South Dakota

A Western state on the Great Plains, home to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands National Park, and a classic road-trip destination.

South Dakota lies on the Great Plains of the north-central United States, with the Missouri River dividing it into eastern and western halves. The Black Hills region in the west is the heart of any trip, with Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park all clustered there, while Badlands National Park to the east is known for its eroded landscapes. Rapid City is the gateway to the Black Hills and has a regional airport. Summer through early fall is the best time for a road trip; winters are cold and snowy.

Destinations

• Rapid City & Black Hills
• Badlands National Park & Wall

Itineraries

• Classic Badlands & Black Hills Loop – Depart from Rapid City to explore the Badlands, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Deadwood.
• Black Hills, Devils Tower & Theodore Roosevelt National Park – Go beyond the classic Black Hills sights to include caves, Devils Tower, and the colorful badlands of North Dakota.