South Dakota is an expansive, sparsely populated midwestern U.S. state where rolling prairies give way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest. Black Hills is home to 2 historical monuments carved right into towering granite peaks: Mt. Rushmore, the iconic depiction of 4 revered U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader.
South Dakota offers tourist attractions and rugged natural beauty in the center of the country. From badlands jutting into the sky to National Music Museums, South Dakota offers several reasons to take a family vacation.
Capital: Pierre, SD
Population: 909,824 (2022)
Official Website: https://www.sd.gov/cs
Tourism website: https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/
Tourist Attractions for South Dakota:
The outdoors is truly stunning in South Dakota, arguably drawing the most visitors. The Black Hills on the western side of the state define most outdoor adventures. Within these wooded acres, which supported Indigenous populations for thousands of years, are an array of places to visit, like underground caves and larger-than-life monuments.
The landscapes of South Dakota come with a unique history that adds to the experience of visiting. Other sightseeing destinations, like Deadwood, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Good Earth State Park, also expand on the history of the region.
- Mount Rushmore National Monument
- Custer State Park
- Badlands National Park
- Falls Park
- Crazy Horse Memorial
- Wind Cave National Park
- Mammoth Site
- Deadwood
- Spearfish Canyon
- National Music Museum in Vermillion
- Good Earth State Park at Blood Run
- Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove
- Old Courthouse Museum
- Rapid City