Exploring South Dakota on the Yellowstone Trail

Buckle up and take a drive along U.S. Highway 12 (once known as the Yellowstone Trail by settlers) and discover art, history and — most of all — the beauty of northern South Dakota. Explore charming communities that capture the essence of small-town America. Discover peaceful wildlife refuges, quirky museums and family-friendly attractions that exemplify the heart and heritage of South Dakota.

Length & Time

Spanning more than 450 miles, the Yellowstone Trail takes you through South Dakota’s northeast region, full of glacial lakes and sprawling prairies, and the Central region, home to the breathtaking Missouri River. It’s possible to drive the entire route in a single day, but this scenic highway is worth enjoying across three to four days to make it an adventure worth remembering.

Places to Stop

Hit the road in Milbank, a town of 3,000 with a few claims to fame, one of which is the delicious cheeses they’ve been producing for nearly a century. The Valley Queen Cheese Factory (200 E Railway Ave.) brings in five million pounds of milk from local farms and turns it into 500,000 pounds of award-winning cheese daily. Close by, you can visit the Valley Queen Heritage Center (106 S. Main St.) to discover the history of cheese-making and get your hands on some cheese, of course. Check out the Milbank Grist Mill and Mill Park, a 44-foot-tall historic windmill built in 1884, for a step back in time.

Fun Fact: The Valley Queen Cheese Factory features a replica of a cozy Swiss chalet as well as Daisy the full-size (replica) cow.

As you head west, rest in the tiny town of Marvin, home to Abbey of the Hills Inn and Retreat Center, a former monastery that now hosts retreats for individuals and groups of any faith. If you’re looking for a little peace along your journey, the Abbey is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace of the prairie.

Fun Fact: When Benedictine monks were first looking to build the Abbey, they took it as a sign that their banker’s name was Effner Benedict.

Get your fix of good ol’ Mother Nature with a detour to the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge — which is well worth the added time for its trails, wildlife observation, and breathtaking views. “Waubay” is a Dakota word for “a place where numbers of birds make their nests,” so it’s a completely accurate name for this 4,650-acre mix of wetlands, native prairie, and forest that provides nesting habitat for more than 100 species of waterfowl, songbirds, and upland game birds.

Down the road, make a stop in Webster — a charming town home to one of the craziest collections of museums in the state: The Museum of Wildlife, Science, and Industry. This collection of 23 buildings — known as “Webster’s own little Smithsonian” — features the South Dakota Fishing Museum, a real farmhouse, and collections of classic automobiles, boats, horse equipment, fire engines, vintage clothing, and several old-time business buildings as well a shoe-shaped structure full of — you guessed it — shoes.

Fun Fact: One of these buildings is home to the world’s largest publicly displayed hairball. Inquire as you see fit.

Continue to Aberdeen, the third-largest city in South Dakota, for all sorts of family fun. Follow the yellow brick road (literally) to Storybook Land & the Land of Oz in Wylie Park (2300 24th Ave. NW) to ride the miniature train, roller coaster, carousel, and balloon rides. Celebrate all things Wizard of Oz, including a simulated tornado experience in Dorothy’s House. And that’s just one spot! While hanging around Aberdeen, pencil in some time to explore the Dacotah Prairie Museum, the Aberdeen Aquatic Center and Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge — all provide incredible fun for the whole family.

Finish your journey in Mobridge and Lemmon, with their rich Indigenous history, outdoor recreation, and unique attractions like monuments to Sakakawea and Sitting Bull (complete with one strange story) and the Petrified Wood Park & Museum, a full city block of petrified wood that includes 20-foot-tall towers and petrified dinosaur & mammoth bones. It makes for an enjoyable stroll that you won’t forget.

Things to Do in South Dakota

Where to Stay

No matter your travel style, the Yellowstone Trail has cozy places to call it a night. In Milbank, find small-town hospitality at local motels or inns. For a peaceful getaway, spend the evening at the Abbey of the Hills Inn and Retreat Center in Marvin, where lush prairie surroundings create the perfect retreat. You’ll find chain hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds like Wylie Park in Aberdeen. Mobridge provides convenient, scenic stays near the Missouri River, with options like lakeside cabins or resorts offering fishing and boating amenities. In Lemmon, stay near the Shadehill Recreation Area, where you can disconnect in rustic cabins or campgrounds nestled in the solitude of nature. Many locations along the Yellowstone Trail also feature RV parks and campgrounds, making it easy for road-trippers to find convenient stays along the highway.

Places to Stay in South Dakota

Where to Eat

Dining along the trail is a delightful mix of local flavors and charm. Aberdeen, the largest city along the highway, has the most restaurant options. Three22 Kitchen & Cocktails will fill you with deliciousness from glass to plate. Danger Von Dempsey’s Pizzeria & Brewhäus has great pizza from their brick oven and great craft brews to go with it. Enjoy a sweet treat afterward at Twist Cone — a community favorite for some good ol’ ice cream.

But don’t limit yourself to only eating in Aberdeen! Anchors Away is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and a drink right on Richmond Lake. Enjoy a steak at the Wakeside Bar & Grill in Mina — a charming local eatery that uses as many fresh ingredients as possible. Or grab a bite before checking out Webster at Roots Kitchen & Taphouse on Main Street. Looking to grab a quick meal to go? Al’s Grill & Concessions in Lemmon will send you on your way with a breakfast burrito, burger, or gyro.

Places to Eat in South Dakota

When to Visit

The Yellowstone Trail is a treat no matter the season! In spring and fall, you’ll love the mild weather; it’s perfect for spotting wildlife and soaking up nature’s beauty. Summer turns up the energy with lively community events and endless outdoor adventures. And winter? It’s all about peaceful, postcard-perfect landscapes, ideal for a quiet, cozy road trip. Just a heads up—if you’re hitting the road during snowy months, make sure to check those road conditions first!