A newcomer’s guide to South Dakota

In South Dakota, striking rock formations emerge from the land, lakes gleam like mirrors, and prairies stretch endlessly like vast oceans of grass.

The scenery is so breathtakingly stunning it resembles a vast national park. This region is the ancestral home of the Lakota and Dakota peoples, and today the state hosts nine tribal governments and over 71,000 Native Americans.

Tourists flock to South Dakota for various reasons, primarily lured by the stunning natural landscapes of Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and iconic landmarks such as Mt Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial. However, South Dakota is full of surprises, revealing much more than its most famous sites. Here, you can engage with active paleontology sites, witness a herd of bison charging down a hill, and explore some of the longest caves on the planet.

Use this guide to plan your trip as a first-time visitor.

When is the best time to visit South Dakota?

In some places, seasons change quietly, but South Dakota is not one of them. Each season showcases unique weather, stunning scenery, and fresh reasons to explore. Winters here are snowy and frigid, with average temperatures dropping from 32 to 10°F, making it ideal for winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

While higher altitudes may still see snow, spring ushers in milder temperatures averaging 50 to 60°F across most of South Dakota. This season is marked by blooming wildflowers, the arrival of baby animals, and a general increase in rainfall.

During summer, average high temperatures reach the low 90°F range, accompanied by 15 to 16 hours of daylight each day. This is the peak season for visiting South Dakota, so anticipate larger crowds at major attractions like Mt Rushmore National Memorial.

In autumn, the foliage transforms, and areas like Spearfish Canyon Nature Area burst into vibrant colors. Temperatures typically range from 44 to 57°F, with warmer days following Labor Day. Early fall is a fantastic time to explore South Dakota, as the weather remains pleasant and summer tourists have largely departed.

How long should I plan to stay in South Dakota?

We suggest spending 5 to 7 days on your South Dakota adventure. If your schedule is limited to 3 or 4 days, focus on Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, including must-see sites like Mt Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park.

Is it convenient to travel around South Dakota?

The two major airports in South Dakota are Sioux Falls Regional Airport and Rapid City Regional Airport. If your focus is on Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, opt to fly into Rapid City. To explore attractions like Falls Park in the state's largest city, fly into Sioux Falls.

Given South Dakota's vastness and limited public transportation, driving is the most convenient way to explore. This method allows you to create your own itinerary and spend time in areas that capture your interest. For those who prefer not to drive, companies like Black Hills Vacations provide scenic drives and guided tours to key attractions, national parks, and monuments.

Must-see attractions in South Dakota

Spend your day exploring Mt Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial

Mt Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial are just 20 minutes apart, making it easy to visit both in one day. Allocate 3 to 4 hours to wander the grounds and view the exhibits at each site. Mt Rushmore is renowned for its 60-foot-tall sculptures of four U.S. presidents, while the Crazy Horse Memorial, under construction since 1943, will surpass it at 641 feet long and 563 feet high when completed.

Enjoy a picturesque drive through a national park

Hwy 240 Badlands Loop Rd winds through prairies, astonishing rock formations, and some of the most breathtaking views in Badlands National Park. Although you can complete the drive in an hour, take your time to enjoy viewpoints, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, and spot wildlife like big horn sheep, pronghorn, and bison along the way.

Afterward, stop by Wall Drug for free ice water and 5-cent coffee. What began as a simple pharmacy in 1931 has transformed into a vast entertainment complex featuring a 500-seat restaurant, bookstore, numerous gift shops, and even animatronic dinosaurs. And yes, you can still fill your prescriptions there.

Discover ancient caves

At Wind Cave National Park, you can explore over 28,000 acres of grasslands, forests, wildlife, and hiking trails. However, the main highlight is one of the largest underground cave systems in the world, with over 150 miles of its intricate passages surveyed. The park offers guided tours for a small fee, including an adaptive option for visitors with special needs.

Located about a half-hour drive from Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument is even larger, boasting over 220 surveyed miles. Make sure to take one of the guided tours to see the shimmering calcite crystals that inspired its name. Interestingly, neither Wind Cave nor Jewel Cave has been fully surveyed, and many believe they may actually be interconnected.

Observe paleontologists excavating mammoth bones

In 1974, during a construction project in the Black Hills, mammoth tusks were unearthed, prompting work to halt for preservation. To date, the remains of over 60 mammoths and 87 other Ice Age animals have been discovered. Excavation continues under a building built to safeguard the site. A visit to the Mammoth Site offers a unique chance to watch paleontologists at work as they delve into prehistory.

Visit the graves of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock in Deadwood

Whether or not you enjoyed the HBO series, Deadwood is a charming mix of kitsch and history, offering casinos, souvenir shops, vintage saloons, and museums within its historic buildings. After exploring the sidewalks for a few hours, make your way up the hill to Mt Moriah Cemetery, where notable figures like Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickock, and Seth Bullock rest. Bring comfortable shoes—it’s a steep climb, and Sheriff Bullock’s headstone is at the summit.

Stroll through a winter wonderland in Sioux Falls

Witnessing 100 feet of water cascading down the falls in the picturesque, 128-acre Falls Park is breathtaking year-round. This is especially true in winter when over 355,000 lights, 270 trees, 275 light poles, and 25 miles of light strings create a magical glow. Be sure to see it if you're in Sioux Falls during the holiday season.

Take a drive along the Native American National and State Scenic Byway

South Dakota’s Native American National and State Scenic Byway meanders through the territories of the Standing Rock Sioux, Cheyenne River, Lower Brule, Crow Creek, and Yankton nations. The route offers stunning views, crossing the Missouri River, rolling prairies, and dramatic cliffs.

Notable stops include the Dakota Territory Museum and the impressive 50-foot-tall Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture, perched on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. The South Dakota portion of this scenic drive spans 100 miles and can extend into North Dakota.

What culinary delights is South Dakota famous for?

If you're visiting South Dakota, you'll definitely want to try the local cuisine. Keep an eye out for chislic on restaurant menus. This traditional dish features tender cubes of lamb or beef, either deep-fried or grilled, seasoned with garlic salt. Chislic is often served as an appetizer alongside saltine crackers and dipping sauce.

My favorite activity in South Dakota

Although I'm a big fan of national parks, my top choice is actually Custer State Park. Get ready to be amazed as you explore 71,000 stunning acres filled with natural beauty. You'll find over a thousand bison roaming the prairies alongside elk, mountain goats, pronghorns, and burros. The tall bluffs and slender granite pinnacles create a breathtaking backdrop for hikes and scenic drives. Be sure to visit Sylvan Lake, where smooth rock formations beautifully reflect in the water's serene surface.

Each year on the last Friday of September, the ground shakes and clouds of dust rise as 1,400 bison charge downhill at Custer State Park. This spectacular event, known as the Buffalo Roundup, sees mounted cowboys herding the bison into corrals for management. Spectators arrive early to secure spots on the hillside, eager to witness this unforgettable display that captures the wild spirit of the American West.

What is the estimated budget for a trip to South Dakota?

South Dakota is quite budget-friendly, as many top attractions are located on public land. If you don’t already own one, the America the Beautiful Parks Pass is a worthwhile investment, providing access to national park sites and public lands across the country.

• Basic accommodation for two: $100–250 per night

• Camping: $15–55 per night

• America the Beautiful Park Pass: free–$80 annually

• A drink in a classic saloon: starting at $8

• Dinner for two: around $75

• Order of chislic: $15