Things to Do

Two women stand on paddle boards on dark blue water in Pierre, South Dakota.
Two women paddleboard on a lake in Pierre, South Dakota.
South Dakota

Things to Do

South Dakota is chock-full of history, art, culture and a whole lot of outdoor fun. Celebrate your passions and find new ones on a vacation you’ll always remember. 

Hike the Badlands or ride ATVs through the Black Hills. Learn about Native American history at local museums or discover fossil beds at our archaeological sites. Catch a flick at one of South Dakota’s six operating drive-in movie theaters or discover our diverse fine arts scene. Visit renowned attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial or traverse the seventh-longest cave in the world at Wind Cave National Park. There’s a lot to explore in South Dakota, and these are just some ideas to help you find your next adventure. 

Find places to go and trip-planning tips, as well as upcoming events, above. Below, we have you covered with information from national parks and entertainment options to shopping and other trip recommendations you’ll love. 

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So Much More South Dakota to Explore

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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.

Family Fun

Family hiking in Badlands
Family Fun

Family Fun

South Dakota is a place where lifetime memories are made.

Whether you're showing your kids the sights that amazed you as a child or uniting the family with the spirit of adventure, these attractions will help you craft a trip that will delight the entire family. After all, the best souvenirs of a family vacation are the memories that last forever … although a stuffed jackalope is pretty cool, too!

Custer State Park Jeep Ride
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Act Naturally in the Black Hills

Roam wild in Custer State Park, feel the breeze at Wind Cave National Park and unearth a gem at Jewel Cave National Monument. It’s marvels like these that make western South Dakota a timeless family vacation destination that never gets old.

Family in Front of Mount Rushmore
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Get Some Face Time

Visitors that come for Mount Rushmore National Memorial are shocked by how much there is to discover. Meet more famous faces at Dignity: Of Earth & Sky and Crazy Horse Memorial®.

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Family at Badlands National Park
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"How does this exist!?"

South Dakota landscapes are made of wild adventures and limitless spaces, for jaw-drops and Christmas card photo-ops. To start, unleash your junior rangers in Badlands National Park and find waterfalls right off the road in Spearfish Canyon.

1880s Train

Window Shop the Scenery

It's hard to say what view is better: the Black Hills National Forest or your kids' awe-struck faces pressed against the window. Glue them to the edge of their seat on the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, then stretch your legs with hikes for all ages.

Jackalope at Wall Drug

Visit Roadside Highlights

You aren't cooped up for long when you road trip through South Dakota. Between the wacky attractions at Wall Drug Store and The World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, you'll find plenty of stops that are a little quirky and a lot of fun.

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Dignity Statue
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Great Faces, Great Places

The horizons and history of South Dakota are equally limitless. This is where stories leap to life and Indigenous culture stands proud. Map a vacation for the ages among T. rex bones, pioneer homes and landscapes from outer space.

Kids on a roller coaster

Wallet-Friendly Favorites

Whether you're four or 40, it doesn’t cost a cent to feel like a kid. Find priceless fairy-tale theme parks in Aberdeen, beaches in Watertown and dinosaur playgrounds in Rapid City.

Childrens Museum T-Rex

Get Serious About Playtime

If kids learn through play, then kids learn an awful lot around here. Spark their creativity — and yours — at educational attractions around the state. The Children's Museum of South Dakota and The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs are great places to start.

Close-up of a butterfly, with a family in the background, at the Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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Dream Bigger

Sioux Falls (South Dakota's largest city) is the hub for big-time attractions the whole gang will love. The top of your list should include Falls Park, the inspiring Arc of Dreams sculpture and the Butterfly House & Aquarium.

Little Girl jumping off boat into lake
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Soak Up Flip-Flop Season

South Dakota’s in the middle of the country, but we’re anything but landlocked. In reality, South Dakota has more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida! Get your beach towel ready for sunscreen-streaked fun on the Mighty Missouri River or at Lewis & Clark Lake in Yankton.

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Horseback Riding
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Start Something Great

South Dakota’s full of surprises, from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills and everywhere in between. With so much to do it's hard to know just where to start. Get started with these sample trip itineraries—each is packed with tips for your Mount Rushmore State expedition.

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Western/Old West Attractions

A cowboy touches the brim of his hat on a bench in Deadwood
A cowboy touches the brim of his hat on a bench in Deadwood

Old West Attractions in Western South Dakota

Hop in the saddle for a trail ride. Walk the same streets as Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and other Wild West legends. See buckin' broncos and other rodeo action in person. Come see for yourself how the Old West lives in South Dakota

Hop in the saddle for a trail ride. Walk the same streets as Wild Bill...

South Dakota Wineries

Schade Winery
WInery

South Dakota Wineries

Bottle or glass, come sip and savor some South Dakota wine at one of our local wine bars, wineries and vineyards!

Bottle or glass, come sip and savor some South Dakota wine at one of our...

State Nature Areas & State Parks

Hiking on La Framboise Island
Hiking on La Framboise Island

State Nature Areas & State Parks

While many of South Dakota's national parks take a lot of the limelight, our state parks also offer a great deal of outdoor exploration, recreation and nature. Search for your favorites and get out there!

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Mines & Gold Panning

Gold panning
Gold Panning

Mines & Gold Panning

Strike gold in in the lands and mines of South Dakota!

Gold was first discovered in the Black Hills in 1874. Since then, this precious metal has played a significant role in the history of the area.

Tours of one of the oldest mines in the Western Hemisphere are offered by Homestake Gold Mine Surface Tour and Visitor Center. Many other abandoned mines also offer tours, and museums throughout the region exhibit mining displays. Black Hills gold is produced by several companies and can be found in nearly every gift shop.

Gold was first discovered in the Black Hills in 1874. Since then, this precious metal...

South Dakota Day Tours

Jeep Tour
Custer State Park, Bison, Jeep rides

Day Tours

Pack in all the sights and scenes in a day with these tour companies!

Going on vacation means trying to see as much of the exciting and wonderful as you can. The trick is to also be able to sit back and relax. Don't worry. South Dakota has you covered. 

Check our ever-expanding collection of road journals, itineraries, spotlights and scenic drives for plenty of well-researched options that'll make planning your trip a stress-free experience. You can also explore the options below and craft the perfect way to spend a fun and peaceful day (or several) in South Dakota.

Going on vacation means trying to see as much of the exciting and wonderful as...

South Dakota Concert Venues

Leonard Skynard, State Fair
Leonard Skynard, State Fair

Concert Venues

Get your groove on with the sounds of live music and electric performances! Whether rock n' roll, country, pop or reggae, check out one of South Dakota's many theaters, concert halls and event venues!

Get your groove on with the sounds of live music and electric performances! Whether rock...