South Dakota is one of the most visited vacation spots for families and others in the United States. The list of places to visit and attractions to see is endless, but after our family vacation there several years ago, we have 5 attractions that are “don’t miss”.
Badlands National Park Scenic Loop
When visiting South Dakota, it’s only right that you visit the Badlands National Park Scenic Loop! Visiting the Badlands is normal of course, but it’s definitely worth taking the time to “scoop the loop” and check out all the views throughout the Badlands! Not only will you get some views of the hills, but also keep your eyes open for nature! Make sure to take some time to jump out of the car and enjoy the Badlands that are available for climbing!
Bear Country USA
It’s very popular, but the second “don’t miss” stop is Bear Country USA. Get up close and personal with a variety of different animals while driving through the park! The best part of the park, in our opinion, is The Wildlife Walk. This 1/4 mile walking path explores smaller animals like woodchucks, beavers, and porcupines but also bear cubs! Watching the cubs was definitely our favorite part of Bear County and the don’t miss feature of this stop!
South Dakota Air & Space Museum
Going on a family vacation can add up financially! So, when we find a free attraction it’s a huge hit! When we find a free attraction that is fantastic, it’s even better!! This combination is exactly what we found at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum. Located next to Ellsworth Air Force Base, this museum is loaded with lots of historic jets and military planes that are free to explore! Head inside to read about the history of air and space of the United States and in South Dakota! A favorite for us was the open cockpit that kids can climb in and explore all the buttons! It’s easy to spend several hours exploring the museum.
Mt. Rushmore
Of course if you’re visiting South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore is a “must see”. There’s so much to do that it’s easy to spend several hours at the site. Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, walk the Presidential Trail (an up close and personal view of the sculpture), grab lunch or a a snack at Carver’s Marketplace, and shop the gift shop! While all these are great, we highly recommend taking in the night ceremony. The lighting of the “Four Faces” is one that is truly magical and special. Enjoy the tribute to the presidents and the monument as well as the veterans and the entire US.
Needles Highway & Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
Last, but certainly not least is the Needles Highway combined with the Custer State park Wildlife Loop! When we visited, our family headed out on Needles Highway specifically looking for Needles Point! Then, we hopped on the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop! This is a long day, but completely worth it! Along Needles Highway, you’ll climb to Needles Point, but also passing by Sylvan Lake, which is worth a stop! Enjoy the views from Needles Point and then head back down and jump onto the Wildlife Loop inside Custer State Park! Here, keep your eyes open for a variety of wildlife including chipmunks, bison, and the tame donkeys! One note, this route and loop can get rather long, so make sure to pack snacks and drinks for the family!
Conclusion
The list of things to do in South Dakota while on vacation is endless, but we have our 5 “Don’t Miss” places to visit or things to see! Planning your family vacation? We have some
Pin It For Later
Thanks Katie! Visiting Mount Rushmore is at the top of my travel list!
It is definitely worth the trip!!
I have yet to visit many northern states, except NY. I’d love to visit Mount Rushmore! Thanks for sharing!
It’s pretty fantastic! I’ve also found the older I get the more I appreciate it and our country when you hear the stories!
Love those landscapes! How long would you recommend spending in the area, say if it were part of a bigger US road trip?
I would plan on at least 3 full days and just know that you still won’t see everything! You might be able to cram these 5 things into two days if you start early and keep moving all day and into the dark!
I haven’t been west of Chicago yet but there are so many places to see! I definitely want to do a west coast trip but now you have South Dakota on my places I want to visit! Such beautiful pictures!
💗 Alexx | Aesthetics by Alexx
https://aestheticsbyalexx.com
Its absolutely gorgeous! And definitely worth the trip!
As a neighbour to the north, I didn’t realize how many fantastic places to visit there are in South Dakota! I would love to see Mt. Rushmore as much as I’d love to walk that nature path. Great ideas.
The list is quite endless! We were there 4 full days and didn’t even come close to doing it all!
We absolutely loved South Dakota. Such a unique experience!
It really is and there is something different for each persons interests!
It really is!!!
I’ll be honest: South Dakota has never been one of the first places that come to mind when I think of a vacation to the States, but it looks lovely. I had forgotten that Mt. Rushmore is here, and that’s definitely a place I’d like to see one day.
There really is so much to see and do!
Now I want to visit South Dakota!! Thanks so much for this post
Thanks for stopping by! There are so many places to go and things to do!
I’m heading to South Dakota this fall and I’m super excited. Custer State Park and the wildlife loop are high on my list.
It’s long, but work it!! Feeding burros is a highlight!
I LOVE SOUTH DAKOTA! I haven’t been back in a while but man the memories. I loved all the friendships I’ve made and memories. I must make a visot soon thanks to this post!
There’s so many fantastic places! I went when I was 6 and so it was so much fun to go back with our boys and see it all again and how much it had changed in 25 years!
I totally remember the custer state park wildlife loop when I was a child! Great memories of our family trip to South Dakota and definitely one I’ll repeat! Great tips!
It was so fun to go back as an adult and see it all again!