Ah, South Dakota. A state often overlooked, the location potentially even questioned (I know I had no idea a year ago). Considering I didn’t know where this state even was, I certainly didn’t know the best things to do in South Dakota.
When I tell you South Dakota is overlooked, I mean man is it UNDERRATED. From seeing wild animals and Mars-like land formations (not that I’ve ever seen Mars), to colorful murals and picturesque old-fashioned towns, South Dakota seriously has a world at your fingertips. To save you the research, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best things to do in South Dakota when you visit.
Visit Badlands National Park
I swear I had never heard this park mentioned until my mom told me we were going there. And I admit, I didn’t have high expectations for South Dakota. Boy was I wrong – Badlands National Park has some of the coolest rock formations I’ve ever seen (maybe right behind the Grand Canyon and Iceland’s crazy landscapes).
Driving Badlands Loop Road takes about 3 hours if you stop to take pictures at most overlooks, but I recommend spending time in the area. We drove through the park one day, and then drove back to the park a few days later to spend time within it.
A few of my favorite parts were hiking Notch Trail and Window Trail, spending time at Yellow Mounds Overlook, and driving Sage Creek Rim Road to see the bison and even some prairie dogs.
Drive on Needle Highway
I would not say this is for the faint of heart. The roads turn sharply and suddenly and wind you through one-way tunnels several times. Yet, if you’re willing to do that, you’ll get views of the granite spires and even spot Mount Rushmore from afar. Not to mention you’ll be taking in some of the most gorgeous views in South Dakota on this scenic, winding, drive.
Hike in Custer State Park
Custer State Park houses easily one of the prettiest hikes I’ve been on in my 24 years of life. Whether you want a shorter hike like Cathedral Spires Trail or a longer 7 mile out-and-back hike up to Black Elk Peak, both offer gorgeous views of the surrounding spires. At the top of Black Elk Peak you’re able to see four different states on a clear day since it is the highest natural point of South Dakota. If you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend doing both hikes!
Get Stuck in a Bison Traffic Jam
You wouldn’t be in South Dakota if you didn’t get stuck in a bison traffic jam. At first you may think you’re back in New York City and stuck in endless traffic with horns honking, wondering why in the world you’re in the middle of nowhere with city traffic. But with a closer look, you’ll see everyone popping their heads out of their cars, snapping photos of bison aimlessly standing in the middle of the road. Soak it in. This doesn’t happen in the big cities.
Spend a Day in Spearfish, South Dakota
Spearfish is a tiny town located in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest. Activities range from hiking canyon trails that lead to waterfalls and trails on the sides of a mountain (where you may see mountain lion tracks…ahhh) to shopping in the small western town. If you’re here for the day, I recommend checking out Spearfish Canyon for your days’ worth of hiking.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to relax after a day’s hike with a beer in hand while shopping the boutiques. Seriously the best way to shop!! Check out the Junk Drawer for fun and authentic souvenirs, and finish your day with a hearty Italian meal at Nonna’s Kitchen.
Take a Soak in Devil’s Bathtub
Located in Spearfish Canyon, this hike is one that you don’t want to miss. You’ll wade through streams, use stepping stones to cross running water, and even walk across some logs. You may even fall in (so be prepared!). But the end is worth it, where you can slide down the rocks (a natural slide!) into the bathtub (or small pool) to soak. We went midday and it was pretty busy (the parking lot was packed) so I recommend late afternoon or early morning to have a quieter, more relaxed setting.
Dive into History at Crazy Horse Memorial
If you’re unfamiliar with Native American history, Crazy Horse was the leader of the Lakota tribe in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This sculpture carved into the mountainside is completely based off of donations to commemorate Crazy Horse. Not only that, but it is the world’s LARGEST sculptural undertaking. You can admire from afar or take a bus to get a little closer look at the detailed carving. Wander through the museum before or after viewing the statue to get a deeper understanding of the tribes that have and still do occupy the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Get a picture of Mount Rushmore
In my opinion, you have to visit Mount Rushmore when you’re in South Dakota. Was it the coolest thing I did? Not at all. Was it free? No. But I’m glad I can say I’ve seen Mount Rushmore in person because who wouldn’t want to see a famous carved mountain? That’s up to you though!
Hunt for Murals in the Small Towns of South Dakota
If I’m being honest, I did not go to South Dakota to find murals (shocking, right?). But they were pretty much everywhere I wandered – between buildings in Custer and dispersed in alleys throughout Rapid City. The longer I spent in South Dakota, the more I found myself looking for murals. So if you’re looking for more Instagram-worthy mural photos, look no further than South Dakota!
Wander in Wall Drug
Wall is a small town in South Dakota, and by small I mean tiny. There’s not a whole lot to do here other than visit Wall Drug – the iconic store that offered travelers free ice water (which they still do today). Wall is pretty much in the middle of nowhere if you ask me, so take your time pulling off the road, grabbing your water, and shopping for souvenirs.
South Dakota is a hidden gem of a state! Although there are so many more things to do in South Dakota, these are some of the top ten I’ve come up with. If you have any other thoughts, leave in the comments and maybe I’ll make it “11 Best Things to Do in South Dakota”!
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