The Travel South Dakota Stories Podcast

Feel the ground rumble and the dust fly as 60 cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to bring in a thundering herd of 1,300 buffalo at the 57th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. From the back of a truck, we discover that the South Dakota spirit isn't just adventurous — it's infectious with history, charm and fun.

The discovery of riches in the southern Black Hills in 1874 kicked off one of the largest gold rushes in America. Not long after, Deadwood became a rough-and-ready boomtown that steadily lured bands of outlaws, gamblers and gunslingers. Join us as we discover why the legendary frontier town is now a lot less rough, but just as much fun.

Join us to understand what makes Indigenous culture in South Dakota so unique. And as you hear these stories and the history of this fascinating and colorful culture, including the colossal Crazy Horse Memorial®, you’ll soon discover that you need to experience South Dakota for yourself.

In Africa, people go on safari in search of the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo. In South Dakota, you can encounter the HUGE Four: Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, raptor and mammoth. Roll up your sleeves for a prehistoric adventure in one of the world's paleontology hot spots.

Rodeo is a pure reflection of the spirit of the American West, and in South Dakota, it's not just the official sport — it’s a way of life! Hear hooves pound the dirt and crowds roar as you get an immersive look at the skill, tradition and daring on display at one of the top rodeos in the region.

In 1879, Charles Ingalls moved his family to South Dakota to start a new life in the small community of De Smet. His daughter, Laura Ingalls Wilder, went on to captivate the world with her "Little House on the Prairie" books chronicling life on the Western frontier. Join us for a journey through Laura’s incredible life and legacy.

As soon as we arrive at Fort Sisseton, we’re handed Civil War-era muskets. That’s because we’ve enlisted in the Army — the Union Army! Join us at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, where we take part in marching drills, sleep in a haunted hospital and step on toes at the Military Ball, all while learning about the fort’s place in American history.

The Lakota people call it Mako Sica — “bad lands.” So, is it a fitting name? Find out as we hike through a colorful tapestry of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires in Badlands National Park, where we discover ancient fossils, wildlife and scenes straight out of a Western movie.

South Dakota's culinary scene has been shaped by Indigenous people, immigrants, farmers, hunters … and even church-basement ladies. From a festival celebrating the official state nosh to an award-winning restaurant in an unexpected place, follow us on a four-course road trip of South Dakota’s most unique flavors.