United States Map South Dakota
Introduction
South Dakota, a Midwestern state in the United States, is home to numerous natural wonders, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventures. From Mount Rushmore to Badlands National Park, South Dakota has something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
One of the most famous landmarks in the United States, Mount Rushmore features the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the side of a mountain. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the area on their own.
Badlands National Park
This unique park features sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park’s many trails and overlooks.
Crazy Horse Memorial
This massive monument is still a work in progress, but it already attracts thousands of visitors each year. Dedicated to the Native American warrior Crazy Horse, the monument features a giant carving of his face on the side of a mountain.
Hidden Gems
Wind Cave National Park
This lesser-known national park features a unique cave system that is home to many unusual animals, including bison and pronghorns.
Black Elk Peak
This mountain is the highest point in South Dakota and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top or take a scenic drive to the summit.
Spearfish Canyon
This deep, narrow canyon is home to numerous waterfalls and offers some of the best hiking and fishing opportunities in the state.
Food Scene
South Dakota’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its agricultural roots. Visitors can find delicious farm-to-table options, as well as classic Midwestern dishes like hotdish and lutefisk.
Chislic
This classic South Dakota dish features cubes of grilled meat (usually beef or lamb) served on a stick.
Frybread
This Native American staple is a fried bread dough that can be served with a variety of toppings, including honey, jam, or savory ingredients like ground beef or beans.
Budget-Friendly Tips
South Dakota is an affordable destination, with many free or low-cost activities available.
Free Attractions
Many of the state’s top attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, have no admission fee.
Camping
Camping is a popular option in South Dakota, with many affordable campsites available throughout the state.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking
South Dakota has many great hiking opportunities, from the rugged Badlands to the rolling Black Hills.
Fishing
The state’s many lakes and streams offer great fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
Cycling
South Dakota’s many scenic byways and bike trails make it a great destination for cyclists.
Historical Landmarks
Deadwood
This historic gold rush town is now a popular tourist destination, with many preserved historic buildings and a lively casino scene.
Jewel Cave National Monument
This unique cave system is the third-longest in the world and features many beautiful formations.
Homestake Gold Mine
This former gold mine is now a science and engineering research facility, but visitors can still take a tour of the historic mine.
Family-Friendly Activities
Storybook Island
This park in Rapid City features many classic storybook characters, including Cinderella and the Three Little Pigs.
Dinosaur Park
This park in Rapid City features life-sized dinosaur sculptures and a playground.
Custer State Park
This park offers many family-friendly activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Prairie Homestead Historic Site
This preserved homestead offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in South Dakota.
Wall Drug
This famous roadside attraction offers free ice water and many quirky shops and displays.
The Corn Palace
This unique building in Mitchell is covered in murals made of corn.
Natural Wonders
Black Hills
This mountain range offers stunning views and many hiking opportunities.
The Missouri River
This iconic river runs through South Dakota and offers many scenic vistas and recreational opportunities.
The Badlands
This unique landscape features many unusual rock formations and is home to many rare animals.
Vibrant Nightlife
While South Dakota may not be known for its nightlife, there are still many great options for those looking for a night on the town.
Deadwood
This historic town has a surprisingly lively casino and bar scene.
Downtown Sioux Falls
This area of the city is home to many great restaurants and bars.
Local Markets
Farmers Markets
South Dakota has many great farmers markets, featuring fresh produce and handmade goods.
Badlands Trading Post
This unique shop features many handmade Native American crafts and souvenirs.
Beaches and Mountains
Sylvan Lake
This picturesque lake is located in the Black Hills and offers swimming and boating opportunities.
Palisades State Park
This park features unique rock formations and a swimming beach.
Cultural Immersion
The Black Hills Powwow
This annual event features traditional Native American dance and music performances.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
This famous motorcycle rally attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The South Dakota State Fair
This annual fair features many agricultural exhibits and competitions, as well as carnival rides and live music.
Art and Music Scene
The South Dakota Art Museum
This museum in Brookings features many works by local and national artists.
The Washington Pavilion
This multi-use facility in Sioux Falls features many art and music events throughout the year.
The Black Hills Playhouse
This historic theater in Custer State Park offers many live theater performances throughout the summer.
Walking Tours
Historic Deadwood
This walking tour takes visitors through the historic streets of Deadwood, with many preserved buildings and landmarks.
The Sculpture Walk
This outdoor sculpture gallery in Sioux Falls features many unique works of art.
Architectural Marvels
The State Capitol Building
This beautiful building in Pierre features many unique architectural details and is open to the public for tours.
The Corn Palace
This unique building in Mitchell is covered in murals made of corn.
Historical Sites
Fort Sisseton State Historic Park
This preserved fort offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and settlers in the mid-1800s.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead
This preserved homestead offers a glimpse into the life of the famous author.
Biking Routes
The Mickelson Trail
This 109-mile trail runs through the Black Hills and offers many scenic vistas and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The George S. Mickelson Trail
This 114-mile trail runs through the heart of the Black Hills and offers many great biking opportunities.
Wellness Retreats
Black Hills Yoga Retreat
This annual retreat offers yoga classes and wellness workshops in the heart of the Black Hills.
Black Hills Mindfulness Retreat
This retreat offers mindfulness meditation and other wellness activities in a beautiful natural setting.
Adventure Sports
Rock Climbing
The Black Hills offer many great rock climbing opportunities for climbers of all skill levels.
Kayaking
The state’s many lakes and rivers offer