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Things To Do

With everything there is to see and do in South Dakota, you’ll want to plan more than one vacation to get it all done! We have something for everyone, the outdoor enthusiast, the golfer, the beach comber, the history buff and the explorer. Here are just a few things you can discover when you vacation in South Dakota.

Family Attractions
Fairytale castles, a palace decorated in corn and native grasses, and a tropical jungle filled with exotic birds are just some of the family-friendly attractions you can experience in South Dakota.

South Dakota’s unique national treasures include national parks and monuments, like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and state parks, like Custer State Park, which offer memorable vacation experiences.

Learning is fun in the Mount Rushmore State when you open the doors to our historic and western travel adventures like Lewis and Clark and “Little House on the Prairie.” 
 

Outdoor Adventure
Hiking, biking, rock climbing, sailing, kayaking and jet skiing. The list of outdoor adventures you can experience in South Dakota goes on and on. Bicyclists rave about South Dakota's awesome fat-tire and road rides. Bring your hiking or walking shoes and discover South Dakota on foot on the state hiking trail system. 
 

Outdoor Photography
Photographers find a wide variety of exciting subjects in South Dakota. From scenery to wildlife to colorful events, amateurs and professionals alike can take home many memorable images.

For inspiration, browse our photo gallery to see some of our Great Faces and Great Places...and send an e-postcard while you're there.
 

State Parks
South Dakota has millions of land acres designated as state park and recreation areas. Visiting our state parks is a great way to learn about our history and variety…from sandy beaches to wild buffalo roaming the prairies. There are always plenty of year-round activities for the whole family.  
 

Camping
Sleep under the stars in one of South Dakota’s campgrounds. Most have modern facilities and accommodate tents, campers and RVs. You’ll also find rental cabins to make your camping experience complete – you decide if you want rustic or modern accommodations. Make state park camping reservations online at the Department of Game, Fish and Parks site.
 

Archaeology/Paleontology
If you’re interested in what lies beneath the surface, you’ll love exploring South Dakota’s ancient past. Fossils of extinct species, giant wooly mammoths and dinosaur bones have been discovered in South Dakota’s fertile fields. A visit to one of our bone zones is an experience you’ll never forget.
 

Hunting and Fishing
South Dakota is known for its world-class hunting. Hunters from all over the country come to our fields in search of ring-necked pheasants, waterfowl and many other small game species. Pheasant season is always one of the biggest events of the year with thousands of hunters and millions of birds.  

South Dakota has miles of shoreline and plenty of freshwater fish. Here, the fishing season never ends and the walleye, pike and smallmouth bass are always biting.
 

Motorcycling
If feeling the wind in your face from the back of your Harley-Davidson, BMW or Honda is your idea of a great vacation, South Dakota offers spectacular motorcycling opportunities and routes.

Each August, millions of motorcycles rumble through the state for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis and throughout the Black Hills. What started out as a small, hometown event has grown into a world-wide phenomenon that you have to see to believe.
 

Scenic Drives
When you venture off the main roads and Interstates in South Dakota, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views. Our scenic byways are a great way to rejuvenate your spirit and discover the land of Great Faces and Great Places.
 

Winter Fun
The outdoor fun in South Dakota doesn’t stop when the snow flies…it just gets better! Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, skating and ice fishing are just some of the winter fun you can have in South Dakota.
 

Great Places. Great Faces. Great Events.
For even more things to do in South Dakota, take a look at the events scheduled across the state, including the specially designated Great Events. And, be sure to review the travel directory of attractions and activities. 
 

Travel Partners
From historic downtowns to unique art galleries to relaxing family resorts, there is plenty to see and do in the Mount Rushmore State. Visit one of our many Travel Partners to learn more. 
 

South Dakota Regions
South Dakota is the land of infinite variety and the four state regional associations do a great job of showcasing it. In South Dakota, seeing is believing. 
 

Multimedia Tours
Before you hit the road, take a multimedia tour of South Dakota. Mentally meander through the Black Hills, cruise the Interstates, or traverse the Lewis and Clark Trail as you listen to recordings about different routes. And, you can sing along with the official state jingle via the link on this page.   
 

Ready to Plan?
Ready to start planning your South Dakota vacation?  We’ve made it easy to build your itinerary with our Interactive Trip Planner, free vacation guide and affordable vacation packages.