Mount Rushmore | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore

Known as America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, respectively. These presidents represent the country's birth, growth, development and preservation.

 

Open year-round and located near hotels, the park includes a half-mile walking trail, museum, gift shop and dining room. Below, you’ll find more trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Mount Rushmore National Memorial!

 

Mount Rushmore, Sculptor's Studio
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
1. Visit the Sculptor's Studio

Learn more about the carver's vision and the history of Mount Rushmore at the Information Center.

Mount Rushmore, Presidential Trail
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
2. Hike the Presidential Trail

Explore the site's Lakota, Nakota and Dakota heritage at the Borglum View Terrace.

Mount Rushmore, Evening Lighting Ceremony
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
3. Attend the Evening Lighting Ceremony

The ceremony is held nightly throughout the summer and is a uniquely inspirational experience.

Mount Rushmore, Junior Ranger Program
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
4. Become a Junior Ranger

Become an official Junior Ranger when you participate in either the paper or digital version of the Junior Ranger Program.

Mount Rushmore, Audio Tour
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
5. Rent an Audio or Video Tour

Rent a hand-held photo/video-tour or audio-tour wand to learn even more about the sculpture and its story.

Mount Rushmore, Ranger Talk
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
6. Take in a Ranger Talk

Take advantage of the immense knowledge of the Memorial's park rangers when you join a ranger walk or talk.

Mount Rushmore, Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
7. Enjoy Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream

Enjoy a scoop of Thomas Jefferson ice cream from the Carver's Cafe, based on the first written recipe for ice cream in the United States.

Mount Rushmore
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
8. Take a Unique Picture

Take a picture of the sculpture from various unique angles, like the Carver's Cafe, Borglum View Terrace and the Sculptor's Studio.

Mount Rushmore, gift shop
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
9. Hunt for a Gift Shop Treasure

Hunt for a treasure in the gift shop that will forever remind you of your Mount Rushmore experience.

Mount Rushmore, Bookstore
Top 10 Things To Do in 2024
10. Find a Memento at the Bookstore

Find a book or memento at the Mount Rushmore Bookstore in the Information Center or Sculptor's Studio.

 
...Let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces, to show posterity what manner of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and rain alone shall wear them away.
Gutzon Borglum, Mount Rushmore Sculptor, 1930
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Great Faces, Great Places, Genuine Experiences

While You're Here
Grand View Terrace, Mount Rushmore
A Stately Welcome

Walk beneath the proud, waving flags of 56 U.S. states and territories on your way to the Grand View Terrace and Presidential Trail. Meander through the relaxing South Dakota wilderness that reveals unique perspectives of the monument.

Presidential trail to Mount Rushmore
Take a Ranger Tour

Learn more about Mount Rushmore National Memorial from the people that know it best with Ranger Talks. Held daily from June through September, these 30-minute programs happen at various locations throughout the park. 

Mount Rushmore veteran recognition
Nightly Lighting Ceremony

Each evening May through September, a ceremony is held in the park's outdoor amphitheater. It highlights the making of this national monument with a video, flag-lowering ceremony, a salute to veterans, and lighting of the memorial.

Baby mountain goat
See Mountain Goats & Other Wildlife

The land surrounding Mount Rushmore National Memorial is home to a wide variety of animals, including more than 200 mountain goats, mule deer, chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Mount Rushmore?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Mount Rushmore?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Mount Rushmore?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit Mount Rushmore?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Mount Rushmore?

Monumental Moments

These famous faces look good from every angle. Get inspired and tag your photos with #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

See South Dakota’s monumental masterpiece.

Mount Rushmore map location

13000 Highway 244
Keystone, SD57751
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
Mount Rushmore icon
Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave icon
Custer State Park
Custer State Park icon
Deadwood reanactors
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Pierre Missouri River
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Wind Cave
Wind Cave icon
Crazy Horse
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Trip Planning Resources
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Feeding a burro
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Earn Prizes as You Travel
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Listen to Our New Podcast

Close your eyes. Listen to the rustle of the prairie grass. Hear the sounds of snorting bison in Custer State Park, of cards being shuffled in Deadwood. Imagine being there. Each new podcast episode offers you a deep dive into the wide-open land of infinite variety, reminding you there's always more to discover in South Dakota. Available now on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.

Great 8

A hiker atop the mountains of Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
A hiker atop the mountains of Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

The Great 8

Great Places that put South Dakota on the map

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore icon - navy

Forever emblazoned in granite, a shrine of democracy marches across the skyline of America. Gazing over the Black Hills, four U.S. presidents stand for hope, determination, and the spirit of a nation.

Mount Rushmore map location

13000 Highway 244
Keystone, SD57751
United States

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Badlands National Park
Badlands icon - navy

An ancient sea floor rises and swallows the rolling plains. Colorful, dramatic and surreal, the sculptured pinnacles and painted gullies preserve the past in layers of colorful sediment.

Badlands map location

25216 Ben Reifel Road
Interior, SD57750
United States

Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Icon - navy
Crazy Horse Memorial

Emerging from granite and iron is the likeness of a legendary leader. More than carved rock, the Crazy Horse dream points toward commitment, a fervent legacy and a proud future.

Crazy Horse Map Location

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs
Crazy Horse, SD57730
United States

Deadwood, Main Street
Deadwood icon - navy
Historic Deadwood

The race for gold raised a mountain town to its feet for a colorful traipse through history. Grit, determination, and legendary characters entrenched this landmark city in the lore of the American West.

Deadwood Map Location

501 Main Street
Deadwood, SD57732
United States

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Custer State Park
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Custer State Park

Reflected in clear mountain waters, needles of granite splay into blue sky above emerald forests and windswept prairies where herds of wildlife roam free.

Custer State Park Map location

13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD57730
United States

Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave icon - navy
Jewel Cave National Monument

Brilliant colors and fragile crystals linger where only man-made light glistens. Wrapped in permanent midnight and creased by prehistoric veins, an underground wilderness hides passageways yet to be explored.

Jewel Cave map location

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

Wind Cave
Wind Cave icon - navy
Wind Cave National Park

Hidden under swaying grasses and sacred hillside forests, a centuries-old maze whistles to curious passersby. This is a sanctuary for worlds above ground and below where rare finds run deep through the past.

Wind Cave map location

26611 US Highway 385
Hot Springs, SD57747
United States

Missouri River, Chamberlain
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Missouri River

North to south, a band of shimmering water cuts the prairie in two. Reservoirs of abundant life, along with stretches of mighty currents, tease the imagination of outdoor explorers past and present.

Missouri River Map location

20207 SD Highway 1804
Pierre, SD57501
United States

Explore South Dakota's Great 8

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

Trip Planning Resources
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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
Buffalo herd
Listen to Our New Podcast

Close your eyes. Listen to the rustle of the prairie grass. Hear the sounds of snorting bison in Custer State Park, of cards being shuffled in Deadwood. Imagine being there. Each new podcast episode offers you a deep dive into the wide-open land of infinite variety, reminding you there's always more to discover in South Dakota. Available now on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.

Travel South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Woman using standing binoculars to view Mt. Rushmore in the distance
Handwritten So Much South Dakota, So Little Time
 

Come explore South Dakota

It’s MORE THAN 77,000 square miles of pure wonder.
Filled with so many things to see, smell, TASTE, hear and feel.
And endless reasons to pack your bags.

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.
 

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

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#HiFromSD

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

Black Hills National Forest
IN SOUTH DAKOTA, OUR PLACES ARE

Larger Than Life

We're ready to surprise and amaze you. So bring your imagination — and your sense of wonder — and discover the greatness that lies within our beloved lands.

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Trip Planning Resources
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Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
Stay In Touch With SD
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Check Out Our Podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

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South Dakota is where buffalo roam, gunslingers entertain and mountains and monuments stand tall over open land. Produced by the award-winning Armchair Productions and recorded on-location throughout South Dakota, this audio adventure podcast is designed to do more than just let you hear what it’s like to be there! 

Available now on SpotifyApple and Amazon.

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
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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.

Badlands National Park
Meet Our
Great Faces
Antelope
 
Pheasant
 
Elk
 
Mountain Goat
 
Burro
 
Bighorn Sheep
 
Prairie Dog
 
Buffalo
 
Coyote
 
Turkey
 
Deer
 
bald eagle
 

It’s MORE THAN 77,000 square miles of pure wonder. Filled with so many things to...

Western South Dakota: Black Hills & Badlands Region

Family sitting down overlooking the prairie at Wind Cave National Park.
Family sitting down overlooking the prairie at Wind Cave National Park.
West Region Icon with region outline
Wind Cave National Park

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

Outdoor Activities in Western South Dakota

Adventure beckons in the Black Hills & Badlands, where rugged landscapes set the stage for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Hike scenic trails through towering peaks, set up camp beneath the ponderosa pines of Black Hills National Forest or saddle up for a horseback ride through rolling prairies. 

Thrill-seekers can climb world-class rock faces or navigate the churning waters of Spearfish Canyon. Rent ATVs or snowmobiles from Mad Mountain Adventures. In the Badlands, surreal rock formations create a hiker’s paradise, while wildlife watchers can spot bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs roaming freely.

Check Out Our Podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

South Dakota is where buffalo roam, gunslingers entertain, and mountains & monuments stand tall over open land. Produced by the award-winning Armchair Productions and recorded on-location throughout South Dakota, this audio adventure podcast is designed to do more than just let you hear what it’s like to be there!

 

Available now on SpotifyApple, and Amazon.

 

Great 8
Mount Rushmore

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. Beginning summer 2019 and lasting approximately 18 months, enhancements are being made to the park grounds. Mount Rushmore remains open during this time.

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore
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
Jewel Cave

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

Jewel Cave Interior
Jewel Cave
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
Badlands

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
Mount Rushmore
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Custer State Park
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Jewel Cave
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Deadwood reanactors
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Badlands
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Awesome Things To Do in Western South Dakota

THE BLACK HILLS TOOK MORE THAN 75 MILLION YEARS TO BECOME WHAT THEY ARE. WHEN YOU'RE READY, SEE WHAT GREAT PLACES ARE WAITING.

Western South Dakota Attractions

Explore things to do in the Black Hills & Badlands

Wildlife Loop, Custer State Park
mount rushmore
Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association
Mount Rushmore map location

1851 Discovery Circle
Rapid City, SD57701
United States

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Western South Dakota offers majestic granite spires, bubbling hot springs, pine-covered peaks and unique rock...

Southeast Region of South Dakota

A group of four friends sit around a fire at the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area.
A group of four friends sit around a fire at the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area.
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Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

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

Outdoor Activities in the Southeast

With winding rivers, dramatic palisades and peaceful prairies, southeastern South Dakota is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In Sioux Falls, stroll through scenic Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River cascades over pink quartzite, or soak up the region’s Indigenous heritage at Good Earth State Park at Blood Run. Palisades State Park impresses with towering cliffs, drawing climbers, hikers and kayakers.

The southeast region offers exceptional fishing, boating and swimming across 175 lakes and rivers — including the vast Lewis and Clark Lake in Yankton. Book a guided fishing or hunting trip with Riibe Outdoors, or explore on your own at Great Bear Recreation Park, a 200-acre natural playground that transforms into a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

SEE WHAT AMAZING THINGS WILL BE WAITING IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION
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Awesome Things To Do in Southeastern South Dakota

Southeast Region Attractions

Explore things to do in southeast South Dakota

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The Mead Building in Yankton, South Dakota, a impressive three-story, Neo-Renaissance-style building made up of Sioux quartzite with blocks that vary in pink, red and salmon tones, beige concrete on the top floor and red clay, spanish tile shingles.
Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association

82 Mickelson Drive
Yankton, SD57078
United States

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From vibrant cities to quiet country escapes, southeast South Dakota offers a mix of arts...

Northeastern South Dakota: Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region

Two anglers cast their lines off a boat in the middle of Roy Lake at sunset.
Two men in a small boat fish at Roy Lake State Park in South Dakota's Glacial Lakes & Prairies region.
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Roy Lake State Park, Lake City

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

Outdoor Activities in Northeast South Dakota

Whether you’re reeling in trophy walleye, camping under starry skies or hiking the scenic trails of Sica Hollow State Park, northeast South Dakota offers endless room to roam. Anglers can cast a line for plentiful walleye in some of the Midwest’s best fishing waters, while boaters and paddlers explore the region’s hundreds of lakes. Hunters flock here for world-class pheasant hunting, and miles of trails invite hikers, bikers and snowmobilers to venture off the beaten path. Golfers can enjoy a relaxed round in a scenic setting at Springs Country Club, while families find fun at Putters and Scoops, offering mini golf, bowling and paddleboats — just one of the many family-friendly attractions in the region.

SEE WHAT AMAZING THINGS WILL BE WAITING IN THE NORTHEAST REGION
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Awesome Things To Do in Northeastern South Dakota

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The Travel South Dakota Stories

Cavalry reenactors on horseback ride toward the camera with historic buildings in the background at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, South Dakota.
Episode 7: Marching Back in Time

As soon as we arrive at Fort Sisseton, we're handed Civil War-era muskets. That's because we've enlisted in the Army — the Union Army! Join us at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, where we take part in marching drills, sleep in a haunted hospital and step on toes at the Military Ball, all while learning about the fort's place in American history. 

Northeast South Dakota Attractions

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Nicollet Tower
Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association

1200 33rd Street SE
Watertown, SD57201
United States

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA
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Carved by glaciers and shaped by the pioneers, northeast South Dakota is where sparkling lakes...

Central South Dakota: Missouri River Region

A couple walks through a vast grassland overlooking the Missouri River in Pierre, South Dakota.
A couple walks through a vast grassland overlooking the Missouri River in Pierre, South Dakota.
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Missouri River, Pierre

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.

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Outdoor Activities in Central South Dakota

Whether you’re paddling quiet backwaters, hiking rugged cliffs or chasing a legendary catch, central South Dakota is an outdoor paradise. The mighty Missouri River — one of South Dakota’s Great 8 landmarks — carves through rolling prairies and bluffs, creating a haven for fishing, boating and wildlife watching. Reel in trophy walleye at Lake Oahe or Lake Francis Case, hike the scenic trails of Farm Island Recreation Area in Pierre or take to the water for kayaking and birdwatching at West Whitlock Recreation Area in Gettysburg. For sportsmen and sportswomen, hunting resorts like Pheasant Camp Lodge and the region’s vast public lands provide prime habitat for pheasants, making it a top destination for hunters.

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Awesome Things to do in Central South Dakota

Central South Dakota Attractions

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20207 SD Highway 1804
Pierre, SD57501
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Events in South Dakota

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South Dakota State Fair, Huron

There are celebrations for every season and taste in South Dakota. Let the great adventure planning begin!

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.

 

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There's always a fun festival waiting just around the bend in South Dakota. Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your event experiences!

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Close your eyes. Listen to the rustle of the prairie grass. Hear the sounds of snorting bison in Custer State Park, of cards being shuffled in Deadwood. Imagine being there. Each new podcast episode offers you a deep dive into the wide-open land of infinite variety, reminding you there's always more to discover in South Dakota. Available now on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.

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Places To Stay

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Find a place to lay your head and rest for your next adventure in South Dakota.

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?

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South Dakota is where buffalo roam, gunslingers entertain and mountains and monuments stand tall over open land. Produced by the award-winning Armchair Productions and recorded on-location throughout South Dakota, this audio adventure podcast is designed to do more than just let you hear what it’s like to be there! 

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