The western region of South Dakota offers majestic granite spires, hot springs, pine-covered peaks and unique rock outcroppings. Named “Paha Sapa” by the Native Americans, the Black Hills are full of scenery, adventure and rich history. From Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Spearfish Canyon, Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park and so much more, this region upholds as one of the largest concentrations of national parks, monuments and caves in the Midwest. Meanwhile, a Native American art gallery by internationally-known artist Sandy Swallow, family-friendly attractions at Caputa Alpacas and Reptile Gardens, libations at Sick-N-Twisted Brewing or Naked Winery and more await as fun activities to partake in between outdoor adventures and exploration. No matter what you're idea of a perfect vacation is, you’re sure to discover remarkable destinations that capture the spirit of America within the Black Hills and Badlands region.
The Travel South Dakota Stories
South Dakota is where buffalo roam, gunslingers entertain, and mountains & monuments stand tall over open land. Produced by the award-winning Armchair Productions and recorded on-location throughout South Dakota, this audio adventure podcast is designed to do more than just let you hear what it’s like to be there!
Available now on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.
America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. Beginning summer 2019 and lasting approximately 18 months, enhancements are being made to the park grounds. Mount Rushmore remains open during this time.
Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.
The third longest cave in the world features a variety of cave tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.
Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.
This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.
Awesome Things To Do in Western South Dakota
West Region Places
