If you’re stumbling across this page, you’re probably thinking about visiting South Dakota, or already there and wondering what to do!
Here are the 3 must do things in South Dakota, besides Black Hills and Mount Rushmore!
#1 – Badlands National Park
The Badlands National Park offers incredible views. Unlike any other landscape I have seen before. Even though, I had a tight schedule this park was super appealing because of it’s easy accessibility. There was so many views very close to the road. This view (photographed above) was an lookout, with a large amount of parking.
It was storming during the entire drive, but made for incredible moody shots within the park. The cloud coverage was actually really great considering, the badlands can get very hot during the mid-day. If you plan on doing any hikes, make it during the early morning, or late afternoon into the evening. The best times to visit Badlands are in the fall (August through November). I went in September, which was the perfect time!
My recommendation is taking the Badlands Loop Road. Along this road, you will see various wildlife. Some of the animals I saw were goats, bison, deer, and pronghorn antelope. This road will take you about an hour, depending on traffic, wildlife, and the amount of stops you end of taking. The loop is 39 miles long, and is also known as South Dakota Highway 240.
#2 Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish canyon I could spend days in. There are clear streams of flowing water all over this place. A great waterfall along the road is called Bridal Falls. Spearfish canyon is also where Sturgis (the motorcycle rally) takes place each year! Take the highway called Spearfish Canyon byway, and allow yourself about 2-3 hours depending on your plans.
This is an incredible place to go fishing as well. The fly fishing is very good, considering the river is so clear and the trout love to jump up the flowing streams. We sat along this river for hours, trying to catch trout with our hands, and were successful, too!
But, hands down the best place to visit within Spearfish Canyon is:
Devils Bathtub!
This is a natural swimming hole, that has clear water, that is super cold, I may add! Additionally, it has a natural water slide, that you can slide down into the pool of water. The water isn’t very deep, so it’s safe for children with supervision, of course.
Navigating to get to the Devils Bathtub is a different story.
The trail is about a mile hike, but the trail head isn’t clear at all. All the locals know the location entrance though. It’s located off a dirt road, off the spearfish canyon byway. The trail requires you to cross over the creek multiple times. It almost feels like a “choose your own adventure” trail, because you’ll see trails on both sides.
My advice, just follow along the creek, the safest way you see fit. Part of this hike is on private property as well. Please, when you visit this place, remember the Leave No Trace rules. To avoid crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning, as it’s become more crowded as the popularity grows.
#3 Custer Peak Fire Lookout Tower
This was an amazing find that I stumbled upon during my travels around South Dakota. This fire lookout was built in 1911, and is still in use today! When I stumbled upon it, nobody was in the building. They even had an outhouse, which I thought was kind of cool!
This fire house has 360 degree views of Custer Forest. It was super windy and raining when I went, but that didn’t take away from any of the beauty I had witnessed. There was a trail leading up from the parking lot, that winded up to the lookout and around the vicinity. Hiking boots are recommended, but not necessary.
To access this fire lookout, you 100% need 4WD or an off roading vehicle. This is a one way road, filled with dirt and rocks the entire way up. It wraps around the mountain, and has a steep drop with no railings on the edge. Do not attempt this if you are afraid of heights. Be sure to take the road on the right, that will lead you here!
Have fun on your South Dakota Road Trip.
Let me know if you go to any of these places or if you have any recommendations in this area for me to check out in the future!
