Best Things to Do in South Dakota 2025, Travel Advice, and More Best Things to Do in South Dakota 2025, Travel Advice, and More

South Dakota

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Overview

South Dakota, located in the Midwestern region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. The state features the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a massive sculpture carved into the Black Hills granite that attracts millions of visitors each year. In addition to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is home to Badlands National Park, where visitors can explore unique geological formations and abundant wildlife. These key attractions make it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

For those seeking practical South Dakota travel information, the state offers a number of visitor centers and resources to help plan your itinerary. The capital city, Pierre, provides insights into the states governance and history with sites like the South Dakota State Capitol. Traveling through the state, you might also encounter vibrant Native American culture, especially on reservations such as Pine Ridge. With its mix of natural beauty and historical significance, South Dakota offers a variety of experiences for travelers.

State Quick Facts

South Dakota flag
Capital City Pierre
Nickname Mount Rushmore State
Population 909824
Land Area 77116 sq miles
Annual Visitors 14 million
Peak Season Summer
Off-Peak Season

Top Attractions

Badlands National Park

National Park

A stunning landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires.

9.2/10

Crazy Horse Memorial

Monument

A mountain monument in progress honoring Lakota leader Crazy Horse.

8.5/10

Custer State Park

State Park

A vast state park known for its scenic drives, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

9.5/10

Mount Rushmore

National Memorial

Iconic sculpture of four U.S. presidents carved into granite.

9.2/10

Safety and Security

Overall Safety

7.0/10

Solo Female Safety

7.0/10

LGBTQ Friendly

6.0/10

Safety ratings are on a scale of 1-10, where 1 represents areas with high safety concerns and 10 represents areas with minimal safety concerns.

Important Disclaimer: Safety ratings displayed are aggregated from multiple sources including government travel advisories, crime statistics, and traveler feedback. These ratings are meant as general reference points only and may not reflect current conditions. Before making travel decisions, please consult official sources such as the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories, local law enforcement, and recent news reports. Circumstances can change rapidly, and visitors should always exercise personal judgment and caution.

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Destinations in South Dakota