8 Best Wellness Retreats In South Dakota

You can find wonder and breathtaking scenery everywhere in the midwestern state of South Dakota. From the glacial lakes and outdoor activities in the northeast to the Black Hills and Badlands in the west, you won't want to go anyplace else for a relaxing vacation. Plus, the Missouri River, the largest and longest river in the state, dominates its landscape. Many cities and towns across the state provide opportunities to foster well-being and establish a connection with nature. If your ideal wellness retreat consists of swimming in a natural mineral spring pool, seeing a botanical garden, spending the day at a spa, or spending a few nights at a campground or a secluded resort, you should plan a trip to South Dakota.

Hot Springs

Highland Meadows Resort in Hot Springs, perched on a private mesa in the southern Black Hills, offers solitude and peace. There are many things to do to unwind at this South Dakota wellness retreat, which is among the best in the area. Spacious cabins, glamping tipis, and tent campsites are available accommodations at the resort. Nearby, Evans Plunge offers tranquil, mineral-rich waters. Chautauqua Park, another calm haven with many walking paths and open areas, is a short distance from Highland Meadows Resort. The stunning Cascade Falls, which tumble over rocks to provide a well-liked swimming place, is located just south of Hot Springs. At the Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, an adults-only, year-round spa, you may attend a yoga class, get a soothing massage, or dive into one of the natural mineral spring pools.

Oacoma

Cedar Shore Resort, nestled in Oacoma along the banks of the Missouri River, is a tranquil retreat that pampers its guests with individual cottages and lodge rooms boasting beautiful views. The resort has many amenities, from a sauna and whirlpool to practicing yoga by the river or renting pontoon boats, boat docks, jet skis, or tubes for water sports at the marina. A few miles from the resort, the Dignity of Earth and Sky, a stunning 50-foot-high stainless steel sculpture, overlooks the river and celebrates the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. For a truly pampering experience, a visit to Stella's Day Spa, which offers opulent spa treatments like body waxing, facials, and massages, is a must. Another excellent location for wellness is Lady Lockwood Aesthetics.

Pierre

Located on the banks of the Missouri River and near the South Dakota State Capitol, the Ramkota Pierre is a full-service hotel that promises a wealth of activities in Pierre. While it's renowned for hunting and fishing, the hotel also offers a range of other activities to help you unwind, from a relaxing hot tub and a full-size indoor pool to a fitness facility. The hotel also provides paddleboarding lessons and other amenities. A few minutes from the hotel, the Rustic River Boutique & Day Spa offers a perfect escape to care for your well-being with red light therapy, float spa, sauna, hydro massage, and tanning services. Pierre is also close to the Farm Island Recreation Area and LaFramboise Island Nature Area, which are excellent places to go camping, hiking, and biking.

Yankton

The Lewis & Clark Resort in the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area along the Missouri River offers a peaceful getaway in Yankton. With motel-style rooms, two and three-bedroom cabins, four-bedroom cottages, and a huge lodge with six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large gathering area, and a full-size kitchen, the resort is the perfect wellness getaway for parties of all kinds. The Lewis & Clark Recreation Area features sandy beaches, hiking and bicycling routes, and picnic shelters for those looking to spend the day outdoors. At the Lewis & Clark Marina, you can rent pontoons, fishing boats, and powerboats for fun water activities. If you want a spa day, the Hideout Studio & Spa, just a few minutes away, is the ideal location to get a massage, a manicure and pedicure, or a customized facial. You can also visit the Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center to practice yoga or to take a dance fitness class.

Garretson

If you're looking for a quiet, isolated getaway in Garretson, Palisades State Park, one of South Dakota's most distinctive locales, offers a stunning getaway. Sioux quartzite rocks can be seen there, lining Split Rock Creek and rising to 50 feet above the water in certain places. Another peaceful spot in Garretson is Split Rock Park, which offers a lot of RV and tent camping spaces, boat launch areas for kayaks and canoes, a swimming area, fishing spots, and a visitor center. Devil's Gulch, which has many hiking trails, is also nearby. Downtown Garretson is a short distance away and has wellness-focused establishments like The Exercise Place, a full-service gym with tanning beds, and an infrared sauna.

Hermosa

There are plenty of wellness-related establishments in Hermosa. One is the Black Hills Health & Education Center, located in the eastern foothills of the Black Hills and spanning 260 acres of tranquil red-rock canyon. Its natural beauty, tranquility, and solitude are enough to entice you to retreat there. With various programs and services, including hydrotherapy treatments, calming massages, plant-based meals, and health lectures, you'll be well on your way to improving yourself. The accommodations offered by the wellness center provide all the amenities you'll need for a relaxing stay, such as beautifully furnished rooms with private bathrooms, additional open space, and a kitchen.

Deadwood

One of Deadwood's most remarkable wellness retreats is Black Hills Retreat, which specializes in summer camps and Christian retreats and is off the usual route in the center of the northern Black Hills. The property offers a serene experience, whether you want to enjoy the fresh pine air or develop a close relationship with God. Numerous guest cottages, lodges, cabins, and dorms are available, depending on your preferences and group size. Besides its diverse accommodation choices, Black Hills Retreat serves three meals daily and offers other dining options. Additional amenities include meeting space and abundant recreational activities to partake in. Travel just a mile away to take advantage of one of the spa packages at the Cedar Rose Spa to complement your Deadwood visit.

Rapid City

Rapid City, located in western South Dakota, east of Black Hills National Forest, is another city with endless wellness possibilities. Retreat to Hart Ranch Camping Resort, the perfect place to appreciate nature. In addition to a comfortable cabin with heating, air conditioning, and basic kitchen supplies, there are plenty of tent and RV campsites there. Activities at the resort include mini golf and swimming, in addition to playgrounds, bike rentals, sports courts, and picnic areas. A full-service restaurant and convenience shop on the premises are further highlights. Reptile Gardens, a few miles away, is one local site to include on your Rapid City getaway. The well-known wild animal park offers many features, including Tortuga Falls, a tranquil botanical garden.

Discover These Wellness Retreats In South Dakota

As you can see, South Dakota is an excellent place to plan a getaway if you want to focus more on your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Trekking the hiking trails close to Pierre, scheduling a revitalizing spa treatment in Oacoma, taking a yoga class in Yankton, or going to a Christian retreat in Deadwood for worship will surely bring some joy and relaxation. After all, sometimes, a vacation is best enjoyed in peace and tranquility, and these cities and towns in South Dakota offer the ultimate wellness retreats to unwind and rejuvenate.