Best Places to Visit in South Dakota
Whether you are looking for a back-to-nature experience in fascinating surroundings, some great museums and cultural attractions, or a chance to explore America’s Wild West legacy, you will find it all in South Dakota.
To reach Sioux Falls from Austin, TX, we flew north for about four and a half hours ($225 round trip). Our flight landed in the afternoon so we took a cab to our vacation rental ($145/night). South Dakota is a place where the land speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression. From the whispering prairies of Pierre to the rugged drama of the Badlands, every stop offers a moment of pause, wonder, or quiet joy. It’s a state that doesn’t clamor for attention, but rewards those who listen.
Best Places to Visit in South Dakota:
Walking the Falls in Sioux Falls
Our flight landed in the afternoon so we took a cab to our vacation rental ($145/night). After dropping off the bags, we headed to the Falls Overlook Cafe.
I wanted to see the famous falls right away but we were hungry. I ordered a tasty grilled cheese sandwich followed by farm-fresh ice cream.
There was something deeply grounding about Sioux Falls. The sound of rushing water from the falls, echoing through the park had a way of quieting everything else inside me.
We strolled along the river, letting time stretch and slow. The blend of natural beauty and urban charm surprised me in the best way. I remember thinking, "This city breathes at just the right pace."
Next day, I admired the sculptures downtown followed by a brunch at Josiah’s. I had their house-made quiche with sharp cheddar and bacon, plus a buttery croissant and strong coffee.
Plan your trip to Sioux Falls:
- I always fly but you can drive from Minneapolis: ~4 hours west
- Vibe: Artistic, laid-back, nature-meets-city
- Highlights: Falls Park, SculptureWalk, Butterfly House & Aquarium
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for festivals, fall for color and crisp walks
- Cost: Mostly free or donation-based; just pay for food and parking
- Hours: Falls Park open dawn to dusk; shops vary
- Address: Falls Park Visitor Center, 900 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
Drifting Through Time in Badlands National Park
We took Interstate 90 west from Sioux Falls towards the Northeast Entrance of Badlands National Park. It took us 4 hours to reach the park. I showed my Annual Pass at the gate. The cost is $30 for 7 days.
The Badlands didn’t just look ancient...they felt ancient. Standing among the jagged spires and layered buttes, I felt small in the most humbling way.
The silence out there was vast, stretching between wind gusts and the cry of a hawk overhead.
Sunset cast everything in rose gold. I stood still not to break the spell.
What I Loved Most: Watching shadows crawl through the canyons at dusk.
My highlights? Dinner at Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant just before park exit. I had local buffalo stew with cornbread and prairie berry jam. It was hearty and comforting.
Plan your Badlands trip:
- We drove from Sioux Falls which took 4 hours. The drive from Rapid City is shorter: ~1 hour east
- Vibe: Wild, geologic, hauntingly beautiful
- Highlights: Notch Trail, Fossil Exhibit Trail, Pinnacles Overlook
- Best Time to Visit: May–June or Sept for mild temps and golden light
- Cost: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)
- Hours: Open 24/7; visitor center 9am–4pm
- Address: Ben Reifel Visitor Center, 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD
Looking Up at Legends: Mount Rushmore
After spending the night at Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park, we drove about an hour and a half to Mount Rushmore.
I expected the monument to be impressive. And it was! Although there were many visitors, there’s a stillness that hangs over Mount Rushmore.
I stood beneath those granite faces, taking in the scale. I remember thinking, "These are more than statues".
I enjoyed my walk along the Presidential Trail. I kept catching glimpses of the mountain from different angles.
My highlights? Ice cream at the Memorial Team Ice Cream Shop. Apparently it's made with Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe. Vanilla, rich and custardy, eaten slowly while staring up at history...it made the whole experience sweeter.
Plan your Mount Rushmore vacation:
- Drive Time from Rapid City: ~30 minutes southwest
- Vibe: Patriotic, monumental, reflective
- Highlights: Presidential Trail, Sculptor’s Studio, Evening Lighting Ceremony
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening in summer to avoid crowds
- Cost: No entrance fee, but parking is $10
- Hours: 5:00am–11:00pm (summer)
- Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD
Discovering Art and Adventure in Rapid City
After Mount Rushmore, we stopped in Rapid City for the night. I booked a room at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rapid City North.
Rapid City was buzzing with street art and history. I remember thinking, "This is where the West still writes its own story."
What I Loved Most: Sitting by the waterfall downtown.
My highlights? Lunch at Harriet & Oak. There was an old Volkswagen van parked inside. I had the best avocado toast I’ve ever had, topped with poached eggs, chili flakes, and lemon zest. It was warm, rustic, and alive with local flavor.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time from Mount Rushmore: ~30 minutes north
- Vibe: Creative, urban-western, family-friendly
- Highlights: Art Alley, Dinosaur Park, Main Street Square
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall
- Cost: Mostly free outdoor attractions
- Hours: Public spaces open all day
- Address: Main Street Square, 526 Main St, Rapid City, SD
Finding Whimsy in Aberdeen
Aberdeen surprised me. It was quirky, colorful, and more whimsical than I expected. Storybook Land was pure joy, childlike wonder dressed up in sculpture and song. But beyond the fantasy, there was a friendliness that settled in like sunlight on a slow afternoon. I remember thinking, "Maybe magic is just a town that knows how to smile."
What I Loved Most: Riding the Land of Oz train through castle turrets and yellow brick paths, then wandering the lake trail with a cotton candy sky above.
My highlights? A picnic lunch from Mavericks Steak & Cocktails, a grilled chicken sandwich with pepper jack, guacamole, and sweet potato fries eaten lakeside in Wylie Park. Simple and perfect.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Sioux Falls: ~3 hours north
- Vibe: Family-friendly, whimsical, laid-back
- Highlights: Storybook Land, Wylie Park, Dacotah Prairie Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Summer when everything is open and in bloom
- Cost: Free admission to Storybook Land; meals extra
- Hours: Park open 10am–8pm (summer)
- Address: Wylie Park, 2300 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD
Slowing Down by the Missouri in Pierre
There was a quiet confidence about Pierre. Tucked along the Missouri River, it didn’t ask to be noticed, it just waited. I spent an afternoon on the riverwalk, letting the breeze carry the sound of water and wind through cottonwoods. I remember thinking, "This place doesn’t shout. It whispers, and you lean in to hear."
What I Loved Most: Touring the Capitol Building, grand but warm, with marble staircases and stained glass glowing like memory.
My highlights? Dinner at La Minestra, spinach fettuccine tossed with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream sauce, paired with local wine. Candlelight, comfort, and conversation filled the evening like good music.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Aberdeen: ~2.5 hours southwest
- Vibe: Historic, peaceful, riverside charm
- Highlights: South Dakota State Capitol, Trail of Governors, Missouri Riverwalk
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for cool walks and quiet streets
- Cost: Free state sites and parking
- Hours: Capitol open 8am–5pm weekdays
- Address: South Dakota State Capitol, 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD
Conclusion: Your Journey, Your Story
South Dakota isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to feel. Each town, trail, and café has its own rhythm, waiting for you to step into it. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full road trip, let these reflections guide you, but leave room for your own moments of discovery.
Because the best part of South Dakota? It’s not just what you see, it’s how it makes you feel.
