Come explore South Dakota
Filled with so many things to see, smell, TASTE, hear and feel.
And endless reasons to pack your bags.
Natural beauty and wonder await you in South Dakota, often referred to as the land of infinite variety. Ranked 16th in size among the 50 states and located in the North Central region of the United States, it is also part of the Great Plains and boasts more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida.
You'll be inspired to expand your journey from the Black Hills and Badlands in the west to the glacial lakes and outdoor adventures of the northeast. Along the way, follow the Missouri River as it flows through central South Dakota, pausing to experience the history of Lewis and Clark. And discover the land of the southeast, with its bustling cities, quiet country escapes and family attractions.
There are endless fun things to do in South Dakota for adventurers of all ages and interests — especially the iconic Great 8 landmarks that put our state on the map. Explore many other sites and attractions, eat delicious foods and find a cozy place to stay for the night — whether a B&B, campground, RV park, resort or hotel. Family fun is easy when traveling with kids here, between all the waterparks and amusement parks, rodeos, drive-in movies and more. And above all else, be sure to relax and enjoy the good life while in SoDak.
Need more guidance? Use our maps of South Dakota, get some travel tips or follow a trip itinerary. As you venture back home, you’ll know you truly made memories that will last forever.
This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.
America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country.
The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.
Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.
Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.
History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.
The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.
Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota, and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide opportunities to learn and explore.
Another adventure is always waiting just around the bend in South Dakota. Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences!
We're ready to surprise and amaze you. So bring your imagination — and your sense of wonder — and discover the greatness that lies within our beloved lands.
South Dakota Stories Podcast
South Dakota is where buffalo roam, gunslingers entertain, and mountains and monuments stand tall over open land. Produced by the award-winning Armchair Productions and recorded on-location throughout South Dakota, this audio adventure podcast is designed to do more than just let you hear what it’s like to be there!
