Best 19 Places To Visit In South Dakota, USA - Updated 2024

1. Deadwood (from USD 99)

Deadwood is a city located in Lawrence County, South Dakota. This city is widely known for its gold rush history. In 1875, gold deposits were uncovered in the popular Black Hills area. In 1876, this Wild West town was born when gold seekers crossed a gorge full of dead trees to grab their share of this glittering metal. Today, the entire town is a National Historic Landmark. From exploring the landscape to their wild nightlife, Deadwood is a haven for teenagers and adults alike. Alternatively, you can also check out the comedy shows and concerts. A nice place to put up would be The Lodge at Deadwood featuring an on-site casino, and an indoor water park.

2. Lead (from USD 71)

Lead is a city in Lawrence County, South Dakota, near the Wyoming state line. It is called Lead because of the lode gold mines in the area. Lead offers outdoor attractions, such as skiing. There are two ski areas in this city. In addition, you can also do an underground gold mine simulation at Black Hills Mining Museum. This city lost its economic glory when its bread-winner Homestake Gold Mine shut down in 2011. To explore the city, you can book into Town Hall Inn that offers you comfort such as housekeeping, 24-hour front desk service, free wi-fi all across the property.

3. Madison (from USD 99)

Madison is a city located in Lake County, South Dakota. This is where Dakota State University is located. As a result, Madison is known as the center of higher education in the USA. There are also a number of interesting places that you can visit, including outdoor recreation such as golfing, hunting, fishing, and bird watching. For those of you who like camping, Madison also has several camping sites such as Lake Herman State Park and Walker’s Point Recreation Area. There are also several other attractions such as the Prairie Village, Smith-Zimmermann Museum, and Dakota Prairie Playhouse & Conference Center. AmericInn of Madison is a perfect refuge for longer stays.

4. Spearfish (from USD 62)

The next interesting place that you can visit is Spearfish. In Spearfish you and your family can engage in various outdoor activities, such as bicycle racing, skiing, hiking, hunting, and ice climbing in the winter. For those of you who want to relax, there are also plenty of natural recreation spots, from Badlands National Park, Brady Park, to Bridal Veil Falls. This city grew as an agricultural hub. Considering this is also one of the Black Hills towns, Spearfish is a quiet community, quite unlike the roughness one would expect from them. Travelodge by Wyndham Spearfish is a perfect stay if you require the pampering and space to stretch your legs.

5. Pierre (from USD 152)

The best place you can visit in South Dakota is Pierre. One of Pierre’s most famous attractions is South Dakota State Capitol. This building is built using native stone and Italian marble, it’s no wonder that the design of this building mesmerizes its visitors. In addition, you can also plan a day at South Dakota National Guard Museum. This is for those who are interested in learning the history of the Army and Air National Guard of South Dakota. ClubHouse Hotel and Suites is a great stay for travelers. Guests get access to all creature comforts and more. Be it the hot tub, the outdoor fireplace, accessibility for people with special needs, pet-friendliness and so much more, this accommodation can only enhance your stay in Pierre.

6. Keystone (from USD 80)

The next place in South Dakota is Keystone. Here you can engage in a number of activities and participate in various kinds of adventures together with your family. Some of the most popular activities here are a chopper ride around the Black Hills of South Dakota, booking a UTV to explore different parts of Keystone quickly, signing up for exciting gold mining adventures, interacting with various kinds of reptiles in reptile gardens, playing mini-golf on Holy Terror Mini Golf. For a restful vacation, stay at Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore that offers games rooms, facilities for disabled guests, a heated pool, so on and so forth.

7. Hill City (from USD 109)

One of the most famous tourist attractions in the US, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is found in the popular Hill City. In addition to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Hill City also offers a variety of outdoor activities suitable for family holidays. Starting from hiking, fishing, horse riding, rock climbing, to the game of golf, it offers everything. Hill City also has several regular events such as Black Hills Film Festival, which certainly makes your vacation more interesting. If you are traveling with family, you can put up at Whispering Winds Cottages & Campsites that has child-friendly amenities such as a children’s playground. This accommodation is also wheelchair accessible.

8. Sturgis (from USD 80)

South Dakota does not fail to surprise with its variety of attractions and getaway destinations. You can consider Sturgis. This city is well known for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which is held every year and witnesses a huge footfall and high enthusiasm. Initiated in the year 1938, this annual event usually lasts for 10 days with an average of 700,000 spectators watching the race. Stay at the lovely Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sturgis which features a casino, on-site ATM, on-site shops, etc. Looks like it is a complete destination in itself.

9. Brookings (from USD 97)

Brooking is one of the best places to settle down actually. It has a suburban feel and many professionals live here on rent or as permanent residents. This part of the state is usually warm, and quite humid during the summers. The winters are, however, cold and dry. Those of you who like sports and outdoor activities, Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center is a great choice. This city also hosts a kite festival, which is not to be missed if you are in town. There are clubs, casinos, and pubs too if you would love to spend a night out in the town. Comfort Suites Brookings ensure a restful stay as you explore this part of South Dakota.

10. Winner (from USD 85)

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The next interesting city to visit is Winner. Despite being a city, agriculture is the way of life here. There are large ranches and farms and rolling hills and prairies too. This is a great hunting ground for pheasant. If you are into fishing or at least want to try a hand, Winner Youth Fishing Pond awaits you in the lazy afternoons. Winner Drive-In Theatre in this city is one of the very few available today in the US, so this is a must-visit attraction. Additionally, the city hosts a number of events too such as Labor Day, which is perhaps the biggest celebration here. Enjoy your stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Winner SD which offers 24 hours front desk service and free wi-fi.

11. Vermillion

The next recommended place you can visit is Vermillion. This city offers several attractions, including National Music Museum, Clay County Park, Spirit Mound, Valiant Vineyards Winery at Buffalo Run Resort, and many more. nestled along the Missouri River, this city sits close to Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie features wildflowers, lush green grass and is the perfect spot to relax, dream, and rejuvenate. Valiant Vineyards Winery offers an authentic tour as you taste some delicious wine here. This is South Dakota’s oldest winery and also has provisions for boarding guests. Alternatively, you can stay at Best Western Vermillion Inn which offers daily housekeeping, facilities for disabled guests, a hot tub, and a sauna.

12. North Sioux City (from USD 96)

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North Sioux City is nestled at the junction of the Missouri River and McCook Lake. It is a cross of big city attractions and small-town living. The city was founded in the 1860s and is perhaps one of the first settlements in the state. McCook Lake has 161.9 hectares (400 acres) of water recreation. One can also indulge in mini-golf, volleyball, and tetherball, and swimming in a heated swimming pool. There is also a playground available for children. Have a peaceful stay at Hampton Inn North Sioux City that features buffet breakfasts, hot tub, indoor pool, housekeeping, and dry cleaning services, and free wi-fi and parking.

13. Yankton (from USD 140)

Yankton is for those who have a penchant for wine. Visit the breweries and wineries at Yankton like Ben’s Brewing Co. Then for those of you who like art, you can visit Bede Art Gallery. This city was a transportation center at first with steamboats. Later, with the arrival of the railroads, it took the industry a notch higher. Some of the attractions that you can visit are Meridian Bridge and the awesome outdoors at Lewis And Clark Lake. You can also see the art at Meridian Bridge Plaza, or murals painted across the building in downtown’s Meridian District. Recharge and rejuvenate at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yankton.

14. Brandon (from USD 135)

Brandon is located along Split Rock Creek and the Big Sioux River. It offers several tourist attractions such as Harmodon Park, Old Courthouse Museum, and many other interesting places. Put up at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Sioux Falls-Brandon for a comfortable stay. Enjoy amenities such as housekeeping and laundry, hot tub, water slides, pools, business facilities, so on and so forth.

15. Rapid City (from USD 212)

The next place that you must visit is Rapid City. Rapid City offers several attractions for families, ranging from Dinosaur Park, Main Street Square, Journey Museum, to Storybook Island, which is perfect if you want to take your child on a vacation. You can book into Summer Creek Inn, which is a bed and breakfast stay, featuring a spa and a hot tub along with housekeeping, meeting facilities, soundproof rooms, so on and so forth.

16. Aberdeen (from USD 99)

Aberdeen is an artistic city. One can visit Dacotah Prairie Museum that exhibits various types of artifacts, art, and natural history. In addition, there are also several attractions such as Wylie Park, Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center, Capitol Cinema, Wylie Thunder Mountain Miniature Golf, and many more. My Place Hotel-Aberdeen features family rooms, in case you traveling with a child. If you are on a ‘work'ation, you can use the business facilities here.

17. Custer (from USD 124)

The next location that you must visit while in South Dakota is Custer. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayak rental, rock climbing, biking, hiking, and horse riding. In addition to these activities, Custer also provides a variety of attractions that are not less interesting, ranging from jeep safaris, helicopters and hot balloons rides, to UTV rental. You can check out the attractions such as Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial when here. The motel Bavarian Inn, Black Hills, is perfect with swimming pools, concierge service, tennis court, child-friendly amenities, so on and so forth.

18. Hot Springs (from USD 69)

The seventh recommended place of interest is Hot Springs. There are several recreational areas that you can visit in Hot Springs, such as Pioneer Museum, which is a former elementary school that has now been turned into a collection of memorabilia. At Pioneer Museum, you will be witness to the past, its secrets, its furniture, and much more. You may also sign up for tours to explore the caves in Wind Cave which is one of the longest caves in the world. Check-in at Stay USA Hotel and Suites that offer 24/7 security, free wi-fi, housekeeping, hot tub, and facility for guests with special needs,

19. Watertown (from USD 59)

Watertown is perfect for you craft beer lovers. At Watertown Brewing Co, you can taste some of the best brews ranging from Codington Cream Ale to Kampeska Kold Press. For the more outdoorsy visitors, you can indulge in some hunting and fishing in this city too. Stay at Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel for a memorable time in Watertown.

Enjoy your visit to South Dakota

So here is a list of the most enticing places to visit in South Dakota, USA. Travel solo, as a couple, with family or bigger groups, this is a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. So pack your bags, put your travel shoes on, and embark on a journey to South Dakota.