13 Amazing South Dakota Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
Nicknamed the "Mount Rushmore State," South Dakota is renowned for its rugged Western landscapes and historic towns in the United States. However, many visitors only experience the attractions within major hubs like Rapid City and Sioux Falls without exploring further. Hidden gems are just begging to be discovered across the scenic grasslands and buttes. This post highlights possible day trip destinations within comfortable driving distances of urban areas.
From UNESCO sites and wildlife refuges to quaint villages and thrilling recreation areas, these "Prairie Picks" offer the perfect dose of culture, nature, and adventure. Whether seeking Native American heritage, agritourism, or mountain vistas, the following South Dakota day trips epitomize the state's frontier character and adventurous spirit.
Badlands National Park
Picturesque, rugged beauty with scenic drives and hikes draw adventurers to Badlands National Park. This magical nature space is an hour-long drive southwest of Rapid City and promises all manner of outdoor opportunities. With more than 200,000 acres of raw wilderness to explore, scenic drives are an efficient way of exploring the reserve. You can get behind the wheel to discover badland formations along Sage Creek Rim Road, with a chance to spot native wildlife like bison.
The park has two official campgrounds and tent pitchers can live their best lives at Cedar Pass or Sage Creek Wilderness Area. Meanwhile, sightseers and nature photographers can get the best perspective of the sprawling badland landscapes from Sheep Mountain Table.
Black Hills National Forest
Amid the superb scenery of the Black Hills National Forest, visitors can look forward to endless hikes, scenic drives, and vistas for the ultimate outdoor experience. This rugged wilderness is just under an hour's drive from Rapid City and provides 450 miles of trail differentiated by length and difficulty level. Anglers can prepare for a promising day out with access to multiple fishing spots, from Sheridan Lake to Deerfield Reservoir. Fish species in the area include crappie, rainbow trout, and perch, among others.
Experience Black Hills National Forest from a bike along different surfaces. Opportunities abound, and mountain bikers can opt for the Centennial, which connects to Dalton Lake Trailhead and Alkali Creek Trailhead on either side.
Custer State Park
A half-hour trip south of Rapid City brings you to beautiful Custer State Park, considered by many as the country's last truly wild place. Over 1,000 bison roam the 71,000 acres in the reserve, but bring your binoculars to spot many more wildlife species, including elk, pronghorn antelope, and mountain goats, as you drive along the Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway.
Hiking is an excellent alternative to discovering the area, with an unforgettable adventure awaiting along the 7-mile Black Elk Peak Loop. The route leads to the highest point in the state, rewarding hikers with sweeping panoramas of the Black Hills Area. The postcard-worthy Sylvan Lake is not only a dream location for nature photographers but also fuels various water-based adventures, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Wind Cave National Park
It takes a 1-hour trip from Rapid City to discover the underground wonders hidden within Wind Cave National Park. Between its forested hillsides and sprawling prairies, this preserve harbors endless adventures, promising rare sightings of native wildlife. Before beginning the tour, you'll be intrigued by Wind Cave's Natural Entrance, the largest natural opening and the only known naturally formed entrance into the cave.
However, the highlight has to be venturing down under to explore one of the country's most complex and longest cavern systems. Embrace the sights and sounds of wildlife as you get lost in the Wind Cave National Park isolated wasteland. The bison herds make some of the most satisfying visual spectacles but your heart will skip a beat when you hear the bulge of a male elk.
Crazy Horse Memorial
It takes 45 minutes to drive from Rapid City to Crazy Horse Horse Memorial, where you can witness an Eight Wonder of the World and immerse in surreal Native American culture. The site is home to the largest mountain carving in the world and a popular subject for nature photographers. A bus tour is a comfortable and convenient way of getting around the area, taking visitors on a sightseeing excursion to the mountain's foothill for a close-up view of the sculpture.
Additionally, you can learn about Indian heritage at the Native American Educational and Cultural Center. The facility houses distinct exhibits and plans interactive activities to acclimatize guests to American Indian culture and history.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Delve into the intrigues of the Cold War and race to nuclear arms supremacy at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. The site preserves America's last intact Minuteman II ICBM system, although in a demilitarized status. It takes just over an hour on the road to reach the location from Rapid City, and you can start exploring at the Visitor Center, where exhibits provide background to the Cold War. Another excellent way to get the backstory is to watch the half-hour park film, "Beneath The Plains: The Minuteman Missile On Alert."
Guests can choose from a selection of distinct tours for an up-close encounter with the monument. The "Frontline of the Cold War Tour" is a fan favorite. It takes visitors to the control center at Delta-01 before descending to the Launch Control Center.
Reptile Gardens
If you have limited time for your getaway and don't want to stray too far, Reptile Gardens is among the best South Dakota day trips from Rapid City. This lovely oasis is a little over 10 minutes from downtown and welcomes vacationers to range over a biodiverse habitat with lush greenery and thriving wildlife. Christened the world's largest reptile zoo, the site is split into multiple sections. At the Safari Room of the SkyDome, guests can roam through towering trees and tropical plants to admire colorful parrots, resting tortoises, and roaming lizards.
Snake lovers can stop the Mezzanine for breathtaking views of rattlesnakes, mambas, cobras, and pythons from behind the glass. Finally, you don't want to miss one of the tense shows, especially the Gator show. This heart-gripping spectacle features a solo handler surrounded by a dozen gators.
Lake Herman State Park
Situated an hour northwest of Sioux Falls, the journey to Lake Herman State Park rewards rod trippers with countless recreation opportunities on and around a 1,350-acre reservoir. The calm lake waters support various activities, from kayaking and boating to fishing. Visitors can also hike or bike up to 3 miles of trail looping around the lake for a unique perspective of the surroundings.
Meanwhile, straying away from the lakeshore leads you to a prairie grass and native oak woodland wilderness teeming with birds and other animal species. If you like camping, Lake Herman State Park provides over 70 campsites with electric hook-ups.
Palisades State Park
Dramatic river bluffs, jagged cliffs, and stunning rock formations define the amazing scenery of Palisades State Park. Fortunately, it only takes a half-hour drive north of Sioux Falls to fabulous wonderland. The park's 50-foot vertical cliffs and colorful Sioux quartzite formations are a dream subject for mature photographers. Climbing to the summit of the rocks also culminates in unbeatable vantage points from where you can savor 360-degree views of the extraordinary landscapes.
Meanwhile, Split Rock Creek cuts through Palisades State Park and supports activities like fishing and kayaking. Finally, the quiet river banks make ideal picnic spots for chilling and reveling in the atmosphere.
Great Plains Zoo
If you want a short day trip from Sioux Falls to spend quality time with family, you can't go wrong with Great Plains Zoo. This terrific destination is less than 10 minutes from downtown and promises visitors a family-friendly safari. The refuge spans 45 acres and hosts over 1,000 animals, representing at least 137 species. Animals are the main attraction, and despite the zoo's small stature, you can still see exotic beasts like tigers, rhinos, lions, and giraffes.
Besides the safari, Great Plains Zoo provides more fun adventures, and kids will fancy a ride on the carousel. Meanwhile, visiting families can find delightful picnic spots to relax and enjoy a treat from the many concession stands around the sanctuary.
Good Earth State Park
Escape the crowds and chaos in downtown Sioux Falls for a doze of serenity at Good Earth State Park. This local gem is just over a 20-minute drive from the urban core and promises various adventurous pursuits. The Big Sioux River flows through the park and is a popular recreation hub for fishermen, boaters, kayakers, and other aquatic enthusiasts. A decent wildlife population thrives on the fertile flood plains, allowing sightseers to spot diverse bird and mammal species.
Several isolated and rugged trails traverse Good Earth State Park, which can accommodate hikers and bikers who are curious to discover the different historical treasures and go on geocaching excursions.
Brookings
If you are looking for a small-town getaway for a change of scenery, an hour-long trip northwards from Sioux Falls will introduce you to the quaint community of Brookings. It boasts a vibrant downtown area with several points of interest. Historians will want to check out the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum to learn about the state's backstory as an agricultural hub. Those visiting with young can take them to the Children's Museum of South Dakota for a family-friendly outing with interactive exhibits to examine.
Brookings is famous for its lively arts community and houses the South Dakota State University. Enthusiasts from around the region come to watch moving live shows at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.
Brandon
About 20 minutes outside of Sioux Falls, Brandon is a quiet alternative to the hustle and bustle in the big city. It offers several nature spaces for outdoorsy travelers, led by the Big Sioux State Recreation Area. This sprawling preserve along the Big Sioux River is a hub for campers and hikers, providing access to several nature trails crisscrossing the area. Beyond the open spaces, Brandon treats visitors to a classic scare at Terror 29 Haunted House. If you are not faint of heart, this hair-raising is just what you need as a highlight for the vacation.
Another exquisite location to visit in Brandon is Huset's Speedway. This popular dirt track attracts racing enthusiasts hoping for an adrenaline-inducing spectacle pitting talented drivers against one another.
Whether seeking wildlife viewing at the Great Plains Zoo or peaceful nature walks amid tallgrass prairie at Good Earth State Park, these South Dakota day trips provide memorable experiences tapping into South Dakota's natural beauty and small-town charm. Many spots also shed light on the region's intriguing history. With options ranging from outdoor adventures to low-key arts exploration, day trippers can fill an entire day or weekend touring these scenic areas within a short drive from the city. Visitors will form a new appreciation for the lush landscapes and local heritage proudly sustained across South Dakota.
