Natural beauty and wonder await you in South Dakota, often referred to as the land of infinite variety. Ranked 16th in size among the 50 states and located in the North Central region of the United States, it is also part of the Great Plains and boasts more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida. 

You'll be inspired to expand your journey from the Black Hills and Badlands in the west to the glacial lakes and outdoor adventures of the northeast. Along the way, follow the Missouri River as it flows through central South Dakota, pausing to experience the history of Lewis and Clark. And discover the land of the southeast, with its bustling cities, quiet country escapes and family attractions.

There are endless fun things to do in South Dakota for adventurers of all ages and interests — especially the iconic Great 8 landmarks that put our state on the map. Explore many other sites and attractions, eat delicious foods and find a cozy place to stay for the night — whether a B&B, campground, RV park, resort or hotel. Family fun is easy when traveling with kids here, between all the waterparks and amusement parks, rodeos, drive-in movies and more. And above all else, be sure to relax and enjoy the good life while in SoDak.  

Need more guidance? Use our maps of South Dakota, get some travel tips or follow a trip itinerary. As you venture back home, you’ll know you truly made memories that will last forever.
 

Western South Dakota offers majestic granite spires, bubbling hot springs, pine-covered peaks and unique rock outcroppings. Named “Paha Sapa” by the Native Americans, the Black Hills are full of scenery, adventure and rich history. From Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial® to Custer State Park, Badlands National Park and so much more, this region boasts one of the largest concentrations of national parks, monuments and caves in the Midwest. 

Meanwhile, Indigenous art at Prairie Edge & Sioux Trading Post, family-friendly attractions at Dinosaur Park and Reptile Gardens, libations at Sick-N-Twisted Brewery and Naughti Wines, and many more fun activities await in between outdoor adventures and exploration. No matter what your idea of a perfect vacation is, you’re sure to discover remarkable destinations that capture the spirit of America within the Black Hills and Badlands region.

Explore All Things To Do in the Black Hills & Badlands

From vibrant cities to quiet country escapes, southeast South Dakota offers a mix of arts and culture, family attractions and outdoor exploration. 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, is a dynamic hub anchored by breathtaking Falls Park. Stroll the SculptureWalk, visit the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History, and savor a thriving dining and craft beer scene. In Vermillion, history and music lovers can discover rare instruments at the renowned National Music Museum. Yankton, one of South Dakota’s oldest towns, invites visitors to boat, fish and relax lakeside at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, or experience the Missouri National Recreational River as the famous explorers once did. Small-town charm thrives in places like Mitchell, home to The World’s Only Corn Palace.

Browse southeast South Dakota Attractions

Carved by glaciers and shaped by the pioneers, northeast South Dakota is where sparkling lakes meet rolling prairies under vast, open skies. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or a curious traveler, the Glacial Lakes & Prairies region offers a refreshing escape from the expected.

Step into the pages of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic tales at Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, the town that inspired her “Little House on the Prairie” books. Wander through the Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage, a charming replica of its English namesake. In Aberdeen, families can experience the magical Storybook Land and the Land of Oz, while hunters revel in the region’s prime pheasant hunting. Watertown, a hub of history and culture, is home to the renowned Terry Redlin Art Center and Bramble Park Zoo. And don’t miss the great museums and galleries of Brookings, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota and South Dakota Art Museum. 

Explore more things to do in Northeast South Dakota

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.