When I first planned my trip to South Dakota, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But once I got there, I quickly realized it’s full of amazing places to explore. From wide open landscapes and impressive mountains to small towns filled with charm and history, South Dakota has a little bit of everything.
Whether you’re someone who loves nature, enjoys learning about history, or just wants a quiet place to relax, there are so many things to do in South Dakota. I found myself standing in front of giant stone carvings one day and hiking through peaceful parks the next. It’s one of those places where you can take it slow and really enjoy the journey.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite spots and experiences from my trip. These are the places that made me fall in love with South Dakota and why I think it’s a destination worth visiting. So if you’re looking for ideas or planning your next adventure, here are the best things to do in South Dakota.
See the Majestic Mount Rushmore
Visiting Mount Rushmore was one of the most unforgettable parts of my trip to South Dakota. Seeing the giant faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the mountain was even more impressive in real life than I expected. It felt powerful standing there, looking up at George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—all carved into solid rock high above me.
The area around Mount Rushmore is also really nice to explore. I walked along the Presidential Trail, which gave me some great views from different angles. There’s also a small museum and visitor center where I learned more about how the monument was built. I was surprised by how much work and history went into creating it.
I’d suggest visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid big crowds. And if you get the chance, stick around for the evening lighting ceremony—it was a beautiful and respectful tribute to the monument and its meaning.
If you’re wondering what to do in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is a must-see. It’s not just a famous landmark—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Explore Badlands National Park
When I first arrived at Badlands National Park, I was honestly speechless. The views were like nothing I had ever seen before. Sharp rock formations, colorful layers of earth, and wide open skies stretched out in every direction. It felt like I was walking on another planet.
I drove the Badlands Loop Road, which has several scenic stops where I could get out, take pictures, and just enjoy the view. My favorite part was stopping at the overlooks and watching the light change across the rocks—it was beautiful, especially around sunset. I also took a short hike along the Door Trail, which was easy but gave me a chance to get closer to the landscape.
The park is also full of wildlife. I saw bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and even a bison in the distance. It made the experience even more special. Whether you hike, drive, or just sit and take it all in, the Badlands is a place that makes you feel small in the best way.
Visit Custer State Park and Spot Wildlife
Custer State Park quickly became one of my favorite places in South Dakota. It’s a huge, beautiful area full of forests, lakes, and winding roads—and the best part? The wildlife. I saw more animals here than anywhere else on my trip.
Driving the Wildlife Loop Road was such a fun experience. I saw dozens of bison walking right across the road, sometimes even blocking traffic! It felt like a scene from a movie. I also spotted deer, wild turkeys, and a group of curious burros that walked right up to my car.
Beyond the wildlife, there’s so much to enjoy. I spent some time hiking around Sylvan Lake, which looked like something from a postcard—calm water, tall rocks, and peaceful trails. There are also great picnic spots if you want to stop and relax for a while.
If you love nature and animals, Custer State Park is a must-visit. It’s one of the best places in South Dakota to enjoy the outdoors and see wildlife up close. Just don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to remember every moment.
Discover History at Deadwood
Walking through the town of Deadwood felt like stepping back in time. This old western town is full of stories, and I could feel the history in every street and building. It’s one of the most interesting places I visited in South Dakota.
I started my visit by learning about famous figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. I even saw the exact spot where Wild Bill was shot during a poker game. The museums and small exhibits all around town helped bring these old tales to life. One of my favorite stops was the Adams Museum, which has a great mix of history and Wild West artifacts.
Deadwood isn’t just about the past, though—it’s also full of fun. I walked along the main street, stopped in some old-time saloons, and even tried my luck in one of the casinos. In the summer, they have live reenactments of shootouts right in the street, which made the town feel even more alive.
Tour Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park was one of the most surprising places I visited in South Dakota. I had never been deep inside a cave before, so this was a totally new adventure for me. And it didn’t disappoint—this cave is huge, and it’s full of narrow tunnels, cool rock formations, and something called “boxwork” that I had never seen anywhere else.
I joined a guided tour, which I highly recommend. The park rangers shared so many interesting facts about how the cave was discovered and how it got its name. (Hint: when the cave was first found, air rushed in and out of the entrance like wind!) The underground world felt peaceful and mysterious, and the temperature stayed cool, even on a hot day.
What I also loved is that there’s more than just the cave. Above ground, there are beautiful hiking trails and plenty of chances to spot wildlife like bison and prairie dogs. It’s like getting two parks in one—underground and above.
Learn at Crazy Horse Memorial
Visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial was one of the most powerful experiences I had in South Dakota. It’s a massive mountain carving that’s still in progress, and when it’s finished, it will be the largest sculpture in the world. Seeing it up close made me feel small, but in a good way—it reminded me of how much meaning and effort is behind this project.
The memorial honors Crazy Horse, a legendary Lakota leader who stood for Native American rights, land, and culture. I learned so much at the visitor center and museum, where there are stories, photos, and artwork from Native American tribes across the country. It wasn’t just educational—it was deeply moving.
I also watched a short film about how the project started and how it’s still a work in progress, led by a dedicated team and funded by donations, not the government. That made it feel even more special, knowing it’s being built with love, pride, and purpose.
If you’re visiting Mount Rushmore, I highly recommend adding Crazy Horse Memorial to your list. It’s one of the most meaningful things to do in South Dakota, and it helped me understand the deeper history of this land and its people.
Check Out Local Towns and Hidden Gems
One of the best parts of my trip to South Dakota was exploring the smaller towns and discovering places I hadn’t heard much about before. These hidden gems gave me a real feel for the state—friendly people, charming shops, and some unexpected surprises.
I stopped in Spearfish, a peaceful town surrounded by beautiful scenery. The drive through Spearfish Canyon was amazing—full of waterfalls, cliffs, and quiet trails. It’s a perfect spot for a scenic drive or a short hike. Another fun stop was Wall, home to the famous Wall Drug Store. It’s kind of quirky and touristy, but I had a blast walking through the old-style shops and grabbing a bite to eat.
Keystone, near Mount Rushmore, had a fun, small-town vibe too. It’s full of gift shops, ice cream stands, and friendly locals. And if you’re into quirky roadside stops, don’t miss places like the Corn Palace in Mitchell or the 1880 Town, where you can feel like you’re walking through a real-life movie set from the Old West.
These places might not be as famous as the big parks, but they’re full of charm and character. If you’re planning a road trip through South Dakota, be sure to leave room in your schedule for these small towns and hidden spots—they made my trip even more special.
Conclusion
South Dakota surprised me with how much there is to see and do. From the powerful Mount Rushmore to the wild beauty of Badlands National Park, and from historic towns like Deadwood to peaceful spots in small towns, this state offers a mix of adventure, history, and nature that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Whether you love exploring outdoors, learning about history, or just want to experience something new, South Dakota has something for you. I hope my favorite places and tips inspire you to plan your own trip and discover the magic of this amazing state.
If you’re wondering what to do in South Dakota, just remember—it’s a place full of hidden gems and unforgettable experiences. Trust me, you won’t regret the journey.
