12 Breathtaking Places in South Dakota for the Ultimate Road Trip

356

South Dakota threw me for a loop in the best possible way. I remember standing at Badlands National Park for the first time, mouth wide open, staring at those wild rock formations painted in stripes of red and gold. Nature really went all out here, creating something that looks more like an alien planet than the American Midwest.

After road tripping through some of the most beautiful places in South Dakota, I can tell you this state is criminally underrated. From watching Mount Rushmore emerge from the morning mist to driving through Custer State Park while hundreds of bison roam around my car, every moment felt unreal. Get ready, because these 12 spots are about to show you why South Dakota deserves way more love than it gets.

• Read also: The Coolest Hidden Gems in the Midwest

Surreal Places to Visit in South Dakota

Planning the ultimate South Dakota adventure? Here’s my quick-hit guide to the most jaw-dropping spots, each one worth a detour (or a whole day). Click any to jump straight to the details.

• Best Wildlife Wonderland: Custer State Park
• Most Otherworldly Landscapes: Badlands National Park
• Most Iconic American Landmark: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Best Wild West Time Capsule: Deadwood
• Top Scenic Escape: Black Hills National Forest
• Best Underground Adventure: Wind Cave National Park
• Coolest City-Nature Combo: Sioux Falls
• Best Gateway to the Black Hills: Rapid City
• Most Awe-Inspiring Monument-in-Progress: Crazy Horse Memorial
• Quirkiest Road Trip Stop: Wall
• Most Uniquely Decorated Landmark: Mitchell
• Best Historic River Adventure: Lewis and Clark Expedition Area

Here’s how I’d do it: base yourself in Rapid City or Custer for a few days, road trip through the Black Hills and Badlands, then swing east to Sioux Falls and the Missouri River region. Keep reading for my full breakdown of each spot, plus insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.

1. Custer State Park

• 📍 Location: Black Hills of South Dakota, about 30 minutes south of Rapid City
• 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦬, scenic drivers 🚗, outdoor adventurers 🏞️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the Wildlife Loop Road, hiking to Black Elk Peak, swimming at Sylvan Lake
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through September for best weather, September for the Buffalo Roundup 🦬
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Blue Bell Lodge – Charming log cabins with a rustic western atmosphere

Ever feel traffic jams are better with bison? Custer State Park offers 1,500 free-roaming buffalo that frequently stop cars along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road. This adventure playground spans 71,000 acres of breathtaking terrain where wildlife sightings are practically guaranteed.

Don’t miss the park’s epic drives. The Needles Highway features narrow tunnels through granite spires, while the Iron Mountain Road offers framed views of Mount Rushmore. For hikers, I couldn’t believe the 360° views from Black Elk Peak spanning four states.

Cool off at Sylvan Lake, where dramatic rock formations create a stunning backdrop for swimming and kayaking. With exceptional camping and dining options throughout, Custer makes the perfect base for exploring the greater Black Hills region.

2. Badlands National Park

• 📍 Location: Southwestern South Dakota, about 1 hour east of Rapid City
• 🏆 Best For: Landscape photographers 📸, fossil hunters 🦴, stargazers 🌠
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the Badlands Loop Road, hiking the Notch Trail, watching sunrise/sunset over the formations
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures, summer for night sky programs 🌟
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Cedar Pass Lodge – The only lodging option within the park featuring eco-friendly cabins

Need Instagram gold? Badlands National Park has alien landscapes that’ll make your followers think you’ve left Earth. This surreal maze of buttes, spires, and pinnacles erupts from the prairie in bands of red, orange, and white.

The 39-mile Badlands Loop Road offers non-stop jaw-dropping vistas with numerous pullouts for photos. Try the short Door Trail to step into the heart of these bizarre formations. For more adventure, the Notch Trail features a log ladder climb leading to spectacular canyon views.

I’ve never seen stars like the ones visible here. The park’s minimal light pollution creates some of America’s darkest skies. Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to see paleontologists working with ancient fossils, then join a night sky program to spot the Milky Way in all its glory.

3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

• 📍 Location: Black Hills of South Dakota, about 30 minutes southwest of Rapid City
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, photographers 📸, patriotic travelers 🇺🇸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Presidential Trail, attending the evening lighting ceremony, exploring the Sculptor’s Studio
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through September for best weather, shoulder seasons for fewer crowds 👪
• 🏨 Where to Stay: K Bar S Lodge – Offers rooms with views of Mount Rushmore from just minutes away

Those 60-foot presidential faces aren’t just impressive in photos. Mount Rushmore is genuinely awe-inspiring in person. This engineering marvel carved into Black Hills granite features Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln overlooking the forested landscape below.

The half-mile Presidential Trail brings you to the base of the mountain for perspectives impossible to appreciate from the main viewing terrace. Along the way, I explored the Sculptor’s Studio, where Gutzon Borglum created working models for the monument.

Don’t rush your visit. The newly renovated Lincoln Borglum Museum provides context through interactive exhibits, and the evening lighting ceremony (summer only) dramatically illuminates the faces following a patriotic presentation. Allow at least two hours to fully appreciate this American symbol.

4. Deadwood

• 📍 Location: Northern Black Hills of South Dakota, about 45 minutes northwest of Rapid City
• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, gambling enthusiasts 🎰, Wild West fans 🤠
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring historic Main Street, visiting Mount Moriah Cemetery, watching reenactments of Wild Bill’s shooting
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for full access to attractions, September for Deadwood Jam music festival 🎵
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Historic Bullock Hotel – Supposedly haunted hotel built by Deadwood’s first sheriff

Shots of whiskey and gunfire still echo through Deadwood, where the Wild West springs to life around every corner. This National Historic Landmark town gained fame through colorful characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

Stroll Historic Main Street with its perfectly restored Victorian buildings now housing casinos and saloons. The #10 Saloon stages daily reenactments of Wild Bill’s murder. For a deeper dive, the Adams Museum houses Black Hills artifacts, including a rare fossilized plesiosaur.

I spent a fascinating hour exploring Mount Moriah Cemetery on the hillside above town, where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane rest eternally. While embracing its lawless past through gambling parlors, modern Deadwood offers upscale dining and luxurious accommodations, making it much more than just a trip back in time.

5. Black Hills National Forest

• 📍 Location: Western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, surrounding Rapid City
• 🏆 Best For: Scenic drivers 🚗, hikers 🥾, wildlife watchers 🦌
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, hiking Black Elk Wilderness, exploring historic mining towns
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June through September for accessible roads and trails, October for fall colors 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Spearfish Canyon Lodge – Luxury lodging nestled in one of the most beautiful canyons

Want to escape the tourist crowds? Black Hills National Forest offers 1.2 million acres of mountain terrain perfect for adventure seekers. The name comes from the dark ponderosa pines that appear black from a distance against the surrounding prairie.

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway winds between towering limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls without the crowds of more famous sites. Pull over to hike to Roughlock Falls or Bridal Veil Falls, both offering easy access to spectacular views.

I could spend weeks exploring the 450+ miles of hiking trails here. Try the challenging Centennial Trail, stretching 111 miles through diverse ecosystems. With excellent camping, fishing, and mountain biking throughout, the Black Hills offer endless outdoor possibilities regardless of your skill level.

• Considering relocating to the area? 12 Best Places to Live in South Dakota

6. Wind Cave National Park

• 📍 Location: Southern Black Hills, about 1 hour south of Rapid City
• 🏆 Best For: Cave enthusiasts 🕳️, prairie wildlife watchers 🦬, hikers 🥾
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a cave tour, watching bison on the prairie, hiking Rankin Ridge
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round for cave tours (cave maintains 53°F regardless of season), summer for wildlife viewing 🦬
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Elk Mountain Campground – Peaceful, rustic camping nestled in the prairie with quick access to cave tours and hiking trails

Underground adventure awaits at Wind Cave National Park, home to the densest cave system on earth. This hidden world features the highest concentration of rare “boxwork” formations found anywhere. The cave gets its name from the whistling sound at its natural entrance as air pressure equalizes.

Several guided tours range from easy walks to challenging wild caving adventures. The Natural Entrance Tour lets you experience the dramatic barometric wind, while the Fairgrounds Tour showcases the most impressive chambers.

What surprised me most was the surface area. The park protects one of the few remaining mixed-grass prairie ecosystems in America. Take the Rankin Ridge Trail to the highest point for spectacular views, and drive the park roads to spot free-roaming bison, elk, and prairie dogs.

7. Sioux Falls

• 📍 Location: Eastern South Dakota, situated at the junction of I-90 and I-29, near the Minnesota border
• 🏆 Best For: Urban explorers 🏙️, waterfall enthusiasts 💦, art lovers 🎨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Falls Park, strolling the SculptureWalk, visiting the Washington Pavilion
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for outdoor festivals, fall for gorgeous foliage around the falls 🍁
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel on Phillips – Boutique hotel in a historic downtown building with modern amenities

Skip the tourist traps and discover Sioux Falls, where adventure-seeking professionals find the perfect urban escape. Falls Park has nature right in the city, with pink quartzite formations creating spectacular cascades. I was blown away by how the falls transform at night with colorful illumination.

The downtown SculptureWalk features over 60 rotating outdoor art pieces, while Washington Pavilion offers theaters, science exhibits, and visual arts under one roof. Foodies will appreciate the growing culinary scene with craft breweries housed in historic buildings.

The 29-mile Big Sioux River Recreation Trail connects the city’s best spots for morning runs or evening bike rides. This vibrant prairie city deserves at least two days of exploration and offers a refreshing alternative to crowded vacation destinations.

• Find your perfect South Dakota hometown: 12 Places to Call Home in South Dakota

8. Rapid City

• 📍 Location: Western South Dakota, gateway to the Black Hills and about 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore
• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, art lovers 🎨, outdoor adventurers 🏔️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Downtown’s City of Presidents statues, Dinosaur Park, exploring nearby Black Hills
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for full access to attractions, fall for fewer crowds and beautiful colors 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Alex Johnson – Historic hotel in downtown with rooftop bar and Black Hills views

Career professionals seeking both culture and adventure will find Rapid City the perfect base camp. The downtown City of Presidents features life-sized bronze presidential statues scattered among local shops, galleries, and trendy restaurants. After exploring the urban core, I could be hiking in the Black Hills within minutes.

Dinosaur Park offers both nostalgic charm and panoramic city views, while the Journey Museum provides a fascinating dive into regional history. The nearby Black Hills offers world-class outdoor experiences, from hiking to wildlife viewing along the spectacular Needles Highway.

This ideal mix of urban amenities and natural wonders makes Rapid City worth at least 3-4 days of your precious vacation time. The craft brewery scene and growing number of farm-to-table restaurants will satisfy urban foodies.

9. Crazy Horse Memorial

• 📍 Location: Black Hills of South Dakota, 17 miles from Mount Rushmore and 8 miles from Custer
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, Native American culture seekers 🪶, photography buffs 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the massive in-progress mountain carving, exploring the Indian Museum
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for night laser light shows, June for the Volksmarch hiking event 🥾
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Crazy Horse Memorial Campsite – Camp with a view of the monument (seasonal)

Forget overcrowded monuments and witness history in the making at the Crazy Horse Memorial, a colossal mountain sculpture. The face of the legendary Oglala Lakota warrior stands 87 feet tall, yet represents just a fraction of this ambitious project. I found the scale truly mind-blowing when comparing it to nearby Mount Rushmore.

The excellent Indian Museum of North America houses extensive Native American artifacts and art. For a truly special experience, visit during the Volksmarch held twice yearly when you can hike to the arm of the sculpture.

The Native American Educational Center offers demonstrations by indigenous artists and cultural performances. This privately funded project began in 1948 and continues today, giving visitors a rare glimpse into multi-generational artistic commitment.

10. Wall

• 📍 Location: Western South Dakota, situated along I-90 about an hour east of Rapid City
• 🏆 Best For: Roadtrippers 🚗, nostalgia seekers 🤠, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Wall Drug Store, visiting Badlands National Park, sunset prairie views
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for prime tourist season, spring for wildflowers in the Badlands 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Frontier Cabins – Western-themed accommodations with Badlands views

Instagram-worthy moments await millennial travelers at Wall‘s famous Wall Drug Store, a 76,000-square-foot wonderland of western kitsch. What began as a struggling pharmacy offering free ice water has evolved into an American road trip legend. The backyard area features a giant jackalope you can “ride” for the perfect social media shot.

My jaw dropped when I first saw the otherworldly landscape of nearby Badlands National Park, where dramatic spires and buttes create surreal photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset. History buffs will appreciate the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site with its preserved Cold War relics.

Wall makes the perfect overnight stop with enough activities to fill a day exploring both quirky attractions and stunning natural wonders. The contrast between man-made roadside oddities and ancient geological formations offers something for every traveler.

11. Mitchell

• 📍 Location: Southeastern South Dakota, directly on I-90, about 75 miles west of Sioux Falls
• 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏢, agricultural history buffs 🌽, roadtrippers 🚗
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Corn Palace, exploring the Prehistoric Indian Village, cycling the Trails
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late summer when new corn murals are completed, early fall for harvest season 🌾
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Kelly Inn – Comfortable lodging with indoor pool, minutes from attractions

Design-savvy professionals will be captivated by America’s most unique architectural wonder. The World’s Only Corn Palace features massive exterior murals created entirely from naturally colored corn and grains, redesigned annually with new themes. I couldn’t believe the intricate details achieved using only agricultural materials.

Beyond this quirky attraction, Mitchell surprises visitors with the Prehistoric Indian Village, an active archaeological site where you can watch ongoing excavations of a 1,000-year-old settlement. The Dakota Discovery Museum provides fascinating context about pioneer life through regional artifacts and art.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Lake Mitchell Recreation Area for fishing and hiking or explore the city’s growing trail system by bike. Plan at least a half-day for the Corn Palace with extra time for other attractions that showcase this region’s rich agricultural heritage.

• Still deciding where to settle down? 12 BEST Towns to Move To in South Dakota

12. Lewis and Clark Expedition Area

• 📍 Location: Southeastern South Dakota along the Missouri River, centered around Yankton
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, water recreation lovers 🚣, nature photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Spirit Mound, paddling the Missouri River, visiting the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for water activities, early fall for comfortable hiking weather and fewer crowds 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Lewis and Clark Resort – Cabins and lodging right on Lewis and Clark Lake

Adventure-seeking professionals can literally walk in the footsteps of America’s most famous explorers along South Dakota’s Missouri River. Spirit Mound near Vermillion offers a rare opportunity to stand exactly where Lewis and Clark stood in 1804. The historic town of Yankton serves as the perfect base for exploration with excellent dining options and craft breweries.

I was amazed by sections of the Missouri National Recreational River that remain virtually unchanged since the expedition passed through. Paddling enthusiasts can experience the waterway much as the explorers did, with cottonwood forests and sandbar islands.

The expansive Lewis and Clark Recreation Area offers excellent camping, boating, and fishing opportunities. History buffs should allow at least two days to fully appreciate these significant sites and connect with America’s pioneering spirit along these historic waterways.

FAQs About Visiting the Most Beautiful Places in South Dakota

Here are some popular questions I get asked about visiting South Dakota.

What is the best time of year to visit South Dakota’s most beautiful places?

I’ve explored South Dakota in every season, and late spring through early fall is my favorite window. The wildflowers are in bloom in May and June, summer brings warm hiking weather, and September offers cooler temps with fewer crowds. Winter can be stunning too if you don’t mind snow and icy roads.

How many days should I spend in South Dakota to see these places?

If you want to hit all 12 spots in one trip, I’d recommend at least a week. I’ve done shorter trips, but it feels rushed. A week lets you explore at a relaxed pace and soak in the different landscapes without spending all your time in the car.

Are these places easy to get to by car?

Yes. I’ve driven to every location on this list, and most are accessible with a standard vehicle. A few spots have gravel or dirt roads, so I slow down and take it easy there, but you won’t need a special off-road setup.

Can I visit these places on a road trip?

Absolutely. In fact, I’ve done them as part of a couple different road trips. You can start in Sioux Falls or Rapid City and make a loop, or focus on one region if you’re short on time. It’s one of my favorite states to drive through.

Are there entrance fees for any of these places?

Some spots are completely free, while others are inside state or national parks that charge a fee. I usually get an America the Beautiful annual pass, which covers all the national parks and monuments, and it has paid for itself on my first couple of visits.

Is South Dakota worth visiting if I’m not into hiking?

Yes. I’ve brought friends who don’t hike at all, and they still loved it. Many of the most beautiful places can be enjoyed from scenic overlooks or short walks. You don’t have to be an outdoor pro to appreciate the views here.

What should I pack for a trip to South Dakota?

I always bring layers because the weather can change fast, especially in the Black Hills and Badlands. Comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera are must-haves for me. If you’re camping or hiking more remote areas, bring extra snacks and a paper map in case cell service drops.