2023-12-29 17:34:58

From tipi stays and landmark hunting lodges to artistic enclaves and wilderness wonders, South Dakota offers a wide variety of unique places to stay. Here, we uncover some of the state’s most distinctive lodging options.

BUFFALO RIDGE CAMP RESORT, CUSTER
Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort houses an array of only-in-South Dakota accommodations, including tipis, treehouses, glamping tents and deluxe cabins. Visitors can get lost in the resort’s vibrant forestland while enjoying heated pools, a playground, disc-golf course, poolside bar and general store offering coffee, firewood, books, games and crafts from local makers.

BLUE TIN RANCH, BURBANK
History and nature serendipitously intersect at Blue Tin Ranch, a woman-owned hunting lodge situated in the Missouri River Valley in southeastern South Dakota. The barn has been a community pillar for more than 100 years. While guests cannot lodge in the barn — it’s primarily used for weddings and events — they can stay in the ranch’s cozy guest home or two-bedroom tiny house, lovingly called “the coolest coop in town.” Along with world-class hunting, the sprawling farm offers much to be explored, from corn-crib swings to its five-acre Enchanted Forest. Open year-round.

ROSEBUD RESERVATION TIPI STAYS, HERRICK
Be immersed in Native American culture while lodging on the homelands of the Sicangu Lakota people on the prairies of south-central South Dakota. Located in the Rosebud Reservation’s Milk Camp Community, the area offers authentic Lakota tipi stays that sleep up to eight guests. While on site, visitors can enjoy a plethora of outdoor and community-based activities, including fishing, historical tours, canoeing, equine adventures, traditional Lakota games, dance performances, native sports and more. The property also has several tent-camping sites and bunkhouse lodging available.

TURTLE HOUSE, SPEARFISH
Once home to Dick Termes, an American artist known for his one-of-a-kind spherical paintings, the Turtle House is one of South Dakota’s most eclectic lodging options. Tucked at the base of Spearfish Mountain in the northern Black Hills, the one-bedroom house is most recognized by its geodesic-dome-shaped roof and eccentric outdoor decor. Turtle House sits right next door to the famous Termesphere Gallery and is just a quick drive to the locally owned restaurants, boutiques and bars in downtown Spearfish.

YAK RIDGE, RAPID CITY
Star-studded skies. Campy vibes. Lush wilderness. Yak Ridge is an ideal getaway for lovers of the great outdoors. Their studio and two-bedroom cabins sleep up to six people and offer full kitchens, private campfires and covered porches, perfect for sunrises in the morning and stargazing at night. While Yak Ridge offers quiet seclusion, it’s also within an hour’s drive of South Dakota’s most notable attractions, including Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Crazy Horse Memorial®.
Some accommodations listed above have seasonal hours. Please reach out to the property directly for more information. Discover more places to stay at TravelSouthDakota.com/Places-to-Stay.
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