Epic Adventures
Wildlife Spotting
When you travel somewhere new, it feels like a true adventure. If that’s the experience you’re after, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than South Dakota. With dense forests, mazelike rock formations, intricate cave systems, abundanat archaeological sites, glacial lakes, vast prairies, and otherworldly sunsets, South Dakota delivers on adventure. Wild, wide open, and teeming with wildlife, it has something for everyone. The best part? Somehow this outdoor destination has managed to stay under the radar.
Black Hills Thrills
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Big Thrills
Looking for an adventure-climbing experience? Head straight for the Needles in Custer State Park. This area is filled with dozens of 200- to 300-foot freestanding rock formations. The climbers’ trails are usually empty, and navigation skills are a must. Often, the only way down is a tandem rappel: climbers lower off opposite sides of the spire, using the tiny summit as a fulcrum. “Most folks hire a guide for the first day of their visit just to get oriented,”says Brandon Emery, owner of Sylvan Rocks. After that, he adds, people usually fall in love with the place and stay for weeks to climb on their own.
The Needles at Custer State Park
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Find big adventures in America’s most under-the-radar national forest
The Great Plains were once home to an estimated 60 million bison, but the species was nearly extinct by 1889, when South Dakota became a state. Today, Badlands National Park is home to more than 1,200 bison—mostly descendents of a herd reintroduced to the Badlands in the 1860s. Large Bison herds also thrive in nearby Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park.
Bison
Get the beta on the best places to spot wildlife amid one of America’s wildest landscapes
Hit the road, pitch a tent, cast a line, and climb through caves as you explore the best of South Dakota
When to Go:
Year-round
Don’t Miss:
Calf season in April, when you can spot cinnamon-colored baby bison with their mothers
Where to Spot Them:
Sage Creek Rim Road in the North Unit of Badlands National Park and the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park
Pronghorn Antelope
Roaming the grasslands of western South Dakota, pronghorn antelope are distinguishable by their white and russet markings. If a herd of antelope gets spooked while you’re observing them, take care not to blink, pronghorns are the world’s fastest land mammal over long distances.
When to Go:
Year-round during the daytime
Don’t Miss:
Pronghorn antelopes sprinting up to 55 mph
Where to Spot Them:
North of Badlands Loop Road in Badlands National Park or nearby Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Bighorn Sheep
Badlands National Park has historically supported one of the most robust populations of bighorn sheep in the United States, as well as some of the largest rams in North America. While the population usually hovers around 250, the sheep tend to move around the park in smaller herds rather than as one large group. Because bighorn sheep have no natural predators here, they’re bold and easy to spot.
When to Go:
May, when lambs are born, or November, during the rut
Don’t Miss:
Young lambs playing together in nursery groups
Where to Spot Them:
Pinnacles Overlook in Badlands National Park
Black-Footed Ferrets
Black-footed ferrets are one of the Badlands’ most elusive creatures, which makes them among the most rewarding species to spot in the park. In 1980, the black-footed ferret was considered extinct. That was until a small colony was discovered in Wyoming later that decade. The species was then reintroduced to the park; today, the population currently sits at around 120 ferrets.
When to Go:
Dusk and dawn, although sightings are rare
Don’t Miss:
The incredible stargazing if you go on a night mission to spot these nocturnal creatures
Where to Spot Them:
Conata Basin in Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Prairie Dogs
Black-tailed prairie dogs live in prairie dog colonies—a network of tunnels that act as an underground prairie dog city. While they spend most of the day underground, prairie dogs enjoy emerging from their burrows in the morning to bask in the sun and forage for breakfast. Take your binoculars for a better view of these small creatures. If you’re lucky, you may even spot small prairie dog pups that come aboveground at just six weeks old.
When to Go:
The hour after sunrise, especially in mid-June during pup season
Don’t Miss:
The chance to spot burrowing owls, which live in prairie dog burrows during summer months
Where to Spot Them:
Roberts Prairie Dog Town or Burns Basin Overlook in Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park
“The Needles in Custer State Park really feel like you’re climbing in the mountains. There are these tight, narrow corridors in the rock and no signs or markers. It’s just this wild adventure experience.”
—Brandon Emery, owner of Sylvan Rocks
Keep it Mellow
Of course, Custer’s runouts and tandem rappels aren’t for everybody. If cragging is more your jam, head to Spearfish Canyon. Known for techy routes on high-quality limestone, Spearfish Canyon is fast becoming a world-class destination. Grades here tend to be stout, so make sure you can lead at least 5.10 before you arrive (and bring a stick clip). Must-dos include anything on the Dark Side wall, recommends Brandon Emery of Sylvan Rocks. The cliff offers a number of classics in the 5.11 range.
Spearfish Canyon
South Dakota is about much more than monuments and motorcycles. It's home to breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and iconic attractions. In this episode, series host L. Renee Bount explores the Badlands, rock climbs towering granite spires in Custer State Park, and samples delicious local cuisine. She also learns about ancestral lands, traditions and history of Lakota people who are indigenous to this amazing destination.
"South Dakota gave way more than I expected. It was inclusive. It was fun. This trip was a really wonderful example of how you can give and learn and have fun."
South Dakota
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Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls may be South Dakota’s biggest city, but with sprawling parks and public spaces and under 250,000 residents, it feels like a charming prairie town. Rent bikes to cruise around downtown Sioux Falls. A 29-mile paved Bike Trail loops around the city, connecting many of the 80 parks and greenspaces. Stop at Falls Park in the heart of town and enjoy views of the city’s namesake falls from the observation tower.
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Palisades State Park
Visit Palisades State Park, just 25 minutes outside of Sioux Falls. Kayak beneath pink quartzite cliffs on Split Rock Creek. Then up the adventure ante on the park’s climbing and bouldering routes, which range from beginner-friendly scrambles to 5.12 climbs.
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Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is home to one of the richest fossil deposits in the world. Visit the on-site Fossil Preparation Lab to learn from working paleontologists who conduct research at the park. Outside, keep your eyes peeled for bison, endangered black-footed ferrets, and bighorn sheep.
Tip: Stick around for sunset. When the light dims, the pink-and-white-striped hills turn into a pastel moonscape. Then, take advantage of the minimal light pollution in the park for unmatched views of stars, nebulae, the Milky Way, and occasionally the aurora borealis.
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Wind Cave National Park
Visit two parks in one at Wind Cave National Park. Aboveground, a sprawling prairie is home to elk and a thriving bison population. Below, you’ll find one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the country. Learn about the area’s natural and cultural history on a ranger-led tour of the caves. Book in advance—tours sell out during peak travel periods.
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Custer State Park
Enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures in Custer State Park. Hike the 5.8-mile out-and-back Grace Coolidge Trail. This fully paved trail is family friendly, with plenty of spots to take a break along the way. Then head to the park’s Needles section for world-class climbing.
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Pack a picnic lunch and set out for the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The Breezy Point Picnic Area off Highway 244 offers one of the best views of Mount Rushmore. At the memorial, hike the 0.6-mile President’s Trail to peek at our forefather’s faces.
Stay: Spend the night glamping at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, and catch the nighttime lighting ceremony from the patio.
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Hot Springs
Go for a soak at the geothermal Moccasin Springs. The naturally fed pools range from 88 to 102 degrees—perfect for a day of relaxation after back-to-back adventures.
Tip: Make dinner reservations at the on-site Buffalo Dreamer Cafe.
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Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area
Head to Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area, where you’ll find two gorgeous waterfalls—Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls—on a four-mile hike. If you have fishing gear and energy for another two miles round-trip, hike to Savoy Pond to cast for rainbow trout.
Tip: Don’t miss nearby Deadwood. The town is famous for its historic buildings and the Wild West reenactments regularly staged on Main Street.
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Mickelson Trail
For families who thrive on two wheels, the 109-mile Mickelson Trail follows a historic railroad bed through the Black Hills. Bike rentals and guided tours are available through Black Hills Adventure Tours.
Stay: Black Hills Glamping offers a private retreat in the forest.
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Jewel Cave National Monument
Explore the world’s third-longest cave at Jewel Cave National Monument. Fun fact: because it has only one entrance, the cave technically contains the most remote point on Earth. Join a ranger-led tour to see the interior and learn more about the rock formations within the cave.
Tip: Reservations are recommended.
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Rapid City
For a city experience, Rapid City is the place to be. This vibrant little city of nearly 80,000 is home to a thriving small business community. Stroll the downtown streets and catch an event at Main Street Square. Learn about Lakota history through the work of local artists in one of the city’s many galleries. Or shop for secondhand souvenirs at vintage stores.
Stay: Hotel Alex Johnson is right in the heart of the city.
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Custer
The perfect base camp for Black Hills adventures, this little town is full of character and surprises. See the Black Hills by hot air balloon with Custer-based Black Hills Balloons, or cruise backroads on a UTV.
Tip: After, clean up for a gourmet meal at the famous Skogen Kitchen.
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Big Thrills
Thanks to an active local mountain biking community, you’ll find an abundance of mountain bike trails in the hills between Rapid City and Spearfish. Ready to take on an adventurous ride? Check out the Centennial Trail, a 125-mile traverse that extends from Wind Cave National Park to Bear Butte State Park.
“The Centennial Trail is lesser known, but it goes through some really beautiful areas. The route has recently been expanded and rerouted, so ask a local bike shop for the most up-to-date trail info.”
—Patty Ressler, executive director of Black Hills Parks and Forests Association
Centennial Trail
Mountain BikE
Keep it Mellow
Want to get in a few hours of riding before beer o’clock? Head to Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, north of downtown Rapid City. This nonprofit park maintains a tight network of fun, flowy lines. Farther west of the city, the Victoria Lake Loop offers about nine miles of intermediate-level riding on impeccable singletrack.
Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park
Mountain BikE
Keep it Mellow
In the northern Black Hills, Spearfish Creek and Redwater River offer Class II–III paddling. For a longer run, try Rapid Creek, which typically maxes out around Class III. The creek feeds out of Pactola Lake, near Custer State Park, and shoots east, winding through forested gorges and small towns before curling into the serpentine bends of Dark Canyon. (There are two Class IV drops in Dark Canyon; consider scouting before you drop in.) Paddle all four sections and you’ll be looking at a respectable 19 miles on the water.
Tip: While conditions tend to be best from late spring through midsummer, local boaters hit the Redwater as late as December, zipping into wetsuits and drytops when snow covers the ground.
Pactola Lake
paddlE
—L. Renee Blount, Explorer, Climber, Creator
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hot SPRINGS
Wind Cave National Park
Custer State Park
Jewel Cave National Monument
Custer
Mickelson Trail
Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area
Rapid City
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Sioux Falls
Palisades State Park
Badlands National Park
Murdo
pine ridge
See US Outside: South Dakota
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sioux falls
rapid city
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"You 1,000 percent have to try the lobster steam buns at Skogen Kitchen! They're pure buttery, salty goodness."
—L. Renee Blount, Explorer, Climber, Creator
The meat in our burgers and tacos comes from a local ranch. We also support farms and greenhouses in the area by using local produce in our dishes.
—Rebecca Christensen,
Chef-Owner at Buffalo Dreamer
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Black Hills Thrills
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Pactola Lake
paddling
Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park
Mountain biking
Centennial Trail
mountain biking
Spearfish Canyon
Climbing
Wildlife Spotting
Pronghorn Antelope
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Bighorn Sheep
Black-Footed Ferrets
Prairie Dogs
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epic adventures
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Custer
Rapid City
Jewel Cave National Monument
Mickelson Trail
Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area
Hot Springs
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Custer State Park
Wind Cave National Park
Badlands National Park
Palisades State Park
Sioux Falls
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The Needles at Custer State Park
Climbing
Climb
Climb