South Dakota

Travel Guide

Mount Rushmore featuring outdoor art and art
Photo provided by Rapid City CVB
Photo provided by Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Rapid City CVB
Photo provided by Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

America is at its most iconic in South Dakota, a state that offers rugged wilderness and charming towns alongside one of the nation’s most famous monuments.

South Dakota claims to have the geographic center of the United States within its borders. The state certainly does contain a dizzying mixture of everything that makes the nation great, from charming cities packed with history to legendary monuments and dramatic scenery. Experience this potent combination of history, culture and nature in the beautiful and welcoming “Mount Rushmore State.”

Like the rest of the nation, South Dakota’s history is a mixture of inglorious conquest, intrepid exploration and inspiring creativity. Visit the Vore Buffalo Jump to learn about the North American Plains Indians who lived on the land for centuries before Lewis and Clark trekked through the land. Pause for a moment of reflection at the Wounded Knee Massacre Site to remember injustices against Native Americans in the country.

Wander down Grand View Terrace, lined with the state flags of America, and look upwards to view the mighty Mount Rushmore. Come back to the monument at night to see the presidential carvings lit up during a patriotic ceremony. South Dakota’s famous face carvings don’t stop here, however, as the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills is even bigger and functions as a memorial for all Native American tribes.

Explore the charming town of Sioux Falls, which is built around scenic cascades and lined with historic houses. Marvel at the 19th-century Pettigrew Home and Museum, built in the Queen Anne Style. Take your family to the Butterfly House & Marine Cove and the Kirby Science Discovery Center.

Escape to the wilderness of Badlands National Park. Hike beneath the eye-catching, striped rock formations or drive around the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway. The plains are ideal locations for spotting buffalo and pronghorn antelope.

Fly into one of six cities in South Dakota with regional airports or drive along scenic byways into the state. When driving around South Dakota, don’t miss the roadside attraction of Wall Drug, a vast store with a frontier atmosphere. Come to the state in late spring or early fall for warm weather and fewer crowds at the numerous attractions.

Where to stay in South Dakota

Default Image

Downtown Sioux Falls

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Sioux Falls, you might make a stop by sights like Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and Old Courthouse Museum.

Downtown Sioux Falls
Rapid City featuring a city and night scenes

Historic Rapid City

Historic Rapid City is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Main Street Square or Art Alley.

Historic Rapid City
Default Image

Dakota Dunes

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

Dakota Dunes is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dakota Dunes Country Club and Missouri River.

Dakota Dunes
Default Image

All Saints

While All Saints isn't home to many top sights, Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and Michelangelo's David are some notable places to visit nearby.

All Saints
Default Image

Pettigrew Heights

Though Pettigrew Heights might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and St. Joseph Cathedral.

Pettigrew Heights
Default Image

Folsom's Addition

When in Folsom's Addition, you can plan a visit to Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and St. Joseph Cathedral, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Folsom's Addition
Sonesta Essential Rapid City
Sonesta Essential Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
1902 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City, SD
The price is $96 total per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$96 total
per night
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.8/10 (237 reviews)
Thunderstorm and all
"I was extremely comfortable with a room that was right from my car to the door....severe thunderstorm and didn't even bother me, I felt safe...I only stayed a night but it was super nice."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Sonesta Essential Rapid City
Ramada by Wyndham Sioux Falls Airport-Waterpark & Event Ctr
Ramada by Wyndham Sioux Falls Airport-Waterpark & Event Ctr
3 out of 5
1301 West Russell, I-29 and Exit 81, Sioux Falls, SD
The price is $81 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$81 total
per night
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Sioux Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 indoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,298 reviews)
"Nice place with a nice water park"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Sioux Falls Airport-Waterpark & Event Ctr
Foothills Inn
Foothills Inn
2.5 out of 5
1625 N. LaCrosse Street, Rapid City, SD
The price is $109 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$109 total
per night
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,040 reviews)
"It was very nice"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Foothills Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
660 Disk Dr, Rapid City, SD
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,549 reviews)
"We liked the price during the time we had to stay. We paid half of what other softball parents had to at other locations."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
Holy Smoke Resort
Holy Smoke Resort
3.5 out of 5
24105 Highway 16A, Keystone, SD
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Keystone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a gift shop. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (529 reviews)
"Great, but wifi was shoddy."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Holy Smoke Resort
Pine Rest Cabins
Pine Rest Cabins
3 out of 5
24063 US-385, Hill City, SD
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Hill City. Enjoy free parking and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Crazy Horse Memorial and Granite Sports are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (55 reviews)
"Pine rest cabins are safe, clean, and quiet. They are in an excellent location, and are a great budget friendly option"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Pine Rest Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near South Dakota