Hit the Road: Top Family Road Trips in South Dakota

Some of the greatest memories are made during the journey before the destination. From wildlife and lakes to quirky roadside attractions and iconic landmarks, these South Dakota road trips keep kids engaged from the first mile to the last.

Jump to a section:

• Needles Highway
• Iron Mountain Road
• Wildlife Loop Road
• Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
• Badlands Loop Road
• Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
• Best Stops Along a South Dakota Family Road Trip
• Planning Your Road Trip

• Distance: 14 miles
• Drive time: 45 minutes

Needles Highway is one of the most unforgettable drives in the Black Hills region (and one of the most kid-approved). The road threads through towering granite spires and squeezes through narrow tunnels blasted directly into the rock. The highway runs through Custer State Park, so combine it with a drive on the iconic Wildlife Loop Road and you've got a full day of fun.

Family tip: Stop at Sylvan Lake at the north end of the highway. It's one of the most scenic spots in South Dakota and has easy shoreline trails that are great for kids.

• Distance: 17 miles
• Drive time: 30-60 minutes

Iron Mountain Road was specifically designed to create dramatic views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The road features three tunnels that frame the memorial perfectly as you drive toward it, plus a series of famous pigtail bridges. These wooden spiral overpasses corkscrew down the hillside and baffle kids (and adults) as you cross them.

Family tip: Pull over at the Doane Robinson pullout for a tunnel-framed Rushmore photo. It's one of the most photographed spots in the state and takes about two minutes.

• Distance: 18 miles
• Drive time: 1-2+ hours

If your goal is to keep the kids glued to the window, the Wildlife Loop Road is the single best drive in South Dakota. Custer State Park is home to one of the largest free-roaming bison herds in the world, and the loop road cuts right through their territory. You'll also encounter pronghorn, elk, wild turkey, coyote and the park's famous begging burros.

Family tip: Go early morning or around dusk for the best wildlife activity. Download the Custer State Park wildlife checklist and turn it into a game for the drive. First kid to spot a pronghorn wins!

• Distance: 70 miles total
• Drive time: Half day to full day

Want to see all of these incredible Black Hills sights? The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway connects Mount Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Custer State Park and Sylvan Lake into one continuous loop. Most families tackle it over two days, splitting the Rushmore and Needles sections.

Family tip: Pick up the official byway map at any South Dakota welcome center. The paper map is more useful than GPS in some of the narrow sections.

• Distance: 31 miles
• Drive time: 1-2 hours

Inside Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road is one of the easiest and most rewarding scenic drives in the country for families. The formations are otherworldly. Kids often describe it as driving on another planet, and they're not wrong.

Wildlife is everywhere. Bison graze right along the roadside, bighorn sheep pick their way up cliffsides, and prairie dogs pop up at the dedicated town pull-off just inside the park entrance.

Family tip: Stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for the Junior Ranger program. Kids earn a badge, turning the drive into an enjoyable mission.

• Distance: 19 miles
• Drive time: 30-45 minutes

Spearfish Canyon is South Dakota's answer to the classic mountain canyon drive. Limestone walls rise hundreds of feet above Spearfish Creek, fed by waterfalls through the drive. Bridal Veil Falls is visible right from the road, and Roughlock Falls is a short, flat walk from the parking area. It’s a totally manageable hike for young kids.

The town of Spearfish anchors the north end of the drive and has good food options before or after. In fall, the canyon turns gold and red, making it one of the best leaf-peeping drives in the region.

Family tip: Pack a lunch and stop at Roughlock Falls. There are picnic tables near the water, perfect for families to stop, snack and see the sights.

Best Stops Along a South Dakota Family Road Trip

Traversing the state? Headed north to south? Find can’t-miss adventures for the kiddos along the way! The best scenic drives include awe-inspiring pit stops. Just pull over and pop into some of the nation's best family-friendly roadside attractions.

Roadside Stops in the West

Meandering the west side? Check out these famous roadside stops perfect for stretching out the little ones' legs.

Wall Drug Store

Famous for its free water and 5-cent coffee, Wall Drug Store is a fixture of classic road trips. The massive complex features a "Big Back Yard" with a giant jackalope you can ride.

Storybook Island

Located in Rapid City, Storybook Island is a free, fairy-tale-themed park that brings storybooks to life and smiles to kids' faces.

The Mammoth Site

The kids will love this real-life paleontological site paired with a museum. The Mammoth Site includes hands-on learning that’s perfect for dino-diggers!

Central SoDak Stops for Kids

As you drive through the rolling hills and watch cornfields stretch into the horizon, these stops are perfect for breaking up the long stretches of prairie.

Dignity: Of Earth & Sky

A stunning 50-foot stainless-steel statue of a Native woman, Dignity is located at a rest area on a bluff. Next to her, kids can run and play in the grass with a beautiful view of the Missouri River.

The World’s Only Corn Palace

This museum offers free entry to everyone! The World’s Only Corn Palace’s exterior walls are decorated in murals made entirely of corn and grains. Head inside for a showing of how it’s made! 

Pioneer Auto Show

If your kids like “Cars” (the movie) or old machinery, the Pioneer Auto Show is a treasure trove. It has more than 300 vintage cars including the General Lee from "The Dukes of Hazzard."

East Side Sights

Up against Minnesota and Iowa, the east side of South Dakota offers plenty of family-friendly views. As you wind your way through the cities and towns, discover kid-friendly stops along the way.

Porter Sculpture Park

Located right off I-90, Porter Sculpture Park is a hidden gem. It’s a field of more than 50 massive, quirky metal sculptures (including a 60-foot bull head). Touch-friendly and pet-friendly, this is a place where kids and families are especially welcome.

Falls Park

In Sioux Falls, Falls Park lets the kids see the city’s namesake waterfalls with observation towers and plenty of rocks to safely explore near the water’s edge.

Honorable mentions for best roadside stops include the 1880 Train, Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Reptile Gardens and Dinosaur Park. Your family will never run out of things to do! 

Discover more classic highway stops

Planning Your South Dakota Family Road Trip

When to Drive Through South Dakota

South Dakota's winters are not for the weak. Sub-zero temperatures, black ice and blizzards are common from November through March, so plan accordingly if you're hitting the road in the off-season. For families, the sweet spot is late May through early September when roads are clear, attractions are open and the landscape is at its best.

Tips for Taking Family Road Trips with Kids in South Dakota

1. Pack smart. Bring snacks, layers and sunscreen, as temperatures shift fast — especially near the Black Hills.
2. Grab an America the Beautiful Pass. At $80 a year, it covers entrance fees to Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument and every other federal site on your route. It pays for itself if you hit multiple spots!
3. Download offline maps or buy a physical map. Cell service is limited in remote stretches, particularly around the Badlands and western South Dakota.
4. Don't skip the rest stops. South Dakota's I-90 rest areas are some of the best in the country. Many feature historical displays, sculptures and quick bites of culture.
5. Keep kids in the game. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at your first national park or let the landscape do the work. Wildlife, rock formations and wide open skies hold up better than a screen.