South Dakota Scenic Drives Guide - South Dakota Scenic Drives '24
Historic Black to Yellow Trail
2024-11-20 14:39:39
At a Glance → Distance: 312 miles Trip Length: 2 days Start/Stop: Brookings or Wall
Sunflowers, small towns and authentic little houses on the prairie are highlights of this drive on one of America’s oldest highways. In the early 1900s, US Highway 14 was promoted as the most direct route between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park; as it passed through South Dakota’s Black Hills, the road was branded the “Black to Yellow Trail” — and many of its historical charms remain today.
Top Stops
Brookings
Home of South Dakota State University, Brookings offers a variety of cultural and artistic attractions. Learn about an important aspect of the state’s history at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum.
Lake Preston
Peek into the past at the Lake Preston Museum, with retro displays including a cafe, dentist’s office and home. Nearby, Lake Thompson Recreation Area has fishing, swimming and camping around the tranquil waters.
De Smet
Tour the 19th-century school and homes of “Little House on the Prairie” writer Laura Ingalls Wilder to learn about her life and legacy. During the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, her works are brought to the stage. Visit the Depot Museum/Harvey Dunn School for more history of the area.
Huron
Stop for a photo at the World’s Largest Pheasant, a 28-foottall roadside attraction made of fiberglass and steel. Huron is also the site of the late-summer South Dakota State Fair, with rides, concerts and car races.
Midway Drive-In
Embrace nostalgia in Miller and watch a movie under the stars. The theater has been screening classic flicks and new releases every summer since 1953.
Sunflowers
Fields east and west of Pierre, especially around the town of Highmore, explode with bright-yellow sunflower blooms between late July and early September.
Pierre
Ideal for an overnight stop, South Dakota’s capital city has much to be explored. Marvel at the elegant State Capitol building, stroll along the Missouri River or tour the enormous powerhouse of the Oahe Dam.
Stroppel Hotel and Mineral Baths
Find rest and relaxation at this local landmark, where you can soothe achy muscles in two mineral-rich, geothermal plunge pools.
Badlands Observatory
The array of high-powered telescopes at this research facility makes for fantastic stargazing and educational programs. View exhibits during daytime tours, or book a Dark Sky or Bright Moon tour at night.
Wall
If it seems like all roads lead to the town of Wall, well, many of them do! This gateway to Badlands National Park is a famed destination in its own right thanks to Wall Drug Store, one of the world’s most famous tourist stops.
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