14 Surprisingly Beautiful Places in South Dakota That Go Beyond Just Mount Rushmore

Often overshadowed by more popular destinations, South Dakota usually gets lost in the shuffle of travel plans. Mount Rushmore may be one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country, yet many people don’t even realize that it’s located in South Dakota.

While this state might not be on everyone’s bucket list, among its rolling hills and open prairies of the Great Plains, you’ll discover that this huge state has more to offer beyond just those iconic granite faces. So, here’s an adventure through the 14 most beautiful places in South Dakota that prove there’s so much more than just Rushmore!

1. Custer State Park, Black Elk Peak

Many of South Dakota’s attractions are in the Black Hills region, and Custer State Park is considered the area’s crown jewel.. This state park covers an expansive 71,000 acres and has some of the most scenic drives in the country.

The highlight of this park is Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rockies at 7,242 feet. The park’s winding roads lead you through granite peaks, rolling prairies, and crystal-clear lakes.

Along the way, you might encounter a herd of bison casually crossing the road or spot a family of deer grazing in a meadow.

2. Badlands National Park

One of the Midwest’s only national parks, Badlands National Park is worth a detour even if you’re coming from out of state. Millions of years of erosion have carved mazes of deep gorges, jagged peaks, and layered rock formations.

As you drive along the Badlands Loop Road, the scenery seems to change with every mile, from pastel-hued hills to vast grasslands dotted with bison and prairie dogs. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, as the golden light brings out the vivid colors of the rocks.

3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore is a symbol of American history carved into the granite face of the Black Hills. Four faces of U.S. presidents are forever etched on this monumental cliffside: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Under the vision of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the ambitious project faced numerous challenges from the start. The work progressed through the Great Depression, relying heavily on federal funding and the labor of local workers. After 14 years of hard work, it was completed.

Beyond the sculpture itself, the area has beautiful hiking trails and scenic overlooks. The evening lighting ceremony is a must-see, as the faces are illuminated against the night sky. Nearby, the Avenue of Flags pays tribute to each of the 50 states.

4. Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish

Spearfish Canyon is a hidden gem of limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls amid a land of great plains. Driving through the canyon, you’ll be surrounded by forests and vistas.

The rushing water sounds make Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls must-visit spots. The canyon is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. During the fall, the canyon is transformed into a canopy of color, with the golden leaves of aspen and birch trees contrasting against the dark evergreens.

5. Needles Highway, Custer

Driving along Needles Highway is like navigating through a natural maze of granite spires and narrow tunnels. This 14-mile stretch of road in Custer State Park is famous for its hairpin turns and jaw-dropping views, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country..

The highway’s name comes from the needle-like rock formations that pierce the sky. The most iconic is the Needle’s Eye, a narrow passageway that seems almost impossible to fit through.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the light casts long shadows across the landscape, highlighting the textures of the rocks.

6. Sylvan Lake, Custer

Within the Black Hills’ crown jewel, Sylvan Lake is often called the “crown jewel” of Custer State Park.

Towering granite formations surround the peaceful waterways of the lake, making it a great place for a day of relaxation or adventure. You can go kayaking on the calm waters or fish for trout.

An easy 1-mile trail circles the lake or the trailhead to Black Elk Peak starts here, leading hikers to the highest point in South Dakota.

7. Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a tribute to the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, whose likeness is being carved into the Black Hills as a symbol of Native American heritage and pride.

Though still a work in progress, the sheer scale of the monument is inspiring. The completed face of Crazy Horse will stand 87 feet tall.

The memorial is part of a larger cultural complex with a museum, educational center, and Native American cultural events. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Lakota people while also witnessing the ongoing work on the monument.

8. Deadwood, Deadwood

Deadwood takes one back to the wild and woolly days of the American West. Once a booming gold rush town, Deadwood is filled with tales of outlaws and legendary figures, echoes of gunfights and saloon brawls.

Its historic buildings have been carefully preserved, and the town’s colorful past is brought to life through reenactments of a classic shootout. Guided tours talk about notorious figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

With the added form of entertainment, come for the history but stay for the casinos.

9. Palisades State Park, Garretson

A hidden gem in eastern South Dakota, Palisades State Park is known for its boxy quartzite formations that rise sharply from the banks of Split Rock Creek. Some cliffs jut straight up 50 feet high.

People come to photograph or hike the several scenic trails along the creek. You can also canoe or kayak down the waterway. Some even come to test their climbing skills on the rugged quartzite walls.

10. Falls Park, Sioux Falls

Falls Park is a natural wonder in the middle of Sioux Falls. The Big Sioux River cascades over a series of picturesque waterfalls, and the larger park area covers 123 acres of green space.

Remnants of the Queen Bee Mill, an 1880s flour mill, are still on display, and the five-story observation tower offers panoramic views of the park and the city beyond. In the evening, the falls are beautifully illuminated.

11. Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs

With only eight national parks in the Midwest, it’s surprising that there are two in South Dakota alone.

Wind Cave National Park is a place of contrasts. The largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie above ground hides one of the world’s most complex and longest cave systems below. These caves are the sixth-longest known cave system in the world and have the most extensive display of boxwork formations on Earth.

The cave gets its name from the barometric winds that blow in and out of its natural entrance. Inside, guided tours take you through a labyrinth of passages with unique formations. One is boxwork, a rare calcite structure resembling a honeycomb.

Above ground, bison and other wildlife roam freely throughout the park’s prairies.

12. Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon

Roughlock Falls is a serene spot tucked away in Spearfish Canyon. The waters of Little Spearfish Creek tumble over limestone ledges into crystal-clear pools below. The falls are accessible via a scenic trail that winds through the canyon.

13. Pactola Lake, Rapid City

Pactola Lake is the largest and deepest reservoir in the Black Hills region. Many come to its over 14 miles of shoreline and clear blue waters to escape the summer heat.

Dense forests and rugged hills surround the lake, and you can do all the fun water activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to jet skiing and sailing. In the evening, the calm waters of Pactola Lake reflect the colors of the sunset.

14. Bear Butte State Park, Sturgis

Bear Butte State Park is where the plains meet the Black Hills. The park is named after Bear Butte, a solitary mountain that rises abruptly from the surrounding prairie. Its shape supposedly resembles a bear lying on its side.

For centuries, Bear Butte has been a sacred site for many Native American tribes, who come here to perform ceremonies and offer prayers. You can take a hike to the top, passing prayer cloths tied to trees and rocks left by those who have come before you.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.