Our recommended picks to explore in South Dakota
Welcome to South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore State! This is a place where monumental landscapes and frontier history come together in unforgettable ways. The Black Hills region alone offers Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and charming gateway towns, while Sioux Falls gives visitors a lively urban stop centered around Falls Park and a revitalized downtown.
South Dakota also delivers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Midwest and Great Plains. Badlands National Park offers layered rock formations and sweeping views, the Missouri River corridor adds boating and recreation, and the state’s Native American history remains central to understanding the region. Whether you’re driving cross-country or planning a dedicated national parks trip, South Dakota packs a remarkable amount into one state.
This is a list of our recommended places to visit while you are in South Dakota.
Aberdeen , South Dakota is a historic railroad city and the third-most populous city in the state. Located in the heart of Brown County , Aberdeen se…
Deadwood, South Dakota, is a historic town tucked into the Black Hills where the Wild West comes alive through preserved architecture, immersive thea…
Brookings , South Dakota is a vibrant university town in the eastern part of the state, home to South Dakota State University . The city sits in the…
Mitchell, South Dakota, known as the “Corn Palace City,” is a charming Midwestern destination most famous for the extraordinary Corn Palace — a venue…
Pierre, South Dakota, is a city that proves good things come in small packages. As the state capital and second-most populous city in South Dakota, P…
Rapid City, South Dakota, known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” sits at the foothills of one of America’s most dramatic mountain ranges. Founded…
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, known as the “Queen City of the West,” is the most populous city in the state with a metropolitan area of over 280,000 peo…
Sturgis, South Dakota, is a small city with an outsized reputation. Home to roughly 7,000 residents , Sturgis becomes one of the most famous motorcyc…
Watertown , South Dakota is the fifth-most populous city in the state and the seat of Codington County . Located in the northeastern corner of South…