Introduction
I still remember the moment I rounded a bend in the road and suddenly came face‑to‑face with the monumental carved faces of Mount Rushmore. It was one of those “wait, I’m really here” travel moments. Before that trip I had a vague idea that South Dakota was home to rugged landscape and Wild West lore, but what I found was so much richer: soaring granite spires, ghost‑town saloons, quiet prairie sunsets, and deep‑rooted Native American history. In this blog post I’m sharing 12 of the best fun things to do and places to visit in South Dakota, drawn from my personal experience, with an eye for both the iconic and the unexpected — and hopefully giving you ideas for your next adventure.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In South Dakota (2026)
1. Visit Mount Rushmore
Arguably the most famous landmark in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is monumental in more ways than one. Carved into the granite face of the Black Hills, it memorializes Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt.
What stood out to me: walking the Presidential Trail, hearing the patriotic ceremony at dusk, and just standing there feeling the weight of that sculpture.
Tip: Arrive early in the day (especially in summer) to avoid crowds and get good parking. Also allow time to explore the visitor center and trails.
See Also: 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Des Moines, IA
2. Explore Badlands National Park
Here’s where South Dakota shows a completely different face: alien‑looking badland formations, sweeping prairie, wide open skies. According to guides, Badlands is one of the most surreal landscapes in the U.S.
My favourite moment: watching prairie dogs pop their heads out, then pausing at a lookout as the sun set and the rock formations glowed orange.
Tip: Bring binoculars for wildlife, water and a jacket — the weather can change fast out there.
3. Wander through Custer State Park
Just when you think you’ve seen a lot of nature, Custer State Park surprises. With 71,000 acres of forest, lakes, wildlife and scenic drives, there’s something to feed every kind of nature lover.
Highlight: Driving the Needles Highway with granite spires all around, then encountering a herd of bison crossing the road.
Tip: Early morning or late afternoon drives maximize wildlife sightings. Also pick one scenic drive route and one hiking trail so you get both views and steps.
4. Discover Crazy Horse Memorial
A powerful counterpart to Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial honours Lakota leader Crazy Horse and is still under construction — symbolically meaningful and visually striking.
Why I include it: It offers deeper cultural context and a different perspective on American monuments and Native American heritage.
Tip: Plan at least a few hours to explore the museum, walk up to the viewpoint, and learn about the ongoing construction and its meaning.
5. See the waterfalls at Falls Park (Sioux Falls)
If you’re starting or ending your trip in eastern South Dakota, Falls Park in Sioux Falls offers beautiful scenery, relaxing strolls and a lovely introduction to the state.
My memory: Walking the paths along the Big Sioux River, hearing the waterfall roar, and thinking, “I did not expect this in South Dakota.”
Tip: Visit late afternoon for decent light on the falls, stay for a meal in downtown Sioux Falls afterward.
6. Walk through historic Deadwood
Old‑West charm meets heritage mix in Deadwood. Once a gold‑rush town, today it’s a place where you can feel the past while enjoying lively entertainment.
What made it fun: Strolling Main Street, visiting the Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane rest, and soaking in the mixture of history and modern‑day fun.
Tip: Visit in the morning for relaxed sightseeing, then maybe come back after dark for some live music or a gaming visit.
7. Explore Wind Cave National Park
Here’s something you might not expect: a cave! Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, tucked away in the Black Hills.
Why go: The mix of underground adventure (cave tours) and surface scenery (prairie, bison, elk) makes it a multifaceted stop.
Tip: Book a guided cave tour ahead of time and bring a light jacket — it’s cool underground.
8. Take in a drive through Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon is one of those drives you’ll remember: towering rock walls, waterfalls, lush foliage. Locals say it’s a hidden gem.
What I loved: Pulling over at a waterfall, hearing the water echo in the canyon, and just breathing that fresh mountain air.
Tip: Visit in fall for colour; drive slowly and stop at overlooks & trails.
9. Visit the paleontological wonder of Mammoth Site (Hot Springs)
Here’s a fascinating & unexpected stop: a fossil dig site where dozens of mammoth remains have been found.
Why go: Even if you don’t think of yourself as a fossil‑fan, this place will make you think about deep time and the ecology of the region.
Tip: Combine this stop with a visit to Custer State Park or Badlands — it adds diversity to your nature/history mix.
10. Attend the legendary rally in Sturgis
For a completely different kind of fun, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (held annually in August) transforms the small town of Sturgis into a vibrant hub of biking, concerts and culture.
What I experienced: The roar of engines at dawn, groups of bikers on scenic routes, upbeat energy unlike anywhere else.
Tip: If you’re not attending the rally, you can still explore the town and surroundings in the off‑season for a quieter but still interesting experience.
11. Relax & reflect at Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway & vistas
Driving the Badlands Loop is one of those travel moments where the journey is as memorable as the destination. The route winds through dramatic terrain and offers multiple stops.
Why go: It’s relaxed, self‑paced, and gives you the chance to stop wherever you like, take photos, and soak it all in.
Tip: Keep an eye on weather — storms roll in fast. Bring snacks and stop at overlooks rather than trying to “rush” through.
12. Experience culture and nature at the Crazy Horse Memorial & Native American Heritage
Yes, I know I mentioned Crazy Horse already, but it deserves two notes: the cultural side exists beyond the monument itself. The museum, events, and Native American heritage make this a meaningful stop.
My reflection: Visiting with an open mind, listening to stories about Lakota traditions and how they tie to the land, added depth to my trip.
Tip: Attend a cultural event if you can, visit the museum, and take your time at this site rather than rushing.
Final Thoughts
South Dakota wasn’t just a destination for me — it was a surprising chapter in my travel story. I came expecting rugged nature and historic landmarks, but found depth, variety, and a sense of place that stayed with me. From the soaring carved presidents at Mount Rushmore to the silent desert‑like expanse of the Badlands, from the adrenaline of the Sturgis Rally to the quiet reflection of a canyon waterfall — it’s a state of contrasts and rich experience.
Here are a few parting thoughts for your own trip:
- Stay flexible: Some of my best moments came from spontaneous stops — a pull‑out overlooking a canyon, a detour into a small town.
- Mix landmark with local: Yes hit Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Custer. But then add a lesser‑known drive or a fossil site or a cultural stop.
- Respect the land & culture: Some of these places (especially in the Black Hills) have deep Native American significance — approach with awareness and respect.
- Time your visit: Summer brings full access and lots of visitors; shoulder seasons bring quieter roads and deeper introspection.
- Bring extra memory: Don’t just take pictures — pause, breathe, absorb the open sky, the expanse, the wildness.
If I had to pick a top three to start with for first‑time visitors: Mount Rushmore (iconic), Badlands (otherworldly nature), and Custer State Park + Spearfish Canyon (combining scenic drives & wildlife). Then, depending on your time and interests, layer in the culture, caves, fossil dig sites, and even a rally night.
When I left South Dakota, I didn’t just pack my bags. I packed a little piece of quiet prairie, a memory of rock formations lit pink by sunset, and the sound of engines echoing through the hills. It changed my sense of space, scale, and story — and I think if you go, it might change yours too.