Restaurants

Jalapeno Caesar Salad Buffalo Dreamer Hot Springs South Dakota
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In South Dakota, we know good food.

Being an agricultural state means it's easy to source the freshest ingredients—from our big foodie cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City to smaller mining or farm towns with a surprisingly great dining scene like Deadwood and Watertown.

That makes everything tastes a little better. Enjoy meat-and-potatoes staples and unique culinary masterpieces created by some of the finest chefs in the world. Our Scandinavian, German, Dutch and Native American ancestries influence things in the tastiest of ways. Even the pickiest of palates will find something to love. And don't leave without checking out South Dakotas' breweries for top-shelf craft beer to wash it all down. Search the listings for the perfect way to satisfy your cravings!

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Taste the Flavors of South Dakota

Check Out Our Podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

Overhead shot of a table set with different plates of food, with a hand reaching toward a plate of nachos. Travel South Dakota.
Episode 9: South Dakota on a Plate

South Dakota's culinary scene has been shaped by Indigenous people, immigrants, farmers, hunters ... and even church-basement ladies. Take a four-course road trip to meet some of the talented people making South Dakota so delicious.

See What Everyone Else is Eating & Drinking in South Dakota
Trip Planning Resources
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Being an agricultural state means it's easy to source the freshest ingredients—from our big foodie...

Trip Ideas

Reptile Gardens

Trip Ideas

Every vacation has a beginning and an end, but what about everything in between? Read Road Journals from real South Dakota visitors, find a scenic route, check out curated itineraries or explore more in our Spotlights below. You'll find all the information and inspiration you'll need to plan your South Dakota adventure.  

 

SCENIC DRIVES

Go where the road takes you for our most famous views.

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
Native American Scenic Byway Map Icon
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.

Photo Essays

Focused points of view that get you up close.

Powwow Celebration
Photo Essay
Feathers, Beads and Fringe
Meridian Bridge, Yankton
Photo Essay
Yankton: Fun Along the Missouri River Photo Essay
Ingalls Homestead
Photo Essay
Little Town on the Prairie
Main Street Square, Rapid City
Photo Essay
See Big Things: A Rapid City Photo Essay
Pierre, South Dakota
Photo Essay
Pierre: A Photo Essay of South Dakota's State Capital
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Photo Essay
Riding into Sturgis
Rock climbing, Palisades State Park
Photo Essay
Climbing the Palisades
Buffalo Roundup
Photo Essay
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Breezy Point
Photo Essay
Recreational Paradise: The Black Hills National Forest Photo Essay
Porter Sculpture Park, Pink Dragon
Photo Essay
It's Both Wonderful & Strange
Storybook land castle
Photo Essay
A Land of Make-Believe
South Dakota State Fair
Photo Essay
South Dakota's State Fair
Children's Museum of South Dakota, Dinosaur
Photo Essay
Spark Your Imagination
Eagle
Photo Essay
Birds of a Feather
Start Planning Your Next Trip to South Dakota
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Find our Vacation Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

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Every vacation has a beginning and an end, but what about everything in between? Read...

The Missouri River | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Missouri River, Chamberlain
Missouri River, Chamberlain

Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. The Missouri River's 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.

Below you’ll find trip-planning tools & frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to South Dakota's famous river.

Missouri River
While You're Here
Missouri National Recreational River

Experience the Missouri River the way early inhabitants and explorers saw it on the Missouri National Recreational River. This 98-mile stretch, which runs between Pickstown and Nebraska’s Ponca State Park, preserves one of the last free-flowing sections of the river, where its natural beauty and native ecosystems remain largely untouched. Along it, you’ll find many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, paddling, birding and camping.

Powwow
While You're Here
A CULTURAL ROUTE

South Dakota’s cultural roots unfold when following the Missouri River through the lands of five Native American tribes. The route follows Highway 37 at Running Water north to Highway 1806 near Kenel in the north central part of the state.

Kayaking
While You're Here
WATER RECREATION

From sailboats and houseboats to kayaks and canoes, there are many ways to play.

Oahe Dam
While You're Here
THEY CALL IT “BIG WATER”

Dedicated by President Kennedy in 1962, the Oahe Dam controls the waters surrounded by Lake Oahe’s 2,250 miles of shoreline. More than a million people visit the country’s fourth-largest reservoir every year.

While You're Here
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

With 417 shaded campsites, 17 cabins, sandy beaches, hiking trails, beautiful chalkstone bluffs and a modern marina along Lewis & Clark Lake, there is a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Native American National and State Scenic Byway
Native American Scenic Byway

Cruise this scenic route and travel through the lands of Native American Tribes.

Hunting
Hunting

Hunting opportunities abound.

Mountain Bluebird
Birding

Bird-watch along one of America's premier flyways.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Missouri River?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from the Missouri River?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit the Missouri River?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit the Missouri River?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of the Missouri River?

SEE WHAT AMAZING THINGS WILL BE WAITING ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER
Missouri River, Pierre
Plan Your Visit

Just go with the flow. Explore the mighty Missouri River and the vibrant South Dakota towns along its banks — Pierre, Chamberlain, Yankton and Vermillion.

Missouri river map

20207 SD Highway 1804, SD57501
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
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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
Stay In Touch With SD
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Earn Prizes as You Travel

Wind Cave National Park | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave

Wind Cave National Park

Intricate, wind-carved rock formations, ancient stalactites and a seemingly endless network of sprawling caverns are all hallmarks of the world-famous Wind Cave National Park. If you’re looking for a truly unique spelunking experience, this is the place. Wind Cave was the first cave designated a national park. Explore one of the world’s largest mapped cave systems, decorated with rare boxwork formations along the cavern walls. Above ground, explore 33,970 acres of forests and prairies that act as a natural sanctuary for bison, elk, prairie dogs and more.

Below, you’ll find more trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Wind Cave National Park.

Due to high visitation, cave tours often sell out 2 to 3 hours in advance and may sell out for the entire day by midday. Tickets may be purchased in advance via Recreation.gov. A credit or debit card is required for on-site payments for cave tours, campground fees and Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park. 

Purchase Tickets for Wind Cave National Park

boxwork.jpg
While You're Here
See Boxwork Formations

An uncommon structure of honeycomb-patterned projecting calcite from cave walls is the finest example of boxwork in the world.

Wind Cave
While You're Here
A Sacred Place

A sacred place for the Lakota, their oral tradition tells the story that this is where humans first emerged from within the earth to live on the surface.

Wind Cave National Park
While You're Here
Experience the wildlife

Buffalo roam, antelope scamper and prairie dogs play in and around Wind Cave — not only a national park but also a wildlife refuge. Animal lovers can spot these wildlife species and more from the window of their car any time of the year.

While You're Here
Wind Cave tour
Hold Onto Your Hats

Descend into the cave on a ranger-guided tour and feel the barometric breath of one of the world's longest caves. For more information on tours, scroll down to the FAQ section.

elk
A Wildlife Sanctuary

This 33,970-acre attraction is as impressive above ground as it is below. Its unique ecosystem is home to elk, buffalo, antelope, deer, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets. Choose from over 30 miles of hiking trails and see if you can spot the diverse wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:

What is the tour information for Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the closest airport to Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit Wind Cave National Park?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Wind Cave National Park?

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered at Wind Cave National Park, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Family sitting down overlooking the prairie at Wind Cave National Park.
Plan Your Visit

A sacred site with allure both above and below the surface.

Wind Cave Map location

26611 US Highway 385
Hot Springs, SD57747
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
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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
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

Due to high visitation, cave tours often sell out 2 to 3 hours in advance...

Custer State Park | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Buffalo Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
Sylvan Lake located in South Dakota's Custer State Park

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. Hiking trails, scenic drives, bike rides and safari tours are perfect ways to explore this impressive South Dakota attraction. 

Find trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Custer State Park.

 

Buffalo Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
While You're Here
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway

Where the buffalo roam — and so do a variety of animals including deer, antelope, begging burros, elk, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs.

Rock climbing Black Hills
While You're Here
Rock Climbing

The Needles are towering granite pinnacles surrounding Sylvan Lake that offer some of the best climbing in South Dakota. 

Family Hiking Cathedral Spires Custer State Park
While You're Here
Let Your Feet Be Your Guide

Hit the trails to explore Custer State Park's 71,000 acres. The park offers more than a dozen trails and backcountry roads of varying length, terrain and difficulty.

custer state park
While You're Here
Fishing

Whether you're fly fishing or casting a line from a boat or dock, the lakes of Custer State Park are trout-fishing heaven. 

Buffalo and Camping RV Custer State Park
While You're Here
Camping

Make camp with your horses in the pines, pitch your tent beside a pristine mountain lake or hook up your RV near wandering wildlife — the park's 10 memorable campgrounds are sure to accommodate. 

Black Elk Peak Lookout Tower Sunset Custer State Park
While You're Here
Black Elk Peak

At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s topped by a stone fire tower and offers a magnificent view of the Black Hills, making it a popular hike. Access is available via trailheads within the park and the Black Elk Wilderness Area.

Stockade Lake Custer State Park
While You're Here
Mountain Lakes

Sylvan, Legion, Stockade and Center lakes provide ways to cool off or catch dinner. Experience summertime fun while swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, hydro-biking or fly fishing.

 
Reflected in clear mountain waters, needles of granite splay into blue sky above emerald forests and windswept prairies, where herds of wildlife roam free.
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Hidden Treasure: South Dakota’s Custer State Park
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Hidden Treasure: South Dakota’s Custer State Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Custer State Park?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Custer State Park?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Custer State Park?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit Custer State Park?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Custer State Park?

Round 'em Up

Watch as wranglers and rangers round up more than 1,300 stampeding buffalo during the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, held the last Friday of September.

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered at Custer State Park, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Check Out Our Podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

Cowboys on horseback round up a large herd of bison at the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in Custer, South Dakota.
Episode 1: The Fall and Rise of the Buffalo

Feel the ground rumble and see the dust fly as 60 cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to bring in a thundering herd of 1,300 buffalo at the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. But we’re not just watching it. We’re in the thick of it, as we get thrown around on the back of a truck chasing the herd across the wide-open plains!

balloon-ride-custer-1882
Visit Custer State Park

Explore 71,000 acres of unmatched beauty and free-roaming wildlife in Custer State Park, alongside the action-packed towns of Rapid City, Sturgis and Custer.

Custer State Park Map location

13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD57730
United States

black and white image of Needles rock formations
Where the
Buffalo Roam
Burro
 
Bighorn Sheep
 
Elk
 
Baby bison
 
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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
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

Jewel Cave National Monument | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Jewel Cave Ranger and kid
Tour group inside Jewel Cave with a Ranger

Jewel Cave National Monument

With a name inspired by the crystals that line its walls, Jewel Cave National Monument is even more significant as the third-longest cave in the world. This South Dakota treasure includes various cave tours below the forest and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.

Enjoy a stroll along the 1/4-mile Roof Trail, an easily accessible trail near the visitor center that features picnic tables and benches, or the 3.5-mile Canyons Trail, which goes through Lithograph and Hell canyons before winding back to the visitor center parking lot. View recently reintroduced bighorn sheep in the Historic Area.

The monument released a series of interpretive podcasts via the official Jewel Cave Facebook page and the National Park Service's YouTube channel for additional visitor enjoyment. Below, you’ll find more trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Jewel Cave National Monument!

Advance cave tour reservations are strongly recommended! Secure your spot now at Recreation.gov. Limited tickets are also available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis, and go especially fast in peak season months. 

Cave Bacon Jewel Cave
While You're Here
PRICELESS FINDS

The “jewels” of Jewel Cave include calcite crystals known as nailhead spar and dogtooth spar, along with formations of boxwork, cave popcorn, flowstone and a long ribbon drapery known as "cave bacon."

Jewel Cave Tour
While You're Here
Get Your Tickets for Popular Ranger-led Tours

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-minute, accessible Discovery Talk to the intense exploration of the Wild Caving Tour.

Check out the popular Historic Lantern Tour, a classic summer experience where provided lanterns light the way as you explore the cave just like people did nearly 100 years ago. Enter the cave via the historic entrance on an unpaved trail led by a park ranger dressed in a 1930s-style uniform who will guide you along this 1-hour-and-45-minute tour. 

Jewel Cave
While You're Here
THIRD-LONGEST CAVE IN THE WORLD

With more than 200 miles of surveyed passages, explorers are still discovering and mapping one of the last frontiers in the world.

Pasqueflower
While You're Here
Stop and Smell the Wildflowers

The wonder of nature doesn't just show below ground at Jewel Cave. With 1,274 above-ground acres of Black Hills forest and open prairie, park visitors won't want to miss the chance to stop and smell the diverse array of wildflowers. Species range from the elusive pasqueflower, South Dakota's state flower that blooms March into May, to blooms of irises, lilies and verbena coming later and displaying through the summer. 

Black Hills Scenic Hell Canyon
While You're Here
Hiking Trails

Needing to pass time before your tour? Jewel Cave's above-ground acreage includes two self-guided hikes and also one Black Hills National Forest trail. The trails provide amazing views of the surrounding Hell Canyon area and a chance to see how the above-ground terrain helped form the wonder below. 

Wild Turkey Black Hills
While You're Here
Bird Watching

The cave's location incorporates Black Hills pine forest and open meadows, prime for a variety of birds to either call the area home or visit during migration. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the tour information for Jewel Cave National Monument?

Q:

What is the closest airport to Jewel Cave National Monument?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Jewel Cave National Monument?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Jewel Cave National Monument?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit Jewel Cave National Monument?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Jewel Cave National Monument?

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered at Jewel Cave National Monument, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Interior of Jewel Cave
Plan Your Visit

An underground wilderness sparkling with brilliant color.

Jewel Cave Map location

11149 US Highway 16, Bldg. B12
Custer, SD57730
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
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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
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

Enjoy a stroll along the 1/4-mile Roof Trail, an easily accessible trail near the visitor...

Historic Deadwood | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Deadwood, Main Street
Historic Deadwood Main Street

Historic Deadwood

Ready to walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock? This 1870s gold rush town earned National Historic Landmark status in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do, including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.

 

Below you’ll find more trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Historic Deadwood!

 

A woman rides a horse during the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood, South Dakota.
While You're Here
Entertaining Guests Since 1876

Entertainment of one form or another has been a constant in Deadwood since 1876. Whether it's a game of cards, a parade, headline musicians and festivals, New Year's Eve, Mardi Gras or the 18-time PRCA Pro Rodeo of the Year, Deadwood knows how to have fun! It's where the action was and still is — and what got Deadwood named one of Thrillist's best party towns in America!

A group of people celebrate around a gaming table at a casino in Deadwood, South Dakota.
While You're Here
Play Like A Legend

In hotels and halls haunted by Wild Bill, Seth, Calamity and countless others, you can try your hand at blackjack, poker, craps and slots. Enjoy 24/7 gaming and $1,000 bet limits.

A shootout in Deadwood, SD.
While You're Here
Main Street Shootouts

Catch a glimpse of gunslingers and history in action, a family-friendly look at what Deadwood once was in its wilder days. 

A mine train car from the Homestake Mine is displayed at the Historic Adams House in Deadwood, South Dakota.
While You're Here
History Around Every Corner

Discover treasures at places like the Adams Museum and Days of ’76 Museum in a place where the entire town is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Mount Moriah Cemetery
While You're Here
Pay Your Respects to Wild West Legends

An eerie attraction, Mount Moriah Cemetery overlooks Deadwood Gulch. Tour this late-Victorian-era cemetery where Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock and other Western legends are laid to rest.

Hiking Deadwood
While You're Here
Get Outside

Deadwood is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, and the George S. Mickelson Trail connects the town to outstanding year-round outdoor activities throughout the region. Hike to Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower, which honors the longtime friendship between President Theodore Roosevelt and frontiersman Seth Bullock. Other places to stretch your legs around Deadwood include the Homestake Trail and the waterfalls and trails of nearby Spearfish Canyon. In the winter, snowmobilers can hop on their sleds at their hotel and take off into the Black Hills snowmobile trail system.

 
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.
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History is Alive in Deadwood, South Dakota
Play Video

History is Alive in Deadwood, South Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Deadwood?

Q:

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

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Historic Deadwood?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit Historic Deadwood?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Deadwood?

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered in Historic Deadwood, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

CHECK OUT OUR PODCAST

The Travel South Dakota Stories

Downtown Deadwood
Episode 2: Black Hills and Deadwood

Join us as we mosey down Historic Deadwood’s streets in search of legendary tales and infamous characters from this wild frontier. Along the way, we discover that Deadwood is truly alive ... well, besides the ghosts!

Deadwood in the Winter
Visit Historic Deadwood

A city rich in frontier history and Wild West infamy. 

Deadwood Map Location

501 Main Street
Deadwood, SD57732
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
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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
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

Crazy Horse Memorial | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Crazy Horse Memorial
A carved face and outstretched arm with hand points out as a rainbow shines in the background against a cloudy blue sky

Crazy Horse Memorial®

At the request of Chief Henry Standing Bear, 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. See history in the making, and don’t miss the on-site Indian Museum of North America® and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center®’s educational and cultural programming. 

Below, you’ll find trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure to Crazy Horse Memorial!

Indian Museum of North America at Crazy Horse Memorial
While You're Here
NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER

Visit with Native artisans, try children's activities and games, and see one-of-a-kind artifacts. Of special note is the Edward S. Curtis photo collection.

teepee
While You're Here
INDIAN MUSEUM OF NORTH AMERICA

In a location that incorporates Korczak's love of wood and natural lighting, the museum's collection reflects the histories, cultures and landmarks of the American Indian people.

A Native American storyteller and performer in powwow regalia talking with a group of kids at Crazy Horse Memorial
While You're Here
Special Programs & Events

Gather together and celebrate. Check the Crazy Horse Memorial calendar of events to see what's happening during your visit, from dance performances to storytelling to art shows.

Bronze sculpture of Crazy Horse with the Crazy Horse memorial in the background.
While You're Here
Sculptor Home & Studio

Visit the original Korczak Ziolkowski family home, where Korczak's many sculptural works from before and after he arrived in the Black Hills still reside.

Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial
While You're Here
VOLKSMARCH

The first Sunday in June and the Sunday after the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in September, join thousands of hikers for the 3.1-mile (5 km) or 6.2-mile (10-km) trek to the carving's arm stretched 500 feet above the ground.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Crazy Horse Memorial?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Crazy Horse Memorial?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Crazy Horse Memorial?

Q:

What are the busiest times of week to visit Crazy Horse Memorial?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of Crazy Horse Memorial?

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered at Crazy Horse Memorial®, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Crazy Horse
Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

Never forget your dreams.

Crazy Horse Map location

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs
Crazy Horse, SD57730
United States

Check out our podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

Crazy Horse Memorial outside of Custer, during a beautiful South Dakota sunset.
Episode 3: Legends in Stone

Join us to uncover what makes Indigenous culture in South Dakota so unique. As you hear these stories and the history of this fascinating heritage, you’ll soon discover that you need to experience South Dakota for yourself!

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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
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

Badlands National Park | South Dakota's Great 8 Iconic Landmarks

Badlands National Park
Badlands icon

An Otherwordly Wonder Meant For Exploration

Ready to enter a different world? 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. Wildlife — antelope, bighorn sheep and deer—abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping or traveling the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway.

Keep reading for more trip-planning tools and frequently asked visitor questions to help plan your next great adventure to Badlands National Park.

Voitures traversant le Parc National des Badlands
While You're Here
Drive Through the Badlands

Pile in for an unforgettable scenic drive on the Badlands Loop Road. Spot native wildlife, stretch your legs on a hiking trail and be prepared to brake for countless photos along the way.

Badlands
While You're Here
Fossil Exhibit Trail

Step back in time on this quarter-mile accessible boardwalk, which features fossil replicas of extinct species that once inhabited the Badlands.

Ben Reifel Visitor Center Badlands National Park
While You're Here
Ben Reifel Visitor Center

The rangers at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center are happy to help you with all the park information you need. You can also sign up for special events and programs, shop souvenirs and visit a working fossil preparation lab.

Stars and Milky Way Badlands National Park South Dakota
While You're Here
Nighttime Stargazing

The near-zero light pollution at Badlands National Park gives nighttime visitors a rare glimpse of the cosmos, including more than 7,500 stars, planets and moons. During the summer, the park hosts night-sky viewing at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater. 

Badlands National Park
While You're Here
Hike the Badlands

Explore trails and otherworldly formations that are millions of years in the making. Get up close to the painted landscape on hikes ranging from flat stretches across the prairie to uphill climbs through the Badlands terrain.

Minuteman Missile Silo Minuteman Missile National Historic Site South Dakota
While You're Here
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Visit this nearby site that was key to maintaining world peace during the Cold War era, even though it held the power of nuclear armageddon. Today, visitors can peer into the Delta-09 missile silo or book a ranger-led tour of the underground launch control facility.

 
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.
Play Video
Hiking Badlands National Park South Dakota
Play Video

Start Your South Dakota Adventure in Badlands National Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Badlands National Park?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from Badlands National Park?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit Badlands National Park?

Q:

What are the busiest times of week to visit Badlands National Park?

Q:

What is the weather, geographic information and history of Badlands National Park?

Get Inspired

See what other travelers discovered in Badlands National Park, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

Check Out Our Podcast

The Travel South Dakota Stories

A man wearing a cowboy hat rides on horseback in the foreground while look out at the South Dakota Badlands in the distance. Badlands National Park, South Dakota.
Episode 8: Where Bad is Good

Once the site of an ancient ocean, Badlands National Park is one of the world’s richest fossil beds and a haven for wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Dive in to discover why these so-called "bad lands" inspire wonder in everyone who visits.

Badlands
Visit Badlands National Park

Step boldly into this surreal landscape.

Badlands map location

25216 Ben Reifel Road
Interior, SD57750
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
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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
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

Ready to enter a different world? This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of...

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
Play Video
Rushmore Video
Play Video

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
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
Trip Planning Resources
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Let Us Help You Plan
Feeding a burro
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.