You’re ready to plan your vacation to the beautiful South Dakota! But not sure where to go and what to see? Here are a few places we visited during our recent trip to the area.

1. Badlands National Park is absolutely breathtaking. Its dramatic landscape consists of uniquely formed hills and pinnacles made from the erosion of clay and sand. It’s especially gorgeous during sunset or sunrise, as the lighting and colors at this time of day is spectacular. 

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2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture in a mountain of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. You can’t miss this place on your trip, but visit early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds. 

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3. Custer State Park is one of the best state parks in South Dakota, we loved it so much that we can’t wait to come back. Make sure to stop at Sylvan Lake, then drive the Needles Highway and stop to view the Needles Eye Tunnel. Then continue on the Needles Highway to see wild bisons and wild donkeys (begging burros) along the road. 

4. Crazy Horse Memorial is another fun destination, when you are there stop at the Indian Museum of North America. 

5. Wind Cave National Park. This park was the first cave to be designated as a national park. Wind Cave National Park features the world’s largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,970 acres of forest and prairie on the surface that act as a natural sanctuary for wildlife. Definitely a must see place, but you have to plan ahead, as they sell their tickets on first come first serve basis. If you want to get a tour ticket, then I highly suggest be at the door around 6:30-7am. Also check Wind Cave National Park site for more info, and maybe call ahead to chat with a ranger about more current ticket situation.

Did you visit South Dakota? What else would you add to the list?

 

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