View from behind of two tan horses pulling a sleigh, heading toward a white chapel across a snowy landscape at sunset at Joy Ranch in South Dakota.

Joy Ranch, near Florence

Northeast Region: Glacial Lakes & Prairies

Carved by glaciers and shaped by generations of settlers, 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