The Open Road Travel

Best Place To Stop On A South Dakota Road Trip

With the ultimate South Dakota road trip itinerary taking over 12 hours to complete, you will need to make at least one overnight stop to make it enjoyable and manageable. There are a range of great places to do so, but the following is easily the best.

Keystone, South Dakota

The picturesque mountain town of Keystone, South Dakota, is situated in the Black Hills and recognised as the gateway to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Its quaint main street features a variety of rustic shops, saloons, and dining establishments, all contributing to an Old West ambience.

Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Big Thunder Gold Mine, its accompanying museum, and the scenic 1880 Train that travels through the Black Hills to Hill City, catering to both history enthusiasts and nature aficionados.

Keystone also provides convenient access to outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. There are opportunities to hike on nearby trails, discover impressive granite formations, take a scenic drive along Iron Mountain Road or Needles Highway, famous for its tunnels and mountain views, or even embark on a helicopter tour to see the entire area from above.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Keystone, South Dakota – Battle Creek Lodge

Battle Creek Lodge is a cosy, welcoming, family-operated establishment located in the centre of Keystone. Known for its warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and serene setting amid pine-clad hills, it creates an unforgettable experience that often encourages guests to return.

Each morning, you can savour a complimentary breakfast, engage with your hosts, unwind on the spacious outdoor deck, and easily access all of Keystone’s key attractions. Every room includes comfortable beds, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, a hairdryer, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the lodge offers a variety of grab-and-go food and beverages to meet your needs, and on-site free parking is available. 

The 20 Best Things To See On A South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls, the largest and most populous city in South Dakota, is located along the Big Sioux River. It is renowned for its exceptional dining scene, numerous parks, and expansive open spaces, including Falls Park, which features the waterfalls after which the city is named. Recognised as the healthiest city in the United States, it also boasts a variety of attractions, including galleries, markets, distinctive sculptures and architecture, and exhibitions of local artists.

Additional points of interest in Sioux Falls are the Kirby Science Discovery Center and the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum. The city is also home to many annual festivals, such as SculptureWalk, Downtown Riverfest, SiouxperCon, First Fridays, Festival of Bands, Sioux Empire Spectacular, and Party in the Park.

Dignity Of Earth And Sky

The Dignity of Earth and Sky is an impressive 50-foot monument at a rest area along I-90 with a panoramic view of the Missouri River. Created in 2016  from stainless steel by artist Dale Lamphere to pay tribute to the Lakota and Dakota peoples, it portrays a Native American woman grasping onto a star quilt. It is designed to represent core Native American values such as respect, peace, and cultural heritage.

Pierre, South Dakota

Pierre is the capital of South Dakota and is recognised as the second-smallest capital city in the United States, following Montpelier, Vermont.

Located along the Missouri River, the city offers several attractions, including the stately South Dakota State Capitol, the Cultural Heritage Center that highlights the state's Native American and pioneer history, LaFramboise Island Nature Area, and the Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe, which is among the largest reservoirs in the country. Coupled with its charming ambience, these features make Pierre a worthwhile destination, irrespective of its modest size.

Wall Drug

Wall Drug is a notable shopping center spanning 76,000 square feet. Located in the town of Wall, Wall Drug is celebrated for its Wild West theme. Guests can indulge in its renowned ice water, explore souvenir shops, restaurants, and the original drug store, built in 1931, that lends its name to the complex, and admire an art gallery and sculptures of both historical and mythical figures associated with the area, such as a brontosaurus and a jackalope.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park, encompassing 224,756 acres, was officially established on November 10, 1978. It attracts approximately 1.1 million visitors each year, ranking as the 38^th-oldest, 28^th-largest, and 25^th-most visited National Park in the United States. This remarkable landscape features expansive prairies, rugged canyons, and one of the planet’s best fossil collections.

Knowledgeable resident palaeontologists provide detailed insights into the area’s historical significance, while nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and various species of deer and birds. Attractions on its outskirts, such as prairie dog towns and historic homesteads, are well worth visiting, too.

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

With Native American culture being so prominent in “The Grand Canyon State”, it wouldn’t be right to complete a road trip through South Dakota without visiting an Indian reservation. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is the homeland of the Oglala Lakota Nation. Travellers here can explore a vast expanse of prairies, hilly terrain dotted with pines, and the stunning Badlands in southwestern South Dakota, all steeped in Native American heritage.

The reservation features many significant locations, including Wounded Knee (more on that in a minute), the burial site of Chief Red Cloud, various cultural centres, and community events that honour Lakota customs and history. Tourists can gain insights into the history, strength, and ongoing culture of the Lakota people while experiencing the region’s exceptional natural landscapes and wildlife.

Wounded Knee, South Dakota

Wounded Knee stands as a profoundly significant and sombre historic location in the American West. Situated on the Pine Ridge Reservation, it was the scene of the 1890 massacre where U.S. Army soldiers killed hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children, highlighting a tragic period in Native American history.

Nowadays, visitors come not just to observe the landscape but to reflect on its historical events and better understand Lakota history, culture, and resilience. The site features a mass grave and a memorial, surrounded by the serene rolling plains of South Dakota. Visiting Wounded Knee emphasises remembrance, education, and the respect due to such a historically and culturally vital location.

Hot Springs, South Dakota

Hot Springs is a tranquil Black Hills town renowned for its warm mineral springs and distinctive red sandstone architecture. The historic downtown area is inviting and compact, showcasing cafés, small museums, and locally owned boutiques, all framed by scenic hills and the gentle flow of Fall River.

For more than a hundred years, the naturally heated springs have drawn in visitors. Currently, Evans Plunge, a popular attraction and one of the oldest facilities in the region, provides an excellent opportunity to relax in the soothing waters, making it a perfect stop on a road trip through South Dakota.

In addition, Hot Springs offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric times at The Mammoth Site, an active excavation site where numerous Ice Age mammoths have been found. Surrounded by rolling prairies and situated near the southern edge of the Black Hills, Hot Springs combines history, geology, and small-town charm, making it a refreshing and slightly unconventional destination in South Dakota.

Wind Cave National Park

Established on January 9, 1903, Wind Cave National Park draws around 490,000 visitors annually, making it the United States’ 24^th-least-frequented and 6th-oldest national park. Spanning 33,970 acres, it ranks as the 12^th-smallest national park in the country, yet it is home to one of the longest and most complex cave systems globally, holding 6th position in overall size.

Famous for its stunning boxwork and frostwork formations, the park’s name originates from the winds that occur inside the cave due to variations in air pressure. Guests can participate in guided tours that highlight the park's unique geological features and its diverse bat population. Above ground, visitors can explore thick pine forests, expansive grassy prairies, and a rich array of wildlife, including bison, cougars, elk, ferrets, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species.

Custer State Park

Custer State Park, founded in 1912 and covering 71,000 acres, is South Dakota’s oldest and largest state park. It carries the name of George A. Custer, a divisive U.S. Cavalry leader who was killed roughly 300 miles (483 kilometres) away at the Little Bighorn in Montana. Historical landmarks, such as the Badger Clark Historical Site and the Peter Norbeck Center, offer visitors insights into the region's history.

The park's varied terrain, featuring picturesque prairies and steep mountains, is home to a wide range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, deer, cougars, elk, mountain goats, otters, prairie dogs, and pronghorns. Of particular interest is a large herd of over 1,500 bison, along with a small group of wild donkeys, affectionately called the “Begging Burros,” known for following visitors in hopes of receiving food.

Custer, South Dakota

Custer is an appealing town nestled in the Black Hills, uniquely blending the allure of the Old West with easy access to some of the region's most renowned landscapes. The historic downtown area showcases wooden storefronts, local boutiques, art galleries, and welcoming cafés, creating a relaxed, small-town atmosphere that serves as a perfect hub for exploring the nearby hills.

Visitors can discover Native American crafts and Western memorabilia, explore the area's rich gold rush heritage, and enjoy hearty, ranch-style meals to round off a day of outdoor adventures.

Crazy Horse Monument

The Crazy Horse Memorial is intended to complement Mount Rushmore by providing a more genuine representation of the local Native American population. The first ground on this extraordinary monument was broken in 1948. Featuring the renowned Lakota chief Crazy Horse on horseback, it is a recommended stop for travellers on a South Dakota road trip itinerary who want to explore Native American heritage.

Once finished, it is expected to reach a height of 563 feet (172 meters), making it the second-tallest statue worldwide. The statue’s head will be approximately 50% larger than those on Mount Rushmore. There is also an accompanying museum detailing the history of both the monument’s construction and the region’s Native American population.

Since the memorial is still in the construction phase, it offers a unique opportunity to observe the progress of such a monumental project. Additionally, visitors can collect small pieces of the surplus rock as free souvenirs, benefiting both the guests and the artists behind the creation.

Black Hills National Forest

Spanning 1.25 million acres, South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest is a sprawling wilderness renowned for its pine trees, towering mountains, scenic trails, beautiful scenic drives, breathtaking vistas, rich wildlife, and numerous other attractions, making it an ideal natural getaway for everyone. As its range of attractions is extensive, and any serious road trip through South Dakota traverses the area, we have compiled a comprehensive Black Hills National Forest Guide, available here.

Mount Rushmore National Monument

Mount Rushmore National Monument stands as one of the most recognisable landmarks worldwide. An absolute must on any “Mount Rushmore State” road trip, South Dakota was chosen for the project to generate interest and tourism in the otherwise often-overlooked region. Created between 1927 and 1941 by Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum, it showcases the likenesses of four past U.S. presidents.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were selected to symbolise the nation’s founding, expansion, evolution, and safeguarding. With its picturesque backdrop, Mount Rushmore is a remarkable sculpture offering a unique experience that’s nearly unparalleled globally.

Bear Country USA

Located just a 15-minute detour from our route, Bear Country USA is an impressive drive-through wildlife park that is a perfect stop for wildlife lovers. It enables guests to view and engage with a wide variety of animals in beautifully designed natural environments. The park is home to numerous species, including black bears, bison, elk, mountain lions, wolves, reindeer, and many bird species, making it ideal for all visitors, particularly photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Deadwood ranks as the second-largest surviving Wild West town, surpassed only by Tombstone, Arizona. The streets are adorned with historical markers that commemorate significant events, such as the 1876 assassination of Wild Bill Hickok. This city played a vital role during the Black Hills Gold Rush and has hosted numerous notable figures over the years, like Wyatt Earp and Calamity Jane.

Today, it offers a variety of attractions, ranging from historical sites to casinos. For a comprehensive overview, check out our Deadwood guide here.

Spearfish, South Dakota

Spearfish is a charming Black Hills town celebrated for its recreational opportunities, stunning landscapes, and friendly small-town feel. It is primarily recognised as the entrance to Spearfish Canyon, an impressive limestone gorge characterised by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful drives in the area.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife spotting, while the historic downtown has local boutiques, dining options, and cultural sites. Additionally, Spearfish offers convenient access to many of the Black Hills' renowned attractions, making it a perfect place to set up camp to explore western South Dakota.

Geographic Centre Of The Nation

The Geographic Centre of the Nation monument represents the central location of all 50 U.S. states, following the inclusion of Alaska and Hawaii into the Union in 1959. Although the precise point is located approximately 20 miles north on private property, the monument was constructed in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to ensure it is accessible to the public.

It features a prominent granite compass rose, an American flag, and various historical markers that detail its significance. Situated within a small park, the monument is also close to the Tri-State Museum, which highlights local history and artefacts.

Sturgis, South Dakota

The quaint town of Sturgis is characterised by its lively culture and atmosphere. Its main claim to fame is the Sturgis Bike Week Festival, which has taken place each year during the first week of August since its inception in 1938. The event draws over 500,000 attendees annually who come to experience live music, entertainment, regional food, countless vendors selling unique wares, and picturesque drives through the Black Hills.

Additionally, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame offers visitors the opportunity to explore the town's rich culture and history, no matter when they visit.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City, the second-largest city in South Dakota, is an excellent travel destination known for its lively culture. Its name reflects its swift growth during the Black Hills Gold Rush, and notable attractions include Dinosaur Park, Storybook Island, the City of Presidents Walking Tour, the Journey Museum and Learning Center, and Reptile Gardens.

Its plethora of amenities and a major airport also make it an ideal place to end a perfect road trip through South Dakota.

Final Thoughts On A Perfect South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

This concludes our guide to planning the ultimate South Dakota road trip itinerary. You should now know when to travel, which route to use, where to stay, and what to see as you drive. All that’s left is to decide what to take with you, and then you can start booking and budgeting everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible.

Anyone looking to continue their journey may also appreciate our guide to planning a perfect road trip from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park.