Are you planning on making this the best year ever? Lucky for us South Dakotans, adventures big and small are hiding around every corner, making good times just a short drive away. If you need tips for making your year even more epic, we recommend taking these 12 best day trips in South Dakota for all the good times:

January - Beat the winter blues with a hike around Sheridan Lake
Sheridan Lake Road, Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Flickr/Alex Calderon
For a hike that is arguably the most beautiful in winter, visit the lovely Sheridan Lake Trail! Located near Keystone and Rockerville, Sheridan Lake is chock-full of incredible Black Hills scenery, plus surprise mining tunnels that you can still explore today.
February - Shop and stay in Sturgis
Sturgis, SD 57785, USA
Flickr/Jerry Huddleston
You know Sturgis for its famous motorcycle rally, but did you know that it is also a downright charming town? Home to nearly 7,000 residents, there is plenty to do in and around Sturgis, including unique dining and shopping, museums, and outdoor recreational opportunities galore. 
March - Get sprung at the Outdoor Campus in Rapid City
The Outdoor Campus - West, Adventure Trail, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus-Rapid City Facebook
Spring has sprung come mid-March, and there is no better place to take it all in than the Outdoor Campus in Rapid City. Operated by the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department, the Outdoor Campus is home to hands-on activities and classes, ponds, and 1.5 miles worth of nature trails.
April - Go camping in Custer State Park
Tripadvisor Gary97TJ
Custer State Park is a stunning natural destination with a variety of camping options to suit different preferences, from more developed campgrounds to rustic, back-to-nature sites. It's a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore the beauty of the Black Hills region in South Dakota.
May - Take in the most colorful time of the year at TulaPalooza.
McCrory Gardens, 631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Google/Carolyne Hart
The McCory Gardens are a sight to see year-round, but this Brookings institution manages to come to life even more in May, as it transforms into the colorful TulaPalooza. Taking place every May, TulaPalooza features a whopping 10,000 tulips adorned in vibrant yellows, pinks, and reds. 
June - Fly high at the Rushmore Tramway Adventures in Keystone
Rushmore Tramway Adventures, 203 Cemetery Rd, Keystone, SD 57751, USA
Rushmore Tramway Adventures: Keystone, SD Facebook
Do you want to start your summer on a high note? Then why not ride down an exciting zipline, alpine slide, or chair lift? Open late spring through early fall, there is something for everyone to love at Rushmore Tramway, which is also home to obstacle courses, walking trails, and delicious food. 
July - Take a dip in the Devil's Bathtub
Devils Bathtub Trailhead, 1917 Spearfish Canyon Hwy, Lead, SD 57754, USA
TripAdvisor/Don G
Summertime in the Mount Rushmore State can be downright brutal... agree? Instead of fighting the crowds at popular pools and water parks, we recommend taking a dip in the Devil's Bathtub. While the name may sound downright dark and gloomy, this swimming hole is anything but and can be found just off of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
August - Live like a pioneer at the Ingalls Homestead
Ingalls Homestead, 20812 Homestead Rd, De Smet, SD 57231, USA
Ingalls Homestead Facebook
One of South Dakota's most beloved of residents is Laura Ingalls Wilder, who may have passed away decades ago, but whose legend still lives on in her books and at the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet. During your visit, make plans to take a covered wagon ride, make corn cob dolls and jump ropes, and try your hand at old-fashioned chores. 
September- Climb aboard the 1880 Train to see the changing colors
1880 Train - Hill City Depot, Railroad Avenue, Hill City, SD, USA
TripAdvisor/SidSidow
The last time we rode the 1880 Train was around the middle of September, and boy was it beautiful! Beginning in Hill City and ending in Keystone (or vice versa), the historic 1880 Train passes through some of the most pristine land in the Black Hills that manages to get even more beautiful during the fall.
October - Hop in the car for our dreamy Fall Foliage Road Trip
Google
Have you taken our fall color road trip in South Dakota? If you love to see the changing fall colors and cannot get enough of their beautiful hues, there is literally no better drive for you!
November - Give thanks for this great state at Mount Rushmore 
Mount Rushmore Road, Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD, USA
Flickr/South Dakota
November is a great time to count your blessings and give thanks, so what better time to also give thanks for this great state and our most iconic of landmarks? Do you need another reason to visit Mount Rushmore in November? Crowds are significantly lower, and parking is plentiful.
December - Enjoy the winter wonderland that is Deadwood
Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
HISTORIC DEADWOOD Facebook
Deadwood, South Dakota is known for its Wild West history and its (now-deceased) colorful original residents, but did you know that it also turns into a real-life winter wonderland every Christmas? To experience this holiday magic for yourself, make plans to attend their memorable Pioneer Festive Fridays, shop around charming downtown, and take in all of the gorgeous light displays.

How lucky are we to live in South Dakota? We have SO many amazing destinations to visit. Whether we’re looking for day trips from Bismark, South Dakota, or elsewhere, we’re spoiled with choices. Which of these day trips are you most looking forward to taking? Let us know in the comments! We all love waterfalls, right? Next time you’re up for chasing waterfalls, follow this waterfall road trip through South Dakota.

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Best Day Trips in South Dakota

Tori Jane | May 19, 2022

What are some unique things to do around South Dakota?  

If anyone ever tells you that there’s nothing fun to do in South Dakota, delete them from your life: you don’t need that much negativity around, after all. South Dakota is a great place to visit, with lots of fun stuff to do and see. Some of our favorite things to do around South Dakota include:

  • Visiting the Reptile Gardens. Trust us – it's much more interesting than you might assume! It houses a broad spectrum of reptiles like snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, and even more amphibian friends.
  • We also love checking out the National Music Museum, which features more than 15,000 musical instruments.
  • Nature lovers will want to explore the Petrified Wood Park and Museum. It spans an entire block and comprises art built of – you guessed it – petrified wood. There are more than 100 exhibits at any given time, making this museum in South Dakota a must-do.

What are the best day trips near me in South Dakota?  

With 63 state parks in South Dakota, you’ll never run out of ideas for epic day trips. Of course, you don’t need to visit a state park for your day trip, but state parks just happen to be our favorite things to do in nature in South Dakota.

  • Check out Custer State Park, which is more than 70,000 acres of brilliant natural wonders in the Black Hills. Feel free to go biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming... really, the possibilities are almost limitless.
  • We also love the Badlands National Park, which is enormous, at 250,000 acres – making it the perfect day trip destination in South Dakota.
  • Fall in love with the prairies of South Dakota all over again by exploring some interesting, rich fossil beds, and watching the critters that happily roam the park.

Where are the best getaway spots near me in South Dakota? 

Who says South Dakota isn’t an amazing place for a getaway? We sure don’t! We happen to have some favorite getaway spots in South Dakota all over the state, so no matter where you find yourself, you’re sure to find amazing things.

  • You can’t visit South Dakota without visiting Historic Deadwood, which is an intriguing National Historic Landmark that includes a real train from 1880, a mining museum, a historic old gold mine, shopping, casinos, tours, breweries... the list goes on! The city of Deadwood itself is usually having at least a few events going on, so be sure to explore.
  • Another option for your South Dakota day trips near me is Rushmore Tramway Adventures, where you can zipline through the Black Hills overlooking Mount Rushmore.
  • WaTiki Waterpark, a 30,000-square-foot water park in South Dakota is filled to the brim with fun and games. 

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