Hikers in the Badlands
South Dakota Trip Starters

Go Great Places

Your guide to rediscovering the world, one great place at a time.

topographic background texture

Adventure Lives Here

Trek across the state or head just down the road – there’s adventure near you.

Greatest Hits: I-90 Adventures

I90 Adventure pdf image

Your favorite tunes, endless sky and a bag of Dakota Style Sunflower Seeds: that’s the recipe for a road trip to remember. As you make your way along I-90, make time for these sweet stops, shops and photo-ops.

Download >>
Missouri River
Missouri River

Central South Dakota – Missouri River

Central South Dakota has a different kind of beauty. The sky is wider, the horizons literally endless. The Missouri River is equally impressive, as are the rolling hills on its banks. For hunting and fishing — especially for pheasants and walleye — there’s no greater destination than this. Native Americans have lived here for centuries, as have their traditions. Explore it all as you find your adventure on the river.

Learn More >>

Atka Lakota Museum & Cultural CenterAkta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

Chamberlain, SD // 800-798-3452

Boat on the water in MobridgeMobridge

Mobridge, SD // 605-845-2500

People riding in a horse drawn wagon
Ingalls Homestead, De Smet

Northeastern South Dakota – Glacial Lakes & Prairies

Northeastern South Dakota’s prairies have more than meets the eye, even though what meets the eye is pretty cool, too. Along every mile you’ll find off-the-beaten path destinations for families and outdoor lovers alike, plus hometown eats, historic landmarks and museums. Explore cute rural towns and state parks perfect for waterside camping, walleye fishing and beach bumming.

Learn More >>

Tandem kayakersBrookings – Reconnect with Travel. Reconnect with Nature.

Brookings, SD // 800-699-6125

Children's MuseumChildren’s Museum of South Dakota

Brookings, SD // 605-692-6700

Two children in old time prairie attireDe Smet

De Smet, SD // 866-528-7273

South Dakota Art MuseumSouth Dakota Art Museum

Brookings, SD // 605-688-5423

WatertownWatertown

Watertown, SD // 605-753-0282

Boots, Brews & Views

Boots, Brews & Views PDF visual

One of the best parts of any hike is the cold reward at the end. We’re talking about the legendary backpack beer, hard-earned and well-deserved — a beer that goes perfect with nature’s live music. Here are a few of our favorite trails and a South Dakota brew for each.

Download >>
Big Sioux River
Big Sioux River

Southeastern South Dakota – Big Sioux & Beyond 

Let’s start with South Dakota’s biggest city, Sioux Falls. Specifically, let’s start downtown, where you can’t wave a fork without hitting a great place to eat. Guy Fieri agrees. He recently lauded Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen on his show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, saying “Balanced, creative, the list goes on and on. Excellent!” Just down the street you’ll find more artistic flavor. This time, it’s dozens of statues in the SculptureWalk. Be sure to read the artist quotes in the captions — they’re often the best part. It’s only the beginning of what you’ll discover.

LEARN MORE >>

Couple in adirondack chairs at Lewis & Clark Resort Lewis & Clark Resort

Yankton, SD // 605-665-2680

Mitchell Prehistoric Indian VillageMitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

Mitchell, SD // 605-996-5473

Sioux FallsSioux Falls – Always in season

Sioux Falls, SD // 605-275-6060

Pool at Yogi Bear CampgroundYogi Bear Campground Resort 

Sioux Falls, SD // 800-638-9043

Greatest Hits: Scenic Drives

Scenic Drives PDF visual

Keeping your eyes on the road is easier said than done when you cruise pavement like this.

Learn More >>
Buffalo in the Badlands
Badlands National Park

Western SD – Black Hills & Badlands Region 

The land of Mount Rushmore National Memorial is also home to six national park units. It has bison herds and ATV trails. You’ll find frontier history, hot springs, gold mines and Native American legends. And that’s the abridged version. It’s an all-American destination — perfect for families, foodies, nature lovers, history hunters, wine-sippers and road-trippers. Spend an afternoon, a few days or a few weeks. There’s more than enough to keep you busy.

Learn More >>

Girls panning for gold at Big Thunder Gold MineBig Thunder Gold Mine

Keystone, SD // 605-666-4847

Black Hills Adventure Tours vanBlack Hills Adventure Tours

Rapid City, SD // 605-209-7817

Man in Black Hills CavernsBlack Hills Caverns

Rapid City, SD // 605-343-0542

Crazy Horse MemorialCrazy Horse Memorial®

Custer, SD // 605-673-4681

Buffalo at Custer State ParkCuster State Park 

Custer, SD // 888-875-0001

HandbagsThe Handbag Store

Hill City, SD // 605-574-9585

Hot Air Balloons in Hot SpringsHot Springs

Hot Springs, SD // 605-745-4140

Mammoth SiteThe Mammoth Site

Hot Springs, SD // 605-745-6017

Prairie Berry WineryPrairie Berry Winery

Hill City, SD // 877-226-9453

Rapid CityRapid City 

Rapid City, SD // 800-487-3223

Reptile GardenReptile Gardens

Rapid City, SD // 605-342-5873

Hikers overlooking the BadlandsWall – Your “Window to the West”

Wall, SD // 888-852-9255

Jackalope at Wall DrugWall Drug Store 

Wall, SD // 605-279-2175

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA
2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide Cover
Order Your Free Vacation Guide

Find our Travel Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

Dignity: of Earth & Sky Statue Chamberlain South Dakota
Sign Up for the E-Newsletter

Receive monthly inspiration about places to see, activities to try and upcoming events.

Newton Hills fall hiking
Discover South Dakota's Great Finds

Earn prizes and discounts as you explore off-the-beaten-path attractions on your next South Dakota adventure.

#HIFROMSD