Overhead shot of an SUV driving on the Needles Highway in South Dakota

Needles Highway, Black Hills

Let's Road Trip

Iconic national and state park units and recreation areas — check. Wide-open spaces, jaw-dropping sights and the freedom of the open road — check. Kitschy roadside attractions, untamed Wild West history and wilder critters — check. Mix in the friendly, personable nature of people in this Midwestern state with the surprisingly diverse landscape and you have something special. There’s no other place where you can check so many things off your bucket list.

South Dakota has all the makings for an epic road trip. See the iconic 60-foot stone faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Get a rare chance to see creation in action at Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest in-progress mountain carving. Take in nature by exploring the wildlife and rock formations of Custer State Park and the open prairie of central and eastern South Dakota. Wander the otherworldly landscapes of Badlands National Park. Set off on the mighty Missouri River like Lewis and Clark. From the area’s first Native American residents to the Wild West and beyond, history is alive and ready to be experienced.

When you're ready, discover what great places are waiting in South Dakota.

Scenic Byways

South Dakota is home to five nationally and state-recognized scenic byways that are always making lists for being some of the best in the country. Hundreds of miles of smooth blacktop take travelers through some truly great places. Experience the otherworldly formations of the Badlands and world-famous monuments like Mount Rushmore. Take in the state's rich Native American history on tribal lands that include the final resting places of spiritual leaders like Sitting Bull and Black Elk. Finally, experience the crown jewel of the state. Custer State Park is not only beautiful. It's also where the buffalo still roam free and the deer & antelope play.

Native American National and State Scenic Byway

Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

Needles Highway, Custer State Park

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone

Sunflower field, Central region

Needles Highway, Custer State Park

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone

Sunflower field, Central region

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Explore Itineraries

SEE WHAT GREAT PLACES OTHERS DISCOVERED ON THEIR SOUTH DAKOTA ROAD TRIP

Iconic Landmarks

A father and son peer through a viewfinder at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Keystone, South Dakota.

A father and son peer through a viewfinder at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Keystone, South Dakota.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

At America’s Shrine of Democracy, four great U.S. presidents represent the nation’s birth, growth, development and preservation.

The Badlands of South Dakota are pictured at dusk with a full moon.

The Badlands of South Dakota are pictured at dusk with a full moon.

Badlands National Park

Enter an otherworldly landscape of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires, where ancient skeletons are forever preserved in stone.

A bison stands in a meadow at Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota.

A bison stands in a meadow at Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota.

Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in America. With 1,300 bison wandering 71,000 untamed acres, Custer State Park is one of them.

A sailboat glides across glassy waters on the Missouri River in South Dakota.

A sailboat glides across glassy waters on the Missouri River in South Dakota.

History and adventure abound on the Mighty Mo', whose giant reservoirs and free-flowing waters are prime for boating and fishing.

A man surveys a scenic landscape at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

A man surveys a scenic landscape at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

Wind Cave National Park

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave reveals seemingly endless natural wonders both above and below ground.

Tourists stand inside Jewel Cave in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Tourists stand inside Jewel Cave in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Jewel Cave National Monument

Step into the world’s third-longest cave to explore a treasure trove of calcite crystals, cave popcorn and dripping stalactites.

A horse-drawn wagon on the historic streets of Deadwood, South Dakota.

A horse-drawn wagon on the historic streets of Deadwood, South Dakota.

Historic Deadwood

Walk in the footsteps of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock in this 1870s gold rush town.

A couple walks in front of the massive stone face of Crazy Horse at Crazy Horse Memorial® in South Dakota.

A couple walks in front of the massive stone face of Crazy Horse at Crazy Horse Memorial® in South Dakota.

Crazy Horse Memorial®

Witness history in the making. When finished, this tribute to Lakota leader Crazy Horse will be the world’s largest mountain carving.