Experience an old west shootout aboard the 1880 Train this summer. Dates for 2025 are June 8, 15, 22 and 29; July 6, 13, 20 and 27; and August 17 and 31. The shootout begins at the Hill City station, 5 p.m. round trip departure. A few bad guys board the train and hide their treasure. The train is
Each year on the third Monday in February, America observes Presidents' Day to honor the birthdays of George Washington (born February 11, 1731) and Abraham Lincoln (born February 12, 1809). But here in South Dakota, presidential history is something we celebrate every day of the year. Find out how the Mount Rushmore State became so closely linked with the presidents, and discover how you can explore this fascinating aspect of our heritage when you visit.
Attracting more than 2 million annual visitors, Mount Rushmore National Memorial isn't just South Dakota's most-visited attraction — it's one of America's most enduring and iconic national symbols. According to sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the purpose of the memorial was to "communicate the founding, expansion, preservation and unification of the United States" by depicting the faces of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Work began in 1927, and it took a team of 400 workers 14 years to complete the 60-foot carvings. Today, the memorial is open to visitors year-round. While you're there, check out the exhibits in the Sculptor's Studio and hit the hiking trails to learn important information about the site's Lakota, Nakota and Dakota heritage. Don't forget to get some ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson's recipe, the first recorded ice cream recipe in American history.
Did You Know? U.S. President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the memorial on August 10, 1927.
Twenty miles up the road from Keystone and Mount Rushmore is Rapid City, which boasts its own unique presidential attraction: Life-sized bronze statues of 43 American presidents.
The project began in the late 1990s as a way of commemorating these leaders' place in American history; they've since become beloved local landmarks that have earned Rapid City the nickname "the City of Presidents." Cozy up next to 8th president Martin Van Buren on his park bench at Main Street and Mount Rushmore Road; give a high-five to the newest statue, 44th president Barack Obama; and grab a selfie with 30th president Calvin Coolidge, whose statue was outfitted with cowboy accessories in honor of his 1927 visit to South Dakota.
Each year on the third Monday in February, America observes Presidents' Day to honor the...
There are simply no hills like the Black Hills. And what better way to explore them with the family than with the Head for the Hills Passport?
This free, mobile-exclusive digital passport will guide you to the family-friendliest places in the beautiful Black Hills. Check in to stops across western South Dakota for discounts, prizes and more. No app required.
See how fast “Are we there yet?” becomes “THAT WAS SO COOL!” with the Head for the Hills Passport. And with prizes waiting to be awarded, you and the entire family are sure to make some memories that’ll last a lifetime.
The Head for the Hills Passport is a can't miss collection of family-friendly attractions in the Black Hills. Experience it all and earn prizes along the way.
Each stop is worth 10 points — the more you explore, the better the rewards!
Prizes start at just three check-ins (30 points) for stickers and small souvenirs. Top rewards are a NorthFace South Dakota backpack or an ENO hammock. Plus, your points never expire from year to year, so you can keep building toward bigger rewards.
Prizes are available while supplies last. Travel South Dakota reserves the right to substitute prizes of similar value.
See what other families have discovered in the Black Hills and share your memories with us by using the hashtag #HeadForTheHills.
With each passport, visitors and locals can check in to designated locations to unlock a broad range of prizes based on the number of locations visited. The program delivery is seamless, with no app download needed. Instead, the pass is easily accessed through TravelSouthDakota.com. Participant location redemption is followed through GPS-based tracking, with point accumulation and redemption tracked through the South Dakota Passport. Prizes are then shipped directly to participants.
See the following questions and answers for more information about the South Dakota Passports:
How do I add my passport to my mobile device's home screen?
The Head for the Hills Passport is a can't miss collection of family-friendly attractions in...
Keeping some of the most scenic roadways in America requires a little maintenance from time to time. Before you hit the road in South Dakota, check here to find helpful resources and learn about major construction projects that may affect your travel.
Up-to-date resource for road closures due to construction, inclement weather and more. Live webcams allow you to check traffic and road conditions throughout the state.
The SDDOT Statewide Construction Project Information page provides a regional overview of current and upcoming projects to plan ahead for.
Region: Western South Dakota (Black Hills & Badlands)
Project Dates: Spring 2024-Fall 2026
Website: US-385.com
SDDOT is reconstructing a 15-mile portion of U.S. Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake. Once completed, this section will feature new surfacing, additional turn lanes to improve traffic flow, and wider, improved road curves to meet current design and safety standards.
Portions of U.S. Highway 385 will be completely closed at times in consideration of traveler safety. Drivers can expect pilot car lines and wait times, loose gravel and road surfaces, rock blasting, large construction equipment, narrowed lanes and detours that may add an extra 30-60 minutes to commutes.
SDDOT offers a free text service to communicate any major traffic changes. To subscribe, simply text “US385” to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.
Construction will extend from the south end of Pactola Dam to south of Sheridan Lake with the following planned closures:
Closure C — Sheridan Lake Road to Be Still Road: April 28-June 13, 2025.
Closure D — Be Still Road to Calumet Road: Aug. 12-Oct. 17, 2025. Note: Local access to Be Still Road will be maintained. The intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and Sheridan Lake Road will remain open.
Closure E — Pactola Dam to Custer Gulch Road: Oct. 20, 2025-April 17, 2026. Note: Local access to Victoria Lake Road will be maintained.
Detours for Phase 2 road closures will be S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16, as shown in yellow below:
Starting the week of Monday, April 28, 2025, final asphalt paving will begin on an area of U.S. Highway 385 Placement of final surfacing will start at Pactola Dam and work north towards the Pennington-Lawrence County line. Traffic impacts at this time include temporary lane closures, the use of large construction equipment, loose gravel road surface, narrowed driving lanes, and wet paint. Additionally, the contractor will use pilot cars and flaggers as needed with delays of up to 15 minutes. Phase 1 surfacing is expected to be completed by Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
To avoid travel delays, consider using an alternate route. The recommended detour is S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16.
Region: Western South Dakota (Black Hills & Badlands)
Project Dates: 2025-2032
Project Website: Dot.sd.gov
Keeping some of the most scenic roadways in America requires a little maintenance from time...
South Dakota invites visitors of all abilities to experience our state’s natural wonders, awe-inspiring beauty and wide-open spaces.
Whether you’re planning to visit landmark attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park or take part in South Dakota’s renowned hunting and fishing, we hope this page can help you build your ideal vacation itinerary in the 605 state.
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the first airport in the Dakotas to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Through this program, free sunflower lanyards are available at the terminal and can be worn as a subtle way of letting others know that the wearer has a non-visible disability and may require additional support. RAP also can provide ground transportation to people in wheelchairs, and houses service-animal relief areas pre- and post-security. Find more accessibility information here.
Other airports in South Dakota include Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Pierre Regional Airport (PIR), Huron Regional Airport (HON), Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) and Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR). Prior to your flight, we recommend contacting your arrival and departure airports for information on assistance and other available accessibility services.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation works with rural, urban and specialized providers to offer public transportation throughout the state. To find transportation in the cities you will be visiting, check out this interactive map. The map includes location, contact information, service times and areas. We recommend contacting your chosen provider for accessibility information.
There are also several car-rental companies that offer wheelchair-accessible vans. In Tea, located just minutes from Sioux Falls, Mobility Works Van Rentals has short- and long-term van rentals available. In Rapid City, Black Hills Mobility has a wide selection of vehicles that are accessible to people with mobility needs.
Find more car rentals and public transportation services here
More than a dozen Welcome Centers and rest areas line I-90 and I-29 in South Dakota. These centers are accessible or partially accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. From mid-May through September, the five Interstate Welcome Centers are also staffed with helpful travel counselors who are happy to assist you to the best of their ability.
The 605 state offers an array of attractions and activities that are wheelchair friendly and have special offerings for people with disabilities. The Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings hosts weekly sensory-friendly play designed for children who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities. Most of the state's Great 8 attractions, like Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park, are wheelchair accessible, have ASL interpretation available by request and offer guided or self-guided tours that can be altered to accommodate individual needs. Art and culture enthusiasts will also find many wheelchair-friendly museums and galleries throughout the state.
Discover more accessible attractions in South Dakota
From cozy lodges and cabins in the Black Hills to historic and boutique hotels, South Dakota boasts a large selection of wheelchair-friendly lodging options. To ensure that the property can accommodate your specific needs, we recommend reaching out to them directly.
Explore wheelchair-accessible hotels and lodging in South Dakota
Fishing and hunting are two of South Dakota's favorite pastimes. In an effort to make these activities accessible to more people, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (GFP) has created several wheelchair-friendly hunting and fishing areas throughout the state.
For hunters in wheelchairs, trails and hunting blinds have been selected for ease of access and adequate pull-off areas. For anglers, GFP offers fishing areas and parks with floating piers that have low railings, accessible ramps and sidewalks and nearby wheelchair-friendly parking.
GFP also rents out Action Track powered wheelchairs that allow people with limited mobility to enjoy hunting, fishing and outdoor areas they wouldn’t normally be able to access. To rent a Track Chair, call the Outdoor Campus West at 605-394-2391.
Other helpful resources include the following:
WSR Solutions Wheelchair Repairs
Numotion Wheelchair Repairs
Dakotabilities
South Dakota Department of Human Services
We welcome travelers of all abilities to explore our wide-open spaces and inspiring places. Say #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.
Whether you’re planning to visit landmark attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National...
What makes Sturgis special is different for everyone. For some, it’s because it’s the biggest two-wheeled party in the baddest of lands. For others, it’s the switchbacks, hairpins and pigtails through the Black Hills of South Dakota. The chance to choose freedom over freeways. Or the concerts, daredevils, races & wild events carrying on for 10 whole days in August with hundreds of thousands of family and friends. And all of this since 1938 — it’s truly the O-G.
You’ve got one life and there’s only one Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Check out the already-announced headliners for the 2025 Sturgis Rally below, and stay tuned here for others as their announced.
The journey to Sturgis begins long before the rally. Whether you want to take your time on the scenic route, ship your bike and fly into Sturgis or rent a motorcycle in the Black Hills, we've got tips that'll make the road to the rally a smooth one.
No matter how you get here — twisties, switchbacks, hairpins, or pigtails — Sturgis is famous for the party, but legendary for the rides.
Find the perfect stay for your adventure in the Black Hills and Badlands Region, from hotels and vacation homes to RV and tent campsites.
Concerts, motocross races and more adventures await at this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Say #HiFromSD to share your event memories!
Looking for something truly different? Something that harkens to the very early years of the Rally with people finding a space and making one hell of a good time? A place full of party animals, rad bikes and mayhem?
My friend, let us introduce you to Camp Zero.
For those who have been coming annually for years, the Rally is a chance to get together with their "Rally family." And come August, all roads lead to Sturgis — no excuses.
See for Rally Gear, Dealer Locations, and Motorcycle Inventory.
Learn More >>
South Dakota RidesYour resource for motorcycle maps, riding routes, training courses, safety tips and more.
Learn More >>
What makes Sturgis special is different for everyone. For some, it’s because it’s the biggest...
Junkin’ Market Days is a two-day, indoor market in Sioux Falls that is filled with repurposed, rustic, shabby chic, farmhouse, vintage & one-of-a-kind finds. Vendors from all over the state of South Dakota and beyond bring in the coolest pieces to the Exhibit Hall at the Ramkota Convention Center
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