Top Things to do in South Dakota
Top Hotels in South Dakota
- 1. Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore
- 2. Bavarian Inn, Black Hills
- 3. K Bar S Lodge
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Southwest/Sioux Falls
- 5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sioux Falls
- 6. Deadwood Gulch Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- 7. Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites
- 8. Comfort Suites Conference Center Rapid City
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
- 10. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
The 9 Best Day Trips from in South Dakota, United States
South Dakota has good golf courses, skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking, and biking among rolling prairies, pine forests, and granite mountain peaks like Mount Rushmore. Glacial lakes and Missouri River reservoir lakes provide great fishing, boating, canoeing, water skiing, and windsurfing. The whole family will enjoy this prairie land where grain growing begat roadside attractions like the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Everything made from corn, even the popcorn, tastes better here. Where buffalo roam, roadside diners serve up buffalo and luscious homemade fruit pies. Shop for good deals on cowboy boots on the same Black Hills and Badland Main Streets where cowboys and cowgirls outfit themselves. Be near the eroded buttes, spires, and prairie grasslands of Badlands National Park in Lead, Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Hill City, Custer, and other nearby towns. The whole family will enjoy watching for big game like bison, bighorn sheep, antelope, eagles, and hawks. Drive the one-hour Hwy 240 loop road, with a side-trip to Robert's Prairie Dog Town. Learn about the Oglala Sioux Tribe at the White River Visitor Center, which is near Wounded Knee. Tour the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site's Cold War nuclear silos, just outside the Park's boundaries. About 90 minutes west of Badlands National Park is Mount Rushmore. Lead, Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Hill City, Whitetail Springs, and Custer are also very near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument. View Mount Rushmore from the aerial tramway in Keystone, which also houses the Borglum Historical Center celebrating the artist behind the sculpting of Rushmore. Take the kids to the Dinosaur Park in Rapid City. Attend Custer State Park’s Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. Bedazzle the whole family with sparkling calcite crystals in 151-mile long Jewel Cave. Bison, pronghorn, and elk graze the grasslands of Wind Cave National Park. Central South Dakota has the state capitol, Pierre, in addition to numerous lakes along the Missouri River. Go fishing and boating in the rivers and lakes. Take the kids to the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium in Pierre to see the state’s native fish. Drop by the Dacotah Prairie Museum along the James River in Aberdeen in the northeast to learn prairie history and natural history. Swing by Sioux Falls to see the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial and special exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum. Choose from among 10 golf courses in Sioux Falls.
Restaurants in South Dakota
1. Private Tour of the Badlands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. All tours are conducted by the owners, Cindy and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are Private Tours exclusive to the group booking the tour and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free-of-charge and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our largest vehicle, a Sprinter van seats 9, and a larger vehicle may be rented or we can add a Honda Pilot for larger groups. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Inclusions: Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice, Snacks
Exclusions: We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.
Reviewed By Lornadoone
We hired John Eposti through Tours by Locals and were thrilled with him as a guide through the Badlands National Park. We learned about the geological formations, hit a variety of different sites where we saw majestic overlooks, walked on trails, visited a missile installation and stopped to photograph wildlife. We had lunch at Wall Drug, which was a fun diversion, and even got to hear some cowboy poetry. John planned a wonderful day, and helped us appreciate a majestic landscape with warm conversation, informative facts and even arranged to have his wife meet us to help us turn in our van at the end of the day. Well worth the modest investment to enhance your trip!
2. Private Badlands Package
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This tour provides a unique glimpse into the beauty and all that the Badlands have to offer! Learn about the history of the area, and spend the day taking in the rare geology of the Badlands. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Souvenir water bottle.
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW
My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.
3. Private Black Hills Monument Package
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
You will depart Rapid City at 8:30am and travel to Mount Rushmore. You will spend time hiking around the monument. Next, you will travel to Crazy Horse Memorial, learning the importance and history of Crazy Horse. Finally, you will get an opportunity to explore beautiful Custer State Park. You will be able to see wildlife at an incredibly close proximity, and enjoy the local flora. In each of these locations, you will gain unique and rare insight into the history of the Black Hills. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch will be enjoyed at the Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial., Bottled water, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW
My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.
4. VIP Theodore Roosevelt NP Day Trip from Rapid City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Depart Rapid City early and head East to Makoshika State Park, followed by Theodore Roosevelt National Park. . This day trip takes you to one of America's most underrated national parks. Wildlife has been compared to that of The Serengeti. This tour starts super early and you get to Medora around 11 am for a tour of both The South and North Unit of the park. The wildlife landscapes of this presidents legacy are incredible. Globe Trekkers is all about giving you The VIP and attention you deserve! These are private tours (your party only), hotel pick up and drop off included, you call the stops, we take your photos for you, And we offer complimentary snacks and drinks.
Inclusions: Admission ticket , Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F
This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.
5. Private VIP Mt. Rushmore, Custer SP, Chimney Rock, Carhenge, And more!!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Guest will be picked up from there desired location and taken to Mt Rushmore. The journey only begins there! This tour is for a minimum a maximum of 6 guest. You will also visit The famous Crazy Horse statue and, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park. That is when you head south to visit The Great State of Nebraska to visit two of The Oregon Trail’s most popular icons and national monument. You will seeChimney Rock, Scottsbluff NM, Carhenge, and Toadstool geological Park.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Soda/Pop
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F
This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.
6. Private Mickelson Trail Bicycling Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
You will see areas of the Black Hills few people are able to experience. Learn the incredible history of the Mickelson Trail and what makes this trail so unique. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch, Use of bicycle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW
My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.
7. VIP Day Trip to Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, and The Badlands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Globe Trekkers is all about giving you The VIP and attention you deserve! These are private tours (your party only), hotel pick up and drop off included, you call the stops, we take your photos for you, And we offer complimentary snacks and drinks. This VIP Jeep Safari takes guest to The Badlands National Park. You will see wildlife, beautiful and mysterious scenery. Other stops include The world famous Roadside attraction Wall Drug, Wounded Knee site and Museum, Minute Man Missile site, and a few other small stops. Your driver is your guide,historian, photographer, and liaison. The trip departs from Rapid City and Custer area hotels.
Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F
This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.
8. Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. All tours are conducted by the owners, Cindy and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are Private Tours exclusive to the group booking the tour and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free-of-charge and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our largest vehicle, a Sprinter van seats 9, and a larger vehicle may be rented or we can add a Honda Pilot for larger groups. This is a great tour for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Inclusions: Snacks, Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice
Exclusions: We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.
Reviewed By Lornadoone
We hired John Eposti through Tours by Locals and were thrilled with him as a guide through the Badlands National Park. We learned about the geological formations, hit a variety of different sites where we saw majestic overlooks, walked on trails, visited a missile installation and stopped to photograph wildlife. We had lunch at Wall Drug, which was a fun diversion, and even got to hear some cowboy poetry. John planned a wonderful day, and helped us appreciate a majestic landscape with warm conversation, informative facts and even arranged to have his wife meet us to help us turn in our van at the end of the day. Well worth the modest investment to enhance your trip!
9. 2021 Buffalo Roundup September 24 Only
Premium Roundup + Safari Tour + Picnic Lunch Early 6:15am pickup in Rapid City and a 60 minute drive to Custer Park. We provide a bag chair to relax in and fruit, OJ, bottled water & breakfast snacks as we wait for the event to begin at 9:15am. Roundup usually concludes about 11am. Now the fun begins! Sliding back the van top you can enjoy the open magnificence of the 72,000 acre Park. 1. Enjoy a picnic lunch 2. Gordon Stockade - first cabins in Black Hills. 3. Sylvan Lake - walk around on the path or sit and enjoy the alpine splendor. 4. Needles Highway- stand and take in the panoramic views. 5. Iron Mountain Road- with its Pigtail Bridges, one-way roads and tunnels. 7. Back to hotel by 4:00 pm.
Inclusions: We provide a folding/bag chair. , Beer/Wine, Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities are Not Included
Reviewed By EthanMN
We had such a blast with Jeff and Open top tours. We ended seeing quite a bit more bison than I ever expected and the deep knowledge from Jeff was great for us and was very engaging for our young kids. Additionally, they went out of their way to give us additional ideas for the other days we spent in the Black Hills and make our entire trip a great one.
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