The only way to see South Dakota is on a road trip. Badlands National park geological formations Where to start South Dakota road trip You can also see a variety of birds, critters, and even snakes in the state.īecause of the ample attractions, South Dakota vacations remain the ultimate summer family road trip adventure. The state’s wildlife ranges from extinct dinosaurs and wooly mammoth fossils to giant herds of bison and pronghorn antelopes. South Dakota’s Native American and Wild West history can be discovered in places such as Crazy Horse Memorial, the Battle of Wounded Knee, and Deadwood. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills and the establishment of settlements led to the Black Hills Wars between the Lakota Indians and the American Government. Today the abandoned mines and villages act as tourist attractions of the American West. South Dakota was part of the Gold Rush of the 1800s and mining towns and local gold mines were established in the area. South Dakota was purchased as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.įormerly an Indian land, the Lewis and Clark expedition explored the area and the first American settlers came here afterward. Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands, Spearfish Canyon, and the Black Hills.

South Dakota has a rich cultural and natural history which is evident in many of its star attractions including Wind Cave National Monument, the iconic monument of Mt. We invite you to take this epic road trip through South Dakota and discover your own reasons for falling in love with this amazing state.Īlso Read: 5 Reasons Badlands is better than Grand Canyon (Plus 2 reasons it’s not!) Some come here for the road trip to Mount Rushmore others for a Badlands road trip. While the winter sun inspires crowded beaches and fun vibes in Florida, the summer draws out the rich wildlife in South Dakota.Īnd paints the spectacular landscape in vivid colors. We always feel that the name suits the state so much better than the current Sunshine State of Florida.

South Dakota was formerly called ‘the Sunshine State’. The Lakota flag flies strongly over South Dakota and the rich Native American heritage and culture are as tangible here as the wind among the prairies. South Dakota vacation also means travel deep within the American heartlands and through small rural communities where life is hard but simple and the people are down-to-earth but friendly. South Dakota road trip means abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and a feeling of utter isolation. South Dakota Road Trip is an amazing experience Why Visit South Dakota Unofficially nicknamed the Flyover State, South Dakota was supposed to be not that touristy – and yet, everything that we laid our eyes on indicated that a South Dakota Road Trip was the best thing that could happen to us.Īnd so we began our South Dakota family vacation trip planning, and now almost half a decade later, Badlands and South Dakota still remain one of our favorite travel destinations in the USA. Most who visit South Dakota are surprised by the sheer variety of iconic landmarks and attractions found here.Ī few years ago while planning our next trip we came across Mt Rushmore State.Īfter researching the best road trip stops in South Dakota, we were stunned by what we discovered. Nuclear missiles, street art, and dinosaur fossils. Gigantic underground caverns and stunning scenery. Wild West heroes and abandoned ghost towns. Awe inspiring monuments and quirky roadside attractions. South Dakota is the ultimate road trip adventure.ĭriving through South Dakota involves Dusty unpaved roads through fascinating landscapes. It is a drowsy country that makes you feel wide awake and alive but somehow contented.” The distances and the valleys are blue whenever you can see them. The sky seems lower here, and it is the softest blue. “The road goes up hill and down, and it is rutted and dusty and stony but every turn of the wheels changes our view of the woods and the hills. Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in South Dakota! Mount Rushmore National Monument in Black Hills of South Dakota Rushmore, Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Badlands and surrounding area, Custer State Park, Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and Rapid City. Here you will find recommendations for a variety of South Dakota trip itineraries as well as get more information on South Dakota road trip must-see attractions including Mt. Not many actually make this road trip due to its faraway location in South Dakota but those who do are rewarded by the stillness of the Badlands, the beauty of the Black Hills, and the magnificence of Mount Rushmore.Īlso read: 35 Amazing & Incredible Things to do in South Dakota

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