Home to landscapes found nowhere else on Earth, rich Native American history, and more opportunities for outdoor recreation than most can imagine, South Dakota is an under-appreciated gem of North America. Set amid the Great Plains, which stretch well into the neighboring states of Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Minnesota, and beyond, the sparsely populated northern state boasts a surprising diversity of unique natural terrain and historic sites well worth exploring on foot, by bicycle, and of course, by car (or motorcycle, RV, camper, van, you name it). As they say, ‘you gotta see it to believe it!’
We recently spent a long weekend getting to know the endlessly impressive western region, home to the Black Hills and Badlands. It‘s an area punctuated by towering spires of granite set among dark green hills of pine, surrounded by eroded prairie and vibrant grasslands. Though the eastern half of the state lays claim to the capital in Sioux Falls, glacial lakes, and the Missouri River, which is all well worth a visit if time allows, this article focuses on the areas we‘ve explored ourselves—and where most visitors will want to dedicate their rare free time, too.
Each of the following “things to do” has been independently vetted by yours truly. And well, we’d go back and do it all again in a heartbeat if given the chance. Read on, take notes, then book a cozy South Dakota cabin rental, and enjoy!
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