Bask in the renewing energy of a South Dakota spring, where adventure blooms for you to experience. As the snow melts, the Black Hills and Badlands provide the ultimate playground for hikers, campers, and wildlife watchers alike. Meanwhile, the warm breezes invite travelers to explore hidden gems, from scenic byways to serene lakes.

In South Dakota, the summer forecast shows a 100% chance of adventure. Feel it for yourself by boating, fishing, or kayaking in crystal rivers and lakes. There are also summertime fairs & festivals that provide a taste of local culture, plus camping & hiking throughout the sun-soaked wilderness.

You can’t say “autumn” without “awe” in South Dakota, and it won’t take long to see why. For the leaf peepers, there are the indescribably colorful trees. For the little ones, there’s a whole lot of apple picking. And for those who want to get lost in the switchgrass, there’s some of the best pheasant hunting in the entire country.

Think the winter season is no time for new experiences? In South Dakota, it’s never too cold to have too much fun. Come feel the rush of skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing through gorgeous wilderness. Or, come slow down with a relaxing spa, a cozy cabin, or some fireside sipping.

Pretty much everyone knows about the free ice water and 5-cent coffee at this iconic roadside attraction. But have you tried their doughnuts? The heavenly scent of fried dough wafts through the hallways of Wall Drug Store seven days a week, 365 days of the year, offering a sweet respite for road-weary travelers. 

In 2016, Joseph and Eliza Raney traded Southern California for Custer, opening Skogen Kitchen the following year. In 2023, Joseph earned a spot on the James Beard Foundation shortlist for Best Chef: Midwest. The restaurant highlights local ingredients and global flavors in dishes like lobster steam buns and buffalo short ribs.

During the summer, Blue Bell Lodge in Custer State Park serves up the quintessential Western experience. Jostle along on a hayride before tucking into a home-cooked meal with all the fixings, accompanied by live music around a campfire.

Located in Rapid City, this family-run distillery boasts a recipe that has been passed down through seven generations. Their signature spirit offerings include vodkas and bourbons in flavors like root beer, gingerbread and Island Butter that truly live up to the motto: “So Good, It’s Dangerous!”

The Badlands became a national park in 1978, but their story spans millions of years. Fossils of rhinos, camels and saber-toothed cats lie within the park's unique formations. Hike its trails, drive the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway and camp under some of the planet’s starriest skies.

This working ranch near Interior offers guided horseback rides through the prairie of Badlands National Park. New to horseback riding? Beginners can practice in the corral before hitting the trail. Saddle up and play cowboy for a day on one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Badlands!

In 1974, a mass graveyard of mammoths was uncovered just down the road from Custer State Park. Today, it’s a museum built over an active dig site where more than 60 mammoths have been discovered ... so far. Watch scientists at work and come face to face with some of the most massive skeletons on the planet.

Ever dream of joining a real-life dinosaur dig? PaleoAdventures can help make that dream a reality. With the guidance of veteran paleontologists, you'll get the training to unearth ancient fossils in one of the most active dig areas in the world. If you're lucky, you might even make a valuable discovery!

Fort Sisseton was one of several forts in eastern Dakota Territory built to support frontier expansion during the 1860s. Today, you can visit 14 original buildings — including officers' quarters, barracks and a powder magazine — and participate in ranger-led programs that explore this unique chapter of American history.