South Dakota packs an outsized amount of scenery and history into one sparsely populated state, from the granite peaks of Mount Rushmore to the raw, dramatic terrain of the Badlands. Here’s where to spend your time if you’re planning a trip through the Mount Rushmore State.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
This is the state’s defining landmark and the reason many visitors come at all. The monument is a gigantic sculpture carved into the mountain featuring four former U.S. presidents, built between 1927 and 1941, with each presidential face standing about 60 feet tall. Visitors looking to get closer to the sculpture can climb the 422-step Presidential Trail for a more up-close view.
Custer State Park
Set in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, this park is considered one of the best of the state’s natural attractions. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful places to visit in the region, and visitors often spot herds of bison, antelope, and elk while exploring. Inside the park, be sure to make stops at Sylvan Lake, Black Elk Peak, and the Needles rock formations.
Badlands National Park
For a completely different kind of landscape, the Badlands deliver dramatic, otherworldly terrain unlike anywhere else in the state. Along with Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park, it’s consistently named among the state’s must-see attractions for its scenic beauty and historical significance, and travelers often bundle a Badlands visit with nearby Black Hills stops to maximize a single trip.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Also located in the Black Hills, this massive mountain carving honors the legendary Lakota leader and offers a way to dig deeper into the region’s Native American history. Since the state itself is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux, this site — along with places like Wounded Knee — provides meaningful context on the area’s Indigenous heritage and culture.
Spearfish Canyon
If you’re driving through the Black Hills, this scenic byway is worth setting aside real time for rather than just passing through. Every bend in the road reveals another incredible view, with towering limestone cliffs, dense forest, and winding streams, plus multiple waterfalls worth stopping for along the drive. A popular add-on is the hike to Devil’s Bathtub, which involves several stream crossings and plenty of scenery even if the “bathtub” itself is a bit underwhelming compared to the hype.
Mammoth Site (Hot Springs)
This is one of the more unusual stops in the state and a genuine paleontological attraction. It’s an active dig site that was designated a World Heritage Site in 1980, where visitors can peer down and see giant mammoth fossils still being excavated from the ground.
Deadwood and Wall
For a dose of Old West charm, these two towns round out a Black Hills itinerary nicely. Along with the cultured cities of Sioux Falls and Rapid City, Deadwood and Wall offer a more small-town, historic contrast to the state’s larger natural attractions.
Sioux Falls
In the state’s more populated east, this city centers around a park that winds along the Missouri River through downtown. It has well-signed pathways detailing different trails and local history, platforms overlooking the river for photos, and even ruins of an old mill worth exploring — making it a solid stop for a family picnic or a relaxed stroll.
Wind Cave and Jewel Cave
For travelers interested in going underground, these two cave systems offer a different kind of exploration than the state’s above-ground attractions, and both come recommended for their unique natural landscapes and educational value.
Planning Your Trip
- Rent a car. Driving is your best bet for exploring South Dakota’s scenic landscapes, including routes like Needles Highway, since public transportation is limited across the state.
- Bring cash for remote areas. Some spots off the beaten path may not accept card payments.
- Time your visit for late spring through early autumn. This is when the weather is mildest, with sunny days and cooler nights — though spring and fall also work well if you prefer fewer crowds.
- Bundle nearby attractions together. Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and the Badlands are close enough to combine efficiently into one trip.
- Check accessibility in advance if mobility is a concern, since some trails and extended viewing areas — particularly around Mount Rushmore — may not be fully accessible, especially during ongoing construction.
Join The Discussion
Have you road-tripped through South Dakota, and which stop left the biggest impression on you — Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, or somewhere more off the beaten path like Spearfish Canyon? Share your favorite drive or hike from the trip, and if you’ve timed a visit around events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it’d be interesting to hear how that shaped your itinerary.
