Trip Ideas

Every vacation has a beginning and an end, but what about everything in between? Read Road Journals from real South Dakota visitors, find a scenic route, check out curated itineraries or explore more in our Spotlights below. You'll find all the information and inspiration you'll need to plan your South Dakota adventure.  

 

SCENIC DRIVES

Go where the road takes you for our most famous views.

Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway // West Region Map
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway // West Region Map
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

Some of the most incredible roads anywhere make up the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Mix in America’s most patriotic monument and you have a never-to-be-forgotten road trip.

Badlands National Park
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway
Road Trips
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

Some describe it as lunar-like, others say desert, but the Native Americans were the first to call it mako sica or "bad lands." We think you’ll come up with your own description for Badlands National Park.

Custer State Park, South Dakota
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway Map Icon
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway Map Icon
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway

Searching for animals you don’t see in your neighborhood? Custer State Park’s 18-mile Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway has just what you're looking for!

Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway Map Icon
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway Map Icon
Spearfish Canyon State and National Forest Service Scenic Byway

Towering limestone cliffs and a rushing mountain stream keep you company along the 19-mile stretch of US Highway 14A known as Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

Native American National and State Scenic Byway
Native American Scenic Byway Map Icon
Native American Scenic Byway Map Icon
Native American National and State Scenic Byway

Breathtaking views of the Missouri River, diverse landscapes, and tribal history and culture are showcased on the Native American Scenic Byway, running north and south through central South Dakota. The route takes travelers through the lands of the Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes.

Photo Essays

Focused points of view that get you up close.

Powwow Celebration
Photo Essay
Feathers, Beads and Fringe
Meridian Bridge, Yankton
Photo Essay
Yankton: Fun Along the Missouri River Photo Essay
Ingalls Homestead
Photo Essay
Little Town on the Prairie
Main Street Square, Rapid City
Photo Essay
See Big Things: A Rapid City Photo Essay
Pierre, South Dakota
Photo Essay
Pierre: A Photo Essay of South Dakota's State Capital
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Photo Essay
Riding into Sturgis
Rock climbing, Palisades State Park
Photo Essay
Climbing the Palisades
Buffalo Roundup
Photo Essay
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Breezy Point
Photo Essay
Recreational Paradise: The Black Hills National Forest Photo Essay
Porter Sculpture Park, Pink Dragon
Photo Essay
It's Both Wonderful & Strange
Storybook land castle
Photo Essay
A Land of Make-Believe
South Dakota State Fair
Photo Essay
South Dakota's State Fair
Children's Museum of South Dakota, Dinosaur
Photo Essay
Spark Your Imagination
Eagle
Photo Essay
Birds of a Feather
Start Planning Your Next Trip to South Dakota
Illustrated image of three bison grazing in Custer State Park. The Needles rock formation is visible in the background.
Order Your Free Vacation Guide

Find our Vacation Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

Brule, Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Sign Up for the E-Newsletter

Receive monthly inspiration about places to see, activities to try, and upcoming events.