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.
Explore old traditions that find new expressions, taste rich flavors that ignite your imagination, and watch creations transform before your very eyes.
Discover Chamberlain, where the Missouri River meets I-90. Experience unmatched pheasant hunting, trophy fishing, vibrant Indigenous culture and friendly hotels.
The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations below ground and a 33,970-acre wildlife sanctuary on the surface. The cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Located in the southern Black Hills near Hot Springs, the park is home to bison, elk, and other wildlife that roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides. Activities include hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, backcountry camping, Junior Ranger programs, and cave tours. Tour tickets may be purchased online in advance.
WoodGrain Brewing Company is a local microbrewery specializing in quality handmade beers. Each beer is meticulously hand-crafted using the freshest ingredients, featuring local ingredients whenever possible. We provide a fun, relaxing atmosphere where friends can come to unwind, enjoy themselves and taste some of the finest homegrown libations South Dakota has to offer. Our food menu features sausages from Dakota Craft Links, including a Chicago-style dog, chili cheese dog and Polish sausage, plus appetizers such as chips and salad, beer cheese nachos, pretzels with cheese and egg rolls with homemade sauces. We are open daily and our hours are 3-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 12-8 p.m., Sunday. We’re dog-friendly and family-friendly, (Our original location is 101 S Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls.)
Hill City, SD, is the heart of the Black Hills. Experience the beauty of South Dakota in this historic town. Discover a thriving arts scene and amazing outdoor recreation opportunities. Start planning your unforgettable trip to Hill City.
Lemongrass Bar & Kitchen is located in Hill City. We are open seasonally, May through October, with the most up-to-date schedule information on our Facebook page. We offer a variety of small bites, main dishes, sides and desserts, as well as kid-friendly items. Adults can also savor a classic cocktail crafted by one our talented bartenders, sip on a robust glass of red or white wine, or enjoy a refreshing pint of locally-brewed ale. We also invite you to join us for live performances by talented local musicians on our picturesque back patio.
The Lodge Bar & Grill at Jacobson Plaza offers a delightful selection of hot entrees, cold beverages, hot cocoa during the winter, Parlour ice cream and a variety of small bites for both locals and visitors to savor while they enjoy everything Jacobson Plaza has to offer. We focus on hearty American cuisine, featuring a menu that highlights traditional flavors with a modern twist. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends and family, or planning a special event, The Lodge offers an inviting environment with delicious food that brings people together. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
After years of work trying to rebuild the comedy scene in the Black Hills, West River Comedy was started by local comedian (if you can call him that) Trevor Ryan. Trevor and WRC have been hosting and performing Stand-Up comedy in Rapid City and all over the Black Hills since 2019. In January 2025, we opened our comedy club in downtown Rapid City. We have open mic nights, experienced local comedians, and also headlining comics from around the country. There are beer, wine, seltzer and other bar options for our guests who must be over 21. Our hours of operation are 5-10 p.m., Wednesday and Sunday, and 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.
Located approximately two miles northeast of of Belle Fourche in one of the most prolific fossil hunting regions in North America you will find the Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum. The DHCM is dedicated to making valuable contributions to the science of paleontology, to educate the public about our amazing natural fossil resources, and to help promote a greater public understanding and enjoyment of the fossils unearthed from the Hell Creek Formation. Come spend all day on an authentic dinosaur fossil hunting adventure (by reservation only) with PaleoAdventures. Check out the exhibits and special events in the museum for an hour or two. Join a half-day lab program. Browse our gift shop with its wide array of incredible fossil treasures and unique made-in-South Dakota gifts. DHCM hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday.
