South Dakota Vacation Guide • 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide • SOUTHEAST REGION

Have you ever experienced a South Dakota sunset? Have you felt the sun’s warm glow on your skin as it settles on the horizon and casts hues of pink, orange, and purple across the vast open sky? In our neck of the woods, you can see for miles (and miles and miles). And we love it. While the sunsets get most of the glory, the sunrises are also breathtaking and worth waking early for.

The end of the day is a great time to relax, reflect, and find yourself. After a full day of exploring Southeast South Dakota, you’ll need a minute to put your feet up, look through your photos, and decide what adventures are in store tomorrow.

ENTERTAINMENT ALL YEAR

There’s something for everyone during each season in Southeast South Dakota!

Grab your clubs and your best plaid sweater vest. You will want to take advantage of golfing on our top-rated courses. Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort has an award-winning course designed by the famous Rees Jones. If you’re after gorgeous lake views, head to Madison to The Lakes and Madison Country Club. Or change it up and try a modern spin on golf at Great Shots, a state-of-the-art indoor/ outdoor interactive driving range. With heaters on the platforms, it’s perfect for those spring days that can still be a little chilly! Is mini-golf more your style? Thunder Road is a hot spot with a great course!

Spring weather in our area can be...unpredictable. Rain, snow, sleet, hail, or sunshine could happen anytime. A great solution to unknown weather conditions is spending the day playing and creating at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. With exhibits and activities inside AND outside, you’ll have great options no matter what the weather decides to do that day.

Beat the summer heat by spending the day at Splash Central Waterpark, Wild Water West Waterpark, or The Huether Family Aquatics Center. These loaded hot spots are what kids’ summertime dreams are made of! But they aren’t just for kids. Adults can relax on a lazy river, under a shady cabana, or enjoy an adult beverage at a swim-up bar.

Bring your family to The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls for hands-on experiences in hunting, fishing, outdoor skills, and conservation science. Classes are free and held year-round. While you’re there, explore an extensive outdoor playscape and 2+ miles of walking trails.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy the summer season is by heading to Levitt at the Falls for their free summer concert series! This outdoor music is located in the heart of Downtown Sioux Falls. It is adjacent to The Steel District, an up-and-coming renovated area where you will find modern shopping and one-of-a-kind eateries.

While most people like to visit zoos in the summer, we recommend visiting the Great Plains Zoo in the fall and winter! That’s because many of their main attractions are cold weather animals, like brown bears, amur tigers, snow leopards, and snow monkeys, to name a few. Look for a new lion exhibit this year!

Have you ever navigated through a maze of 6-foot corn stalks with just a flashlight and the moon to guide you? Heartland Country Corn Maze offers both day and night hours. Get lost in the corn at Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch and spend the day playing on their farm-inspired outdoor activities. Country Apple Orchard is your destination for all things apple-related! Sweaters, boots, and pumpkin spice lattes are highly recommended.

Butterfly House & Aquarium, boasting tropical butterflies and marine aquariums, makes for a fantastic fall destination. Enjoy the beautiful autumn weather by spending time at the neighboring Sertoma Park. This Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation public park has a great selection of playsets and picnic shelters, so pack your cooler and stay for lunch.

Love archery? Visit the world’s largest archery center, the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center, and give it a go on their indoor or outdoor ranges. Beginners welcome!

Winter may be a little cold here, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing the beauty of the sun sparkling off snow-covered landscapes and frosty trees. It’s downright magical. One of the many ways to get everyone outdoors is by going to Great Bear Recreation Park for a day of downhill skiing/snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Looking to have fun indoors with kids of any age, especially teens? You’ll definitely want to explore Thunder Road. In addition to their outdoor mini golf and go-karts, there’s an indoor facility with axe throwing, a laser maze, a 7D theatre, hyperbowling, mini bowling, bumper cars, and a huge arcade.

The Kirby Science Center at the Washington Pavilion makes learning feel like playing. With 100+ interactive, hands-on exhibits, it’s an excellent way for kids to exercise their bodies and minds on cold (or any) days. Enjoy the on-site cafeteria, and make sure to visit their brand-new planetarium, one of the most advanced in the US.

Adults can play, too! The Boat House features indoor axe throwing, mini bowling, golf simulation, and more. Challenge your friends to see who buys the next round! Is gambling more your vibe? Head to Royal River Casino, Grand Falls Casino, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS

Start planning your trip to Southeast South Dakota with these unique destinations at the center of your itinerary!

1 FALLS PARK This breathtaking park in the heart of Sioux Falls showcases the cascading beauty of the Big Sioux River as it tumbles over pink rock formations. Seeing this in summer and winter is equally beautiful!

2 PALISADES STATE PARK Paddle, hike, picnic, or just relax with dramatic views of towering Sioux quartzite cliffs and unique geological formations carved by Split Rock Creek.

3 MERIDIAN BRIDGE Spanning the Missouri River, this double-decker bridge offers jaw-dropping views and a scenic route for a walk or bike ride. Stop at the border line and be in SD and NE at the same time!

4 WORLD’S ONLY CORN PALACE Quirky, colorful, and totally unique, this palace is an icon of Midwest ingenuity and artistry. Covered entirely in corn with a new design each year, it makes a great photo opportunity.

5 NATIONAL MUSIC MUSEUM This world-renowned museum boasts an astonishing collection of 15,000+ instruments from around the globe. Exhibits of rare and historically significant pieces will leave you in awe.

6 DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS Where historical meets modern, city lights meet nature, and daytime shopping meets buzzing nightlife. This growing area of Sioux Falls is always offering something exciting!

7 LEWIS & CLARK LAKE The perfect mix of relaxation and recreation, this Missouri River reservoir is a hot spot for summertime shenanigans. Camping, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, and fishing are just the beginning.

8 HISTORIC PRAIRIE VILLAGE Step back in time to experience pioneer life on the prairie! Explore historical buildings, a locomotive, a carousel, and more in this open-air museum.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS

Who doesn’t love strolling around an adorable downtown filled with unique shops, delicious cafes, and the sounds of live music rolling out of bustling pubs and breweries? From our largest city down to our small rural towns, there are many things our communities have in common, one of them is having a great downtown!

Downtown Sioux Falls has it ALL! Historical architecture, public art, unforgettable events, shopping, dining, breweries, parks, a public trolley, and more collide to make this downtown destination popular. If you’re around on the first Friday evening of the month, be sure to stroll around to the businesses that stay open late. You’ll find everything from art receptions, live music, retail deals, food & drink specials, and more!

Many of our communities have less than 15,000 people, but that doesn’t stop them from having downtowns we can’t get enough of. Cities like Mitchell, Madison, and Vermillion (a few of our university towns) have some of the best shopping and dining options around. Dell Rapids boasts a beautiful historic movie theatre that’s still in operation today. Garretson’s Main Street is lined with unique buildings made from the Sioux Quartzite (see page 220) we love so much. These buildings are home to adorable shops and eateries. Stop back frequently to see the latest art added to their growing Art Trail! Head south to explore Yankton’s Meridian District, a thriving downtown with a stunning two-story Meridian Pedestrian Bridge spanning the Missouri River. You absolutely must walk or bike this renovated bridge for amazing views of Yankton and the river!

Looking for the ultimate shopping experience, from large box stores to locally owned boutiques? Head to Sioux Falls, our state’s largest city.

The Steel District is a historic area of Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) that is being renovated and adds a new retailer or eatery every time we stop by. Make sure to explore the rest of DTSF while you’re in the area, including the charming Serendipity Studio Gallery and Gifts.

Head to Yankton’s Meridian District to explore Rita & Mandi’s Home Decor. Their selection of cowhides and hide decor is unlike any other! Yankton also boasts a friendly Slumberland Furniture with the best customer service around.

If you find yourself in Yankton on a Saturday morning between May and October, you MUST explore their weekly farmer’s market! Market at the Meridian has a great variety of vendors offering locally grown/made foods and goods.

Some of our favorite gems are found in the gift shops of our attractions. The Corn Palace’s humor keeps us coming back for more. The National Music Museum offers gifts for music lovers, and the Great Plains Zoo has a great selection for animal lovers! If you’re needing gas and snacks while you shop, stop into The Coffee Cup on Interstate 29. Their selection of South Dakota items is impressive!

Love the outdoors? Be sure to shop at Dakota Archery & Outdoor Sports and ACE Bike & Fitness to get geared up.

Road trips, bike rides, and downtown strolls are always better when there’s gorgeous artwork to look at. SculptureWalk Sioux Falls has an impressive 80 pieces to enjoy, including the remarkable Arc of Dreams. Explore communities throughout our region for unique public murals. Vermillion, shown here, has a great lineup of beautiful works of art! Take a selfie with these masterpieces and tag #SESouthDakota when you share on social!

EAT & DRINK WITH US

Rooftop bars, dance clubs, cigar bars, taprooms, and more can all be found close to each other in the Downtown Sioux Falls area. Sometimes, we prefer to hit the country bar scene instead. Head to any of our rural communities and ask where the best bar is. Get to know the friendly faces around you over a glass of red beer and maybe even a little karaoke.

We love our coffee here. (But come on, who doesn’t?) Many of our small towns have a locally owned coffee shop that’s perfect for getting a great-tasting cup of Joe. Make sure to get recommendations on the best sites, attractions, eateries, and more while you’re there. If you’re in Yankton, stop at Muddy Mo’s Coffee House, owned by South Dakota Magazine, for a memorable experience.

Make sure to try chislic, our state nosh, while you’re here. Head to Blue Rock Bar & Grill, Tailgators, Bradley’s Pub & Grille, Great Shots, and Czeckers Sports Bar & Grill to find these tasty morsels.

Whether it’s dining amidst walls covered in local art or eating outside in an igloo on a winter day, we have unforgettable experiences to go with your delicious food.

We recommend grabbing a bite at the Falls Overlook Cafe. The historic building overlooking the falls at Falls Park is home to a bright cafe with tasty, kid-friendly food and yummy Stensland Family Farms ice cream.

Looking for a little extra inspiration and guidance on what to enjoy while you’re here? Look into the helpful options offered by Sioux Falls Food Tours!

BREWERIES, WINERIES & DISTILLERIES

There’s something special about enjoying a drink right where it’s made. Seeing and smelling the ingredients, meeting the masterminds behind the creations, and learning about the inspiration that sparked their latest batch make the experience one to remember.

Get a taste of Southeast South Dakota at our local craft breweries. IPA fanatics, sour sippers, and lager lovers - you’ll all find something to please your palates when you explore our options. Relax in the taprooms, take in the scents of hops and yeast, and strike up a conversation with the brewers if you can.

Head to the countryside to find some of our region’s best wineries. Take a tour of the vineyards, pick some grapes, and sample the many flavors of wine available. Attend a grape-stomping event for a robust hands-on (or is it feet-on) experience! Just don’t wear your favorite white pants. Many wineries hold special events all year long. Visit our website to plan your trip around one.

Head to Vermillion to sample some authentic, South Dakota-made liquor at Valiant Vineyards & Distillery. From bourbon and rum to rye whiskey and apple brandy, there’s something for everyone’s taste. Try the vodka in one of their famous Monster Marys. Take a photo before you drink it, or no one will believe it when you describe it!

HISTORY COMES TO LIFE

Find your inner native, explorer, and pioneer spirit when you explore what life was like for our ancestors.

Ever wonder what it was like to be one of the first people to make a home in South Dakota, looking out for miles across the wide-open prairie and saying, “Yes, this is the place?” With a mix of hands-on learning and museums filled with authentic artifacts, there’s something for everyone when exploring our beginnings.

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” books come alive when you explore De Smet and experience our pioneer heritage first-hand. Covered wagon rides, a one-room schoolhouse session, and handson homesteading activities will have you feeling like you’ve been transported back to 1880. Don’t worry; the plumbing has been updated for your comfort.

At Historic Prairie Village, you can walk down a turn-of-the-century main street and explore over 40 historic buildings. Ride one of the world’s last remaining steam-powered carousels that has been restored to its original condition and their steam-powered train around the entire campus.

Stand where Lewis and Clark stood at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, just six miles north of Vermillion. This is one of the many spots in our region that the Corps of Discovery passed through in 1804. Visual displays about their journey can be found at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and the Mead Museum.

Before there were one-room schoolhouses and dusty saloons, there was the Sioux Nation. Experience the rich heritage of nine Sioux tribes when you explore our historical sites, museums, and art galleries. Visit Prehistoric Indian Village, a 1,000-year-old Indian village with a live archeological dig site. It is believed that there are 80 buried lodges on this site and work continues today to unearth them.

SIOUX QUARTZITE GEOLOGICAL TREASURE

No, you’re not wearing rose-colored glasses. The stone you’re seeing throughout our region is a metamorphic rock unique to this area. At over 1.6B years old, it’s almost as hard as a diamond and has been nicknamed “rose stone” because of its pink tones. Many historic buildings stand strong because they are made of this durable stone. While most quartzite rests well below surface soils, in some special places, it’s exposed and is absolutely stunning.

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCES

We won’t even ask you to help with chores...the first time you visit, anyway.

Get an authentic South Dakota country experience on our farms! Kids of all ages will be so entertained that they won’t even know they’re learning something at the same time. Agritourism offerings in our area make it easy to see (and taste) how food goes from the land to your plate. This, combined with genuine Midwestern hospitality, gives you some of the best agriculture experiences in the nation.

It’s true; we have a lot of cows here. Get to know where your dairy products come from and how they’re made when you visit Dimock Dairy Cheese Store, Farm Life Creamery, and Stensland Family Farms. Don’t leave without sampling cheese and ice cream since that’s the best part!

The Good Earth Farm and Farm Life Creamery are a couple of great spots to get up close and personal with a wide variety of farm animals. Make sure to meet a miniature steer named T-Bone and his best friend, Rex the Pony. You can also head to the Stockyards Ag Experience barn to learn about the history of the farming and cattle industry through engaging, hands-on exhibits.

Fleurish Flower Farm and Noecker’s Acres welcome you to relax in their fields of beauty and pick your own flowers to enjoy at home. These farms are some of our favorite photo opportunity areas! Find the best varieties of pumpkins and apples at Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch and Country Apple Orchard, respectively. Looking for locally-grown food? Head to Pfanny’s Farm where they offer tours and workshops on growing sustainable foods.

Get a countryside experience when you stay at Blue Tin Ranch! This rural event space with refurbished barns is extra special when the stars come out. Relax by the fire in their corn bin swings. See what country living is all about.

LODGING YOUR WAY

The variety of lodging options in Southeast South Dakota continues to grow as new hotels arise and unique vacation rentals are created. Wherever you decide to stay, you’re sure to be met with a warm Midwest welcome, a stunning sunrise or sunset, and adventures just waiting for you to enjoy.

A long day of adventure calls for a good night’s sleep. If luxury hotels are your vibe, we’ve got you. Hotel on Phillips is a beautiful historic boutique hotel where every room has a fun personality of its own. Canopy by Hilton Downtown Sioux Falls is a brand new, beautiful boutique hotel that is next to The Steel District, Levitt at the Falls, and Falls Park.

Some of our favorite spots like, Fensel’s Motel & Gift Shop, Cobblestone Inn, and Hometown Inn, are scattered across the region in small towns. These locally-owned motels have rural charm and some of the best people you’ll ever meet.

If you’re looking for lodging with the amenities of a home, we have great options for you! Both Lewis & Clark Resort and Granite Springs Lodge have styles for groups of any size, with beautiful lake views and beach access. Dakota Country Home offers an entire home to cozy up in, and Blue Tin Ranch welcomes you to country living at its finest, historic barns and all.

If a classic B&B experience is what you’re looking for, Main Street Inn and Steever House need to be on your bucket list. With unique decor and local breakfast cuisine, you’ll get a true South Dakota experience. At The Cogan House, you can rent just one room or the entire lodge. Either way, the views of the Missouri River and miles of the natural landscape are hard to top! A stay at Valiant Vineyards’ resort gives you direct access to their amazing lineup of local wines and cocktails. If you’re staying on a Saturday night, make sure to try their famous Monster Marys in the morning!

Need help deciding between adventure and comfort? Have both when you stay in one of our family camping cabins found in many of our state parks. We especially love the peaceful options in Newton Hills and Palisades State Parks. They offer close access to outdoor recreation and all of the amenities our parks have to offer.

SET UP CAMP WITH US

How great does it feel to leave the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life behind? To unplug and unwind in the beauty of nature? To crack a cold one or roast a marshmallow over an open fire? We love camping and hope you do, too, because our region is full of great places to set up camp.

Camping is great. But camping by water is even better! Over 80% of our campgrounds have access to water, whether it’s a place to fish, swim, or put your boat in. If having that waterfront view is vital to you, look for campgrounds with that option.

Some people just don’t want neighbors when they’re camping, and we understand that. If your picture of the perfect camping trip includes getting there by kayak with the river being the only running water, make plans to visit Green Island and Goat Island Recreation Areas. These primitive campsites will be a true adventure!

If ‘home’ is where you park it, we have options for you. Those who camp with the amenities of an RV are welcome at all of our campgrounds accessible by land. Most of our campgrounds offer numerous electric sites to keep the lights on and the refrigerator cold!

It’s a lot of work to get ready for a camping weekend. Minimize some of your preparation time by booking a camping cabin, available in many of our state parks and private campgrounds. These cabins will get you out of the elements when you need to be without hauling an RV or pitching a tent. Sounds like a win to us! Speaking of state parks, around half of our campgrounds are run by the state and require a park pass. Reservations for these campsites open 90 days in advance and fill up quickly!

TRAILS & RECREATION

From hikes to bikes and everything in between, you can bet that adventure awaits in the outdoors of Southeast South Dakota!

Find yourself immersed in nature and all of its relaxing sights, smells, and, sounds that come with it. Our region offers a wide variety of trails to fit your style. Experience them on bicycle, horseback, snowmobile, cross-country skis, or on your own two feet.

If unique landscapes are at the top of your wish list when looking for a great trail, boy, do we have a couple you will want to see. We suggest you head to Palisades State Park, where irregular Sioux quartzite formations tower over a flowing creek. Bring your gear! These spires and cliff walls offer a variety of routes for any level climber. We also recommend the trails at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. They follow the chalkstone bluffs (which glow at sunset, by the way) along the Missouri River, and there are opportunities along the way to get great water views. Niobrara State Park (NE) offers stunning panoramic views of where the Missouri and Niobrara river valleys meet.

When the snow falls and the frosty trees sparkle, our region turns into a winter wonderland. It can feel downright magical when you get to be the first one to explore an area with fresh powder. Experience places unseen from the road when you snowshoe or crosscountry ski. Many of our recreation areas offer trails that start and end at heated warming shelters. Snowmobilers are in luck! Southeast South Dakota has hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails that make up the East River Trails System. For maps, visit gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling.

See more in less time on your bike! Some routes are smooth, paved, and offer a relaxing, scenic ride. Others are hilly dirt trails that will challenge your abilities and get your adrenaline pumping.

Looking for an equestrian trail? Try out Big Sioux Recreation Area and Clay County Park. If you’re also looking to camp with your horses, we recommend Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, Newton Hills State Park, and Union Grove State Park. Need to borrow a horse for the ride? Head to Ponca State Park!

Spice up your hike with a bit of history when you visit Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve, Big Sioux Recreation Area, and Beaver Creek Nature Area. The historic buildings at these locations are a fun addition to a beautiful hike. Head to Spirit Mound to stand where Lewis and Clark stood 200 years ago.

Did you know that eastern South Dakota is a stopping place for millions of birds following the Central and Mississippi migratory flyways? The variety of habitats our area offers (woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and grasslands) is the perfect environment for 300+ species. So pick up a pair of binoculars, download our birding guide, and head to our trails to see some beautiful birds in their natural habitats!

A WATER WONDERLAND

If the first things that come to mind when you think of Southeast South Dakota’s landscape is cornfields and pastures, you wouldn’t be wrong.

While our corner of the state is proud of its agricultural industry and rolling open spaces, we are also home to A LOT of water!

With 175 lakes and three major rivers, there are really great ways to enjoy the water and all of the beauty, serenity, and recreation that goes with it!

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Southeast South Dakota by paddling. Pair your canoe or kayak outings with fishing, swimming, and camping. These adventures can be a couple of hours or an entire week. Make a plan, check regulations, and know safety tips for our area before you go.

What’s better than having a boat? Having friends with boats! And we have some great open waters to take that boat for a spin. Most of our state parks offer lakes that are great for skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, you name it. If it’s sailing you’re into, you’ll want to venture south to Lewis & Clark Lake, where the open water and wind speeds are ideal for sailing.

Spending a summer day at the beach is how great memories are made. Pack a picnic, some sand toys, and a floatie. Head to Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, Lake Herman near Madison, and Lake Vermillion near Montrose. You can even enjoy a swimming pool with beautiful views in Niobrara State Park.

The sky’s the limit when you head to the lake! Hang out on the beach and take in the sights and sounds of the water. Go for a swim, practice your paddling skills, fish for that night’s dinner, or picnic with a view. Looking to sail? Head to Lewis & Clark Lake. Want numerous lakes in one local area? Madison is a great place for that! Whatever you decide to do, we recommend you unplug and be present to soak it all in.

The Big Sioux River flows through our entire region, from Brookings south to the Missouri River. Make plans to paddle The Big Sioux River in the spring or summer when water levels are high. Some paddlers favor the segment from Lien Park in Sioux Falls to Newton Hills State Park.

We suggest using the Jay Heath Canoe and Kayak Trail, a map consisting of launch sites and campgrounds along the Big Sioux River. It also has some general information about the river that’s super helpful! Are you an experienced paddler looking for a challenge to get your blood pumping? Look no further than Split Rock Creek, where you can white-water paddle after spring and summer rains increase the water flow. The elevation drops 130 feet in eight miles along this route.

The Vermillion River is a scenic run from Centerville south to the Missouri River. We recommend exploring this in the fall when the colors are especially showy.

The James River is a curvy prairie stream that meanders through our countryside landscape. This route is suitable for beginners as it’s slow-moving and relatively shallow.

Did you know that two segments of the Missouri River are managed by the National Park Service? Part of this national park can be found in our region. Exploring this part of the river is like taking a step back in time. The river is wild, untamed, and continues to flow as nature intended as it creates the border between South Dakota and Nebraska.

Know your paddling ability! The mighty Missouri River is 20 feet deep or more in some areas. There are no rapids, but high winds and underwater sandbars can make this journey a tough one. We recommend only experienced paddlers venture this route.

HUNTING

“The moment.” You know, that space in time when you see that flamboyant tom or majestic buck in the distance, and you lock in on them, waiting for JUST the right moment to take your shot. Your heart is racing, and the world around you is still. Your every bit of concentration is on that scope. And then you take a slow breath in, hold it, and fire.

It’s a one-of-kind rush you need to experience for yourself, and we have just the playing field to do it. Our landscape is great for hunting pheasant, whitetail deer, turkey, goose, and duck. Hunters can also find partridge, quail, dove, coyote, and fox.

Southeast South Dakota offers access to 4.5 million acres of public land for hunting adventures. Many private landowners will allow you to hunt on their property if you ask permission first and honor the privilege of hunting their land. We also have private reserves offering guided hunts, lodging, and meals. Whatever you decide to do, take a photo of your accomplishment and tag #SESouthDakota!

Double or even triple your limit when you plan to hunt or fish in more than one state! Our region shares a southern border with Nebraska and an eastern border with Iowa and Minnesota. This presents a fantastic opportunity to increase your take-home in one trip. Just make sure to look into licensing regulations before you go.

Bonus: The beautiful and bountiful Missouri River runs along the Nebraska border. Some of our best fishing and bowfishing happens here!

FISHING

Our region is small but mighty when it comes to giving fishermen choices and variety. With over 175 natural and manufactured lakes, 3 major rivers, and numerous species to fish for, you’ll want to come back time and again to experience it all.

In our waters, you’ll find walleye, sauger, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, bluegill, perch, and crappie. You’ll also find paddlefish (above), a primitive species native to the Missouri River. These prehistoric fish can weigh more than 60 pounds and can survive for more than 50 years in the wild. You’ll have to apply for a tag to catch one of these unique fish. Visit www.gfp.sd.gov/paddlefish to learn more.

Keep wintertime from slowing your fishing hobbies. Many of our lakes are hot spots for ice fishing. Just stop by one of our great outfitters and get the right gear to keep you safe and warm!

Watch for more inormation on Free Fishing Weekend held every May at all of South Dakota’s state parks and receation areas! Use our website as a resource for more information and share photos on social media with our hashtag! #SESouthDakota

EVENTS IN SOUTHEAST SD

Many of our cities host annual celebrations where you can get a taste of the local culture, cuisine, and lifestyles. We suggest experiencing a South Dakota street dance while you’re at it!

Get your cowboy boots out. Our county fairs are the real deal, featuring live music, rodeos, livestock shows, vendor booths, carnival rides, pie contests, and so much more!

Plan your trip around one of our many festivals featuring local food, music, and arts. In addition to the festivals listed to the left, make sure to check out the Corn Palace Festival, Brookings Summer Arts Festival, and Washington Pavilion’s Sidewalk Art Festival.

Get your next personal record at one of our road races or trail runs! Whether it’s a 5k, 50k, timed endurance run, or trail run, we have scenic routes that will make your event one to remember.

From epic egg hunts and breathtaking 4th of July fireworks displays to Oktoberfests and holiday parades with oh so many lights, there are great events for every season.

Events that let you experience life on the farm are growing in popularity. Stomp grapes, do-si-do at a hoedown, and more!

SESOUTHDAKOTA

After you attend an event in the Southeast region, share your best shots using #SESouthDakota on social media.

Find detailed information on accommodations, attractions, restaurants, traveler services, gaming facilities, and shopping in the Southeast region.

South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide

SOUTHEAST REGION

ENTERTAINMENT ALL YEAR

MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS

DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS

EAT & DRINK WITH US

BREWERIES, WINERIES & DISTILLERIES

HISTORY COMES TO LIFE

SIOUX QUARTZITE GEOLOGICAL TREASURE

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCES

LODGING YOUR WAY

SET UP CAMP WITH US

TRAILS & RECREATION

A WATER WONDERLAND

HUNTING

FISHING

EVENTS IN SOUTHEAST SD

SESOUTHDAKOTA

Issue List

2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide

2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide

2024 South Dakota Vacation Guide

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2023

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2022

2021 South Dakota Vacation Guide

South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2020

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2019

SD Vacation Guide 2017