South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide
THE GREAT 8
2025-12-15 09:32:50
GREAT PLACES THAT PUT SOUTH DAKOTA ON THE MAP
Spectacular landscapes. Dazzling caves. Colossal carvings of legendary leaders. In South Dakota, our special places are larger than life, and they’re ready to surprise and amaze you. So bring your imagination — and your sense of wonder — to discover the greatness that lies within our beloved lands.
“This was an amazing trip. Probably the best state park I have ever visited. It is by far the biggest with multiple lodges and extremely good wildlife viewing from the Wildlife Loop Road.” — Dan K.
1 CUSTER STATE PARK
Experience the rugged beauty of the Wild West, where buffalo still thunder across the earth and graze the open plains — especially during the park’s annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. On the last Friday of September, the ground rumbles as crews drive in the herd of more than 1,300; meanwhile, 150 vendors showcase fine arts and crafts. The park’s 71,000 acres invite you to hike, mountain bike, rock climb, ride horseback, cruise a scenic byway and fish in pristine mountain lakes. Stay in any of the park lodges and be sure to check out the exhibits at the Visitor Center and Bison Center.
>> EAT & DRINK
After a day of marveling at Custer State Park’s dramatic granite peaks and vast prairies, refuel at one of the eateries in the nearby town of Custer. Grab a breakfast sandwich served on a flaky croissant at the European-inspired Feel Good Café. Enjoy the intimate fine dining of Skogen Kitchen or opt for creative pizzas and flatbreads paired with craft beers at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company and The “Pounding” Fathers Restaurant. For dessert, indulge in an ultra-thick milkshake or a slice of just-baked pie at The Purple Pie Place.
Nearby Town: Custer (14 miles)
#1
State Parks That Give National Parks a Run for Their Money Budget Travel
“Seeing Mount Rushmore in photos or movies is just not the same as being there. The simple majesty of the monument is quite moving. Highly recommended for everyone!” — Jerry P.
TOP 10 Remarkable Landscapes of America Collette Travel Services
2 MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Towering high above the treetops and juxtaposed against limitless skies, Mount Rushmore is an impressive tribute to freedom and democracy in America. The awe-inspiring granite sculpture features 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents who played an integral role in the birth, expansion, development and preservation of the nation: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about sculptor Gutzon Borglum’s vision for the memorial. Discover the park’s history at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.
>> EAT & DRINK
Sit on the patio at Carvers’ Café at Mount Rushmore National Memorial for views of the iconic sculpted granite faces while enjoying a scoop of Thomas Jefferson vanilla ice cream (made with the founding father’s original recipe). In nearby Hill City, fill up on a buffalo burger and sweet potato waffle fries at Bumpin Buffalo Bar & Grill, or order artisan, wood-fired pizzas and authentic pasta dishes at Mangiamo! Pizzeria. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolatey treats from Turtle Town.
Nearby Towns: Keystone (3.5 miles); Hill City (12 miles)
3 CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL®
Imagine legendary Lakota warrior Crazy Horse sitting tall atop his spirited horse, arm outstretched as he points to the lands of his people. This image, envisioned by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948, is being brought to life today by blasting and sculpting crews working year-round. Crazy Horse is the world’s largest mountain carving in progress, standing 563 feet high and stretching 641 feet long. Throughout the year, visitors can experience daily cultural performances and learn more about Native American history at The Indian Museum of North America.
>> EAT & DRINK
In Custer, The Begging Burro serves up flavorful Mexican specialties — think empanadas, sauce-smothered enchiladas and grilled fish tacos with tangy slaw — plus tequila and mezcal cocktails. At Buglin’ Bull Restaurant & Sports Bar, elk burgers and buffalo steak are the draw. In Hill City, dine on German specialties from schnitzel to spaetzle at Alpine Inn before sampling your way through a tasting flight of wine on the patio of Sick-N-Twisted Brewing Co. and Naughti Wines.
Nearby Towns: Custer (5.3 miles); Hill City (12 miles)
4 BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Take in sweeping vistas of otherworldly landscapes and stunning panoramas of vividly colored buttes, pinnacles, spires and canyons at Badlands National Park. The 244,000-acre park — once known as Mako Sica (a Lakota phrase meaning “land bad”) — features eroded land formations that reveal multicolored layers of various rock types: shale (purple and yellow), sand and gravel (tan and gray), iron oxides (red and orange) and volcanic ash (white). While you’re here, drive the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway and keep your eyes open for an array of wildlife, including eagles, coyotes, pronghorn and bison. Since being given more room to roam, the resident bison herd numbers around 1,300. Spot individual bison and small groups along the park’s Sage Creek Rim Road.
>> EAT & DRINK
After a day of hiking and sightseeing in the great outdoors, scoot into a booth at Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill in Interior for buffalo burgers, ribeye sandwiches and made-from-scratch pizza, all while enjoying a rousing game of billiards. Or head over to Wall, where Red Rock BBQ Restaurant is known for its steak, burgers and salad bar. Finish your adventures by sipping locally made spirits at Badlands Distillery in Kadoka.
Nearby Towns: Interior (2 miles); Wall (7.5 miles); Kadoka (23 miles)
“On the way into Wind Cave area, we had bison to the left and prairie dogs to the right. Close enough for great photos. We did a fabulous hike into a high prairie. Wildflowers everywhere.” — Susan M.
5 WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK
Deep beneath the vast expanse of the golden, windswept prairie in western South Dakota is the seventh-longest cave system — and one of the most complex — in the world. Wind Cave has long been considered a sacred place for Native Americans. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed legislation that created Wind Cave National Park, the first cave in the world to be designated as a national park. Above ground, explore more than 30 miles of hiking trails that offer ample opportunities to spot bison, elk and more than 100 species of birds. Then, learn about the geological history of the area on the National Park Service’s self-guided Geology Driving Tour.
>> EAT & DRINK
In nearby Hot Springs, find eateries for any time of day. Kick off your morning with a breakfast burrito and pastry at Wandering Bison Coffee. Get an authentic taste of Pakistani cuisine at Silk Road Experience, a charmingly rustic takeout spot tucked in an alleyway with outdoor seating. End your day in downtown Custer at Horatio’s Homemade Ice Cream. A local favorite, their homemade flavors include black raspberry chocolate chip, cotton candy and pistachio.
Nearby Towns: Hot Springs (7 miles); Custer (18 miles)
6 JEWEL CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT
Located in a scenic ponderosa pine forest, this 1,279-acre park is a peaceful retreat for hiking, birdwatching and viewing colorful wildflowers. However, its most spectacular sight lies deep beneath the surface. Discover Jewel Cave, one of the longest caves in the world, which boasts more than 202 miles of mapped passageways as well as illuminated caverns, glittering dogtooth spar crystals, textured “cave popcorn” and ceilings dripping with stalactites.
>> EAT & DRINK
Take your pick from delicious restaurants in Custer. Fill up on a classic diner-style breakfast surrounded by vintage kitsch at Our Place. Or opt for seasonal, Scandinavian-inspired breakfast at Hjem A.M. For lunch, The Custer Wolf Food & Drink offers gourmet comfort food — everything from a walleye po’boy to a savory smoked trout BLT. Catch live music at The Custer Beacon, where they serve sandwiches, salads and flame-grilled steak.
Nearby Town: Custer (12.5 miles)
7 HISTORIC DEADWOOD
Step back into the days of the Wild West as you stroll down Main Street in Historic Deadwood — an entire town that’s been designated as a National Historic Landmark. This former mining camp boomed during the gold rush of the 1870s, drawing larger-than-life characters like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. You can still strike it rich in Deadwood at one of the many modern-day gaming halls and casinos. Late May through late September, witness the wise-cracking antics of infamous outlaws at Deadwood Alive’s Main Street reenactments.
>> EAT & DRINK
Located in the bustle of Deadwood’s Main Street, Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort is where you’ll find Snitches, an Art Deco-style restaurant touting steak, seafood and specialty cocktails. Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer serves freshly brewed beer and local specialties like pheasant ramen and beer-battered walleye with crispy fries. In the neighboring town of Lead, unwind with craft beer flights at the homey Dakota Shivers Brewing. Indian tacos, a Western staple, are a favorite at the historic Stage Stop Café in the nearby town of Cheyenne Crossing.
Nearby Towns: Lead (3.5 miles); Sturgis (15 miles); Spearfish (15 miles)
8 MISSOURI RIVER
After Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery completed its 1804 expedition, the “Mighty Mo” became one of the main routes for westward expansion. Today, its four reservoirs offer plenty of opportunities for water recreation, and a section of the river in southeastern South Dakota is officially known as the Missouri National Recreational River. Start at local favorite Lewis and Clark Recreation Area for fun on the water followed by camping under the stars.
>> EAT & DRINK
In Fort Pierre, savor the bounty of the Missouri River region at Drifters Bar & Grille, where regionally sourced ingredients create fresh comfort food dishes. Pierre is home to Richie Z’s Brickhouse BBQ & Grill’s award-winning ribs. In Chamberlain, find no-fuss eats at The Smoking Mule, a lively tavern with pub grub like chislic and wings. Meanwhile farther downriver, Charlie’s Pizza House in Yankton was named “Best Pizza in South Dakota” by Food Network Magazine, and it’s easy to see — and taste — why.
Nearby Towns: Mobridge, Pierre, Chamberlain, Oacoma, Platte, Pickstown, Springfield & Yankton
BADLANDS LOOP STATE SCENIC BYWAY
Between the towns of Wall and Cactus Flat, this 39-mile loop of South Dakota Highway 240 features an array of ragged ridgelines, sawtooth spires and native grasslands. Pull over at any (or all!) of the 17 designated overlooks for incredible views.
Insider’s Tip: Daybreak and dusk are best for observing the signature color striations of this lunar-like landscape. For stargazers, the remoteness of this region is heaven. Inquire into Night Sky Viewing programs led by Badlands National Park rangers spring through fall.
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THE GREAT 8
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