South Dakota

Great Faces, Great Places

South Dakota

Travel to South Dakota for monumental moments, hidden gems, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences at some of the nation’s most breathtaking attractions.

Black Hills & Badlands Region (Western Region)

With one of the largest concentrations of national parks, monuments and caves in the United States, this region is packed with natural beauty and family-friendly adventure.

See a massive sculpture of four U.S. presidents at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone. Drive the scenic loop and awe at the inspiring rock formations at Badlands National Park near Interior. Explore above and below ground at the third-longest cave in the world at Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, and at Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs. Do not miss the worlds largest mountain carving in progress of the famous Oglala Lakota warrior at Crazy Horse Memorial®. Discover the incredible hiking, dining, lodging, and a 1,400- bison herd at Custer State Park near Custer. Try your hand at the gaming tables in Historic Deadwood, a Gold Rush-era town where gold miners rubbed shoulders with gamblers and gunslingers.

Additional Finds:

Major Cities & Towns:

Custer
Deadwood
Hill City
Hot Springs
Keystone
Rapid City
Spearfish
Sturgis
Wall

Missouri River Region (Central Region)

More than 440 miles of waterways beckon for endless fun in the sun. Retrace the footsteps of legendary explorers Lewis and Clark, experience Native American heritage and visit the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre.

Paddle in a kayak along the Missouri River which is the longest river in the United States. Learn about South Dakota’s earliest inhabitants at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. In Chamberlain, dive into the lives of the Lakota people at the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center and enjoy the views at Dignity: of Earth & Sky statue.

Additional Finds:

Major Cities & Towns:

Chamberlain
Fort Pierre
Mobridge
Oacoma
Pierre
Winner

Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region (Northeast Region)

In this region of northeastern South Dakota, discover glacier-carved lakes scattered across vast grasslands, as well as authentic frontier history and vibrant Native American culture.

Relive frontier days when you stroll the grounds of the 1864 military fort at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park or when you ride in a covered wagon across the prairie to a one-room schoolhouse at the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, where Laura Ingalls Wilder once lived. In Brookings, peruse artwork at the South Dakota Art Museum and historic exhibits at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Explore the life of artist Terry Redlin at The Redlin Art Center in Watertown, showcasing more than 150 of his oil paintings.

Additional Finds:

Major Cities & Towns:

Aberdeen
Brookings
De Smet
Faulkton
Redfield
Sisseton
Watertown
Webster

Southeast (Southeast Region)

Bustling cities infuse this region with arts, culture and history, while the Missouri River and pristine state parks offer peaceful moments and scenic views just minutes from the action.

Stroll through Sioux Falls to see numerous attractions: Falls Park on the Big Sioux River, 69 sculptures on the SculptureWalk and the stainless-steel Arc of Dreams. In Vermillion, explore an incredible collection of instruments at the National Music Museum. First erected in 1892 to celebrate a bountiful harvest, Mitchell’s Corn Palace outdoor and indoor murals made of corn and grains are redesigned each summer.

Additional Finds:

Major Cities & Towns: