Top Places To Visit In South Dakota In The Fall
South Dakota is a state known for agriculture and natural beauty. Fall is a great time to visit the state since the cooler weather attracts fewer crowds. However, just because there are fewer crowds doesn't mean there aren't spectacular sights to see! When the leaves start to change, South Dakota's farms take a front seat for festivals, such as the Oktoberfest in Deadwood. There is also amazing autumn foliage to see in the state. At sights such as Spearfish Canyon, you can see aspens and birches change their colors from green to gorgeous warm hues on a fall hike. Most of the leaves in South Dakota start to change at the beginning of October, and peak colors come around the end of the month. From celebrations to foliage, there is no time like the autumn to enjoy the state's charm. If you plan to visit South Dakota this harvest season, here are some of the best places to explore.
Oktoberfest in Deadwood
Deadwood is one of the most charming, wild west towns in South Dakota. It was famous for being a gold rush town, attracting gunslingers, outlaws, and gamblers. The town has strong bones, surviving three major fires and numerous economic hardships, nearly adding it to the Old West ghost towns list. Today, it is home to one of South Dakota's most popular fall festivals, Oktoberfest. The event happens annually in early October. It features traditional German activities such as playing polka music, wearing lederhosen, a German food cook-off, and eating brats. There are also some unusual events at Deadwood's Oktoberfest, a Wiener Dog Race, and the Beer Barrel Games. The Beer Barrel Games is where barrels roll down Main Street. These are events unique to Deadwood's Oktoberfest, and the town has become famous for them. From polka music to Wiener Dog Racing, there is something at Oktoberfest for the whole family to enjoy.
Newton Hills State Park
If you like seeing stunning autumn foliage, Newton Hills State Park is the perfect park in South Dakota to visit. Glaciers formed the area, and the park is part of the geological formation known as the Coteau des Prairie. The rolling hills and forest of the park are the perfect place to enjoy fall colors. At the beginning of October, the park also hosts FestiFall and Candlelight Walk. FestiFall is a celebration of the changing leaves with fun for people of all ages. There are hayrides through the park, pumpkin contests, and even a pumpkin catapult. Those who enjoy the spooky season of fall will enjoy the Candlelight Walk. This is a 2.2-mile walk following a trail in the woods that is lit by candles and jack-o-lanterns. Whether you want to enjoy beautiful autumn foliage or fall festivities, Newton Hills State Park is worth visiting this cool season.
Custer State Park's Buffalo Roundup
Custer State Park is another great park in South Dakota to see autumn foliage. The park is 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, featuring granite peaks, gorgeous forests, and quiet, serene plains. Beyond foliage, the park hosts the annual Buffalo Roundup, one of the best events in South Dakota. Custer State Park is home to over 1,300 buffalo, one of the world's largest publicly owned bison herds, and the roundup helps maintain the herd. People on horseback corral the buffalo to safety from viewing areas. The event is on the last week of September and is open to the public. Don't forget to bring a comfortable folding chair and some trusty binoculars to enjoy the view of the buffalo.
Climb to Black Elk Peak
If you are in Cluster State Park to see the Buffalo Roundup, you should also take time to explore the area's hiking. Cluster State Park has some of South Dakota's most gorgeous autumn hikes. Black Elk Peak is one of the most popular hikes at the park. The 6.8-mile loop trail takes an average of just over 3 hours to complete. There are some challenging parts of the trail. It is a long, gradual uphill climb, but the views at the top are worth it. You can see views of Mount Rushmore and the granite mountains in the Black Hills. The fall foliage in the area paints the ground with red, orange, and yellow hues. Black Elk Peak is remarkable and the tallest point east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. The hike is especially beautiful before sunset when the sun is at the perfect angle to make the leaves sparkle.
Spearfish Canyon
If you are looking for more hiking in South Dakota, Spearfish Canyon is another place to visit. It has some of the most spectacular colored leaves in the state. The Canyon is full of aspens and birches, which transition to beautiful hues of yellow and orange. There are also plenty of evergreen, spruce trees and Ponderosa pines, which offer a fresh green contrast to the warm autumn hues. One of the best hikes to enjoy the stunning scenery in South Dakota is the Roughlock Falls hike. The hike features a 50-foot multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by amazing autumn colors and greenery. The trail is a 2-mile loop and is relatively easy, making it the perfect day hike for your adventure in South Dakota.
Vanocker Canyon
Another Canyon to visit in South Dakota in the fall is Vanocker Canyon. While Spearfish Canyon offers hiking to enjoy the area, Vancocker Canyon is a scenic stretch of road. The 17-mile stretch of road cuts through the Northern Black Hills, making it one of the most breathtaking autumn drives in South Dakota. You can see the stunning golden and amber hues of aspen and birch trees from the road. There are also several stops for viewpoints where you can see mountain peaks such as Deadman Mountain and Veteran's Peak. Whether you are in a car or on a bike, this drive is one you will want to take your time to enjoy.
The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival in Rapid City
A fall visit to South Dakota wouldn't be complete without looking at the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival in Rapid City. The event has been a Rapid City staple for over a decade and is one of South Dakota's most beloved harvest celebrations. The event takes place on Main Street annually at the end of September. It features several attractions, including a giant pumpkin weigh-off, carving competitions, and a pumpkin slingshot. Some of the pumpkins in previous festivals have weighed hundreds of pounds. There are also several local food and craft vendors set up on the street. Walking around Rapid City's decorated streets is the perfect way to get festive for fall.
No Time Like The Present
South Dakota might not be the first place you think of visiting in the fall, but the state has some gorgeous foliage and fun festivities to enjoy the season. It's the perfect place to visit if you enjoy hiking. Hikes at Spearfish Canyon showcase stunning waterfalls and autumn foliage. The Black Elk Peak is one of South Dakota's more challenging hikes, but the cliff-top view is worth the work. South Dakota is also a state full of fun festivities for the whole family. Oktoberfest in Deadwood has unique events, such as a Weiner Race. The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival in Rapid City is perfect to get your fill of all things pumpkin. With so many things to do in South Dakota, there is no time to waste. Start packing your bags and get ready to enjoy autumn in South Dakota this year.
