South Dakota

South Dakota sits at the heart of the Great Plains and extends into the Midwest, bordered by North Dakota to the north, Minnesota and Iowa to the east, Nebraska to the south, and Wyoming and Montana to the west. The state divides naturally along the Missouri River into two very different halves: the flat, agricultural East River and the rugged, dramatic West River. Five travel regions define the state: the Black Hills and Badlands in the southwest, the Glacial Lakes and Prairies of the northeast, the Missouri River corridor down the center, the Pierre and Central region around the capital, and the Great Lakes of South Dakota reservoir system.

South Dakota has no ocean coastline, but its lakes and reservoirs are a genuine draw. The Missouri River impoundments, Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark, form one of the largest lake systems in the country, drawing anglers, boaters, and waterfowl hunters from across the region. Major attractions include Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Spearfish Canyon, and Historic Deadwood.

The best time to visit is May through September, with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Custer Buffalo Roundup bringing peak crowds in late summer and early fall.

Featured State Parks in South Dakota

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