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South Dakota

South Dakota, USA

South Dakota

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South Dakota

Welcome to South Dakota, where the Great Plains meet the Black Hills! Visit Mount Rushmore, a rock star line-up of presidents etched into the mountainside. Don't miss the stunning Badlands National Park or the quirky Corn Palace in Mitchell. With friendly locals and breathtaking landscapes, South Dakota is a wild west adventure waiting to happen. Yeehaw!

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Featured Trip Itineraries

12

Main Character Energy and Fall Vibes in Stunning South Dakota

29

Experience the Magic of Fall in the Black Hills & Badlands

39

Experience Native American History in the US

16

NPAD: Badlands & Beyond

11

3 days in underrated South Dakota

73

Guide: 10 National Parks in the U.S. You Don't Want to Skip

9

The Ultimate Outdoorsy Trip: Midwest

24

Travel Guide: South Dakota

16

Hidden Gems in South Dakota

23

The BEST of Badlands National Park

11

The Best Things to Do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

9

The Best Experiences in Rapid City, South Dakota

Recommendations

Stays

Things To Do
Provided byViator

5/5

Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills

Experience the untamed beauty of the Black Hills from a hot air balloon! Located in Custer, SD, near Custer State Park, our launch sites are just miles from iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Wind Cave National Park. Soar over rugged granite peaks, sweeping valleys, and serene lakes, enjoying a bird's-eye view of abundant wildlife like roaming buffalo, elk, and antelope. There is nowhere else in the world where you can witness this historic, wild landscape from such an incredible vantage point. Established in 1984, our pilots' unmatched expertise in navigating the region's unique microclimates makes us the premier ballooning company in the Black Hills, consistently recognized as a Top 10 U.S. flight. Our daily sunrise flights (weather permitting) feature approximately one hour in the air, culminating in a traditional champagne celebration, light snacks, and a souvenir certificate. Phone hours: 8am - 8pm daily.

$375.00
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5/5
7 h

Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private

Formed by several hundred thousand years of erosion, the Badlands formations expose the layers of millions of years of the regions history. It is a landscape that makes you feel as though you’ve landed on Mars. On this day trip, we pedal the nice, moderate Badlands Loop Road for just under 30 miles through the heart of the pinnacles and lower shale formations to the other end of the northern segment of Badlands National Park, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch ($15). There are also longer options available if desired. Enjoy close up views of wildlife and take in the breathtaking views of Badlands National Park. Enjoying this area by bicycle is a once in a lifetime opportunity! This tour is customizable. Contact us for more information.

$375.00
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5/5

Badlands Sunset & Wildlife: Nature's Evening Glow

There's no better way to witness its raw beauty than with My XO Adventures' Badlands Sunset and Night Sky Tour. This isn’t just another tour; it's an immersive journey into one of nature's most spectacular displays, guided by experts who are as passionate about the region as they are knowledgeable. What sets this tour apart is the unparalleled access to the best sunset and night sky viewing spots in the entire Black Hills and Badlands region. As the sun dips below the horizon, the Badlands come alive with a symphony of colors that paint the sky in hues of pink, orange, and purple. Our guides know exactly where to position you for the most stunning views, ensuring you don’t just see the sunset—you feel it. To enhance this celestial experience, we provide zero-gravity chairs, allowing you to recline in ultimate comfort as you gaze up at the night sky.

$665.00
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4.9/5
8 h

Private Badlands Package

Experience the breathtaking beauty and rugged landscapes of the Badlands on a tour that showcases one of America's most extraordinary natural wonders. Marvel at the park's dramatic rock formations, colorful buttes, deep canyons, and vast prairie vistas while discovering the incredible forces that shaped this ancient landscape over millions of years. Lunch will be provided picnic style from a local eatery. Throughout the day, your guide will share fascinating stories about the Badlands' rich history, unique wildlife, Native American heritage, and world-renowned fossil discoveries. Whether you're taking in sweeping panoramic views, photographing the striking scenery, or learning about the remarkable geology that makes this region unlike anywhere else on Earth, this unforgettable adventure offers a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history of the Badlands.

$365.70
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4.3/5

Private Badland Tour

One of the things that makes travelling in Alberta such a special experience is that the landscapes are so diverse. Home to the Canadian Rockies, Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Alberta Badlands, there is so much beauty in this province and so many things to do in Alberta. If you’re after dramatic landscapes, gorgeous hikes, cool towns, and incredible prehistoric history with dinosaurs, the Alberta Badlands is a great place to go. Collectively referred to as the Canadian Badlands, it stretches more than 35,000 square miles. Two of the most famous places being the town of Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park.

$531.38
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4.7/5

Devil's Tower & Deadwood with Spearfish Canyon Picnic

Northern Black Hills Highlight Tour - Experience the ultimate blend of ancient history, jaw-dropping geology, and Wild West legends on this premium day tour. Includes a complimentary picnic lunch served right beside a rushing waterfall. Tour Highlights - *Devils Tower National Monument: Marvel at America's first national monument and explore its deep, sacred spiritual history for Great Plains indigenous tribes. *Aladdin General Store: Step back in time to 1892 at Wyoming's oldest operating general store. *Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: Drive through an ancient canyon older than the Grand Canyon, featuring four rare intersecting ecosystems and beautiful cascading waterfalls. *Historic Deadwood: Walk the legendary Main Street, visit Wild Bill Hickok’s grave at Mount Moriah Cemetery, and step inside the infamous No. 10 Saloon. Tour Inclusions: Park entry fees, bottled water, snacks and picnic lunch near a waterfall. Plenty of restroom breaks and dedicated photo stops.

$569.00
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4.9/5
8 h

Premier Private Badlands Day Tour

Experience another world in Badlands National Park. Wildlife and fossil spotting is a favorite as we weave our way through the spires and pinnacles of the park. We make many stops, and can incorporate a hike if you wish! Lunch in the park with spectacular views will be a highlight. On to the Minuteman National Historic Site, for some incredible living WW2 history. On our way back to Rapid City, Wall Drug calls us in for homemade donuts. Tour with our knowledgable local guides and take in the park in your own time. Our private tours are flexible, with time to take photos, walk and enjoy the area as you wish to! This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.

$450.00
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4.9/5

Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views

This is our favorite tour! We care about you, your experience, and your time in South Dakota. You'll be taken to special locations where animals congregate during the setting sun. As you enjoy the wildlife of the Badlands, we'll take care of any photos you wish. The "Blue Hour" begins after sunset and continues for an hour, highlighting the wild formations with the bright blue and orange sky. Next, we'll take you to the night viewing area in the park at a location only My XO Adventures knows. We'll see planets, shooting stars, and the Milky Way Galaxy. Our highly skilled guide will capture night photos and share them at the end of the tour, ensuring you have great memories of your experience.

$665.00
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4.5/5
4 h 45 mins

Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Experience the monument by day and stay for the powerful evening program. Full tour that includes: Presidential Trail, Avenue of the Flags and Washington Profile. Night Lighting Ceremony: Watch the faces of the presidents illuminate during a moving patriotic presentation. Iron Mountain Road: Navigate the famous wooden pigtail bridges and squeeze through historic granite tunnels that perfectly frame the lighted faces on Mount Rushmore in the distance. Night Stargazing: Escape the city lights for guided stargazing beneath the Black Hills night sky (weather permitting). Seasonal Ceremony Schedule May 22 – August 10: Ceremony begins at 9:00 PM August 11 – September 30: Ceremony begins at 8:00 PM Exact pickup times vary by date and sunset schedule. Call Black Hills Open-Top-Tours directly to confirm your exact departure time or to upgrade to a private luxury.

$299.00
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48 h

Dakota Highlights: Black Hills, Mt Rushmore & Badlands Audio Tour

Discover the beauty of the Dakotas with this bundle of self-guided driving and walking tours in North and South Dakota. Pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore. Cruise through the lush greenery of the Black Hills. Experience views like nowhere else in Badlands National Park. And journey through wilderness that inspired one of America’s greatest presidents in Teddy Roosevelt National Park. This bundle is the ultimate Dakota experience. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

$39.99
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4.1/5
1 h

Dark Deadwood Ghost Tours: Ghosts & Graves of Gunslingers' Gulch

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Deadwood with our captivating ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine. Led by an experienced local guide, this tour will take you to the most haunted and historic spots in the city, from the infamous Deadwood Welcome Center to the intriguing Brothel Museum. As you stroll through the historic district, hear spine-tingling tales of restless spirits and ghostly encounters. Traverse a mile of Deadwood's notorious streets, where the blood of outlaws once soaked the ground, and visit landmarks like the Lucky Nugget Casino and the Wild Bill Trading Post to uncover disturbing details of the city's dark past. Even as we admire privately owned buildings from the outside, you'll be immersed in haunted history at every turn. Join us for a night of thrills and chills and discover why Deadwood is a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike!

$26.00
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4.6/5

Badlands National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Unearth the long-buried past in Badlands National Park, a place like no other! This strange, alien landscape of rocky peaks hides tens of millions of years of history. Learn all about it as you explore with this self-guided driving tour, which takes you along the Badlands Wall and shows you the best overlooks, hiking trails, and more. Along the way, your virtual narrator will share fascinating stories about everything from fossils to Lakota history and beyond. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

$16.99
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3.9/5

Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smart Phone App Walking Tour

On this self-guided tour you will walk through the streets of Deadwood and hear the historic story from its time as a lawless gold rush town and the legends that walked the streets. What makes this unique? -Best deal in town -Pro narration and music to set the outlaw tone -Go at your own pace and schedule. The tour is on your smart phone, and it's smart. -Great story telling. -Location aware, the app plays the stories when you get there. -Listen again after taking it in person. The data/signal in Deadwood, South Dakota is known to be spotty. Please download the WalknTours app and the tour ahead of time for the best experience and avoid long download times using data in Deadwood. If you can't download it, contact us ASAP and we will see if we can trouble shoot it. Go at your own pace and schedule - this self-guided tour was designed for travel rebels, just like yourself. The tour starts at 560 Main Street.

$9.75
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4.2/5

Badlands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park with our captivating audio tour! Traverse rugged cliffs, colorful canyons, and expansive prairies while our guides share intriguing stories and fun facts about the park's unique geology, rich fossil beds, and diverse wildlife. Learn about the ancient history that shaped these striking formations and the animals that roam this fascinating terrain. Ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, our tour offers a fun and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable exploration of the breathtaking Badlands National Park! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

$15.99
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4.8/5
48 h

Badlands and Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle

Uncover the hidden beauty and history of South Dakota with this combo tour of Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park! Get the full story behind one of America’s largest sculptures at Mount Rushmore. Learn who designed it, how they carved it, and why these four presidents were selected for the monument. Then, take a trip back to the Badlands, where a landscape of alien beauty hides ancient fossils, geological marvels, and Lakota history. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

$24.99
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3.5/5
1 h 30 mins

Admission Ticket to the Dakota Discovery Museum

Take a self-guided tour of this premier museum in the region dedicated to preserving the past, informing the present, and building the future.

$7.70
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5/5
1 h 5 mins

Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour to See Badlands National Park

Unlike traditional ground-based tours, this scenic flight offers a bird’s-eye view of South Dakota’s striking landscapes—something you simply can’t experience from a car or a trail. From the air, you’ll see the full scale and dramatic contrast between the rolling prairie of Buffalo Gap National Grassland and the jagged cliffs of Badlands National Park. ✈️ Exclusive Access – Cover more ground than any vehicle or hike can, including remote areas not visible from roads or overlooks. Incredible Photo Opportunities – Capture stunning aerial shots of layered rock formations, winding rivers, and wildlife. Wildlife Spotting – Spot bison herds, prairie dogs, and more from a unique, non-intrusive vantage point. Personal Experience – Led by a local pilot who shares stories, highlights, and insider knowledge throughout the flight. This isn’t just a tour—it’s an aerial adventure designed for travelers who want something unforgettable, immersive, and off the beaten path.

$359.00
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8 h

UTV Rental in Deadwood | Can-Am Commander XT 1000R – 2-Seater

Explore rugged terrain on this guided off-road adventure operated by a handpicked BRP Experiences operator, featuring premium Can‑Am side-by-side vehicles. Looking for scenic overlooks, hidden lakes, or rugged terrain? We make it easy to experience the best of the Black Hills off-road in our Can-Am UTV's. Ride right from property. Price includes helmets and gas. Your machine rental will come equipped with a full or half windshield, a roof, as well as a map and GPS. Family friendly.

$485.00
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1 h 30 mins

Family Photography and Senior Photos at Pactola Lake

Capture your unique story with a professional photography session in the Beautiful Black Hills! This experience offers a stunning backdrop of one of America's most iconic landmarks, Mount Rushmore. Other local favorites are: Pactola & Sylvan Lakes, Spearfish Canyon, Buzzards Roost hiking trails, and the Badlands. Allowing for memorable portraits of families, couples, seniors, and even your pets. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply want to create lasting memories, this session will leave you with exquisite photographs to cherish forever.

$375.00
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45 mins

You-Pick Flower Bouquet Experience at the Cut Flower Farm

Explore a vibrant cut flower farm where you can handpick your own bouquet from a stunning selection of zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, and sunflowers. This delightful outing allows you to wander through colorful fields, surrounded by butterflies, bumblebees, and honeybees, creating a personal floral masterpiece that reflects your unique style. Capture the joy of nature as you gather blooms and embrace the beauty of the outdoors.

$26.00
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