South Dakota is such an underdog state. You probably could not point to it on a map, or even visualize what is in South Dakota. You might not have even known that it is the Mount Rushmore state (I surely did not), but you will be so surprised by all the opportunities for adventure and outdoor recreation in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest. From hiking to mountain biking to camping, snowshoeing, and all of the above! There are so many ways you can experience the natural wonders of South Dakota. And oh, are those natural wonders awe-inspiring.
As a state in the Midwestern US, South Dakota is sparsely populated. On the contrary, it abounds with rolling prairies, towering rock formations, and breathtaking canyons, gulches, streams and lakes. Its history includes the settlement of Sioux Native American tribes, homesteaders, and gold miners alike, whose cultural presence is still visible all over the state.
I personally never thought I would enjoy South Dakota as much as I did during the two years that I lived there, but I admit that I have become attached. The small town charm and the exhilarating outdoors are truly memorable. I hope this guide to South Dakota will make you fall in love with the Midwest as well.
*Note: This guide only covers West River South Dakota, which is the part of the state just west of the Missouri River, and does not go into detail about East River locations such as Sioux Falls. I just don’t have any experience with that area.
Another Note: If you’re viewing this page on a desktop, there is a Table of Contents tab on the left side of the screen that you can use to quickly click through to each section.
1. Trip Planning
How to Get There
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the main airport you will likely fly into. Since it is a regional airport, flights may be pricy depending on where you’re flying in from. However, if you book with CheapOair, you’re offered the option of monthly payments.
If you are coming from any of the surrounding states, I would recommend taking a road trip to offset those costs. However, be aware that there will be large, boring expanses of land along the way no matter which direction you come from.
When to Visit
I highly recommend visiting South Dakota during the summer months (June, July, and August), unless you are planning for snow activities and are used to driving in the snow. Late-May, September, and October may be good as well, but the summers are the best compared to the unpredictable weather during the remainder of the year.
Although it will be peak season for tourists, it will never be as crowded like it is in popular national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. However, you will want to avoid visiting during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is one of the largest rallies in the world, and causes accommodation prices to skyrocket in early August (Aug. 6-15 for the year 2021).
There will be significantly less tourists during the off-season spring and fall months, but like I said before, the year-to-year weather is very unpredictable and may require last-minute changes. In addition, there will be less tourist attractions, cooler weather, and possible road closures due to snow. Winters in South Dakota are brutal with blizzards and temperatures that often drop well below 0°F (-17°C). These months should be avoided at all costs for anyone who is not acclimated to the snow.,
Fall foliage in Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful you will ever see. Peak color changes occur between late September to early October. I definitely recommend squeezing a stop in if you’ll be driving through during that time, and know there aren’t any snow storms coming. Check the Fall Color Report for the most recent updates.
Transportation
There are buses and trolleys that can take you around Rapid City, but unfortunately there is no public transportation that you can take outside the city. I would recommend renting a car or RV to be able to fully experience all that South Dakota has to offer. Outdoorsy and RV Share are both great options for finding RV rentals.
Luckily, traffic is nearly unheard of in West River South Dakota, so you won’t have to worry about that too much.
Where to Stay
I recommend making accommodations in Rapid City, since it is the largest city on the west side of the state, and is at the center of all the biggest attractions, with most places being about an hour away.
- If you want to be close to Mount Rushmore, then making accommodations in Hill City will be your best bet.
- If you want to be close to Custer State Park, there are campsites, cabins, and lodges available within the park itself.
- If you want to be close to Badlands National Park, there are campsites available within the park, but instead, I’d recommend booking accommodations in Rapid City. You will need to be very prepared if you plan to camp in the Badlands, because there are very few resources nearby.
Be sure to read Section 4 on Lodging Options that I recommend in South Dakota.
Weather
As discussed above, the year-by-year weather varies greatly.
Summers are quite amicable, with high temperatures ranging from 70-90°F (21-32°C). However, it’s impossible to know for sure what years will get an early summer or early winter.
In addition snow storms occur sporadically throughout the spring and fall seasons. The snow usually melts very fast, but that can cause muddy trails, and icy or slushy roads.
On the other hand, the intense winters are very dry and windy — think hurricane-speed winds. Temperatures often drop well below 0°F (-17°C), and blizzards can cause serious road hazards. Furthermore, daylight hours are at their minimum, with the sun setting at around 5 p.m. in the peak of winter.
Visit the National Weather Service for a monthly analysis of weather in the Black Hills.
Cell Phone Coverage
Since the Midwest is so sparsely populated compared to the rest of the US, cell phone coverage is not as complete for almost all mobile providers, and there is often no coverage at all in certain parts of the Black Hills. To prevent getting stranded without a map, I recommend downloading a custom map for offline use on Google Maps.
2. Things To Do
If you are an outdoorsy person, you will love South Dakota, because you will never run out of natural views, and trails to hike. Also, did I mention it’s the Mount Rushmore state?
For easy planning, check out my South Dakota Itinerary for the Ultimate Mount Rushmore Vacation.
Mount Rushmore
This 60-foot sculpture of four US presidents carved into granite has become internationally known as a symbol of American freedom and democracy. With over 2 million visitors per year, the sculpture, which was designed by Gutzon Borglum and completed with the help of his son Lincoln Borglum, has become one of the most recognizable monuments in the United States.
Wrinkled Rock – If you’re into rock climbing and want to experience Mount Rushmore the way that locals do, there are a few climbing routes just behind the sculpture in the Wrinkled Rock climbing area.
- Crazy Horse Memorial – Another monument, located just a half-hour away from Mount Rushmore, depicts the Lakota leader known as Crazy Horse, and is home to both the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center. While the privately-owned sculpture is still under construction, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world upon completion.
Rapid City
With a population of 77,503 in 2019, Rapid City is the second largest city in South Dakota. It is also known as the “City of Presidents” as bronze statues of past American presidents line the quaint, Western streets of the downtown area. There is plenty of shopping and dining along with other fun events in Rapid City, but believe it or not, there are actually a handful of hiking and mountain biking trails as well.
- Shopping Downtown – Downtown Rapid City is very walkable, making it an ideal place to take a relaxing walk in the sun, and window shop in all the local boutiques and specialty stores.
- Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park – This privately-owned park, which is located in the center of Rapid City, is just a few minutes from downtown. It features 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking and running trails that are all open to the public. The skyline view of Rapid City from the top of M Hill is especially memorable.
- Summer Nights – Summer Nights is a free event that features local bands and food vendors every Thursday night in the summer. On average it draws in 8,000 people who just want to have fun and party it up in the streets downtown.
- Looking for more things to do in Rapid City? Read my post on 31 Fun Things to Do in Rapid City.
Custer State Park
Custer state park is famous for its granite spires, bison herds, and gorgeous scenery. It is one of the largest state parks in the US, With 71,000 acres abounding with hiking trails and wildlife. It is such an amazing place to visit. In fact, some visitors have even claimed that Custer State Park should become a national park.
- Black Elk Peak (also known as Harney peak) – At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in North America east of the Rockies, and offers magnificent views of the Black Hills National Forest. The 7.6 mile loop trail to the peak provides a great view of granite spires in the distance, as well. It is a truly authentic South Dakota experience that you must see for yourself. Read about other trails in Custer in my article on 5 Popular Hiking Trails in Custer State Park.
- Scenic Drives – For those that are more willing to explore Custer’s beauty from the comfort of their car, the scenic drives through Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop are the perfect options. Drive through narrow tunnels carved through the granite rocks on Needles Highway, or search for herds of buffalo and pronghorns in the Wildlife Loop.
- Buffalo Roundup – Around late September every year, Custer State Park gathers a group of cowboys and cowgirls to roundup the 1,300 buffalo on the property. Watching these grand beasts rush past you before being tested and sorted is an amazing experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Located northwest of Rapid City is yet another beautiful feature of the Black Hills, known as the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Drive 22 miles through the gorge with soaring limestone on the right and rich greenery and a creek along the left.
- Waterfalls – Waterfalls dotted throughout Spearfish Canyon make the experience especially unique, with the most popular ones being Bridalveil Falls and Roughlock Falls.
- Hiking – The trails in Spearfish Canyon are some of my favorites with so many natural features. The most well-known trails include Devil’s Bathtub, and Iron Creek Trail. Find more details in my article on the 5 Best Hiking Trails in Spearfish Canyon.
Badlands National Park
After millions of years of geological transformation, the Badlands National Park provides us with a visual storybook of the past. It’s epic canyons, buttes, and pinnacles have eroded into some of the vibrant colors seen today, and hidden just below the sediment is the richest fossil bed in the world. Now home to a variety of wildlife, you can find bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs roaming the land. Be sure to read my warnings at the beginning of this article for tips on staying safe while visiting Badlands National Park.
- Easy Hikes – Some short hiking trails (< 2 mi) that I recommend to enhance your experience include Notch Trail, which features a ladder, Door Trail, and my personal favorite, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail.
- Advanced Hikes – For more advanced hikers, there is also the 10.5 mile Castle Trail, which allows you to see the rock formations up close.
- For full details about hiking in the Badlands, read my article on the 8 Most Traveled Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park.
Wind Cave National Park
- Guided Tours – Crawl through the narrow passageways of Wind Cave National Park, or experience the cave like the early explorers did by candlelight on a ranger-guided tour. It is the only way to enter the cave since the 150 miles of mapped passageways are very easy to get lost in.
- Prairies – Contrary to its name, Wind Cave National Park is also known for its 33,851 acres of luscious, untouched prairies. Hike any of the 30 miles of trails, or take a scenic drive in search of buffalo, elk, and other wildlife. It is an open hike park. Therefore, visitors are welcome to hike off of the designated trails to find their own adventures.
Jewel Cave National Monument
Another cave that ranks in as one of the longest in the world is Jewel Cave National Monument. It differs from Wind Cave, however, by the large variety of calcite formations that line the cave walls. Nailhead spar, dogtooth spar, boxwork, cave popcorn, flowstone, and cave bacon – it has it all.
- Guided Tours – Jewel Cave offers a variety of ways to explore the cave as guided by a ranger. Scramble, climb and crawl through the cave or find your way with a lantern, among other options. It is the only way to enter the cave since the 200 miles of mapped passageways are very easy to get lost in.
- Hiking Trails – Although not as vast as Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave does have three hiking trails that feature magnificent views of the forests, canyons, and cliffs.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
- Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame – Learn everything about the history of motorcycles along an extensive display of classic models. Then, head to the Hall of Fame downstairs, where influential riders of the motorcycle community are honored for their various contributions and accomplishments.
- Bear Butte State Park – Hike to the top of the igneous rock intrusion known as Bear Butte via the Summit Trail. The 1,200 ft. (.4 km) peak offers an expansive view of the area.
Be Respectful: The geological formation Bear Butte is a sacred place for several Native American tribes. Consequently, you may see colorful pieces of cloths or small pouches tied to trees. They are called prayer offerings. Please refrain from touching, removing, or photographing the prayer offerings.
Historic Deadwood
- Museums – Go back in time to see what life was like during the Old West era at the Adams Museum. There you’ll see memorabilia from rough and tumble figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Charlie Utter, and Seth Bullock. On the other hand, the Days of ‘76 Museum features a variety of horse-drawn wagons, stage coaches, and carriages to honor the early pioneers of Deadwood.
- Mickelson Trail – The George S. Mickelson Trail (or Mickelson Trail for short) is a wonderful, 109-mile long trail that meanders through Black Hills landscape featuring ponderosa pine, and rock tunnels. It is accessible from 14 different trailheads for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to explore the converted railroad.
The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
Terry Peak Ski Area
3. What to Eat
Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.
If you want the full South Dakota experience, you MUST stop at Black Hills Burger and Bun Co. They were named the #1 burger joint in America by TripAdvisor in 2014, and have maintained that popularity ever since. Everything about them is fresh, flavorful, and mind-blowing from the homemade buns to the freshly ground meat. The Hot Granny is a personal favorite of mine. It has cream cheese, fresh jalapenos, and bacon with a sweet and spicy homemade jalapeno jam. But I should warn you, once you’ve spoiled yourself with these burgers, you won’t find another like it anywhere else.
Skogen Kitchen
I actually didn’t get the chance to eat at Skogen Kitchen before we moved away from South Dakota, and I regret it every single day. Everyone who’s eaten there gives raving reviews of the chef’s culinary creations. The menu is “small and focused” with innovative dishes such as Japanese French Toast for brunch and Pheasant Breast for dinner. However, you will have to be open to the adventurous dining experience, as the menu is always changing. It is an intimate and classy 12-table restaurant that will require a reservation (available online or by phone), since seats fill up fast.
If you happen to have access to a kitchen during your stay in South Dakota, I’d recommend trying something different and buying any variety of mushrooms from Black Hills Mushrooms. Business owner Alan grows and forages them himself right in the Black Hills. You can find his mushrooms at the Black Hills Farmers Market on Omaha St. or in a number of local markets in Rapid City like Breadroot Natural Foods Co-Op. You can also message him directly on Facebook to meet up with him at your convenience. The variety of mushrooms available depends on the season, but can include oyster mushrooms, lions mane, wine caps, morels, shiitake, and more. My favorite is the lobster mushroom, which tastes just like lobster 😍 If you think you’re not a mushroom person, try them, and I swear you’ll change your mind.
More
For more detailed descriptions on where to eat, check out my post on the 11 Best Restaurants in Rapid City.
4. Lodging Options
There are a variety of lodging options available in South Dakota, including resorts, hotels, cabins, campgrounds, RV parks, and Airbnbs, with the most unique option of glamping by Mount Rushmore. See the unique experiences I’ve put together below, or search for yourself via the Booking.com widget below.
- Luxurious camping under the stars with Under Canvas in Keystone, SD
- Sleep with ghosts on the 8th floor of Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, SD
- Gamble at the casino or splash in the indoor water park at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, SD
- Find your temporary home on wheels with an RV rental from Outdoorsy or RVshare
- Experience Midwestern hospitality from any of these exciting Airbnbs
5. Facebook Groups
Looking for advice about certain trails or other South Dakota related questions? Check out the Facebook groups listed below. They post lots of photos, and the users are very active and willing to help.
I hope this travel guide answered all the questions you could possibly have about South Dakota. If you need even more reasons to visit, read the 21 Things I Love About the Black Hills, South Dakota.
If you have any further questions or would like to mention something I missed, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
Happy Adventuring 
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