Growing up in the Midwest, I feel like a road trip to South Dakota was a right of passage. South Dakota is a state steeped in history. From the hidden history found in the geology of the Badlands and cave systems to the human history on display at Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore, a visit to South Dakota can be an amazing way to learn about millennia of the Earth’s past. A visit to South Dakota is an amazing trip for adventurers, families and history buffs. What makes it even better is that a trip to South Dakota can be very budget friendly, even for large families. Check out our list of the best South Dakota destinations to add to your own South Dakota road trip.
When To Visit South Dakota
The most popular time to visit South Dakota is from May-September. This is when temperatures are warm and all the tourist businesses are in full operation. Spring and Fall can also be a nice time to visit, when there are less people there and the weather is still nice. Winter will mean cold and unpredictable weather. Additionally, lots of the attractions close or have limited hours in the winter with some even limiting their hours in spring and fall.
Getting There And Around
Most people fly in to Rapid City when visiting South Dakota. It’s close to a majority of the touristy things to do in South Dakota.
When visiting South Dakota, you’ll need a car to explore all of the top things to do in South Dakota. While a majority of these stops are relatively nearby one another, they are often hours away from each other and driving is required. (Relative driving time adjusts when you’re in a state that is large and spread out)
Things To Do In South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Monument
Time: Half-Day | Cost: $10/vehicle
I’m not gonna lie, seeing Mount Rushmore is a bit of a letdown – it’s smaller than you are probably imagining. However, a visit here is still educational and fun as it is a true marvel in engineering. I really enjoyed learning about how this monument was built and how the sculptures were designed. We recommend visiting in the afternoon so you can see the monument in the daylight and after sundown. The monument lit up is one of the most impressive sights.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Time: Half-Day | Cost: $15+/vehicle
The Crazy Horse Memorial is on track to be the world’s largest mountain carving. While it is currently under construction, it is still a great stop. Here you’ll get to learn about the ongoing process to carve the mountain, get to see the monument up close and learn about the Native American history in the area.
Downtown Deadwood
Time: Half-Day | Cost: Varies
An entire town preserved in the past! Deadwood was once a gold rush town. Today, the wild west charm is still present in the brick downtown buildings, the western ware purveyors and the kitschy bars a restaurants still decorated like brothels and saloons.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Time: Half-Day | Cost: $12/adult
Take a tour of a deactivated nuclear missile launch site. This missile site is one of two intercontinental nuclear missile sites that were active during the Cold War and are now open for tours (the other is in Tucson). Take a tour and learn about the Cold War and all the stuff people didn’t know about during the war. We didn’t visit this site, but we visited the site in Tucson and it is wild all the things that were going on at these sites that Americans didn’t know about.
Badlands National Park
Time: 1-2 Days | Cost: $30/vehicle
Go for the views, stay for the views! Arriving in Badlands National Park is like landing on the moon. With otherworldly landscapes, it’s almost terrifying how massive these jagged geological features are and how much space they cover. While in the park, you can hike the park’s trails, climb the approved climbable rock formations and see the bighorn sheep that call this park home. This is a great National Park for National Park beginners as it’s very easy to see by car with minimal hiking needed.
Custer State Park
Time: 1 Day | Cost: $25/vehicle
Custer State Park was one of the things we were so surprised by. It was so much more magical than we thought it would be. First, there were bison (buffalo) around every corner. So many bison, that we actually grew kind of numb to seeing these massive creatures. Then, there is the varied nature in the park. In some areas, you’ll find rolling prairie grasses, in others you’ll find unique granite peaks, and in others you’ll find dense forested hills.
Highlights include seeing bison, driving the Wildlife Loop, Sylvan Lake and driving the Needles Highway.
Black Hills National Forest
Time: A few hours of driving | Cost: FREE
The Black Hills National Forest spans a majority of Western South Dakota. Honestly, it would be hard to miss this destination if you visited any other destinations in the area. With multiple scenic highways, hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, the Black Hills is less of a destination and more part of your South Dakota journey.
Keystone
Time: Half-Day | Cost: Varies
Keystone is an historic town near several other Black Hills sites. It has an amazingly charming downtown that caters to all of the Black Hills tourists. The historic downtown is full of shops and restaurants and higher priced activities to keep your family busy if the nearby natural destinations don’t peak your interest.
Jewel Cave National Monument
Time: 1 Day | Cost: $10+/person
The third largest mapped cave in the world, Jewel Cave National Park is a must visit on our list of things to do in South Dakota. They offer tours for a variety of adventure levels and a variety of fitness levels. You’ll find one that is right for you! Inside the cave, you’ll see a variety of unique geological formations and lots of sparkly rocks.
Wind Cave National Park
Time: 1 Day | Cost: $10+/person
Two caves in one state! Yes, please. Wind Cave National Park is another underground playground. Just minutes from Jewel Cave, Wind Cave is another National Park that offers a variety of underground tours for a variety of abilities.
Rapid City
Time: Half-Day | Cost: Varies
Rapid City is a massive touristy town that is most people’s arrival point in South Dakota. While it’s touristy, it definitely a great place visit, especially for families. There is plenty to do! From paid activities like museums and interactive family-friendly activities to free activities like scenic viewpoints and parks. Our favorite stop is Reptile Gardens – a great little zoo focusing on reptiles.
We hope this list of our favorite things to do in South Dakota has help you to plan your own perfect South Dakota road trip. If you have any questions or additions, please leave them in the comments section below. Or check out our other South Dakota posts to help plan your trip.
