Rapid City
The gateway to the Black Hills and Badlands.
Points of interest
- City of Presidents statues
- Mount Rushmore nearby
- Badlands nearby
State guide
Things to do in South Dakota
Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, the eroded peaks of Badlands National Park, bison herds in Custer State Park, Wild West Deadwood, two national park caves and the waterfalls of Sioux Falls.
1,300+
Bison in Custer State Park
Badlands, bison and the Black Hills
South Dakota is split by the Missouri River into two very different halves. The east is farmland and lakes, with Sioux Falls, the biggest city. The west is the Wild West: open grassland, the strange eroded landscapes of the Badlands and the pine-covered mountains of the Black Hills, sacred to the Lakota people.
Most visitors come for the Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore's four presidents are carved into granite and the Crazy Horse Memorial is still being carved nearby. Custer State Park has one of the largest public bison herds in the world, and its scenic drives, the Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop, are spectacular. Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are among the longest caves in the world. Just east, Badlands National Park is a maze of colourful ridges, spires and canyons.
Deadwood, a gold rush town where Wild Bill Hickok was shot, is now full of saloons and casinos. Give the Black Hills and Badlands four or five days, by car. Late May to September is the main season; early August brings the huge Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Where to base yourself
Rapid City or Deadwood for the Black Hills and Badlands, and Sioux Falls for the east.
Deadwood
A historic gold rush town of saloons and casinos.
Points of interest
- Main Street
- Mount Moriah Cemetery
- Spearfish Canyon nearby
Sioux Falls
The biggest city, built around waterfalls.
Points of interest
- Falls Park
- Phillips Avenue
- SculptureWalk
Regions of South Dakota
The Black Hills and Badlands in the west, the Missouri River in the centre, and Sioux Falls in the east.
Black Hills
Rushmore, Custer, cavesPine-covered mountains, granite spires and bison.
Badlands
Eroded ridges, prairieBadlands National Park and Wall.
Northern Hills
Deadwood, SpearfishGold rush towns and canyon waterfalls.
Missouri River
Lakes, the capitalPierre and the big river lakes.
Eastern South Dakota
Sioux Falls, farmlandThe biggest city and the Corn Palace.
Things to do
Things to do in South Dakota
See Mount Rushmore, ideally at the evening lighting ceremony in summer, and visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. In Custer State Park, drive the Needles Highway through granite spires and tunnels, and the Wildlife Loop to see bison, pronghorn and the begging burros. Hike to Black Elk Peak, the highest point in the state.
Drive the Badlands Loop Road through Badlands National Park and walk the Notch and Door trails, then stop at Wall Drug, a famous roadside shop. Take a cave tour at Wind Cave National Park or Jewel Cave National Monument.
Walk the saloon-lined Main Street of Deadwood, drive Spearfish Canyon to its waterfalls, and see the falls at Falls Park in Sioux Falls. In Mitchell, the Corn Palace is decorated with murals made from corn.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Mount Rushmore has no entry fee, though parking costs money. Wind Cave National Park is free to enter, with charges only for cave tours. Falls Park in Sioux Falls and the Corn Palace are free.
Deadwood's Main Street and Spearfish Canyon cost nothing to explore.
Badlands National Park and Custer State Park charge entry.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Try chislic, cubes of grilled or fried meat on skewers, the state's signature snack, and kuchen, a custard cake brought by German-Russian settlers and now the state dessert. Bison burgers are on menus across the Black Hills, and Indian tacos are made on fry bread.
Rapid City and Sioux Falls have the best choice of restaurants and breweries.
Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Nightlife
Going out
Deadwood has saloons and casinos, open late. Rapid City has bars and breweries downtown, and Sioux Falls has a lively downtown along Phillips Avenue.
In early August, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings huge crowds and concerts.
Bars close at 2am.
Getting around
Getting around
Rapid City Regional Airport is the gateway to the Black Hills and Badlands, and Sioux Falls serves the east. There are no passenger trains.
A car is essential. The Black Hills roads are winding, with narrow tunnels on the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, so check vehicle size limits.
Western South Dakota is on Mountain Time and the east on Central Time.
Costs
What South Dakota costs
South Dakota is good value, but accommodation in the Black Hills fills up and gets expensive in summer, and prices rise sharply during the Sturgis Rally in August.
State sales tax is 4.2 per cent, plus local taxes. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Badlands, Custer State Park and the cave tours charge fees; Mount Rushmore charges for parking.
Safety
Safety and scams
South Dakota is very safe; the risks are outdoors. Keep your distance from bison, which are fast and unpredictable, and never approach them on foot.
In the Badlands, carry plenty of water, as summers are very hot with little shade, and watch for rattlesnakes. Thunderstorms and hail are common on summer afternoons.
Winters are cold, with blizzards on the plains. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Motorcycles, bison and powwows.
Early August
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis
One of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the world.
Late September
Buffalo Roundup
Custer State Park
Cowboys drive the bison herd across the prairie.
October
Black Hills Powwow
Rapid City
A big gathering of Native American dance and music.
Late May to September
Mount Rushmore evening lighting
Mount Rushmore
A nightly ceremony lighting the sculpture.
When to go
Late May to September is the main season, with all roads and sights open. September is quieter, with the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Early August is busy with the Sturgis Rally. Winter is cold and many places close.
Jan
Cold
Feb
Cold
Mar
Cool
Apr
Spring
May
Season begins
Jun
Summer
Jul
Peak season
Aug
Sturgis Rally
Sep
Buffalo Roundup
Oct
Autumn
Nov
Quiet
Dec
Cold
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Rapid City, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on summer prices in the Black Hills.
Treat these as a guide. Park fees and car hire cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
South Dakota questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Mount Rushmore free?
Entry is free, but parking costs money.
How many days do you need in the Black Hills and Badlands?
Four or five days.
When is the Sturgis Rally?
In early August. Book well ahead or avoid the area that week.
Where can I see bison in South Dakota?
On the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park, and in Badlands and Wind Cave national parks.
Do I need a car in South Dakota?
Yes. There is almost no public transport.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September, with September quieter.
Which airport is best for Mount Rushmore?
Rapid City, around 40 minutes away.
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