18 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In South Dakota
With its rolling prairies, unique geologic landscapes, and the historic gold rush town of Deadwood (inspiration for the HBO series!), South Dakota is a fascinating state. From wild bison roaming protected lands to iconic national memorials, here are my favorite places I’d love to share…
1. Custer State Park
I’m always in awe of this majestic and untamed nature reserve! It’s home to sprawling landscapes of pine-covered hills, granite peaks, and scenic drives where herds bison roam freely. I love how it’s so tranquil but feels adventurous too – I always feel like stepping into a scene of the Old West here!
I stayed for four nights at the cool and quirky Bavarian Inn, took breathtaking scenic drives along Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop, hiked and biked the scenic trails, explored incredible granite spires, kayaked on picturesque lakes, and enjoyed picnics along the idyllic shores.
- Location: Black Hills region of the southwestern part of the state (around 30 miles southwest of Rapid City)
- Wildlife: bison, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, and prairie dogs
- Location Map and Directions
- Custer State Park Website
My favorite highlights…
- Going on the fun two hour Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour – I loved bumping over dusty trails, hearing the grunts of bison up close, and listening to our guide’s interesting stories about the park’s wild history!
2. Deadwood
Dating back to 1874, I discovered that the former Gold Rush town was an interesting mix of immaculately-preserved Wild West architecture, scenic mountain surroundings, and a history that comes alive through its historic buildings, saloons, and cobblestone streets – I loved the fun, lively and welcoming vibe here!
It’s a fascinating place that even inspired the popular HBO series of the same name, starring Ian McShane—which I watched every episode of, making it very exciting to visit in person!
On my trip, I walked in the footsteps of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock and visited concerts, casinos, museums (the Adams Museum was my favorite) and historic sites including the atmospheric Mount Moriah Cemetery.
I also explored the Old Town on a self-guided tour, dined in the trendy Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer and the breweries and went hiking in the scenic Black Hills. The Old Brothel, Saloon #10 Whiskey Bar, Midnight Star Casino and the lively Wild West Shows were my personal highlights!
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the characterful Celebrity Boutique Hotel – I loved the themed decor, Victorian vintage vibe and my breakfast of Black Hills mushroom and garden herb scramble and wild prairie mint tea!
3. Pinnacles, the Badlands National Park
I found this to be a dramatically surreal and wonderfully beautiful spot! Spanning around 244,000 breathtaking acres, it’s filled with sharply eroded buttes, fascinating pinnacles, and deep gorges. The unique rock formations display stunning hues of pink, orange, and purple, making it both tranquil and awe-inspiring at the same time!
The wildlife is also incredibly diverse here and bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black-footed ferrets, and numerous bird species, golden eagles and Red-tailed Hawks all roam these intriguing landscapes!
I stayed for three nights at the quirky rustic-chic Badlands Frontier Cabins, hiked awe-inspiring trails, photographed the stunning rock formations, tried to spot as much wildlife as I can, and just enjoyed gazing at the breathtaking views of the unique landscapes!
My highlights…
4. Mount Rushmore National Monument
This is the most iconic attraction in the state! I love how there really is a wow-inducing and majestic beauty about this place which is actually a stunning portrayal of four iconic presidents carved into the granite face of a mountain, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Black Hills!
Located in the beautiful Black Hills (around 5 miles from the town of Keystone), the park spans around 1,278 acres and the faces of the president stands at 60 feet tall. The presidents are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln and each feature intricate details that represent their contributions to the nation.
I was thrilled (and very moved!) to get close-up views of the iconic presidential sculptures, explore the visitor center and Sculptor’s Studio to learn about Gutzon Borglum’s creative process, hike the scenic Presidential Trail, and end the day at the picturesque evening lighting ceremony—complete with patriotic speeches, moving music, and a film narrating the monument’s history.
My highlights…
- Stopping by the cozy, rustic-chic Tally’s Silver Spoon (just a 30-minute drive away), I loved the quirky vintage details, and the menu filled with regionally grown produce – especially the silky and slightly peppery arugula pudding!
5. Sylvan Lake
I’m always won over buy this pristine and serene hidden gem! It’s a wonderful place with crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush pine forests, I come here when I want to relax and contemplate life!
Sylvan Lake, located in Custer State Park about 10 miles from the town of Custer, spans around 40 acres. I love how the hilly surroundings reflect on the water – it’s incredibly picturesque!
On my trip, I camped at Game Lodge Campground (which came with lots of modern facilities) hiked the scenic trails, picnicked around the stunning shores, went boating in the clear waters (kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle-boards can all be rented from Sylvan Lake Lodge), captured beautiful photographs, spotted wildlife and watched the rock climbers brave the very steep Inner Outlet formations!
- Address: 13329 U.S. Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730
- Wildlife: black bears, bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, wild turkeys and coyotes
- Location Map
- Best time to visit: summer
My personal highlights…
- Stopping by the quirky roadside Cosmos Mystery Area (a 40 minute drive away) which was filled with tilted houses and optical illusions – I especially liked the eerie yet giggle-inducing vibe!
6. Crazy Horse Memorial
This monumental sculpture is truly inspiring and uplifting – it never fails to wow me! I was in awe of its grand scale and intricate artistry, and I love how it captures the cultural significance of Native American heritage against the stunning Black Hills backdrop. To me, it felt like a deeply spiritual place, even more jaw-dropping in real life than I had imagined!
Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota (around 10 miles from town of Custer), it stands at 563 feet long and 641 feet high, making it the largest stone sculpture in the world. It is still under construction, which I personally think symbolizes the sense of hope and determination of the Native communities.
On my visit, I explored the expansive grounds, visited the interesting museum and visitor center and saw its educational exhibits, enjoyed the Insta-worthy views of the monument and surrounding Black Hills, and watched the fascinating ongoing sculpture carving process!
My favorite highlights…
- Dining at the rustic-chic Laughing Water Restaurant, I sat by the window with a stunning view of the Crazy Horse Memorial while devoring warm, pillowy Indian fry bread with rich, seasoned beans!
7. Needles Highway
This scenic drive is absolutely breathtaking! I’m a huge fan of this unique 14-mile highway, with its narrow, winding roads, towering granite spires, dense forests, and the picturesque landscapes of the stunning Black Hills. I love how it’s both exhilarating and tranquil at the same time – I personally think the scenery here is truly extraordinary!
Located in Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this popular destination attracts drivers, hikers, and photographers. The dramatic granite Cathedral Spires, which tower above the road are the biggest draw!
It took me around 45 minutes to complete and on my trip and I gazed at the towering needle-like spires, stopped at the picturesque viewpoints, explored the scenic hiking trails, navigated one-lane tunnels spectacularly carved through the rock and tried to spot interesting wildlife along the way – bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, wild turkeys, bighorn sheep and coyotes all call this area home!
- Start Point: Near the junction of US Highway 16A (Iron Mountain Road) and SD Highway 87
- End Point: Sylvan Lake
- Location Map
- Best time to visit: summer
My personal highlights…
- Stopping at the Needles Highway Scenic Overlook – I was quietly in awe of the road snaking through those jaw-dropping granite spires with the crisp pine-scented air and dark spruce forests spread out below—it all felt a little otherworldly!
8. Keystone
I love this gem of a town! It’s a friendly spot, home to charming historic architecture, quaint streets filled with shops, cafes, and galleries and stunning mountain scenery all set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Black Hills and the iconic Mount Rushmore (which is only 5 miles away).
Located in the Black Hills region, around 30 miles southwest of Rapid City, it’s a small place with only 240 residents and I’m always charmed by its friendly community-focused atmosphere but also how it has the bustling energy of a tourist destination.
While here, I toured the Big Thunder Gold Mine, rode the scenic Keystone Tramway and authentic steam locomotive 1880 Train, visited the Keystone Historical Museum, hiked the surrounding trails, enjoyed seeing historic steam trains at the 1880 Train – Keystone Depot, and explored the interesting shops and classic eateries.
- Address: Keystone, SD 57751
- Location Map
- Best time to visit: summer
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the Big Thunder Gold Mine – I wandered through the cool, dim tunnels lined with timber beams and quartz veins before panning for gold in the icy creek water!
9. Black Hills National Forest
This is a sprawling natural beauty spot which covers over 1.2 million acres! It’s home to stunning diversity of landscapes, featuring serene forests, rugged mountain ranges, clear streams, and unique geological formations. I love its tranquil and invigorating vibe!
When here, I camped at Sylvan Lake Campground hiked the scenic trails (there are over 450 miles of trails here!), took breathtaking drives on Iron Mountain Road, watched the rock climbers at Harmon Peak, kayaked on Pactola Lake and spotted as much wildlife as I could – free-roaming bison, black bears, prairie dogs, mountain lions and elk all live here!
I also really liked that there were plenty of amenities here too including cafes, restaurants, museums, a winery, and even a family-friendly train ride!
My highlights…
- At the dreamy upscale Summer Creek Inn – a highlight was sipping on a tangy-sweet buffaloberry wine from my patio hot tub overlooking the garden waterfall!
10. Falls Park, Sioux Falls
This is a majestic and picturesque attraction! I’m always charming by this stunning cascade of waterfalls which tumbles over granite cliffs and is beautifully surrounded by lush greenery and well-maintained walking paths.
This gem of a public park in Sioux Falls is locally famous for its breathtaking waterfalls on the Big Sioux River. I love how refreshing and peaceful it feels here!
When here, I enjoyed scenic walks along the trails, saw panoramic views from the five-story observation tower, explored the historic Queen Bee Mill, had a picnic in the lush green spaces, discovered interesting educational exhibits in the visitor center and strolled around the lively Saturday Farmer’s Market (which is actually held in the park)!
My highlights…
- Visiting the park’s Farmer’s Market – I loved its scenic location in the Falls Park picnic shelter, the live music band and sampling the delicious. local produce. Buying a jar of garden blend of pickles from the Uptown Source Company was also a great decision!
11. Notch Trail, Badlands National Park
This is one of my favorite trails in the state! It offers stunning vistas of the Badlands’ dramatic rock formations and sweeping landscapes, offering hikers a unique combination of rugged terrain and breathtaking views that showcase the park’s natural beauty. I loved the adventurous and invigorating vibe here as well as also meeting lots of friendly hikers along the way!
Located in the Cedar Pass area of Badlands National Park, this 1.5-mile trail took me about two hours to complete. I found it moderately challenging due to the steep sections, uneven terrain, and the ladder I had to climb to reach the trail’s highest point!
While here, I camped at the nearby Cedar Pass Campground and then hiked to the very top of the trail, where I took in breathtaking panoramas of the Badlands’ striking rock formations, deep canyons, and the expansive grasslands of the White River Valley!
My personal highlights…
12. Lake Herman
This is a picturesque and tranquil spot! It has a stunning natural setting with clear waters surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and even a lovely sandy beach. Though it’s a recreational lake, I love how it feels like a scenic retreat where I can connect with nature and enjoy the gentle sounds of water lapping against the shore.
Lake Herman is located in the southeastern part of the state, an hour’s north of Sioux Falls, (and around 5 miles from the town of Madison) and it spans around 1,000 acres.
During my trip, I camped in the scenic Lake Herman State Park, relaxed on the sandy beach, went boating, swimming, and kayaking on the lake, and enjoyed picnics along the shores. I also hiked nearby trails and spotted wildlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and eagles!
My personal highlights…
- Camping out overnight at the award-winning hipster-friendly Uncle B’s Produce Farm – I loved the cool friendly vibe, the scenic walking trails by the large pond, the gorgeous farm animals and sitting round the camp fire at night and getting to know the other campers!
- Taking advantage of the jet ski rentals located there and going for an hour’s thrilling ride on the lake!
13. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
I’m always won over by this beautiful scenic park, named after the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark! It’s filled with picturesque landscapes—rolling hills, lush forests, and the pristine waters of the Missouri River. The park attracts both families and outdoor adventurers, creating a friendly, community feel!
Located in the southeastern part of the near the Missouri River (the town of Yankton is 7 miles away), the area spans over around 1,600 acres and I really like that it has tonnes of great amenities including campgrounds, cabins, trails for hiking and biking, beaches, a disc golf course, an archery range, and even a family-friendly lodge resort.
I camped at Gavins Point Campground and enjoyed hiking the scenic trails, boating on the Missouri River, picnicking in designated areas, and spotting the diverse wildlife – herons, eagles, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys all make their home here!
My personal highlights…
- Hiking the leisurely Gavins Point Nature Trail which was around 1.2 miles long and took me 45 minutes to complete. It was great to explore the picturesque native woods, meadows, and scenic overlooks of Lewis and Clark Lake.
- Stopping by the Dismal Nitch, a pretty little cove that once sheltered Lewis and Clark from a fierce storm – it was hard for me to imagine such a peaceful spot as their place of refuge!
14. Roughlock Falls
This spot truly captivated me! It features a stunning cascade of water flowing over rugged rock formations, surrounded by lush greenery and very pretty wildflowers (in the spring and summer months). I loved the peaceful and rejuvenating vibe here, with the soothing sound of flowing water adding to the whole experience!
Located in the Black Hills (10 miles south of Lead), I stayed at the nearby upscale Spearfish Canyon Lodge and hiked the well-maintained trails, gazed at the breathtaking views of the waterfalls and enjoyed picnics in the surrounding areas.
- Address: 1117 Roughlock Falls Road, Lead, SD 57754
- Location Map
- Best time to visit: March to October
My highlights…
- I stopped at The Latchstring Inn, a super-cute rustic lodge with a scenic location on Roughlock Falls Road. I loved the hearty menu, especially the Canyon Nachos, which came with a delicious homemade red chili sauce and black bean salsa!
15. Sage Creek Wilderness Area, Badlands National Park
This is a remote and surreally beautiful area of Badlands National Park. It’s located well off the beaten path and home to rugged landscapes, unique rock formations, and interesting wildlife, all set against the dramatic Badlands backdrop. I come here to connect with nature, immerse myself in the unusual beauty, and find a bit of solitude at the time – this place is extraordinary!
It attracts solo adventurists, couples and even families looking for adventure and is located within the western part of Badlands National Park (around 15 miles from the park’s main entrance).
I go backcountry camping here (I had to get a permit from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and keep within designated areas) and then I hike the breathtaking trails, explore the intriguing rock formations, take in the stunning vistas of the, and go wildlife spotting for the bison, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, bighorn sheep and deer who all wander these uncommon lands!
My highlights…
- Camping overnight here was unforgettable! I woke up to miles of untouched wilderness, with nothing but the open prairie and the morning sun stretching across the horizon – it was an incredible experience!
16. Canyon Lake Park, Rapid City
This lush recreational area always charms me! With a serene lake surrounded by vibrant greenery, scenic walking trails, and stunning rock formations, it creates a peaceful oasis in the heart of Rapid City. I love the relaxing vibe, which attracts a mix of families, joggers, and nature lovers.
Located right in the middle of Rapid City, just off Canyon Lake Drive, this scenic park spans over 90 acres. I enjoy walking and biking along the trails, picnicking by the lake, birdwatching (mallards, great blue herons, and red-tailed hawks all live here), and taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes.
There are also four pavilions for pretty picnics, a handy BBQ area which overlooked the lake, a playground for the kids, a fun sand volleyball court and paddle-boat rentals.
My personal highlights…
- Hiking the nearby moderately challenging 2.8-mile Skyline Wilderness Area Loop which took me 1.5 hours to complete. It was steep in parts but the panoramic views of Rapid City and the Black Hills definitely made it worth it!
17. Spirit Mound Historic Prairie
This is a truly unique natural attraction! Rising about 150 feet above the surrounding prairie, this culturally significant mound is believed to have been a sacred site for local tribes. It’s a peaceful and contemplative spot with rolling hills, pretty wildflowers, restored tall grass prairie landscapes, and stunning panoramic views from the top!
Located in the southeastern part of the state (around 7 miles southwest of the town of Vermillion), the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie spans around 320 acres.
On my visit, I hiked scenic trails to see the views and learn about its historical significance through all the informative signs located here!
My personal highlights…
- Hiking the easy and well-maintained out-and-back Spirit Mound Historic Prairie Trail which was just 1.4-mile in length and took me 30 minutes to complete. It took me past restored prairie landscapes, native grasses, pretty wildflowers and interesting informational signs before eventually leading me to the summit of the Spirit Mound (which had awesome views)!
18. Wonderland Cave, Sturgis
I was really impressed by this natural attraction! Thought to be around a whopping 100 million years old, it’s a stunning limestone cave with a series of underground chambers featuring beautiful crystal formations, intricate rock structures, and unique mineral formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites.
Discovered in 1929, I personally think it’s a tranquil, mystical and very awe-inspiring place!
Located in the stunning Black Hills near the town of Nemo (and 10 miles from Sturgis), I went on a guided tour in this family-friendly attraction and learnt all about the cave’s interesting geology and history.
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the cute gift shop for interesting souvenirs and cave-inspired mementos. I found some really interesting keepsakes, and the super-friendly staff made the experience even better with their helpful recommendations and fun facts about the area!
