Fall in South Dakota is a glorious time — the chill in the air, the cozy scent of campfires, the rustle of leaves on the trail and, of course, the amazing array of colors that unfold across the state. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive or hiking in nature, here’s your guide to finding the best fall colors throughout South Dakota.
When is the Best Time to See Fall Colors?
Prime fall-foliage season in South Dakota is mid-September through mid-October, depending on the area of the state. High-elevation regions like the Black Hills typically reach their fall peak earlier, with lower-lying areas following a week or two behind. If you’re planning to visit leaf-peeper hot spots like Spearfish Canyon and Black Hills National Forest, be on the safe side and book your travels early, as accommodations can fill up in the height of fall.
Brilliant fall hues of crimson, bronze, maroon and gold add shades of beauty to South Dakota’s landscapes. Here are some of the most popular places to see this colorful show, as well as a few hidden gems.
The Best Ways to Experience Fall Color
Scenic Drives
On every side of the state, scenic drives show off dramatic vistas and monumental attractions decorated in a kaleidoscope of fall color. As already mentioned, Spearfish Canyon State & National Scenic Byway and Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway are two standouts on the west side of the state, while the central and east parts of South Dakota are home to extraordinary drives like the Native American National Scenic Byway and I-29 Cultural Corridor. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the perfect windows-down weather, too.
Wildlife Spotting
One sure sign of fall in South Dakota is the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival. On the last Friday in September, watch as cowboys and cowgirls corral upwards of 1,300 bison — a ground-shaking spectacle that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Old West. Wildlife encounters abound throughout South Dakota, so keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, antelopes, prairie dogs and other critters as you explore our state and national parks.
Fall Festivals & Events
From big cities to small towns, South Dakota does it up for fall. Bring the family to a harvest festival, complete with hayrides and corn mazes. Autumn is prime pumpkin- and apple-picking time, and you’ll find no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
Explore Harvest Festivals & Other Fall Events
Hunting Season
Central and northeast South Dakota boast some of the best pheasant-hunting grounds in the world, and avid hunters travel from afar to Hunt the Greatest each fall. The traditional season opens on the third Saturday in October, so make plans to secure your hunting license. In addition to pheasant, hunting seasons for duck, grouse, deer and several other species also open in the fall.
Learn About Hunting in South Dakota
Start Planning Your South Dakota Fall Vacation
Ready to put the Mount Rushmore State on your fall itinerary? Browse our wide variety of places to stay, from RV and tent campgrounds to lodges and cozy cabins. Find information about getting to South Dakota, whether flying or driving. And get more inspiration for things to see and places to go by browsing our free Vacation Guide.
