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

At a Glance  → Distance: 496 miles Trip Length: 2-3 days Start/Stop: Vermillion or Mobridge

South Dakota’s rich cultural roots unfold on this historic corridor that traverses the homelands of five Lakota tribes. As you follow the mighty Missouri River, you’ll pass by important Indigenous landmarks as well as sites connected to Lewis and Clark, whose Corps of Discovery explored the region on its famous expedition of the American West in 1804.

TOP STOPS

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie

Early in their journey, Lewis and Clark visited this site, which Lakota tradition held was inhabited by 18-inch-tall devils armed with arrows. Rather than devils, the explorers spotted a huge herd of bison grazing in the distance.

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

With hiking, biking, camping and boating, this natural playground is one of South Dakota’s most popular state parks. Check out Indigenous artifacts and a variety of historical exhibits at the nearby Mead Museum.

Pickstown

In the heart of the Yankton Sioux Reservation, there’s much to explore around Pickstown. Start at Fort Randall Dam Visitor Center (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), which has everything from scenic lookouts to a freshwater aquarium. Spot bald eagles, considered sacred in Native culture, at Randall Creek Recreation Area. The Yankton Sioux Tribe’s Fort Randall Casino & Hotel is a great place to bed down for the night.

Chamberlain

Just off Interstate 90, Dignity: Of Earth & Sky is a 50-foot statue that honors the Native cultures of South Dakota. Next door, step onto the keelboat-shaped balcony of the Lewis & Clark Welcome Center for glittering views of Lake Francis Case. Also in Chamberlain, Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center offers an immersive journey through Native history, heritage and art.

Big Bend of the Missouri

Forming nearly a complete loop, this geological wonder made it into William Clark’s journal on Sept. 20, 1804. Visit Narrows Historical Interpretive Area to see the bend at its thinnest point, or splash into some outdoor fun at West Bend Recreation Area. The Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations lie on either side of the bend.

Fischers Lilly Park

Where the Bad River meets the Missouri, this park was the site of an armed standoff between the Corps of Discovery and local Teton Lakota that nearly ended the expedition. Today, there are campsites and a plaque telling the story of the “Bad River Encounter.” Nearby LaFramboise Island and Farm Island Recreation Area hold more history.

West Whitlock Recreation Area

In October of 1804, Lewis and Clark spent several days with the Arikara, a farming people who lived in earth-lodge dwellings along the upper Missouri River.

Cheyenne River Cultural Center

Shop Native arts and crafts and learn about the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe at this unique stop. Here and throughout the town of Eagle Butte, you’ll see eye-popping murals that are results of the annual Red Can Graffiti Jam, which gives young Indigenous voices a canvas for expression.

Monuments to Sitting Bull and Sakakawea

On a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, a monument marks the spot believed to be the final resting place of the great Lakota leader Sitting Bull. Steps away is an obelisk honoring Sakakawea (Sacagawea), a Shoshone woman who was a pivotal member of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery. Many historians believe Sakakawea died at Fort Manuel, which stood about 30 miles to the north.

Klein Museum

Cross the river on Highway 12 to visit this museum, home to a multitude of Indigenous artifacts and 10 murals by Dakota artist Oscar Howe.