Unleash Your Inner Explorer

It's more than 77,000 square miles of pure wonder. Filled with so many things to see, taste, hear and feel — and endless reasons to pack your bags.

Natural beauty and the unexpected await you in South Dakota, dubbed the land of infinite variety. Are you seeking solitude to recharge among awe-inspiring landscapes? Maybe you want to connect with the unique cultures and history of the American West. Or is it time to get out of your comfort zone for a spontaneous journey of exploration?

There are endless things to do in South Dakota for adventurers of all ages and interests, from the iconic Great 8 landmarks — including Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park — to glacial lakes, outdoor activities, historical and cultural sites, vibrant cities, quiet country escapes and family attractions.

Use our maps, get some travel tips or follow a trip itinerary to plan your South Dakota vacation. As you venture back home, you’ll know you truly made memories that will last forever.

Iconic Landmarks

A father and son peer through a viewfinder at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Keystone, South Dakota.

A father and son peer through a viewfinder at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Keystone, South Dakota.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

At America’s Shrine of Democracy, four great U.S. presidents represent the nation’s birth, growth, development and preservation.

The Badlands of South Dakota are pictured at dusk with a full moon.

The Badlands of South Dakota are pictured at dusk with a full moon.

Badlands National Park

Enter an otherworldly landscape of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires, where ancient skeletons are forever preserved in stone.

A bison stands in a meadow at Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota.

A bison stands in a meadow at Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota.

Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in America. With 1,300 bison wandering 71,000 untamed acres, Custer State Park is one of them.

A sailboat glides across glassy waters on the Missouri River in South Dakota.

A sailboat glides across glassy waters on the Missouri River in South Dakota.

History and adventure abound on the Mighty Mo', whose giant reservoirs and free-flowing waters are prime for boating and fishing.

A man surveys a scenic landscape at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

A man surveys a scenic landscape at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

Wind Cave National Park

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave reveals seemingly endless natural wonders both above and below ground.

Tourists stand inside Jewel Cave in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Tourists stand inside Jewel Cave in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Jewel Cave National Monument

Step into the world’s third-longest cave to explore a treasure trove of calcite crystals, cave popcorn and dripping stalactites.

A horse-drawn wagon on the historic streets of Deadwood, South Dakota.

A horse-drawn wagon on the historic streets of Deadwood, South Dakota.

Historic Deadwood

Walk in the footsteps of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock in this 1870s gold rush town.

A couple walks in front of the massive stone face of Crazy Horse at Crazy Horse Memorial® in South Dakota.

A couple walks in front of the massive stone face of Crazy Horse at Crazy Horse Memorial® in South Dakota.

Crazy Horse Memorial®

Witness history in the making. When finished, this tribute to Lakota leader Crazy Horse will be the world’s largest mountain carving.

Choose Your Adventure

Two women stand on paddle boards on dark blue water in Pierre, South Dakota.

Things to Do

A car drives across an arched bridge at Wind Cave National Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Scenic Drives

Events & Festivals

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