🏞️ Discover South Dakota
South Dakota sits in the north-central United States, bordered by North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wyoming, and Montana. Its landscape transitions from gently rolling plains in the east to dramatic canyons and granite peaks in the west. Elevation ranges from around 900 feet near the eastern border to 7,242 feet at Black Elk Peak in the Black Hills, the highest point in the state. With an average elevation of roughly 2,352 feet, South Dakota offers a diverse terrain ideal for hiking, scenic drives, and outdoor photography. From the surreal formations of Badlands National Park to the forested slopes of Custer State Park, the state blends geological wonder with wide-open serenity.
🚗 Getting There
Most travelers heading into South Dakota fly into Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) or Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), depending on whether they’re exploring the eastern plains or the western Black Hills. The state is well-connected by I-90, which runs east-west across South Dakota and serves as the main highway for cross-state travel. Whether you’re driving in from Minnesota or Wyoming, I-90 offers direct access to major destinations like Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park.
🌟 My Personal Observation
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Mt Rushmore:
Mount Rushmore is located near Keystone, South Dakota, and features the 60-foot-tall granite faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Sculpted between 1927 and 1941 by Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, it stands as an iconic symbol of American history and artistry.
The site offers a visitor center, walking trails, and evening lighting ceremonies during the summer months. If you're visiting South Dakota, this is one of those places you simply can't miss.
Mount Rushmore: 📍 View on Google Maps -
Custer State Park:
Another place you can't miss is this beautiful park. You'll find plenty of spots to stop, take pictures, and enjoy nature. One of those places is Sylvan Lake—I've been there three times in different seasons, and fall is the most amazing for me. You can park and walk around the lake, admiring the beauty all around.
If you're feeling more adventurous, there's a hike to Black Elk Peak (also known as Harney Peak). With a watchtower at the top, the views are absolutely worth the climb. Keep driving and you'll come across a narrow rock tunnel where only one car can fit—an unforgettable experience.
Overall, Custer State Park is truly worth visiting. Don't miss this beautiful place.
Black Elk Peak: 📍 View on Google Maps
Sylvan Lake: 📍 View on Google Maps
Needles Eye Tunnel: 📍 View on Google Maps -
Cosmos Mystery Area:
This is another place I had the chance to visit during a magnificent time in South Dakota. The Cosmos Mystery Area truly lives up to its name. I don’t know how they do it—or if it’s just a natural phenomenon—but being there makes you think.
Physics seems to break its own rules: a ball rolls uphill, trees grow at strange angles, and inside the cabin, you can’t even stand straight. It’s a mystery waiting to be solved.
Don’t expect a fancy setup—this place is rustic and tucked away from the city. But that’s part of its charm. It’s totally worth the visit.
Cosmos Mystery Area: 📍 View on Google Maps
🪨 Hidden Gems in South Dakota
- Stronghold & Palmer Creek Districts (Badlands South Unit): Remote, rugged, and culturally rich. Located within the Pine Ridge Reservation, these seldom-visited areas offer raw landscapes and deep Lakota heritage. Access is limited—best explored with guidance from the White River Visitor Center.
- Sage Creek Wilderness Area: A quiet corner of the Badlands where bison roam freely and prairie dogs chirp from burrowed colonies. Ideal for solitude, stargazing, and backcountry camping far from the crowds.
- Sunday Gulch Trail (Black Hills): A boulder-hopping loop near Sylvan Lake that dips into creeks and climbs granite walls. Less trafficked than Black Elk Peak, but just as rewarding for adventurous hikers.
- Crazy Horse Memorial: A colossal mountain carving in progress, honoring the legendary Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Located in the Black Hills, the sculpture depicts him pointing toward his ancestral lands. Beyond the monument, the site includes a Native American museum and cultural center, celebrating Indigenous heritage and resilience.
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: A lush, limestone-lined drive through waterfalls and forested cliffs. Stop at Bridal Veil Falls or hike the '76 Trail for elevated views of the canyon floor.
- Jewel Cave National Monument: One of the longest caves in the world, with calcite crystals and narrow passageways. Guided tours range from easy walks to wild spelunking adventures.
🏨 Where to Stay When Visiting South Dakota
I’m not going to lie—I don’t even remember where I stayed my first time in South Dakota. Holiday Inn? Comfort Inn? Something like that. What I do remember is that it was clean, beautiful, and close to town. Easy access, no stress. But here’s the real question: what’s your plan?
When visiting South Dakota, you’ve got options. You can stay close to Mount Rushmore, right in Keystone, where the monument is practically in your backyard. Or you can center yourself in Hill City like I did on my first trip—great access to everything, with a small-town vibe and plenty of charm. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go farther out like I did on my second and third visits, staying at the Cobblestone Hotel in Torrington, Wyoming. It’s a bit of a drive, but the peace and space are worth it.
- Keystone: Closest town to Mount Rushmore (just 7 minutes away). Great for monument-focused trips. Try Under Canvas for luxury glamping or K Bar S Lodge for cozy mountain views.
- Hill City: My personal favorite for a central base. You’re 20 minutes from Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Sylvan Lake. Options include Comfort Inn & Suites, EverSpring Inn, and the historic Alpine Inn.
- Custer: A bit larger than Keystone or Hill City, with more dining and lodging choices. Great access to Custer State Park, Jewel Cave, and Needles Highway.
- Rapid City: Best for budget travelers and airport access. Plenty of chain hotels and restaurants, but farther from the scenic heart of the Black Hills.
- Torrington, WY: If you don’t mind the drive, Cobblestone Hotel & Suites is a solid pick. Quiet, clean, and surprisingly close to Fort Laramie and Scotts Bluff National Monument.
🎥 My Travel Videos
Here is some videos from Black Elk Peak and Sylvan Lake.
