Enjoy a Graceful Getaway in South Dakota

South Dakota was built for road trips, or maybe one could argue that due to the incredible scenery, early civil engineers recognized South Dakota was the perfect place for a meandering roadway through it, as evidenced by the many national and state byways to choose from like Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway or the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway. Either way, there's no rush here. Take your time, enjoy the ride. 

Not every day do you find a James Beard-nominated chef serving up amazingly inventive dishes in an intimate space in a quaint little town nestled in a national forest. Head to the small Black Hills community of Custer, though, and you could. And in and of itself, it's worth any trip — we recommend starting with the reservation. 

Recognized by Travel + Leisure as a ‘Best Hotel in The World’ in 2022 and 2023, plus Condé Nast Traveler as a ‘Best Resort in the World’ in 2020, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore near Keystone not only offers a luxurious glamping experience tucked away in the Black Hills, it also offers magnificent views of the world-famous monument from it's lobby tent and patio. 

Harvester Kitchen by Bryan in downtown Sioux Falls offers an extraordinary fine dining experience that evokes the warmth and kinship of friends gathering for a dinner party — just in a luxuriously renovated 115-year-old historic building. 

A healing site that traces back to the Black Hills' early Indigenous history and built on the site of Hot Springs' former world-renowned hotel and bathhouse from the 1890s, Moccasin Springs provides a curative spa experience like no other. Floating above the bathhouse ruins in the mineral waters of the spa's outdoor pools and listening to the winds flow through the needles of the surrounding pines feels like a connection across time. You can also book any number of modern spa services or sign up for a yoga class. 

The heart of almost any vibrant city is a downtown or city center coruscating with life, full of unique boutique shops, fantastic local bars and restaurants, hip or upscale lodging options, and art and entertainment venues - and that's definitely true for Sioux Falls. Catch a concert at Levitt at the Falls or the Washington Pavilion. Before you do, grab a bite and some drinks at any number of astounding places. For dessert, grab a sleeve of CH Patiserrie's magnificent macaroons - trust us. After the show, check out the Treasury, Carpenter Bar or Hello Hi. Stay a night or two, and on days two and three, you can do your best to get everywhere else.   

There's something about that lake life that just can't be beaten, and come summer, it's pretty well synonymous with a graceful getaway. Lake Kampeska is a favorite of many who have spent time on its shores, the famous artist Terry Redlin being one, and it's made its way into many of his works. There are boating and water sports, a no-wake zone for kayaking and canoeing, and a state park — Sandy Shore Recreational Area — which gives visitors an excellent spot for swimming and camping. 

Photo credit: Airbnb

Located in the "Heart of the Hills," Hill City is a community of roughly 900 that has amenities that much larger towns and cities would envy. Wineries, breweries, fantastic restaurants, a main street full of beautiful shops and galleries, basically all of the biggest draws to the Black Hills, all very nearby, plus even an operating vintage steam train and station — they're all here. It also has some choice accommodation options, from well-kept, cozy inns and upscale B-and-Bs to large family cabins and some of the area's highest-rated campgrounds surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest.