Aerial Tours

Aerial Tours

Take to the skies for the ultimate view of endless beauty in South Dakota.

Start Planning Your Next Trip to South Dakota
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Find our Vacation Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

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Take to the skies for the ultimate view of endless beauty in South Dakota.

Biking and Cycling in South Dakota

Oahe West Shore Bike Trails

Biking and Cycling in South Dakota

One of our best-kept secrets

If the crunch of gravel under tire is music to your ears, check out the views that South Dakota trails in each region have to offer.

Organizations like the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) are taking notice of the biking opportunities in South Dakota, awarding the state one of only two A grades for its trails. With strenuous mountain climbs and grueling road rides, there are plenty of challenging routes to conquer. But laid-back rides on former railroad beds and fun fat-tire outings give everyone the chance to roll at their favorite pace.

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Mountain bikers in the Black HIlls
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Bike, Fish, Climb & More in South Dakota

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Mickelson Trail bicycle bicyclists

Black Hills & Badlands

It's no surprise that the stunning scenery of the Black Hills offers ample opportunities for rewarding trail exploration. From the 109-mile Mickelson Trail to the scenic beauty of trails in & around Rapid City, there's no shortage of places to hit the trail in western South Dakota. 

Learn more

Mountain bikers on Oahe West Shore Bike Trail

Missouri River

See the Mighty Mo' from trails in Pierre & Fort Pierre. Explore central South Dakota in the best way possible — from the seat of a bicycle. 

Learn more

Dakota Nature Park trail

Glacial Lakes & Prairies

This lake-filled area offers plenty of great places to pedal, including a variety of trails in Watertown, Brookings and Aberdeen. Nature, open fields, and water views await your discovery.

Learn more

Bicycling at Lewis and Clark Rec Area

Southeast

Lush forests, quartzite walls, and lake views all await you in state parks & rec areas throughout southeast South Dakota.

SEE WHAT ADVENTURES OTHER RIDERS HAVE DISCOVERED AND ARE WAITING FOR YOU
Trip Planning Tools
hotels
Places to Stay
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Plan Your Trip

If the crunch of gravel under tire is music to your ears, check out the...

Central Events

Girl riding a merry-go-round horse at the SD State Fair
Girl riding a merry-go-round horse at the SD State Fair (wide shot)

Central Events in South Dakota

Annual celebrations, rodeos and outdoor traditions are all alive and well in central South Dakota.

Annual celebrations, rodeos and outdoor traditions are all alive and well in central South Dakota.

Travel Tips

Two women taking a selfie in western South Dakota
Badlands National Park at sunset
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It’s the little things that can make or break a trip. Make sure you're perfectly prepared for your South Dakota adventure with everything you need to know about traveling here so yours goes without a hitch!

Explore South Dakota's Top Attractions

Another adventure is always waiting just around the bend in South Dakota. Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences!

Trip Planning Tools
hotels
Places to Stay
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Plan Your Trip

It’s the little things that can make or break a trip. Make sure you're perfectly...

Restaurants

Jalapeno Caesar Salad Buffalo Dreamer Hot Springs South Dakota
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In South Dakota, we know good food.

Being an agricultural state means it's easy to source the freshest ingredients—from our big foodie cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City to smaller mining or farm towns with a surprisingly great dining scene like Deadwood and Watertown.

That makes everything tastes a little better. Enjoy meat-and-potatoes staples and unique culinary masterpieces created by some of the finest chefs in the world. Our Scandinavian, German, Dutch and Native American ancestries influence things in the tastiest of ways. Even the pickiest of palates will find something to love. And don't leave without checking out South Dakotas' breweries for top-shelf craft beer to wash it all down. Search the listings for the perfect way to satisfy your cravings!

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Taste the Flavors of South Dakota

Check Out Our Podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

Overhead shot of a table set with different plates of food, with a hand reaching toward a plate of nachos. Travel South Dakota.
Episode 9: South Dakota on a Plate

South Dakota's culinary scene has been shaped by Indigenous people, immigrants, farmers, hunters ... and even church-basement ladies. Take a four-course road trip to meet some of the talented people making South Dakota so delicious.

See What Everyone Else is Eating & Drinking in South Dakota
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Being an agricultural state means it's easy to source the freshest ingredients—from our big foodie...

Trip Ideas

Reptile Gardens

Trip Ideas

Every vacation has a beginning and an end, but what about everything in between? Read Road Journals from real South Dakota visitors, find a scenic route, check out curated itineraries or explore more in our Spotlights below. You'll find all the information and inspiration you'll need to plan your South Dakota adventure.  

 

SCENIC DRIVES

Go where the road takes you for our most famous views.

Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway // West Region Map
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway // West Region Map
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

Some of the most incredible roads anywhere make up the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Mix in America’s most patriotic monument and you have a never-to-be-forgotten road trip.

Badlands National Park
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway
Road Trips
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

Some describe it as lunar-like, others say desert, but the Native Americans were the first to call it mako sica or "bad lands." We think you’ll come up with your own description for Badlands National Park.

Custer State Park, South Dakota
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway Map Icon
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway Map Icon
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway

Searching for animals you don’t see in your neighborhood? Custer State Park’s 18-mile Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway has just what you're looking for!

Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway Map Icon
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway Map Icon
Spearfish Canyon State and National Forest Service Scenic Byway

Towering limestone cliffs and a rushing mountain stream keep you company along the 19-mile stretch of US Highway 14A known as Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

Native American National and State Scenic Byway
Native American Scenic Byway Map Icon
Native American Scenic Byway Map Icon
Native American National and State Scenic Byway

Breathtaking views of the Missouri River, diverse landscapes, and tribal history and culture are showcased on the Native American Scenic Byway, running north and south through central South Dakota. The route takes travelers through the lands of the Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes.

Photo Essays

Focused points of view that get you up close.

Powwow Celebration
Photo Essay
Feathers, Beads and Fringe
Meridian Bridge, Yankton
Photo Essay
Yankton: Fun Along the Missouri River Photo Essay
Ingalls Homestead
Photo Essay
Little Town on the Prairie
Main Street Square, Rapid City
Photo Essay
See Big Things: A Rapid City Photo Essay
Pierre, South Dakota
Photo Essay
Pierre: A Photo Essay of South Dakota's State Capital
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Photo Essay
Riding into Sturgis
Rock climbing, Palisades State Park
Photo Essay
Climbing the Palisades
Buffalo Roundup
Photo Essay
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Breezy Point
Photo Essay
Recreational Paradise: The Black Hills National Forest Photo Essay
Porter Sculpture Park, Pink Dragon
Photo Essay
It's Both Wonderful & Strange
Storybook land castle
Photo Essay
A Land of Make-Believe
South Dakota State Fair
Photo Essay
South Dakota's State Fair
Children's Museum of South Dakota, Dinosaur
Photo Essay
Spark Your Imagination
Eagle
Photo Essay
Birds of a Feather
Start Planning Your Next Trip to South Dakota
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Find our Vacation Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

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Every vacation has a beginning and an end, but what about everything in between? Read...

The Missouri River | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Missouri River, Chamberlain
Missouri River, Chamberlain

Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. The Missouri River's free-flowing sections and four reservoirs – Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake – are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.

Below you’ll find trip-planning tools & frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to South Dakota's famous river.

Missouri River
While You're Here
Missouri National Recreational River

Experience the Missouri River the way early inhabitants and explorers saw it on the Missouri National Recreational River. This 98-mile stretch, which runs between Pickstown and Nebraska’s Ponca State Park, preserves one of the last free-flowing sections of the river, where its natural beauty and native ecosystems remain largely untouched. Along it, you’ll find many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, paddling, birding and camping.

Powwow
While You're Here
A CULTURAL ROUTE

South Dakota’s cultural roots unfold when following the Missouri River through the lands of five Native American tribes. The route follows Highway 37 at Running Water north to Highway 1806 near Kenel in the north central part of the state.

Kayaking
While You're Here
WATER RECREATION

From sailboats and houseboats to kayaks and canoes, there are many ways to play.

Oahe Dam
While You're Here
THEY CALL IT “BIG WATER”

Dedicated by President Kennedy in 1962, the Oahe Dam controls the waters surrounded by Lake Oahe’s 2,250 miles of shoreline. More than a million people visit the country’s fourth-largest reservoir every year.

While You're Here
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

With 417 shaded campsites, 17 cabins, sandy beaches, hiking trails, beautiful chalkstone bluffs and a modern marina along Lewis & Clark Lake, there is a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Native American National and State Scenic Byway
Native American Scenic Byway

Cruise this scenic route and travel through the lands of Native American Tribes.

Hunting
Hunting

Hunting opportunities abound.

Mountain Bluebird
Birding

Bird-watch along one of America's premier flyways.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Missouri River?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from the Missouri River?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit the Missouri River?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit the Missouri River?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of the Missouri River?

SEE WHAT AMAZING THINGS WILL BE WAITING ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER
Missouri River, Pierre
Plan Your Visit

Just go with the flow. Explore the mighty Missouri River and the vibrant South Dakota towns along its banks — Pierre, Chamberlain, Yankton and Vermillion.

Missouri river map

20207 SD Highway 1804, SD57501
United States

Great 8
Badlands National Park

This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.

badlands national park
Badlands
Great 8
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. 

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore
Great 8
Jewel Cave National Monument

The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.

Jewel Cave Interior
Jewel Cave
Great 8
Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.

Needles Highway
Custer State Park
Great 8
Historic Deadwood

Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.

Deadwood
Deadwood reanactors
Great 8
Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.

Missouri River Fishing
Pierre Missouri River
Great 8
Wind Cave National Park

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.

Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave
Great 8
Crazy Horse Memorial

Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota, and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide opportunities to learn and explore.

Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse
Badlands
Badlands icon
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore icon
Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave icon
Custer State Park
Custer State Park icon
Deadwood reanactors
Deadwood icon
Pierre Missouri River
Missouri River icon
Wind Cave
Wind Cave icon
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Icon
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
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Feeding a burro
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Wind Cave National Park | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave

Wind Cave National Park

Intricate, wind-carved rock formations, ancient stalactites and a seemingly endless network of sprawling caverns are all hallmarks of the world-famous Wind Cave National Park. If you’re looking for a truly unique spelunking experience, this is the place. Wind Cave was the first cave designated a national park. Explore one of the world’s largest mapped cave systems, decorated with rare boxwork formations along the cavern walls. Above ground, explore 33,970 acres of forests and prairies that act as a natural sanctuary for bison, elk, prairie dogs and more.

Below, you’ll find more trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Wind Cave National Park.

Due to high visitation, cave tours often sell out 2 to 3 hours in advance and may sell out for the entire day by midday. Tickets may be purchased in advance via Recreation.gov. A credit or debit card is required for on-site payments for cave tours, campground fees and Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park. 

Purchase Tickets for Wind Cave National Park

boxwork.jpg
While You're Here
See Boxwork Formations

An uncommon structure of honeycomb-patterned projecting calcite from cave walls is the finest example of boxwork in the world.

Wind Cave
While You're Here
A Sacred Place

A sacred place for the Lakota, their oral tradition tells the story that this is where humans first emerged from within the earth to live on the surface.

Wind Cave National Park
While You're Here
Experience the wildlife

Buffalo roam, antelope scamper and prairie dogs play in and around Wind Cave — not only a national park but also a wildlife refuge. Animal lovers can spot these wildlife species and more from the window of their car any time of the year.

While You're Here
Wind Cave tour
Hold Onto Your Hats

Descend into the cave on a ranger-guided tour and feel the barometric breath of one of the world's longest caves. For more information on tours, scroll down to the FAQ section.

elk
A Wildlife Sanctuary

This 33,970-acre attraction is as impressive above ground as it is below. Its unique ecosystem is home to elk, buffalo, antelope, deer, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets. Choose from over 30 miles of hiking trails and see if you can spot the diverse wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:

What is the tour information for Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the closest airport to Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Wind Cave National Park?

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered at Wind Cave National Park, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Family sitting down overlooking the prairie at Wind Cave National Park.
Plan Your Visit

A sacred site with allure both above and below the surface.

Wind Cave Map location

26611 US Highway 385
Hot Springs, SD57747
United States

Great 8
Badlands National Park

This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.

badlands national park
Badlands
Great 8
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. 

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore
Great 8
Jewel Cave National Monument

The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.

Jewel Cave Interior
Jewel Cave
Great 8
Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.

Needles Highway
Custer State Park
Great 8
Historic Deadwood

Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.

Deadwood
Deadwood reanactors
Great 8
Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.

Missouri River Fishing
Pierre Missouri River
Great 8
Wind Cave National Park

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.

Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave
Great 8
Crazy Horse Memorial

Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota, and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide opportunities to learn and explore.

Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse
Badlands
Badlands icon
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore icon
Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave icon
Custer State Park
Custer State Park icon
Deadwood reanactors
Deadwood icon
Pierre Missouri River
Missouri River icon
Wind Cave
Wind Cave icon
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Icon
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
Stay In Touch With SD
A woman stands in front of a painting featuring two multicolored individuals with rainbows of color cascading over them
Earn Prizes as You Travel

Due to high visitation, cave tours often sell out 2 to 3 hours in advance...

Custer State Park | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Buffalo Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
Sylvan Lake located in South Dakota's Custer State Park

Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them.

Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros. Hiking trails, scenic drives, bike rides and safari tours are perfect ways to explore this impressive South Dakota attraction. 

Find trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Custer State Park.

 

Buffalo Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
While You're Here
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway

Where the buffalo roam — and so do a variety of animals including deer, antelope, begging burros, elk, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs.

Rock climbing Black Hills
While You're Here
Rock Climbing

The Needles are towering granite pinnacles surrounding Sylvan Lake that offer some of the best climbing in South Dakota. 

Family Hiking Cathedral Spires Custer State Park
While You're Here
Let Your Feet Be Your Guide

Hit the trails to explore Custer State Park's 71,000 acres. The park offers more than a dozen trails and backcountry roads of varying length, terrain and difficulty.

custer state park
While You're Here
Fishing

Whether you're fly fishing or casting a line from a boat or dock, the lakes of Custer State Park are trout-fishing heaven. 

Buffalo and Camping RV Custer State Park
While You're Here
Camping

Make camp with your horses in the pines, pitch your tent beside a pristine mountain lake or hook up your RV near wandering wildlife — the park's 10 memorable campgrounds are sure to accommodate. 

Black Elk Peak Lookout Tower Sunset Custer State Park
While You're Here
Black Elk Peak

At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s topped by a stone fire tower and offers a magnificent view of the Black Hills, making it a popular hike. Access is available via trailheads within the park and the Black Elk Wilderness Area.

Stockade Lake Custer State Park
While You're Here
Mountain Lakes

Sylvan, Legion, Stockade and Center lakes provide ways to cool off or catch dinner. Experience summertime fun while swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, hydro-biking or fly fishing.

 
Reflected in clear mountain waters, needles of granite splay into blue sky above emerald forests and windswept prairies, where herds of wildlife roam free.
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Hidden Treasure: South Dakota’s Custer State Park
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Hidden Treasure: South Dakota’s Custer State Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Custer State Park?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Custer State Park?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Custer State Park?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit Custer State Park?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Custer State Park?

Round 'em Up

Watch as wranglers and rangers round up more than 1,300 stampeding buffalo during the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, held the last Friday of September.

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered at Custer State Park, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Check Out Our Podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

Cowboys on horseback round up a large herd of bison at the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in Custer, South Dakota.
Episode 1: The Fall and Rise of the Buffalo

Feel the ground rumble and see the dust fly as 60 cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to bring in a thundering herd of 1,300 buffalo at the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. But we’re not just watching it. We’re in the thick of it, as we get thrown around on the back of a truck chasing the herd across the wide-open plains!

balloon-ride-custer-1882
Visit Custer State Park

Explore 71,000 acres of unmatched beauty and free-roaming wildlife in Custer State Park, alongside the action-packed towns of Rapid City, Sturgis and Custer.

Custer State Park Map location

13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD57730
United States

black and white image of Needles rock formations
Where the
Buffalo Roam
Burro
 
Bighorn Sheep
 
Elk
 
Baby bison
 
Great 8
Badlands National Park

This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.

badlands national park
Badlands
Great 8
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. 

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore
Great 8
Jewel Cave National Monument

The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.

Jewel Cave Interior
Jewel Cave
Great 8
Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.

Needles Highway
Custer State Park
Great 8
Historic Deadwood

Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.

Deadwood
Deadwood reanactors
Great 8
Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.

Missouri River Fishing
Pierre Missouri River
Great 8
Wind Cave National Park

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.

Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave
Great 8
Crazy Horse Memorial

Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota, and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide opportunities to learn and explore.

Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse
Badlands
Badlands icon
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore icon
Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave icon
Custer State Park
Custer State Park icon
Deadwood reanactors
Deadwood icon
Pierre Missouri River
Missouri River icon
Wind Cave
Wind Cave icon
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Icon
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
Stay In Touch With SD
A woman stands in front of a painting featuring two multicolored individuals with rainbows of color cascading over them
Earn Prizes as You Travel

Jewel Cave National Monument | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Jewel Cave Ranger and kid
Tour group inside Jewel Cave with a Ranger

Jewel Cave National Monument

With a name inspired by the crystals that line its walls, Jewel Cave National Monument is even more significant as the third-longest cave in the world. This South Dakota treasure includes various cave tours below the forest and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.

Enjoy a stroll along the 1/4-mile Roof Trail, an easily accessible trail near the visitor center that features picnic tables and benches, or the 3.5-mile Canyons Trail, which goes through Lithograph and Hell canyons before winding back to the visitor center parking lot. View recently reintroduced bighorn sheep in the Historic Area.

The monument released a series of interpretive podcasts via the official Jewel Cave Facebook page and the National Park Service's YouTube channel for additional visitor enjoyment. Below, you’ll find more trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Jewel Cave National Monument!

Advance cave tour reservations are strongly recommended! Secure your spot now at Recreation.gov. Limited tickets are also available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis, and go especially fast in peak season months. 

Cave Bacon Jewel Cave
While You're Here
PRICELESS FINDS

The “jewels” of Jewel Cave include calcite crystals known as nailhead spar and dogtooth spar, along with formations of boxwork, cave popcorn, flowstone and a long ribbon drapery known as "cave bacon."

Jewel Cave Tour
While You're Here
Get Your Tickets for Popular Ranger-led Tours

Make your reservations — we recommend getting them as early as possible — to experience the world's third-longest cave. You can choose your level of underground expedition, from the 20-minute, accessible Discovery Talk to the intense exploration of the Wild Caving Tour.

Check out the popular Historic Lantern Tour, a classic summer experience where provided lanterns light the way as you explore the cave just like people did nearly 100 years ago. Enter the cave via the historic entrance on an unpaved trail led by a park ranger dressed in a 1930s-style uniform who will guide you along this 1-hour-and-45-minute tour. 

Jewel Cave
While You're Here
THIRD-LONGEST CAVE IN THE WORLD

With more than 200 miles of surveyed passages, explorers are still discovering and mapping one of the last frontiers in the world.

Pasqueflower
While You're Here
Stop and Smell the Wildflowers

The wonder of nature doesn't just show below ground at Jewel Cave. With 1,274 above-ground acres of Black Hills forest and open prairie, park visitors won't want to miss the chance to stop and smell the diverse array of wildflowers. Species range from the elusive pasqueflower, South Dakota's state flower that blooms March into May, to blooms of irises, lilies and verbena coming later and displaying through the summer. 

Black Hills Scenic Hell Canyon
While You're Here
Hiking Trails

Needing to pass time before your tour? Jewel Cave's above-ground acreage includes two self-guided hikes and also one Black Hills National Forest trail. The trails provide amazing views of the surrounding Hell Canyon area and a chance to see how the above-ground terrain helped form the wonder below. 

Wild Turkey Black Hills
While You're Here
Bird Watching

The cave's location incorporates Black Hills pine forest and open meadows, prime for a variety of birds to either call the area home or visit during migration. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the tour information for Jewel Cave National Monument?

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Interior of Jewel Cave
Plan Your Visit

An underground wilderness sparkling with brilliant color.

Jewel Cave Map location

11149 US Highway 16, Bldg. B12
Custer, SD57730
United States

Great 8
Badlands National Park

This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.

badlands national park
Badlands
Great 8
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. 

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore
Great 8
Jewel Cave National Monument

The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.

Jewel Cave Interior
Jewel Cave
Great 8
Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.

Needles Highway
Custer State Park
Great 8
Historic Deadwood

Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.

Deadwood
Deadwood reanactors
Great 8
Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.

Missouri River Fishing
Pierre Missouri River
Great 8
Wind Cave National Park

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.

Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave
Great 8
Crazy Horse Memorial

Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota, and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide opportunities to learn and explore.

Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse
Badlands
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Mount Rushmore
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Jewel Cave
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Custer State Park
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Deadwood reanactors
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Pierre Missouri River
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Wind Cave
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Crazy Horse
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Earn Prizes as You Travel

Enjoy a stroll along the 1/4-mile Roof Trail, an easily accessible trail near the visitor...