So, are you ready for 365 days of pure adventure? Ready for an itinerary that goes off the beaten path? No matter the season, new experiences await you in South Dakota.
With 77,000 square miles of natural beauty, South Dakota’s wilderness is a year-round playground. The serene forests and mountains of the Black Hills offer endless room for hiking, biking, camping, and climbing. There’s also prime fishing, boating, and water recreation within the Missouri River, while the scenic overlooks and rushing waters of Palisades State Park provide an escape for every kind of outdoor adventurer.
South Dakota’s Great 8 landmarks also invite you to experience something unforgettable any time of the year, from the iconic Mount Rushmore to the brilliant colors and crystals of the Jewel Cave National Monument. And with a thriving dining culture in Sioux Falls & Rapid City plus tons of diverse options for arts & culture and lodging, your itinerary will never run short of things to do.
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Discover Year-Round Adventure
So Much to Explore
So you wanna see new horizons? Find a little mystery? Trek new trails? Taste new cultures? South Dakota is a hidden gem, awaiting your discovery. The varied geography – open prairies and lakes in the east to the mysterious Badlands and sacred Black Hills in the west – is just one of the combinations that make South Dakota a place like no other. Pack your bags, say goodbye to the ordinary, and go.
There's a South Dakota for Every Season
Spring
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.
Summer
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.
Fall
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.
Winter
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.
Featured Events
Sometimes we need an excuse. Like if you have a place with such a concentrated collection of scenic drives connecting historic places and so many hidden gems, who wouldn't want to invite hundreds of thousands of friends and have an event like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races? Or, if you need to round up and check on the health of your bison herd—and fall in Custer State Park is so lovely anyway—you invite anyone who wants to see 1,300+ buffalo thundering across the open prairie. Have a beautiful historic old fort out on the Coteau des Prairies? Why not have a few festivals, from the historic to the haunted at Fort Sisseton, with a Frontier Christmas in between?
In South Dakota, so many iconic events celebrate the state's diverse landscape, culture and history. You'll surely find that perfect excuse to start planning your trip.
Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, Wine and Beer Festival
Annual Schmeckfest
Brookings Area Quilt Guild Show
Terry Redlin Unfinished Art Exhibit Grand Opening
1st Fridays on Main - May
Falls Park Farmer's Market
Market at the Meridian
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