South Dakota's National & State Parks

Two people paddle bright yellow kayaks through dark blue water in Palisades National Park.
Two people paddle bright yellow kayaks through dark blue water in Palisades National Park.
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Palisades State Park
South Dakota Parks

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."

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The Wild Corners of South Dakota
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The Wild Corners of South Dakota

Badlands National Park

One of the Great 8 wonders found in South Dakota. Hike through the Badlands, be amazed by a sunrise and experience mother nature at its finest.

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Come see the faces of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture's roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. 

Sica Hollow
Sica Hollow State Park

Sica (pronounced she-cha) Hollow State Park - located 15 miles northwest of Sisseton in the northeastern corner of South Dakota. Enjoy a wide variety of year-round activities and is the source of many eerie Native American legends. 

Lewis and Clark State Park
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

Near Yankton, in the Southeast Region of the state of South Dakota, you will find an outdoor paradise where you can enjoy the scenic beauty.

Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave National Monument

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-min and handicap-accessible Discovery Talk to the intense exploration of the Wild Caving Tour.

Rock Climbers Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park

The highlight of this more than 400-acre state park is the 50-ft cliffs of rose-colored Sioux quartzite and scenic overlooks that make it popular with campers, hikers, rock climbers, photographers and sight-seers. This hidden gem of a state park is only a 30-minute drive northeast from Sioux Falls, outside of Garretson. 

Farm Island State Park
Farm Island State Recreation Area

Located near Pierre, South Dakota with access to Lake Sharpe. Swimming, hiking and camping are just some of the activities you and your family can enjoy.

Mickelson Trail Black Hills
George S. Mickelson Trail

The premier trail within the South Dakota State Park system, this 109-mile jewel follows an abandoned railroad bed north and south through the length of the Black Hills.

So Much More South Dakota to Explore

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

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Arts, Culture & History

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Dignity statue near Chamberlain
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South Dakota It's truly where history comes to life.

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.

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South Dakota: An Endless Source of Inspiration
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South Dakota: An Endless Source of Inspiration

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South Dakota It's truly where history comes to life. From prehistoric dinosaurs to the Native...

Entertainment

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South Dakota is the place to satisfy your hunger for art and creativity. Once you're here, it won't be long before you realize that anything is possible.

Iconic monuments and unique, rural creations. A state-of-the-art entertainment venueDrive-in theaters and a small town's tribute to Shakespeare. When it comes to arts and entertainment, South Dakota has something for every taste. 

Nowhere else can you see the world's largest in-progress mountain carving only miles from a theater built in the middle of the Black Hills National Forest. Take a sculptural stroll and walk through an ever-changing alley of art

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA
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Find our Travel Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

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Earn prizes and discounts as you explore off-the-beaten-path attractions on your next South Dakota adventure.

Iconic monuments and unique, rural creations. A state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Drive-in theaters and a small...

Museum of Geology

Museum of Geology, School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City

Located on the campus of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, the Museum of Geology invites you to come see our paleontology exhibit featuring original fossils found in South Dakota and our Mineral Exhibits from around the world. Located in the O’Harra Building, we are open 9

LaFramboise Island Nature Area

LaFramboise Island Nature Area

LaFramboise Island Nature Area is a unique area along the Missouri River in the capital city, Pierre. The island is covered in trees and meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Additionally, the island is mentioned in the Lewis and Clark journals as they passed through the

Rushmore Mountain Sports

Rushmore Mountain Sports is a biking and climbing shop in downtown Spearfish in the northern Black Hills. We are a full-service shop offering shock rebuilds, tune-ups, sales, fat tire rentals, and full suspension demos, and featuring Trek, SALSA, Scott, Cannondale Surly and more. We also offer rock

Wylie Thunder Road

Mini-Golf With Volcano Erupting

Wylie Thunder Road in Aberdeen is packed full of outdoor fun for all ages. Located in Wylie Park and next to Storybook Land, our attraction features single and double go-karts, mini-golf, Euro Bungy trampolines, bumper boats, and the Laser Maze Challenge. Thunder Road is open early May to mid

Hampton Inn

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After an exciting day of gaming and exploring, relax in our newly-remodeled Hampton Inn, located in downtown Deadwood. Enjoy free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and an indoor pool and fitness center. All guest rooms include a 37-inch TV, microwave and mini fridge. Upgrade to a two-room

Wonderland Cave

Wonderland Cave, near Sturgis

The cave was discovered in 1929 by two loggers and the first commercial tours started in 1930. Over the years, extensive exploration and development has opened more than two dozen rooms that are featured in the cave. Formations include stalactites, stalagmites, dogtooth spar, popcorn crystals

Fox Run Golf Course

Fox Run Golf Course, Yankton

Fox Run Golf Course in northwestern Yankton continues to be one of southeastern South Dakota's finest golf courses. It offers plenty of competitive and recreational opportunities for golfers at all levels. Leagues, tournaments, special events and open play on this 18-hole course give any golfer