South Dakota Itineraries
South Dakota Itineraries
Exploration requires direction
Whether you’re spending a day hiking through the heart of the Black Hills, traversing along the famed Lewis and Clark Trail, or simply taking scenic routes throughout the state that introduce you to our Native culture and pioneering history, these itineraries will help map out your dream South Dakota adventure.
Another adventure is always waiting just around the bend in South Dakota. Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences!
Whether you’re spending a day hiking through the heart of the Black Hills, traversing along...
Getting Here and Around
Getting Here & Getting Around
Make sure the journey is part of the fun.
Getting Here & Getting Around Make sure the journey is part of the fun.
Things to Do
Things to Do
South Dakota is chock-full of history, art, culture and a whole lot of outdoor fun. Celebrate your passions and find new ones on a vacation you’ll always remember.
Hike the Badlands or ride ATVs through the Black Hills. Learn about Native American history at local museums or discover fossil beds at our archaeological sites. Catch a flick at one of South Dakota’s six operating drive-in movie theaters or discover our diverse fine arts scene. Visit renowned attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial or traverse the seventh-longest cave in the world at Wind Cave National Park. There’s a lot to explore in South Dakota, and these are just some ideas to help you find your next adventure.
Find places to go and trip-planning tips, as well as upcoming events, above. Below, we have you covered with information from national parks and entertainment options to shopping and other trip recommendations you’ll love.
Another adventure is always waiting just around the bend in South Dakota. Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences!
Family Fun
South Dakota is a place where lifetime memories are made.
Whether you're showing your kids the sights that amazed you as a child or uniting the family with the spirit of adventure, these attractions will help you craft a trip that will delight the entire family. After all, the best souvenirs of a family vacation are the memories that last forever … although a stuffed jackalope is pretty cool, too!
Act Naturally in the Black Hills
Roam wild in Custer State Park, feel the breeze at Wind Cave National Park and unearth a gem at Jewel Cave National Monument. It’s marvels like these that make western South Dakota a timeless family vacation destination that never gets old.
Get Some Face Time
Visitors that come for Mount Rushmore National Memorial are shocked by how much there is to discover. Meet more famous faces at Dignity: Of Earth & Sky and Crazy Horse Memorial®.
"How does this exist!?"
South Dakota landscapes are made of wild adventures and limitless spaces, for jaw-drops and Christmas card photo-ops. To start, unleash your junior rangers in Badlands National Park and find waterfalls right off the road in Spearfish Canyon.
Window Shop the Scenery
It's hard to say what view is better: the Black Hills National Forest or your kids' awe-struck faces pressed against the window. Glue them to the edge of their seat on the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, then stretch your legs with hikes for all ages.
Visit Roadside Highlights
You aren't cooped up for long when you road trip through South Dakota. Between the wacky attractions at Wall Drug Store and The World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, you'll find plenty of stops that are a little quirky and a lot of fun.
Great Faces, Great Places
The horizons and history of South Dakota are equally limitless. This is where stories leap to life and Indigenous culture stands proud. Map a vacation for the ages among T. rex bones, pioneer homes and landscapes from outer space.
Wallet-Friendly Favorites
Whether you're four or 40, it doesn’t cost a cent to feel like a kid. Find priceless fairy-tale theme parks in Aberdeen, beaches in Watertown and dinosaur playgrounds in Rapid City.
Get Serious About Playtime
If kids learn through play, then kids learn an awful lot around here. Spark their creativity — and yours — at educational attractions around the state. The Children's Museum of South Dakota and The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs are great places to start.
Dream Bigger
Sioux Falls (South Dakota's largest city) is the hub for big-time attractions the whole gang will love. The top of your list should include Falls Park, the inspiring Arc of Dreams sculpture and the Butterfly House & Aquarium.
Soak Up Flip-Flop Season
South Dakota’s in the middle of the country, but we’re anything but landlocked. In reality, South Dakota has more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida! Get your beach towel ready for sunscreen-streaked fun on the Mighty Missouri River or at Lewis & Clark Lake in Yankton.
Start Something Great
South Dakota’s full of surprises, from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills and everywhere in between. With so much to do it's hard to know just where to start. Get started with these sample trip itineraries—each is packed with tips for your Mount Rushmore State expedition.
Explore Family Attractions
Whether you're showing your kids the sights that amazed you as a child or uniting...
Western/Old West Attractions
Hop in the saddle for a trail ride. Walk the same streets as Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and other Wild West legends. See buckin' broncos and other rodeo action in person. Come see for yourself how the Old West lives in South Dakota
Find Western & Old West Attractions
Hop in the saddle for a trail ride. Walk the same streets as Wild Bill...
South Dakota Wineries
Bottle or glass, come sip and savor some South Dakota wine at one of our local wine bars, wineries and vineyards!
Find Wineries
Bottle or glass, come sip and savor some South Dakota wine at one of our...
State Nature Areas & State Parks
While many of South Dakota's national parks take a lot of the limelight, our state parks also offer a great deal of outdoor exploration, recreation and nature. Search for your favorites and get out there!
While many of South Dakota's national parks take a lot of the limelight, our state...
Movie Theaters & Drive-Ins
Find Movie Theater/Drive-In Attractions
Mines & Gold Panning
Strike gold in in the lands and mines of South Dakota!
Gold was first discovered in the Black Hills in 1874. Since then, this precious metal has played a significant role in the history of the area.
Tours of one of the oldest mines in the Western Hemisphere are offered by Homestake Gold Mine Surface Tour and Visitor Center. Many other abandoned mines also offer tours, and museums throughout the region exhibit mining displays. Black Hills gold is produced by several companies and can be found in nearly every gift shop.
Discover Mines & Gold Panning
Gold was first discovered in the Black Hills in 1874. Since then, this precious metal...
