Explore Exciting Day Trips in South Dakota for Adventure

Day Trips in South Dakota: Scenic Drives, Historic Sites & Outdoor Adventures

South Dakota offers a variety of exciting day trips, from scenic drives to historic sites and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best day trips to take in the state:

Badlands National Park

  • Highlights: Unique rock formations, hiking trails, and wildlife (bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs).
  • Things to Do: Drive the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, hike Notch Trail, visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

  • Highlights: Iconic presidential sculpture.
  • Things to Do: Walk the Presidential Trail, visit the Sculptor’s Studio, watch the evening lighting ceremony.

Custer State Park

  • Highlights: Stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife (buffalo, elk, burros).
  • Things to Do: Drive the Wildlife Loop Road, hike Black Elk Peak, swim in Sylvan Lake, see Needles Highway.

Crazy Horse Memorial

  • Highlights: The world’s largest mountain carving in progress.
  • Things to Do: Visit the museum, watch the laser light show in the evening.

Deadwood

  • Highlights: Historic Wild West town with casinos, museums, and reenactments.
  • Things to Do: Watch a shootout reenactment, visit the Adams Museum, tour Mount Moriah Cemetery (Wild Bill Hickok’s grave).

Spearfish Canyon

  • Highlights: Scenic drive with waterfalls and hiking trails.
  • Things to Do: See Bridal Veil Falls, hike the Roughlock Falls Trail, drive the scenic byway.

Wind Cave National Park

  • Highlights: One of the longest cave systems in the world.
  • Things to Do: Take a cave tour, see the unique boxwork formations, hike the prairie trails.

Jewel Cave National Monument

  • Highlights: The third-longest cave in the world.
  • Things to Do: Take a guided cave tour, hike the surface trails.

Pierre & The South Dakota State Capitol

  • Highlights: The state capital with historical and cultural attractions.
  • Things to Do: Tour the Capitol building, visit the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, explore LaFramboise Island Nature Area.

Palisades State Park

  • Highlights: Unique quartzite cliffs and scenic hiking trails.
  • Things to Do: Rock climbing, kayaking, hiking along Split Rock Creek.

Sioux Falls

  • Highlights: Largest city in South Dakota with waterfalls and cultural attractions.
  • Things to Do: Visit Falls Park, walk downtown SculptureWalk, explore the Butterfly House & Aquarium.

De Smet – The Little House on the Prairie Town

  • Highlights: Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood home.
  • Things to Do: Tour the Ingalls Homestead, visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes.

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

  • Highlights: A large lake with outdoor activities.
  • Things to Do: Boating, fishing, hiking, camping along the Missouri River.

Wall Drug Store

  • Highlights: Iconic roadside attraction.
  • Things to Do: Shop for souvenirs, try free ice water and homemade donuts, see the quirky photo ops.

Mammoth Site in Hot Springs

  • Highlights: Active paleontological dig site.
  • Things to Do: See mammoth fossils, take a guided tour, visit the museum.

Here’s a breakdown of 10 great day trips in each region of South Dakota—Western, Central, and Eastern—to help you explore the state more thoroughly.

Western South Dakota (Black Hills & Badlands)

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial – See the iconic presidential sculpture and walk the Presidential Trail.
  • Badlands National Park – Drive the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, hike Notch Trail, and see bison and bighorn sheep.
  • Custer State Park – Spot wildlife on the Wildlife Loop Road and explore Sylvan Lake.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial – Visit the world’s largest mountain carving in progress and learn about Native American history.
  • Deadwood – A historic Wild West town with saloons, shootout reenactments, and casinos.
  • Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway – A stunning drive with waterfalls and hiking opportunities.
  • Wind Cave National Park – One of the longest caves in the world with rare boxwork formations.
  • Jewel Cave National Monument – Take a guided tour of the world’s third-longest cave.
  • Hot Springs & Mammoth Site – Visit an active dig site featuring prehistoric mammoth fossils.
  • Devils Tower (Wyoming) – Though just across the border, this national monument is an easy and impressive day trip.

Central South Dakota

  • Pierre & South Dakota State Capitol – Tour the historic capitol and visit the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center.
  • Oahe Dam & Lake Oahe – Enjoy fishing, boating, and scenic views of this massive Missouri River reservoir.
  • Fort Pierre National Grassland – A great spot for birdwatching, hiking, and hunting.
  • Lewis & Clark Recreation Area (Yankton) – Water recreation on the Missouri River, plus hiking trails.
  • Akta Lakota Museum (Chamberlain) – Learn about Lakota Sioux history and culture.
  • Dignity Statue & Missouri River Overlook – A striking Native American monument with breathtaking views.
  • De Smet – The Little House on the Prairie Town – Visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes.
  • Lyman County Prairie Rides – Explore the wide-open prairies on horseback.
  • Sutton Bay Golf Course (Agar) – A scenic and challenging golf course overlooking Lake Oahe.
  • Cow Creek Recreation Area – A great spot for picnicking, fishing, and hiking near the Missouri River.

Eastern South Dakota

  • Sioux Falls & Falls Park – Explore the city’s beautiful waterfall and enjoy SculptureWalk downtown.
  • Palisades State Park – Hike along stunning quartzite cliffs and go rock climbing.
  • Good Earth State Park – One of the oldest human habitation sites in North America, with scenic hiking trails.
  • Brookings & South Dakota State University – Visit the McCrory Gardens and the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
  • Lake Poinsett Recreation Area – A great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
  • Madison & Lake Herman State Park – A relaxing retreat for camping, hiking, and water activities.
  • Spirit Mound Historic Prairie (Vermillion) – A site visited by Lewis & Clark with prairie trails and historical significance.
  • Waubay National Wildlife Refuge – A prime spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
  • National Music Museum (Vermillion) – See rare and historical musical instruments from around the world.
  • Mitchell & The Corn Palace – Tour the world’s only corn-themed building and visit the Dakota Discovery Museum.

Here are 10 budget-friendly day trips in each region of South Dakota that offer great experiences without breaking the bank.

Western South Dakota (Black Hills & Badlands)

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Only a $10 parking fee, and you can explore trails, exhibits, and the sculpture.
  • Badlands National Park – $30 per vehicle, but you can spend an entire day hiking and sightseeing.
  • Custer State Park (Wildlife Loop Road) – $20 per vehicle, with scenic drives and free wildlife viewing.
  • Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway – Free drive through stunning rock formations with access to waterfalls and hiking.
  • Deadwood’s Historic Downtown & Cemetery – Walk the historic streets and visit Wild Bill Hickok’s grave for $2.
  • Wall Drug Store – Free to visit, and you can enjoy free ice water and 5-cent coffee.
  • Hot Springs’ Mammoth Site Outdoor Area – You can explore Hot Springs’ outdoor attractions without paying for a full dig-site tour.
  • Wind Cave National Park (Above-Ground Trails) – Cave tours cost money, but hiking in the park is free.
  • Jewel Cave National Monument (Visitor Center & Trails) – Entry to the visitor center and above-ground trails is free.
  • Buffalo Gap National Grassland – Free camping, hiking, and photography in the open prairie.

Central South Dakota

  • South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre – Free tours of the historic Capitol building.
  • Oahe Dam & Missouri River Overlook – Free to visit and great for fishing, walking, and photography.
  • Dignity Statue & Chamberlain Rest Area – Free to admire this Native American monument with breathtaking views.
  • Akta Lakota Museum (Chamberlain) – Free admission to a museum about Lakota Sioux history and culture.
  • LaFramboise Island Nature Area – A free hiking and wildlife-watching spot in Pierre.
  • Fort Pierre National Grassland – Free for birdwatching, hiking, and hunting.
  • De Smet – Laura Ingalls Wilder Town Walking Tour – You can explore the historic town for free (museum visits cost extra).
  • Lewis & Clark Recreation Area (Yankton) – Free hiking trails, with low-cost canoe/kayak rentals available.
  • Lyman County Prairie Rides – Scenic open prairies you can explore on foot or bike for free.
  • Cow Creek Recreation Area – Free fishing, picnicking, and hiking near the Missouri River.

Eastern South Dakota

  • Falls Park in Sioux Falls – Free entry to see waterfalls, walk trails, and enjoy scenic views.
  • Palisades State Park (Day Pass: $8/vehicle) – One of the cheapest ways to experience hiking, rock climbing, and water activities.
  • Good Earth State Park (Day Pass: $8/vehicle) – One of the most culturally and historically significant parks in the state.
  • McCrory Gardens (Brookings) – Free for SDSU students and low-cost admission for visitors.
  • SculptureWalk (Downtown Sioux Falls) – A free, outdoor art walk featuring unique sculptures throughout the city.
  • Lake Herman State Park (Day Pass: $8/vehicle) – Affordable hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
  • Spirit Mound Historic Prairie – Free trails leading to a site visited by Lewis & Clark.
  • National Music Museum (Vermillion) – Free admission days available to explore historical instruments.
  • Dakota Discovery Museum (Mitchell) – Low-cost admission for learning about regional history.
  • Waubay National Wildlife Refuge – Free entry to a fantastic spot for birdwatching and nature walks.

Would you like recommendations based on specific activities, like hiking, history, or family-friendly fun?

Here are 10 budget-friendly, lesser-known day trips in each region of South Dakota that offer unique experiences without breaking the bank.

Western South Dakota (Black Hills & Badlands)

  • Roughlock Falls (Spearfish Canyon) – A beautiful, less-visited waterfall with free hiking trails and picnic areas.
  • Pathfinder Cave (Near Hot Springs) – A free, off-the-beaten-path cave to explore (bring a flashlight and be careful!).
  • Cascade Falls & Swimming Hole – A free natural swimming area with warm, mineral-rich waters.
  • Tinton Ghost Town (Black Hills) – Free to explore old mining town ruins tucked in the forest.
  • Hell Canyon Trail (Near Jewel Cave) – A scenic and quiet 5.3-mile hike through rocky canyons and pine forests.
  • Belle Fourche Geographic Center of the Nation Monument – Visit the official marker for the geographic center of the U.S. for free.
  • Cement Ridge Lookout (Near Spearfish) – A quiet, lesser-known scenic overlook of the Black Hills, accessible by car.
  • Sheps Canyon Recreation Area – A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spot for hiking and fishing near Angostura Reservoir.
  • Pactola Reservoir Overlook & Beach – Free scenic views and access to a small beach area.
  • Stagebarn Canyon (Near Sturgis) – A quiet hiking and wildlife-watching area with hidden trails.

Central South Dakota

  • Red Lake (Near Fort Pierre National Grassland) – A free, secluded fishing and birdwatching area.
  • Okobojo Point Recreation Area (Lake Oahe) – A less crowded spot for free shoreline walks and fishing.
  • West Bend Recreation Area – Free shoreline hiking and wildlife watching along the Missouri River.
  • Forest City Bridge Ruins (Near Gettysburg) – Free to visit remnants of an old bridge submerged in the Missouri River.
  • Medicine Knoll Creek (Near Blunt) – A free, scenic hiking spot with a small waterfall.
  • American Creek Recreation Area (Chamberlain) – Free picnic and swimming area with Missouri River views.
  • Snake Creek Recreation Area (Lake Francis Case) – Free hiking and birdwatching with beautiful lake views.
  • Spring Creek Recreation Area – A lesser-known, free-access site for quiet fishing and picnicking.
  • Iron Nation Recreation Area – A peaceful, free-access shoreline park along the Missouri River.
  • Mina Lake Recreation Area (Near Aberdeen) – A quiet, low-cost park with great fishing and walking trails.

Eastern South Dakota

  • Big Sioux Recreation Area (Near Brandon) – A lesser-known hiking and picnic area near Sioux Falls.
  • Lake Vermillion Recreation Area – Free to explore hiking trails and quiet lakeshore spots.
  • Gitchie Manitou State Preserve (Near Sioux Falls) – A historic Native American site with ancient quartzite formations.
  • Oakwood Lakes State Park (Near Brookings) – A lesser-visited area with free hiking and cheap camping options.
  • Abbey of the Hills Retreat Center (Marvin) – A peaceful, historic former monastery with free meditation gardens.
  • Newton Hills State Park (Near Canton) – A quiet alternative to busy parks with great hiking trails ($8/day pass).
  • Silver Lake (Near Freeman) – A hidden spot for birdwatching and fishing.
  • Pickerel Lake Recreation Area – One of the cleanest, clearest lakes in South Dakota, great for a quiet beach day.
  • Homestead Orchard (Near Howard) – Free entry to a historic orchard with affordable fruit picking in season.
  • Terry Redlin Art Center (Watertown) – Free admission to a museum showcasing South Dakota’s most famous painter.