South Dakota may be best known for the faces carved into Mount Rushmore, but that’s just scratching the surface. From rugged canyons and crystal-clear lakes to wildflower-covered hills and sacred buttes, the state offers one surprise after another. Here’s a look at 14 beautiful places across South Dakota that prove there’s so much more to see than the presidents on the mountain.
Custer State Park and Black Elk Peak
Custer State Park spreads across 71,000 acres of forests, lakes, and wildlife. Driving through this vast landscape, you’ll often spot bison crossing the roads or deer grazing by the trails. At the heart of it all is Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point east of the Rockies, rising to 7,242 feet.
You can hike to the summit for wide-open views or cruise along the park’s scenic roads like the Wildlife Loop or Needles Highway. The beauty of the Black Hills shines brightest here, especially during sunrise hikes or fall foliage drives.
Badlands National Park
With its dramatic cliffs and layered rock formations, Badlands National Park offers one of the most alien landscapes in the Midwest. Over millions of years, erosion has shaped this area into a maze of ridges and gullies.
As you drive the Badlands Loop Road, the views constantly shift between pastel hills and open prairies filled with prairie dogs and bison. Sunrise and sunset here are unforgettable, casting pink and gold hues across the peaks.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
While it’s the most iconic site in the state, Mount Rushmore is worth visiting for more than just photos. Set in the Black Hills, the four presidential faces represent history, artistry, and ambition.
Walk the Presidential Trail for different views of the monument, visit the on-site museum, and stay for the evening lighting ceremony. The Avenue of Flags adds a symbolic touch, representing all 50 states.
Spearfish Canyon
Tucked into the northwest Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon is a narrow gorge surrounded by limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and forested slopes. The drive along Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the most peaceful in the region.
Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls are must-see stops, especially in autumn when the canyon is covered in brilliant reds and yellows. It’s also a top spot for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
Needles Highway
Winding through granite spires and narrow mountain tunnels, Needles Highway is a scenic 14-mile stretch inside Custer State Park. The road’s sharp curves and narrow passes make for a thrilling drive.
The highlight is the Needle’s Eye, a naturally formed tunnel just wide enough for small vehicles to pass through. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go, when shadows add depth to the rock textures.
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is one of the most photographed places in South Dakota, and for good reason. Surrounded by dramatic rock formations, the lake offers calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing.
A one-mile walking path circles the lake, and it’s also the starting point for the Black Elk Peak trail. Whether you’re after a peaceful picnic or a serious hike, Sylvan Lake is a great place to start.
Crazy Horse Memorial
This ongoing project in the Black Hills honors the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and Native American heritage. Though incomplete, the size and scope of the monument are impressive.
The memorial site includes a cultural center, museum, and educational programs that dive deep into Lakota traditions and history. Events throughout the year celebrate Indigenous culture, art, and resilience.
Deadwood
If you love Wild West history, Deadwood brings it to life. Once a lawless gold rush town, it now thrives on tourism with preserved buildings, reenactments, and museums.
Learn about infamous figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, gamble in an old-time saloon, or catch a staged shootout on Main Street. Deadwood mixes entertainment with rich historical detail.
Palisades State Park
Near the town of Garretson in eastern South Dakota, Palisades State Park features towering pink quartzite cliffs along Split Rock Creek. It’s one of the best spots in the state for hiking, rock climbing, or just a quiet afternoon in nature.
The unique rock formations make the park a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular during summer.
Falls Park
Located in downtown Sioux Falls, Falls Park is a centerpiece of the city. The Big Sioux River flows over a series of beautiful cascades, especially dramatic during spring runoff or after rain.
The park covers over 100 acres and includes a visitor center, observation tower, and remains of a historic flour mill. In the evening, the falls are lit up for a magical view.
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave is one of the oldest national parks in the U.S. and one of the most unique. Above ground, it’s home to wild bison and prairie ecosystems. Below, the cave holds one of the world’s largest collections of boxwork formations.
Tours take visitors deep underground into twisting passages that feel like something from another world. The contrast between prairie and cave makes this park truly one of a kind.
Roughlock Falls
Hidden in Spearfish Canyon, Roughlock Falls is a quiet escape with cascading waters and lush surroundings. A scenic trail leads from the canyon road to the falls, perfect for an easy stroll.
The area is also a hotspot for birdwatching and wildflowers, especially in late spring and early summer. It’s one of the most peaceful corners of the Black Hills.
Pactola Lake
Pactola Lake is the largest reservoir in the Black Hills and a favorite for summer fun. Its clear waters and forested shoreline offer swimming, boating, fishing, and even scuba diving.
With over 14 miles of shoreline, it’s easy to find a quiet spot. Sunsets here are especially beautiful, with the water reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding hills.
Bear Butte State Park
Rising sharply from the plains near Sturgis, Bear Butte is a sacred place for many Native American tribes. The butte is still used today for prayer and spiritual ceremonies.
A hiking trail climbs to the summit, passing prayer cloths and ceremonial offerings along the way. From the top, you can see for miles across the prairie and into the Black Hills.
These 14 spots prove that South Dakota’s beauty stretches far beyond the stone faces of Mount Rushmore. Whether you’re drawn to history, hiking, water, or wide-open skies, there’s plenty here to surprise and inspire.
