South Dakota Scenic Drives Guide - South Dakota Scenic Drives '24

At a Glance → Distance: 420 miles Trip Length: 2-3 days Start/Stop: Vermillion or Hot Springs

Named for the Lakota word meaning “the people,” the Oyate Trail meanders through tribal lands and windswept grasslands along South Dakota’s southern border. This picturesque route offers an unhurried alternative to Interstate 90, beckoning travelers to fully immerse themselves in the region’s captivating history.

Yankton Reservation

Discover plentiful hiking, birding and water recreation along the Missouri River. Located on Lake Andes, Fort Randall Casino & Hotel offers nearly 300 slot machines.

Winner Drive-In Theater

Buttered popcorn pairs well with a show at the Winner Drive-In. Roll out a blanket or put your feet on the dash and enjoy a movie amid grassy plains.

Rosebud Indian Reservation

Stretching nearly 2,000 square miles, the Rosebud Indian Reservation near Mission offers fishing, biking, camping and picnicking.

Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum

Learn about Lakota traditions through a collection of more than 42,000 photographs and 2,000 artifacts at this off-the-beaten-path draw.

Pine Ridge Reservation

South of the Badlands is the state’s largest reservation. Near Porcupine, the Wounded Knee Memorial honors the Lakota victims of the 1890 massacre, one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Heritage Center at Mahpíya Lúta (Red Cloud) in Pine Ridge includes a museum and gift shop featuring Indigenous art. Support local artists from June through August during the annual Red Cloud Indian Art Show.

Hot Springs 

At The Mammoth Site, a research center containing more than 60 mammoth fossils, watch as experts dust away debris to reveal prehistoric treasures. Duck underneath the earth at Wind Cave National Park to explore one of the longest cave systems on the planet.