors.

Local Beverages

  • Dakota Style Beer: This beer brand is one of South Dakota’s most iconic breweries. It is located in neighboring North Dakota, and their beer is available statewide in South Dakota.
  • Prairie Berry Winery: Located in the Black Hills region, Prairie Berry Winery produces world-class South Dakota wines that are famous across the country.

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

Southeast South Dakota has a range of accommodations to suit any budget. Here are some of the top-rated hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • Hotel Alex Johnson: This hotel is located in Rapid City and is a beautifully restored landmark property. It has a historic charm with modern amenities and a fantastic location, making it perfect for travelers to explore the area.
  • Cedar Shore Resort: This resort is located in Chamberlain, and it is situated on the Missouri River. It includes a restaurant, bar, and fishing facilities and is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
  • State Game Lodge: This lodge is located within Custer State Park and offers a unique opportunity to stay in a natural setting while providing modern amenities.

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

Southeast South Dakota has a vibrant shopping scene, where visitors can find local products, handcrafted items, and various souvenirs. Here are some of the best items to shop for:

  • Handcrafted pottery and jewelry
  • Native American art and handicrafts
  • Bison meat
  • South Dakota souvenirs such as postcards, magnets, and t-shirts.

Local Culture and Customs of Southeast South Dakota

The residents of Southeast South Dakota treasure their culture and history, which is reflected in their customs and traditions. Visitors can expect friendly and accommodating people who love to share their culture and traditions. The state is rich with German and Native American influences, which are evident in their cuisine, art, and music.

Best Time to Visit Southeast South Dakota

The best time to visit Southeast South Dakota is during the summer months of June-August when the weather is warm and ideal for many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast South Dakota

Do:

  • Respect the culture and traditions of the locals.
  • Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
  • Plan your trip in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or pollute the natural parks and scenic views.
  • Don’t touch or interact with the local wildlife.
  • Don’t forget to carry enough cash, as not all small businesses accept credit cards.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southeast South Dakota

Southeast South Dakota is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take basic safety precautions such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding areas that are known for crime.

Health in Southeast South Dakota

Visitors to Southeast South Dakota should be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations. It is also advisable to carry insect repellent as mosquitoes and other insects can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus.

Getting to Southeast South Dakota: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southeast South Dakota

The nearest airports to Southeast South Dakota are:

  • Sioux Falls Regional Airport
  • Rapid City Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Southeast South Dakota

The nearest bus stations to Southeast South Dakota are:

  • Jefferson Lines
  • Greyhound Lines

Other Options

Visitors can also choose car rentals, taxi services, and ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft.

How to Get Around in Southeast South Dakota

Getting around in Southeast South Dakota is easy and convenient. Visitors can easily rent cars and explore the area on their own or hire tours and local transportation services.

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

Southeast South Dakota is a perfect starting point to explore more of the region. Here are some nearby destinations that are worth visiting:

  • Sioux City, Iowa, featuring art and history museums as well as casinos.
  • Omaha, Nebraska featuring the famous zoo and art galleries.
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota, featuring more than 50 museums, a famous shopping district, and water parks.

Conclusion

Southeast South Dakota is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. This comprehensive travel guide provides all necessary information to plan an unforgettable trip to Southeast South Dakota. With stunning scenic drives, picturesque landscapes, rich history, and amazing culinary experiences, Southeast South Dakota is a must-visit location for all travellers.



    Mitchell
    Vermillion