With its rolling prairies, distinctive geologic landscapes, and the historic gold rush city of Deadwood (inspiration for the HBO sequence!), South Dakota is an interesting state. From wild bison roaming protected lands to iconic nationwide memorials, listed here are my favourite locations I’d like to share…
1. Custer State Park
I’m all the time in awe of this majestic and untamed nature reserve! It’s residence to sprawling landscapes of pine-covered hills, granite peaks, and scenic drives the place herds bison roam freely. I really like the way it’s so tranquil however feels adventurous too – I all the time really feel like stepping right into a scene of the Outdated West right here!
I stayed for 4 nights on the cool and quirky Bavarian Inn, took breathtaking scenic drives alongside Needles Freeway and the Wildlife Loop, hiked and biked the scenic trails, explored unimaginable granite spires, kayaked on picturesque lakes, and loved picnics alongside the idyllic shores.
- Location: Black Hills area of the southwestern a part of the state (round 30 miles southwest of Speedy Metropolis)
- Wildlife: bison, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, and prairie canines
- Location Map and Instructions
- Custer State Park Web site
My favourite highlights…
- Occurring the enjoyable two hour Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour – I beloved bumping over dusty trails, listening to the grunts of bison up shut, and listening to our information’s fascinating tales concerning the park’s wild historical past!
2. Deadwood
Relationship again to 1874, I found that the previous Gold Rush city was an fascinating mixture of immaculately-preserved Wild West structure, scenic mountain environment, and a historical past that comes alive via its historic buildings, saloons, and cobblestone streets – I beloved the enjoyable, vigorous and welcoming vibe right here!
It’s an interesting place that even impressed the favored HBO sequence of the identical title, starring Ian McShane—which I watched each episode of, making it very thrilling to go to in individual!
On my journey, I walked within the footsteps of Wild Invoice Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock and visited concert events, casinos, museums (the Adams Museum was my favourite) and historic websites together with the atmospheric Mount Moriah Cemetery.
I additionally explored the Outdated City on a self-guided tour, dined within the fashionable Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer and the breweries and went mountain climbing within the scenic Black Hills. The Outdated Brothel, Saloon #10 Whiskey Bar, Midnight Star On line casino and the vigorous Wild West Reveals have been my private highlights!
My favourite highlights…
- Staying on the characterful Movie star Boutique Resort – I beloved the themed decor, Victorian classic vibe and my breakfast of Black Hills mushroom and backyard herb scramble and wild prairie mint tea!
3. Pinnacles, the Badlands Nationwide Park
I discovered this to be a dramatically surreal and splendidly stunning spot! Spanning round 244,000 breathtaking acres, it’s crammed with sharply eroded buttes, fascinating pinnacles, and deep gorges. The distinctive rock formations show gorgeous hues of pink, orange, and purple, making it each tranquil and awe-inspiring on the similar time!
The wildlife can also be extremely numerous right here and bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black-footed ferrets, and quite a few fowl species, golden eagles and Purple-tailed Hawks all roam these intriguing landscapes!
I stayed for 3 nights on the quirky rustic-chic Badlands Frontier Cabins, hiked awe-inspiring trails, photographed the gorgeous rock formations, tried to identify as a lot wildlife as I can, and simply loved gazing on the breathtaking views of the distinctive landscapes!
My highlights…
4. Mount Rushmore Nationwide Monument
That is probably the most iconic attraction within the state! I really like how there actually is a wow-inducing and majestic magnificence about this place which is definitely a surprising portrayal of 4 iconic presidents carved into the granite face of a mountain, set towards the breathtaking backdrop of the Black Hills!
Positioned within the stunning Black Hills (round 5 miles from the city of Keystone), the park spans round 1,278 acres and the faces of the president stands at 60 toes tall. The presidents are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln and every characteristic intricate particulars that characterize their contributions to the nation.
I used to be thrilled (and really moved!) to get close-up views of the enduring presidential sculptures, discover the customer middle and Sculptor’s Studio to study Gutzon Borglum’s inventive course of, hike the scenic Presidential Path, and finish the day on the picturesque night lighting ceremony—full with patriotic speeches, transferring music, and a movie narrating the monument’s historical past.
My highlights…
- Stopping by the comfy, rustic-chic Tally’s Silver Spoon (only a 30-minute drive away), I beloved the quirky classic particulars, and the menu crammed with regionally grown produce – particularly the silky and barely peppery arugula pudding!
5. Sylvan Lake
I’m all the time gained over purchase this pristine and serene hidden gem! It’s an exquisite place with crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering granite cliffs and luxurious pine forests, I come right here once I wish to calm down and ponder life!
Sylvan Lake, situated in Custer State Park about 10 miles from the city of Custer, spans round 40 acres. I really like how the hilly environment mirror on the water – it’s extremely picturesque!
On my journey, I camped at Recreation Lodge Campground (which got here with numerous fashionable services) hiked the scenic trails, picnicked across the gorgeous shores, went boating within the clear waters (kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle-boards can all be rented from Sylvan Lake Lodge), captured stunning images, noticed wildlife and watched the rock climbers courageous the very steep Internal Outlet formations!
- Tackle: 13329 U.S. Freeway 16A, Custer, SD 57730
- Wildlife: black bears, bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, wild turkeys and coyotes
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Stopping by the quirky roadside Cosmos Thriller Space (a 40 minute drive away) which was crammed with tilted homes and optical illusions – I particularly appreciated the eerie but giggle-inducing vibe!
6. Loopy Horse Memorial
This monumental sculpture is really inspiring and uplifting – it by no means fails to wow me! I used to be in awe of its grand scale and complicated artistry, and I really like the way it captures the cultural significance of Native American heritage towards the gorgeous Black Hills backdrop. To me, it felt like a deeply religious place, much more jaw-dropping in actual life than I had imagined!
Positioned within the Black Hills of South Dakota (round 10 miles from city of Custer), it stands at 563 toes lengthy and 641 toes excessive, making it the biggest stone sculpture on this planet. It’s nonetheless beneath development, which I personally assume symbolizes the sense of hope and willpower of the Native communities.
On my go to, I explored the expansive grounds, visited the fascinating museum and customer middle and noticed its instructional displays, loved the Insta-worthy views of the monument and surrounding Black Hills, and watched the fascinating ongoing sculpture carving course of!
My favourite highlights…
- Eating on the rustic-chic Laughing Water Restaurant, I sat by the window with a surprising view of the Loopy Horse Memorial whereas devoring heat, pillowy Indian fry bread with wealthy, seasoned beans!
7. Needles Freeway
This scenic drive is totally breathtaking! I’m an enormous fan of this distinctive 14-mile freeway, with its slender, winding roads, towering granite spires, dense forests, and the picturesque landscapes of the gorgeous Black Hills. I really like the way it’s each exhilarating and tranquil on the similar time – I personally assume the surroundings right here is really extraordinary!
Positioned in Custer State Park within the Black Hills of South Dakota, this widespread vacation spot attracts drivers, hikers, and photographers. The dramatic granite Cathedral Spires, which tower above the highway are the most important draw!
It took me round 45 minutes to finish and on my journey and I gazed on the towering needle-like spires, stopped on the picturesque viewpoints, explored the scenic mountain climbing trails, navigated one-lane tunnels spectacularly carved via the rock and tried to identify fascinating wildlife alongside the way in which – bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, wild turkeys, bighorn sheep and coyotes all name this space residence!
- Begin Level: Close to the junction of US Freeway 16A (Iron Mountain Highway) and SD Freeway 87
- Finish Level: Sylvan Lake
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Stopping on the Needles Freeway Scenic Overlook – I used to be quietly in awe of the highway snaking via these jaw-dropping granite spires with the crisp pine-scented air and darkish spruce forests unfold out under—all of it felt a bit otherworldly!
8. Keystone
I really like this gem of a city! It’s a pleasant spot, residence to charming historic structure, quaint streets crammed with retailers, cafes, and galleries and gorgeous mountain surroundings all set towards the backdrop of the breathtaking Black Hills and the enduring Mount Rushmore (which is barely 5 miles away).
Positioned within the Black Hills area, round 30 miles southwest of Speedy Metropolis, it’s a small place with solely 240 residents and I’m all the time charmed by its pleasant community-focused environment but in addition the way it has the bustling power of a vacationer vacation spot.
Whereas right here, I toured the Massive Thunder Gold Mine, rode the scenic Keystone Tramway and genuine steam locomotive 1880 Practice, visited the Keystone Historic Museum, hiked the encircling trails, loved seeing historic steam trains on the 1880 Practice – Keystone Depot, and explored the fascinating retailers and traditional eateries.
- Tackle: Keystone, SD 57751
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the Massive Thunder Gold Mine – I wandered via the cool, dim tunnels lined with timber beams and quartz veins earlier than panning for gold within the icy creek water!
9. Black Hills Nationwide Forest
This can be a sprawling pure magnificence spot which covers over 1.2 million acres! It’s residence to gorgeous range of landscapes, that includes serene forests, rugged mountain ranges, clear streams, and distinctive geological formations. I really like its tranquil and invigorating vibe!
When right here, I camped at Sylvan Lake Campground hiked the scenic trails (there are over 450 miles of trails right here!), took breathtaking drives on Iron Mountain Highway, watched the rock climbers at Harmon Peak, kayaked on Pactola Lake and noticed as a lot wildlife as I may – free-roaming bison, black bears, prairie canines, mountain lions and elk all dwell right here!
I additionally actually appreciated that there have been loads of facilities right here too together with cafes, eating places, museums, a vineyard, and even a family-friendly prepare trip!
My highlights…
- On the dreamy upscale Summer time Creek Inn – a spotlight was sipping on a tangy-sweet buffaloberry wine from my patio scorching tub overlooking the backyard waterfall!
10. Falls Park, Sioux Falls
This can be a majestic and picturesque attraction! I’m all the time charming by this gorgeous cascade of waterfalls which tumbles over granite cliffs and is fantastically surrounded by lush greenery and well-maintained strolling paths.
This gem of a public park in Sioux Falls is regionally well-known for its breathtaking waterfalls on the Massive Sioux River. I really like how refreshing and peaceable it feels right here!
When right here, I loved scenic walks alongside the paths, noticed panoramic views from the five-story statement tower, explored the historic Queen Bee Mill, had a picnic within the lush inexperienced areas, found fascinating instructional displays within the customer middle and strolled across the vigorous Saturday Farmer’s Market (which is definitely held within the park)!
My highlights…
- Visiting the park’s Farmer’s Market – I beloved its scenic location within the Falls Park picnic shelter, the dwell music band and sampling the scrumptious. native produce. Shopping for a jar of backyard mix of pickles from the Uptown Supply Firm was additionally an excellent determination!
11. Notch Path, Badlands Nationwide Park
That is one among my favourite trails within the state! It affords gorgeous vistas of the Badlands’ dramatic rock formations and sweeping landscapes, providing hikers a novel mixture of rugged terrain and breathtaking views that showcase the park’s pure magnificence. I beloved the adventurous and invigorating vibe right here in addition to additionally assembly numerous pleasant hikers alongside the way in which!
Positioned within the Cedar Cross space of Badlands Nationwide Park, this 1.5-mile path took me about two hours to finish. I discovered it reasonably difficult as a result of steep sections, uneven terrain, and the ladder I needed to climb to succeed in the path’s highest level!
Whereas right here, I camped on the close by Cedar Cross Campground after which hiked to the very prime of the path, the place I took in breathtaking panoramas of the Badlands’ placing rock formations, deep canyons, and the expansive grasslands of the White River Valley!
My private highlights…
12. Lake Herman
This can be a picturesque and tranquil spot! It has a surprising pure setting with clear waters surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and even a beautiful sandy seashore. Although it’s a leisure lake, I really like the way it looks like a scenic retreat the place I can join with nature and benefit from the light sounds of water lapping towards the shore.
Lake Herman is situated within the southeastern a part of the state, an hour’s north of Sioux Falls, (and round 5 miles from the city of Madison) and it spans round 1,000 acres.
Throughout my journey, I camped within the scenic Lake Herman State Park, relaxed on the sandy seashore, went boating, swimming, and kayaking on the lake, and loved picnics alongside the shores. I additionally hiked close by trails and noticed wildlife, together with waterfowl, shorebirds, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and eagles!
My private highlights…
- Tenting out in a single day on the award-winning hipster-friendly Uncle B’s Produce Farm – I beloved the cool pleasant vibe, the scenic strolling trails by the massive pond, the attractive cattle and sitting around the camp hearth at evening and attending to know the opposite campers!
- Profiting from the jet ski leases situated there and going for an hour’s thrilling trip on the lake!
13. Lewis and Clark Recreation Space
I’m all the time gained over by this stunning scenic park, named after the well-known explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark! It’s crammed with picturesque landscapes—rolling hills, lush forests, and the pristine waters of the Missouri River. The park attracts each households and outside adventurers, making a pleasant, neighborhood really feel!
Positioned within the southeastern a part of the close to the Missouri River (the city of Yankton is 7 miles away), the world spans over round 1,600 acres and I actually like that it has tonnes of nice facilities together with campgrounds, cabins, trails for mountain climbing and biking, seashores, a disc golf course, an archery vary, and even a family-friendly lodge resort.
I camped at Gavins Level Campground and loved mountain climbing the scenic trails, boating on the Missouri River, picnicking in designated areas, and recognizing the various wildlife – herons, eagles, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys all make their residence right here!
My private highlights…
- Mountaineering the leisurely Gavins Level Nature Path which was round 1.2 miles lengthy and took me 45 minutes to finish. It was nice to discover the picturesque native woods, meadows, and scenic overlooks of Lewis and Clark Lake.
- Stopping by the Dismal Nitch, a reasonably little cove that when sheltered Lewis and Clark from a fierce storm – it was onerous for me to think about such a peaceable spot as their place of refuge!
14. Roughlock Falls
This spot really captivated me! It incorporates a gorgeous cascade of water flowing over rugged rock formations, surrounded by lush greenery and really fairly wildflowers (within the spring and summer time months). I beloved the peaceable and rejuvenating vibe right here, with the soothing sound of flowing water including to the entire expertise!
Positioned within the Black Hills (10 miles south of Lead), I stayed on the close by upscale Spearfish Canyon Lodge and hiked the well-maintained trails, gazed on the breathtaking views of the waterfalls and loved picnics within the surrounding areas.
- Tackle: 1117 Roughlock Falls Highway, Lead, SD 57754
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: March to October
My highlights…
- I ended at The Latchstring Inn, a super-cute rustic lodge with a scenic location on Roughlock Falls Highway. I beloved the hearty menu, particularly the Canyon Nachos, which got here with a scrumptious selfmade crimson chili sauce and black bean salsa!
15. Sage Creek Wilderness Space, Badlands Nationwide Park
This can be a distant and surreally stunning space of Badlands Nationwide Park. It’s situated properly off the crushed path and residential to rugged landscapes, distinctive rock formations, and fascinating wildlife, all set towards the dramatic Badlands backdrop. I come right here to attach with nature, immerse myself within the uncommon magnificence, and discover a little bit of solitude on the time – this place is extraordinary!
It attracts solo adventurists, {couples} and even households on the lookout for journey and is situated inside the western a part of Badlands Nationwide Park (round 15 miles from the park’s primary entrance).
I’m going backcountry tenting right here (I needed to get a allow from the Ben Reifel Customer Heart and preserve inside designated areas) after which I hike the breathtaking trails, discover the intriguing rock formations, take within the gorgeous vistas of the, and go wildlife recognizing for the bison, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, bighorn sheep and deer who all wander these unusual lands!
My highlights…
- Tenting in a single day right here was unforgettable! I woke as much as miles of untouched wilderness, with nothing however the open prairie and the morning solar stretching throughout the horizon – it was an unimaginable expertise!
16. Canyon Lake Park, Speedy Metropolis
This lush leisure space all the time charms me! With a serene lake surrounded by vibrant greenery, scenic strolling trails, and gorgeous rock formations, it creates a peaceable oasis within the coronary heart of Speedy Metropolis. I really like the stress-free vibe, which attracts a mixture of households, joggers, and nature lovers.
Positioned proper in the course of Speedy Metropolis, simply off Canyon Lake Drive, this scenic park spans over 90 acres. I take pleasure in strolling and biking alongside the paths, picnicking by the lake, birdwatching (mallards, nice blue herons, and red-tailed hawks all dwell right here), and taking within the picturesque views of the encircling landscapes.
There are additionally 4 pavilions for fairly picnics, a helpful BBQ space which neglected the lake, a playground for the children, a enjoyable sand volleyball court docket and paddle-boat leases.
My private highlights…
- Mountaineering the close by reasonably difficult 2.8-mile Skyline Wilderness Space Loop which took me 1.5 hours to finish. It was steep in components however the panoramic views of Speedy Metropolis and the Black Hills undoubtedly made it price it!
17. Spirit Mound Historic Prairie
This can be a really distinctive pure attraction! Rising about 150 toes above the encircling prairie, this culturally important mound is believed to have been a sacred website for native tribes. It’s a peaceable and contemplative spot with rolling hills, fairly wildflowers, restored tall grass prairie landscapes, and gorgeous panoramic views from the highest!
Positioned within the southeastern a part of the state (round 7 miles southwest of the city of Vermillion), the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie spans round 320 acres.
On my go to, I hiked scenic trails to see the views and study its historic significance via all of the informative indicators situated right here!
My private highlights…
- Mountaineering the straightforward and well-maintained out-and-back Spirit Mound Historic Prairie Path which was simply 1.4-mile in size and took me half-hour to finish. It took me previous restored prairie landscapes, native grasses, fairly wildflowers and fascinating informational indicators earlier than finally main me to the summit of the Spirit Mound (which had superior views)!
18. Wonderland Cave, Sturgis
I used to be actually impressed by this pure attraction! Considered round a whopping 100 million years outdated, it’s a surprising limestone cave with a sequence of underground chambers that includes stunning crystal formations, intricate rock constructions, and distinctive mineral formations, together with stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites.
Found in 1929, I personally assume it’s a tranquil, mystical and really awe-inspiring place!
Positioned within the gorgeous Black Hills close to the city of Nemo (and 10 miles from Sturgis), I went on a guided tour on this family-friendly attraction and learnt all concerning the cave’s fascinating geology and historical past.
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the lovable present store for fascinating souvenirs and cave-inspired mementos. I discovered some actually fascinating keepsakes, and the super-friendly employees made the expertise even higher with their useful suggestions and enjoyable details concerning the space!
