Mount Rushmore State
South Dakota travel guide
Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and bison herds in the Black Hills.
- Capital
- Pierre
- Best time to go
- Jun–Sep
- Daily budget
- $$ about $150–220 a day
- Fly into
- RAP Rapid City
FSD Sioux Falls
Top places to visit in South Dakota
Mount Rushmore
Four presidents carved into granite.
Badlands National Park
Striped canyons and prairie dogs.
Custer State Park
Bison herds on the Wildlife Loop.
Crazy Horse Memorial
A giant mountain carving still in progress.
Wind Cave National Park
One of the longest caves in the world.
What to eat in South Dakota
- Chislic
- Kuchen
- Bison steak
- Indian tacos
When is the best time to visit South Dakota?
Jun–Sep is usually the best time to visit South Dakota. Moderate: about $150–220 a day for one person, including a shared hotel room and meals.
Hidden gems in South Dakota
Little-known places shared by travelers.
More of the Midwest
IllinoisIndianaIowaKansasMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNebraskaNorth DakotaOhioWisconsin
Budgets are rough mid-range costs per person, including a shared hotel room and meals. Always check opening times and prices before you go.