Resources for South Dakota - (includes resources that have information for both states)
I have found that the best way to plan a trip is with a tour book first and then the Internet. Many of the internet sites are trying to get you to visit while a tour book is written by someone who has either traveled there or lives there and doesn't have a economic interest other than selling the book. After reading reviews here I go to websites. You need to make surety publication date is recent. This time I was unable to find only one tour book of the Dakotas (Off the Beaten Path series) and two of the Black Hills, so planning was much harder.
Another resource I use are maps from AAA. However this time the AAA maps did not provide enough detail so I found a state atlas for each state published by Delorme. I do use Google to make maps and check distances and driving times (I have a Maps page) but I have learned that in some remote areas access these are not predictable so I always use a printed map. I have all the routes marked in these Atlases.
Another resource I use are maps from AAA. However this time the AAA maps did not provide enough detail so I found a state atlas for each state published by Delorme. I do use Google to make maps and check distances and driving times (I have a Maps page) but I have learned that in some remote areas access these are not predictable so I always use a printed map. I have all the routes marked in these Atlases.
Fodor's Road Trip to the Dakotas - https://www.fodors.com/best-us-road-trips/the-ultimate-outdoor-adventure-begins-with-this-road-trip-to-the-dakotas
This link look promising with a suggested interactive itinerary
AAA Road Trips - these are like TripTiks but digital and interactive; they can show gas, attractions, and food.
This link look promising with a suggested interactive itinerary
AAA Road Trips - these are like TripTiks but digital and interactive; they can show gas, attractions, and food.
- Black Hills
- Needles HIghway in Custer
- Badlands
- South Dakota Prairie - looks like a drive from Custer to Badlands
- Theodore Roosevelt Scenic Byway - from Medora to Williston, i.e,. from the south unit to the north unit
- Little Missouri National Grassland - runs on I-94 from Belfield at intersection with 85 through Medora west to Sentinel Butte
- Northern Loess Hills - in Western Iowa ending in Sioux City - this might be one we could use either on the way home or the way back. It intersects with Highway 30 if we wanted to take that across Iowa again.
Lewis and Clark Sites and Eastern South Dakota
Lewis and Clark traveled to the west on the Missouri river which travels through both North and South Dakota.
Lewis and Clark traveled to the west on the Missouri river which travels through both North and South Dakota.
- Lewis and Clark Trail - the National Park Service Website - Here you can find lists of all the sites along the trail.
- Lewis and Clark Trail - This one is a commercial site with links to resources for staying and mileage between sites.
- Native American State and National Scenic Byway - this will include some of the Lewis and Clark Trail
- Along I-29 - this interstate runs from South to North on the eastern part of the state - beginning with Vermillion - includes Sioux Falls and the prairies of northern South Dakota
State Parks and Other Attractions
- South Dakota State Parks - from here find links to specific parks in the state.
- Pallisades State Park - near Sioux Falls, SD
- Big Sioux Recreation Area - near Sioux Falls in Brandon, SD. Suggested hike is Valley of the Giants Trail 1.5 miles hike around a little lake with oldest tress in South Dakota
- Devils Gulch and Split Rock Park is a city park in Garretson, SD which is close to Pallisades State Park
- Good Earth State Park - a cultural and historical park important to the Native Americans- in Sioux Falls.
- Fort Sisserton State Park - in the Coteau region, NE South Dakota. There is a Harvest Festival on September 18 when we will be there.
- Roy Lake State Park - in the Coteau region, NE South Dakota
- Sica Hollow State Park also in the Coteau Prairie Region
- 1880 Town - between Badlands and Pierre along i-90 close to Midland - a tourist attraction with admission
- The Castles National Landmark in Custer Galatin National Forest. See Directions here.
Black Hills and Badlands
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway - overview
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- Custer State Park
- Sturgis - will explore from our 2 day stay in Custer - includes Bear Butte State Park
- Deadwood - will explore from our 2 day stay in Custer
- Road Trip from Badlands to the Black Hills
- Photographing the Badlands - blog site with suggestions for photographing and links to two videos of photography tours
- Chapel in the Hills - in Rapid City - a Scandinavian Church
- Dinosaur Park in Rapid City - has sculptures of dinosaurs but also has great views
- Rushmore Tramway Adventures - in Keystone - has a scenic chairlift with view of Mt Rushmore
- Evans Plunge - mineral springs in Hot Springs - south of Custer
- Angostura State Recreation Area - state park 10 miles south east of Hot Springs - bluffs and great views
Cities
- Sioux Falls - 2 in Sioux Falls with things to do
- Pierre - A day in PIerre - with things to do
- PIerre State Capitol Information
- Rapid City - 48 hours of things to do
- Rapid City Journey Museum - open Wednesday - Sunday