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Home to landscapes found nowhere else on Earth, rich Native American history, and more opportunities for outdoor recreation than most can imagine, South Dakota is an under-appreciated gem of North America. Set amid the Great Plains, which stretch well into the neighboring states of Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Minnesota, and beyond, the sparsely populated northern state boasts a surprising diversity of unique natural terrain and historic sites well worth exploring on foot, by bicycle, and of course, by car (or motorcycle, RV, camper, van, you name it). As they say, ‘you gotta see it to believe it!’
We recently spent a long weekend getting to know the endlessly impressive western region, home to the Black Hills and Badlands. It‘s an area punctuated by towering spires of granite set among dark green hills of pine, surrounded by eroded prairie and vibrant grasslands. Though the eastern half of the state lays claim to the capital in Sioux Falls, glacial lakes, and the Missouri River, which is all well worth a visit if time allows, this article focuses on the areas we‘ve explored ourselves—and where most visitors will want to dedicate their rare free time, too.
Each of the following “things to do” has been independently vetted by yours truly. And well, we’d go back and do it all again in a heartbeat if given the chance. Read on, take notes, then book a cozy South Dakota cabin rental, and enjoy!
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13 Family Friendly Things to Do in South Dakota
Photography by Field Mag
See Stunning Rock Formations & Wild Bison in Badlands National Park
In the southwestern corner of South Dakota on land previously and currently belonging to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, among other Native American peoples, Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires surrounded by grass prairie. And boy is it beautiful! We have 75 million years of geologic history (and a massive ocean during Pangea times) to thank for the unique landscape—and one of the world’s richest fossil beds as proof. Pro Tip: Enter the park via the Northeast Entrance off Highway 240 and enjoy epic views and short, accessible hikes off the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway—but instead of heading back to Highway 240 at Pinnacles Overlook, continue onto the Sage Creek Rim Road to see a less-traveled portion of the park where wild bison and bighorn sheep (and prairie dogs) roam free. Bonus points if you stay at night at the Sage Creek Campground.
