South Dakota Bucket List

The Top 16 Things To Do In South Dakota This Summer

Are you planning a trip to South Dakota? How exciting! It’s safe to say that not many of us realize how much South Dakota has to offer. It may appear as a “drive through” state to those who have never actually driven through this gorgeous place but don’t be fooled. South Dakota has so many beautiful places to explore and so many varying landscapes to admire. But what should you do on your next South Dakota trip?

The Top 16 Things To Do In South Dakota

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The Basics –

Where Is South Dakota?

South Dakota is a midwestern state, that is bordered by a total of 6 states. To the north by North Dakota, to the east Minnesota, Iowa to the southeast, Wyoming to the west, Montana to the north west, and Nebraska to the south. You can see why I thought it was going to be a drive through state. It is bisected by the Missouri River.

How Did It Get Its Name?

South Dakota was named for the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes who called the state home.

How Long Has It Been A State?

North and South Dakota made up the former Dakota Territory and they both became states on November 2, 1889. Making them the 39th and 40th states to be admitted to the United States of America.

Getting Around –

The largest airport in South Dakota is in Rapid City, but it’s pretty small as airports go. It may be a better idea to fly into one of the neighboring states and rent a car.

I was on my western roadtrip and highly recommend roadtripping your way through South Dakota.

When Should I Visit South Dakota?

Well, like most of the Midwest states South Dakota has varying and distinct seasons.

Winter –

A trip to South Dakota in winter is not for the faint of heart. But if you don’t mind snow, I’m sure it’s absolutely beautiful during those cold winter months. However, a lot of attractions close at the end of October so you may be limited by what is open during the winter months.

Spring –

A trip in spring is a good way to avoid crowds but not be freezing cold while visiting all of these amazing locations. You also get the added bonus of seeing wildlife babies!

Summer –

A trip in summer will bring warm weather but with that comes the crazy crowds at most bucketlist locations in the state.

Fall –

This is when I took my roadtrip and it was pretty ideal! The days are warm enough to still enjoy any kind of outdoor activity. Most, if not all, things are still open for the season. And the crowds are less crazy than they are in summer. What’s not to love?

Know Before You Go: South Dakota Edition –

There are parts of South Dakota that are beautiful but a bit isolated.
Pay attention to gas station signs if you are roadtripping.
Cell service is hit or miss. I have Sprint and got great reception in some areas and it was a complete drop off in other areas.

Now for the good stuff….

The Top 16 Things To Do In South Dakota

Of course there are those destinations that everyone knows about in South Dakota and let’s get those out of the way first…

1. Badlands National Park –

Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750

The first and only place that was planned on my Western Roadtrip, Badlands National Park. This National Park is absolutely stunning and has a ton to offer. One day in this park is not enough, but two or three days would be ideal to explore.

It is a place that will have you thinking, “this isn’t like any place I’ve ever been” and constantly saying, “Wow! That’s beautiful!” while driving on Badlands Loop Road. Make sure to take in a sunrise or sunset, and do at least one hike, even if it’s a short one.

Don’t skip Sage Creek Rim Road if you want to see wildlife, it’s a must!

What To Pack For Wildlife Viewing:

For more on Badlands National Park Check Out These Posts: One Day In Badlands National Park, Is Badlands National Park Dog Friendly?, 10 Things To Do At Badlands National Park

2. Wall Drug –

510 Main St, Wall, SD 57790

There are a few things you will notice on any roadtrip through South Dakota. One of those is all of the billboards advertising Wall Drug. Some are funny, others are cheesy, and some are just downright silly. But you WILL notice them. So after a trip to Badlands National Park, it only makes sense to make a pit stop at Wall Drug.

Wall Drug is located in Wall, SD and the tiny little town is something like a beach town. There are a bunch of kitschy fun shops, saloons, and plenty to do. Wall Drug itself offers dining, activities, souvenirs, visitor info, and that free ice water that you see on all of the signs.

3. Mount Rushmore –

13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751

This monument is something every American (and visitor) should see once in their lifetime. Come on, you’ve got the visit the Presidents who represent the founding, growth, preservation, and development of the United States.

However, it’s important to remember that these lands belonged to Native Americans long before these sculptors set out to emblazon a mount with Presidential faces. In fact, Mount Rushmore represents the desecration of lands considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux. Who were the original residents of the Black Hills region and displaced by white settlers and gold miners in the late 19th century.

Check Out: The Sioux Nation, Is Mount Rushmore Worth A Visit?, Mount Rushmore: History Nugget

4. Crazy Horse Memorial –

12151 Avenue Of The Cheifs Crazy Horse, SD 57730

When the government didn’t hold up their end of the bargain in terms of the Treaty of Fort Laramie it forced the Sioux to renounce their claims on land that was rightfully theirs.

Warriors like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse led the Sioux resistance. This resistance included Crazy Horse’s famous defeat of Gen. George Armstrong Custer in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Which eventually led to a retaliation where federal troops crushed in the brutal massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890.

Once it is finished the Crazy Horse Memorial will be the world’s largest mountain carving, and yes, it will be larger then Mount Rushmore. The mission of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is an admirable one. They are trying to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and heritage of the North American Indians.

Learn more here.

Check Out: The Sioux Nation

5. Dignity:Of Earth And Sky –

Rest Stop before Chamberland exit, between exit 263 and 265 in Interstate 90

If you don’t know where to look, you might miss the Dignity statue. Luckily, I randomly decided to stop at this rest stop to let the dogs stretch their legs, and there she was. I was so happy that I stopped here and got to see this gorgeous monument.

Travel South Dakota describes her perfectly, “She casts a peaceful gaze across the waters of the Missouri River. During the day, the South Dakota wind brushes the diamonds in her star quilt, causing blue shades to twinkle in the sunlight. At night, she stands illuminated and strong. She is Dignity.”

The statue was sculpted by Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. The rich Native American culture of South Dakota is represented beautifully by the 50-foot Native woman. She elegantly wears a dress patterned after a two-hide Native dress of the 1850s. The outstretched quilt that she holds features 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes designed to flutter in the wind.

It’s absolutely worth a stop, it’s a clean rest stop, it has a cool Lewis and Clark exhibit, plenty of room for dogs to do their business and run around, and this amazing dignity statue. Just keep this in mind while driving through South Dakota and definitely add it to your must see list!

6. Deadwood –

You’ve probably heard about or seen the HBO series, Deadwood. But the actual town in South Dakota is a must see. If you’ve heard of Deadwood, then you know about the crazy characters that called this once rough and tumble town on. This one time gold camp turned town was known for its gamblers and gunslingers a like!

Visit the graves of Wild Bill Hickok, who was only in Deadwood for 2 short weeks before he was gunned down while playing a poker game. And his female companion, Calamity Jane who was known for her beer drinking, tobacco spitting, foul mouth! She claimed to love Wild Bill, who was married and did not return the sentiment. So, naturally the towns people buried them next to one another for all eternity.

There is so much to do in Deadwood and it’s absolutely worth a visit. I recommend a long weekend here to really appreciate all that Deadwood has to offer.

Check Out: Deadwood, South Dakota: History Nugget, 14 Fun Things To Do In Deadwood, South Dakota

7. Tatanka: Story Of The Bison –

100 Tatanka Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732.

This exhibit is not free, it costs $12 but you get access to all that Tatanka has to offer. This exhibit pays tribute to the millions of bison that once roamed this region of the United States. It also commemorates native cultures that prospered alongside the bison. Remember Kevin Costner? He actually founded and operated Tatanka. The exhibit features a bronze sculpture of bison being pursued by Native Americans on horseback. It’s very cool and definitely worth a visit! Find out more here.

8. Prairie Berry Winery –

23837 U.S. 385/US 16, Hill City, SD 57745.

What’s not to love about a winery that sells a wine called Red Ass Rhubarb Wine? If you are driving through the Black Hills you will undoubtedly see the signs for this winery! Calamity Jane, Poker Face, and Wild Bill all sound amazing and I cannot wait to stop here on my next visit to the Black Hills! Find out more here.

9. Custer State Park & Needles Highway –

13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730

Cost – $20 for admission, good for 7 days

Custer State Park is close to Mount Rushmore so it’s kind of a two for the price of one deal in that you could easily fit both into one day. Although 2 or 3 days in Custer would be best to really explore all that this State Park has to offer.

Even if you only have a day, make sure to give yourself enough time to drive some of the park’s scenic roads. Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop are 2 drives you need to do while in Custer State Park! Needles Highway is a 14 mile stretch of road that offers beautiful views, as well as, spires and tunnels.

TIP: Each year at the end of September Custer State Park has its annual Bison Roundup! In 2021, it will be the 55th Annual Roundup and it will happen Friday, September 25th. You get to watch cowboys, cowgirls, and park ranger’s roundup and drive the herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo. There is also a 3-day Art Festival for that entire weekend (Sept 24-26).

There is no admission fee for this event, but it is suggested that you arrive early. I missed this by ONE day on my western roadtrip and didn’t even know it was happening until a struck up a conversation with someone at a rest stop.

10. BONUS Custer State Park Is Dog Friendly –

You can drive those really fun scenic roads above with the pups but there are 46 dog friendly hiking trails in Custer.

Check out Sylvan Lake are where there are tons of trails and dogs can get in water.

Sylvan Lakeshore Trail is an easy 1.1 mile
Iron Mountain Road – 17 miles – tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore
Lover’s Leap Trail is a moderate 4.2 mile
Iron Creek Trail is an easy 5 miles
Grace Coolridge Walk-In Fishing Area to Center Lake is an easy 3.9 mile trail

Pet Friendly Breweries in the Black Hills –

Custer Beacon – 315 Washington Street, Custer, SD
Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co – 140 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD

11. Wind Cave National Park –

26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Cost – There is no entrance fee at Wind Cave, however, you do need to pay for cave tours

Wind Cave National Park is definitely a lesser known park but it’s still worth a visit on your next South Dakota roadtrip. But Wind Cave isn’t just about touring the caves, whether it’s going for a hiking, viewing wildlife, or pitching a tent in the backcountry, there is so much to do!

BONUS – Wind Cave National Park is semi-pet friendly! There are two hikes within park limits that are dog friendly, those are the Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trail.

There are 3 main cave tours and then a few specialty options including a candlelight tour.

Find out more here.

12. Jewel Cave National Monument –

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16, Building B12, Custer, SD 57730

Cost – $12.00 for the scenic tour

Beneath the Black Hills of South Dakota lies the magical underground world of Jewel Cave. Most of the cave’s passages are adorned with calcite crystals and other beautiful, colorful, and rare formations. This place is great and completely worth a visit.

Unfortunately, for those planning a visit in 2021, due to an elevator construction project, Jewel Cave National Monument is not providing access to the cave right now. The monument will be rehabilitating the elevators during the off-season and into the spring and early summer months of 2021.

Find out more here.

13. Spearfish and Bear Butte State Park –

Spearfish is a really cute town surrounded by unmatched natural beauty and it really has something for everyone. For those who like outdoor adventures check out Bridal Veil Falls. Or take a drive to Bear Butte State Park, this land is sacred to Native American tribes in the area including the Lakota Sioux. Who still come here to hold religious ceremonies, and if you happen upon one, please be respectful.

BONUS – Spearfish has a lot of dog friendly options!

Hikes At A Glance:

Roughlock Falls Trail

Distance: 2.1 miles
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 242 ft

Devil’s Bathtub

Distance: 1.1 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 173 ft

Sips & Eats:

Red Water Café’

Where: 741 N Main St Suite #120, Spearfish, SD 57783
Hours: Mon – Fri 11 am – 9 pm, Weekends 8 am – 9 pm

Spearfish Creek Wine Bar

Where: 127 W Grant St, Spearfish, SD 57783
Hours: Tues – Thurs 12 – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 – 11 pm, Sun 12 – 7 pm
- Closed Monday

14. Mammoth Site & Museum –

1800 US 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Cost – (Ages 4-12) – $9.00
(Active & Retired Military) – $9.00
(Ages 13-59) – $12.00
(Ages 60 & Over) – $10.00

This place is really cool and has an awesome story: basically, a heavy equipment operator was leveling the ground in Hot Springs when he struck something. Upon closer inspection, the operator saw that it was a 7 ft long tusk, along with other large bones. Can you imagine seeing something like that? Imagine his surprise when the bones ended up being those of a wooly mammoth.

There is a very high concentration of mammoth remains here on about 14 acres of land. The area is believed to have been a large sinkhole formed about 26,000 years ago. Sadly, many mammoths got stuck due to their size. There are 61 mammoths that have been discovered here, so far.

15. The Lewis & Clark Trial –

The Lewis and Clark Trail spans 16 states and 4,900 miles. President Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase with France in 1803, acquiring around 827,000 miles of land west of the Mississippi River for a cool $15 million. President Jefferson acquired this new land and sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the new territory. The Lewis and Clark team consisted of 31 members who met very little resistance as they passed through South Dakota. After the expeditions return in 1806 there was an onslaught of interest in traveling west.

The trail stretches through most of South Dakota and there are several historical sites that you can visit along the trail. These include Spirit Mound, the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, and the Pierre Dorion Memorial.

Find more great ideas for visiting the Lewis and Clark Trail here and here.

16. Check Out A Powwow –

What isn’t to love about watching a Native American cultural celebration? You will hear the beating of drums, and soulful singing, and of course mesmerizing dances at a powwow.

A powwow is a traditional Native American cultural celebration and social event that can last for several days. Also known as a ‘wacipi’ (Lakota and Nakota for dance), these are held when Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota conduct honorings and giveaways. During the summer months, these celebrations are held outdoors and open to spectators.

During certain dances, spectators may be asked to participate. However, it’s always best to remain in spectator areas unless you are specifically invited. Please, please, be respectful and follow visitor etiquette which you can find here. These celebrations generally take place from April to October. Find the schedule for powwows here, but please check to make sure they are happening in 2021. Tribal lands were hit incredibly hard with COVID-19 because of lack of resources and rightfully so they were closed to visitors for most of 2020.

Mapping Out South Dakota Bucketlist:

There is so much to do and it’s absolutely not a state that you just want to drive through. Get out and explore all that this beautiful state has to offer. Have you been to South Dakota? What was your favorite spot?