South Dakota is a hidden gem full of amazing adventure opportunities and unlike anything my dad and I imagined. We had an unforgettable one-week South Dakota road trip that took us from the majestic landscapes of Badlands National Park to the historic charm of Deadwood. Along the way we drank nickel coffee at Wall Drug, fed prairie dogs, traversed the Black Hills and even ate popcorn at the Corn Palace. Here is the full itinerary if you want to follow along with us and you can find a map to all these spots on the Patreon.
Day 1 – South Dakota Border to Deadwood
Our first day in South Dakota entailed a morning drive through Spearfish Canyon where we hiked many of the waterfalls trails on our way to Deadwood. Once in Deadwood, we spent the rest of the day exploring the town and diving into cowboy history. Here is how we spent day 1 in South Dakota.
DC Booth Fish Hatchery
This historical fish hatchery, established in 1896, offers an educational and family-friendly experience with its engaging exhibits and picturesque grounds. Visitors can learn about fish conservation, explore the museum, and enjoy a peaceful stroll around the beautifully maintained hatchery ponds. Be sure to see Fish Car Number 3 which was a rail car that was used to transport fish.
Spearfish Canyon
Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, Spearfish Canyon features dramatic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. The scenic byway is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and appreciating the rugged elegance of South Dakota’s landscape. Here are some of our favorite stops.
- Bridalviel Falls
- Spearfish Falls
- Roughlock Falls
Deadwood
Steeped in Wild West history, Deadwood offers a captivating glimpse into the frontier era with its historic buildings, lively casinos, and informative museums. The town’s rich past, including connections to figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, makes it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. We spent most of the day there and visited all these spots.
- Adams Museum
- Days of 78 Museum
- Roosevelt Friendship Tower
- Mt Moriah Cemetery
- Saloon No. 10 (where Wild Bill was shot)
Day 1 Hotel
We stayed at the historic Bullock Hotel and loved our time there. You can book it here.
Day 2 – Deadwood to Rapid City
For our second day in South Dakota, we drove the scenic route through the Black Hills and over to Mt Rushmore and Rapid City. Here is what we did.
Needles Highway
A must-drive for any road trip enthusiast, Needles Highway features narrow, winding roads that pass through dramatic granite spires and striking rock formations. The highway’s distinctive rock tunnels and sharp turns are perfect for a nice road trip, assuming your car can fit through the tunnels. Here are our favorite stops on the Needles Highway
- Sylvan Lake
- Needles Eye Tunnel
- Cathedral Spire Pullout
Iron Mountain Road
This scenic byway is renowned for its winding curves, picturesque tunnels, and breathtaking views of the Black Hills. Driving Iron Mountain Road offers a thrilling journey through stunning landscapes, including unique perspectives of Mount Rushmore framed by the road’s clever switchbacks and tunnels. There are three tunnels that perfectly frame the mountain. Here is where to stop on the drive.
- Norbeck Overlook
- Doane Robinson Tunnel
- CC Gideon Tunnel
Mt Rushmore
A visit to Mount Rushmore is a journey into the heart of American history and artistry, where the colossal faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills. This iconic monument not only offers breathtaking panoramic views and a deep sense of national pride but also invites you to explore its rich backstory through engaging exhibits at the Visitor Center and the nearby Sculptor’s Studio. Here is what we did while there.
- Presidential Trail
- Visitor Center
- Sculptors Studio
Rapid City
We spent the night in Rapid City and explored the city for a half day, here is what we did.
- Dinosaur Park – Offering an adventurous trip back to the prehistoric era, Dinosaur Park features life-sized dinosaur sculptures that captivate visitors of all ages and has been a staple of Rapid City for almost a century. Its elevated vantage point also provides panoramic views of Rapid City.
- Walk of Presidents – The Walk of Presidents features bronze busts of all U.S. presidents, offering a unique outdoor gallery that blends history with public art. They are situated on every street corner in the downtown area.
- Firehouse Brewing Company – Housed in a historic fire station, Firehouse Brewing Company serves up craft beers and hearty pub fare in a lively, historic setting. It is South Dakota’s oldest brewery.
Hotel – Hotel Alex Johnson
We stayed at the Hotel Alex Johnson, which was a great historic hotel in the heart of Rapid City. You can book it here.
Day 3 – Rapid City to Wall
Day 3 was all about Badlands National Park. We drove there early and spent most of the day in the park, with a short excursion over to Wall Drug when the rain got the best of us. Here is how we spent day 3 in South Dakota.
Quarter Pounder Statue
Standing proudly in Murdo, the Quarter Pounder Statue is a quirky tribute to America’s love of fast food and to honor the famous sandwich that helped to McDonalds captivate the hearts of people worldwide. Assuming you like the sandwich 🙂
Badlands National Park
With its otherworldly landscapes of dramatic spires, deep canyons, and layered rock formations, Badlands National Park offers breathtaking vistas and unforgettable hiking experiences. Its unique geological features and diverse wildlife make it a must-see natural wonder in South Dakota. Here are all of the stops we did while exploring for one day.
- Big Badlands Overlook
- Notch Trail
- Door Trail
- Window Trail
- Visitor Center
- Fossil Trail
- Overlooks on the drive through the park
- Sage Creek Rim Road
Wall Drug
A legendary roadside attraction, Wall Drug offers a quirky blend of history, shopping, and classic American diner fare. Its vast array of attractions, from the free ice water and fantastic pie to old-timey museum exhibits.
Hotel – Best Western Plains Motel
Day 4 – Wall to Sioux Falls
This day was all about the drive. We spent most of the day in the car, with lots of roadside stops on the way from Wall, SD to Sioux Falls, SD. There are so many amazing roadside stops in South Dakota that it was a great day and here is what we did.
- Wall Drug – We just stopped into Wall Drug for breakfast. Hard to beat a donut and a nickel coffee!
- 1880s Town – Step back in time at 1880s Town, a living history museum that brings the Old West to life with its meticulously restored buildings and costumed staff. There is a lot to see here, especially if you are traveling with kids.
- Skelton Walking Dinosaur – Just like it sounds, there is a statue of a skeleton walking a dinosaur right alongside the road.
- Big Als Oasis -This charming pit stop is known for its eclectic collection of memorabilia and delicious, hearty food. Be sure to get a slice of pie.
- Dignity of Earth and Sky Sculpture – This stunning 50-foot-tall sculpture celebrates Native American culture with its elegant design and vibrant colors. It is right along the highway and a great quick stop.
- Corn Palace – Renowned for its unique corn-themed murals and annual corn palace festivals, the Corn Palace offers a fascinating and colorful display of local creativity. It’s a true icon of South Dakota’s rural charm and artistic spirit.
- Porter Sculpture Park – This outdoor gallery features an impressive collection of large-scale sculptures by artist Kevin Porter, set against the backdrop of South Dakota’s prairie landscape.
Hotel – AmericanINN by Wyndham Sioux Falls
Day 5 – Sioux Falls
We spent the entire day in Sioux Falls, exploring all the city has to offer. Sioux Falls is a vibrant city with a blend of urban charm and natural beauty. It is renowned for its picturesque Falls Park and thriving arts scene. Whether exploring the local museums, enjoying the Sculpture Walk, or relaxing at a cozy café, there’s something for everyone in this welcoming city. Here is how we spent the day.
- Josiahs Coffee House – Nestled in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, Josiah’s Coffee House offers a cozy atmosphere with some of the best locally roasted coffee around. Be sure to try a pastry!
- Art Sculpture Walk – This delightful outdoor gallery showcases a diverse array of sculptures by local and national artists, adding a touch of creativity to your stroll through Downtown Sioux Falls.
- Old Courthouse Museum – Step back in time at the Old Courthouse Museum, a stunning example of 19th-century architecture that houses intriguing exhibits on the region’s history.
- Falls Park – A must-see landmark, Falls Park boasts breathtaking views of the city’s namesake waterfalls, cascading over dramatic rock formations. With scenic walking trails and picnic areas, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours and worth coming back to for sunset.
- Arc of Dreams – This striking public art installation spans the Big Sioux River and symbolizes the city’s spirit and ambition.
- Bread and Circus Sandwich Company – Known for its inventive and delicious sandwiches, Bread & Circus offers lots of great lunch options, with our favorite being the fried chicken sandwich.
- St Joseph Cathedral – This architectural gem features stunning neo-Gothic design and beautifully crafted stained glass windows with over 100 years of history in Sioux Falls.
- David Statue – An impressive replica of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, this statue stands proudly in the heart of Sioux Falls.
- CH Patisserie – Indulge your sweet tooth at CH Patisserie, where French pastries and desserts are crafted with precision and flair from an award winning chef.
- Great Shots – A fun spot for a golf adventure. Much like a driving range but with games you can play against your friends.
- Watecha Bowl – Experience a taste of Native American cuisine at Watecha Bowl, where traditional dishes are served with a modern twist. It’s a great place to explore new flavors and learn about indigenous culinary traditions.
- 81 Arcade – 81 Arcade offers a wide selection of classic video games and pinball machines. It’s a fun and retro spot where you can relive the golden age of arcade gaming and have a drink to go with it.
- Falls Park – We loved it so much we had to go back for sunset.
Hotel – AmericanINN by Wyndham Sioux Falls
I hope you enjoy your time in South Dakota as much as we did. Be sure to check out the Patreon for the full map and watch the video to see how we explored all of these spots. Let us know what we missed in the comments!
