In the late 1940s, the Missouri River was dammed to create the Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark reservoirs. Today, these vast waterways define South Dakota’s Missouri River region and provide more than 440 miles of prime water recreation — from boating and sailing to fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Surrounding it all? Some of the best pheasant hunting grounds in the nation.

The central region isn’t just about outdoor adventure — it’s steeped in history. Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along their legendary trail, or immerse yourself in Indigenous heritage at the Dignity: Of Earth & Sky statue in Chamberlain and all along the Native American National & State Scenic Byway. History lovers can also explore the South Dakota State Capitol, South Dakota Hall of Fame and Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center to learn about some of the state’s most influential figures.

Explore more central South Dakota attractions

Channel your inner pioneer at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, or get your motor runnin' at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Experience the culture and beauty of the area's earliest residents at a powwow, or see American history illuminated at the nightly lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. From harvest festivals to summer fairs, delightful events can be found throughout the year in the Mount Rushmore State. Sometimes they're delicious, sometimes they're weird, but they'll always be part of a trip you'll never forget. 

Search for festivals and events below, or find out what's happening when you'll be in town.

From cottages and cozy bed and breakfasts to a variety of camping options and modern hotels, the best South Dakota vacation starts with the perfect lodging choice. Where do you want to go? The ideal spot to experience local nightlife? A secluded campsite away from the world? Hotels with a history of famous guests? They’re all here and waiting for you in the land of Great Faces, Great Places.

Wake up with a view of the mighty Missouri River at Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma or the Cogan House Lodge in southeastern South Dakota. Become the latest guests to stay in legacy properties like the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City or the Historic Bullock Hotel in Deadwood.

Feel like camping? Pitch a tent under the stars at Custer State Park or the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area or go for the glamping experience at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore or the exclusive spot at West Bend State Recreation Area. Hunters and anglers will have no problem finding an ideal spot to kick back and relax after spending a great day outdoors.

Families won't have to leave the building to have a splash-tastic time at places like the indoor waterpark in Ramada Hotel & Suites in South Dakota's largest city of Sioux Falls​, or, the Watiki Indoor Waterpark Resort that's connected to three hotels in the vibrant locale of Rapid City.

Bed & breakfasts blend vacation vibes with the comforts of home. At the 1899 Inn in Deadwood, guests can envelop themselves in the quiet charm of a turn-of-the-century house with modern amenities but also have access to the action of city life and historic sites just minutes away. Centrally located in the Black Hills near many of South Dakota’s favorite attractions, the Sweetgrass Inn offers guests roomy deluxe suites with multiple breakfast options at their on-site restaurant. And relaxing spa comforts from fireplaces to whirlpools are a given at the romantic Summer Creek Inn & Spa in Rapid City.

From quaint to luxurious and rugged to modern, there's a South Dakota lodging option for every desire. That only leaves one question: Where do you want your vacation headquarters to be?

From foods that honor our Scandinavian, German, Dutch and Native American heritage to a nationally recognized culinary scene, South Dakota offers a variety of dining choices to please the palate of everyone in your family. 

Major cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City offer a variety of shopping experiences, but vibrant downtowns and unique local businesses can be found throughout the state. Use the information below to help you plot the ultimate shopping experience or just show up and let your browsing spirit roam.

Whatever your shopping methods or desires, come to South Dakota prepared to leave with plenty of treasures.

Hiking through the Badlands, riding an ATV through the Black Hills or boating on one of many lakes & rivers that flow through the state ⁠— no matter the season or location in South Dakota, there are outdoor activities aplenty.

In addition to six National Park Service sites—including the epic Badlands National Park, the majestic presidential figures of Mount Rushmore Memorial, one of the longest caves in the world at Jewel Cave National Monument, The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail which spans 15 other states, the free-flowing stretch of Missouri National Recreation River, the iconic weapon in American nuclear arsenal at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and finally, the wild grasslands of Wind Cave National Park.

Meanwhile, the South Dakota State Park system features 63 state parks and recreation areas that showcase the state’s diverse terrain and landscapes. From expanses of prairies, backcountry mountains, plentiful lakes and lush woods with plenty of room to play, South Dakota is rich with great places to get outside, recharge and reconnect. See why we embraced the state motto: "Great Faces, Great Places."

From prehistoric dinosaurs to the Native Americans that first called this land home, through the settlers that came from across the globe to make a better life, South Dakota is extraordinarily rich in history & culture. See the 60-foot-tall faces on Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Behold the world's largest in-progress mountain carving at Crazy Horse Memorial. Follow the trail of Lewis & Clark, find museums of every size and focus, and experience the Wild West of legends.