8 Stops You Cannot Miss on the Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip

Updated: October 6, 2026

While planning a quiet getaway, I wanted something different. I wanted a place where wildlife, especially bison, took center stage. Seeing these magnificent animals had been on my bucket list for years, and I was ready to make it happen. Still, I wanted to avoid Yellowstone’s heavy crowds. That’s when I stumbled across South Dakota’s Wildlife Loop (more on that later).

I had never considered traveling to South Dakota before, but the more I researched, the more excited I became about visiting. It was funny to see people’s surprised reactions when I mentioned we were heading to South Dakota; it was out of our norm in the best, most unexpected way.

South Dakota Road Trip

We drove from Chicago to South Dakota, squeezing a whole lot of adventure into just five days. From quirky roadside attractions to gorgeous national parks, this road trip had it all. If you’re planning your own South Dakota road trip, here are 8 stops you absolutely cannot miss. 

1. Sioux Falls
2. Badlands Ranch Store
3. Badlands National Park 
4. Rapid City
5. Deadwood
6. Wildlife Loop Road
7. Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
8. Needles Highway

We drove our own car, but if you’re renting, use this link to compare over 1,000 car rental brands for the best price.

One thing I wish I had bought before the road trip is the Dakota Highlights audio tour; it bundles self-guided driving and walking tours for several of the main stops I listed above. I would have loved to learn more history and stories in the comfort of my own car while also experiencing them in the moment.

1. Sioux Falls

Our road trip started in Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city. The highlight here is Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River flows over pink quartzite rock formations. Yup, there are waterfalls right in the city center! It’s such a pretty sight and so well preserved.

It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after a long drive and snap photos of the falls, which are especially stunning at sunset. Here, locals and tourists relax, chat, and take in the views.

Downtown Sioux Falls also has a vibrant art scene and plenty of great local restaurants worth exploring before heading west.

Our Sioux Falls favorites↓

We booked our overnight stay at the Staybridge Suites Sioux Falls Southwest, and it turned out to be a surprisingly lovely experience.

I never considered Staybridge to be anything fancy, but we were impressed by the service, above-and-beyond cleanliness, and the “social hour” they offer a few days a week, featuring tacos, wine, and beer. Definitely stay here during your Sioux Falls visit.

2. Feed the Prairie Dogs at the Badlands Ranch Store

The next morning, we headed toward Rapid City with stops along the way, starting with the cutest attraction. The Badlands Ranch Store is famous for its giant prairie dog statue, which is impossible to miss. Right next to it lies a real prairie dog colony where you can feed these adorable little creatures. I mean, just look at ’em. 

Buy a bag of peanuts inside the store, and within seconds, you’ll be surrounded by curious prairie dogs popping up from their burrows. It’s random, fun, and uniquely South Dakota.

Be careful when driving in because some of their burrows are in the parking lot! They popped their heads out while people were trying to park.

3. Badlands National Park

Right after the prairie dogs, you’ll hit Badlands National Park. Few landscapes in America can compare to this place. Driving through the Badlands Loop Road feels like stepping onto another planet. You’ll see rock spires, deep canyons, and layered formations.

If you’re lucky and it isn’t a 100ºF day (like it was for us), you’ll spot wildlife casually roaming. The drive takes about 1 hour without stops, but it’s best to plan for more time. Be sure to stop at the overlooks for photos!

After driving the loop road, we made a quick stop at the oh-so-popular and comically overadvertised Wall Drug Store. It’s like a giant souvenir shop with some food options.

I think we were in there for like four minutes before I wanted to leave. There was nothing wrong with the store. It was just so packed with large groups, kids, more kids; it was too much. But again, it was a summer holiday weekend, so it was not our best idea.    

Another cool thing we tried doing in South Dakota, but totally failed at, was stargazing. One night, we drove an hour from our hotel in Rapid City back to the Badlands, hoping for a clear view of the night sky.

However, several storms had hit the day before, and the clouds followed us. We should have planned better. Afterward, I learned that they host night sky viewings with park rangers and telescopes during the summer months. That would’ve been so much better and safer. If budget allows, you could also do a private Badlands tour at sunset to spot wildlife and stargaze. 

4. Rapid City

Rapid City is an excellent base for exploring the area. In less than an hour’s drive, you’re in the Badlands, the Black Hills, or Deadwood.

Downtown features a fun “City of Presidents” self-guided walking tour with life-size bronze statues of every U.S. president. It’s also a lively place to grab dinner and cocktails or explore local shops.

Our Rapid City favorites↓

• Our favorite meal was from JR’s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit. It’s Texas-style BBQ, and it was solid. We went twice.

•  Do stop for cocktails at Windsor Block, another beautiful bar with creative drinks.

• Essence of Coffee had a decent breakfast, but we liked the coffee best. We tried a lot of cafes during our stay, but couldn’t find anything we loved. This was the closest we got. Skip Harriet & Oak; it was the worst meal of the trip.

We spent 4 nights at the new Hyatt Place in downtown Rapid City. It was clean, it was quiet, and we found cheap street parking every night. They’re brand new and still getting their feet together, but we really had no complaints. Check the latest prices here.

5. Deadwood

Step back into the Wild West in Deadwood, a historic town with saloons, casinos, and gunfight reenactments on Main Street. According to their website, they do the Main Street Shootout reenactments three times a day, six days a week, but “no killin’ on Sundays.” 

I loved Deadwood’s architecture and thought it was the prettiest town in South Dakota. You know, architecture photography is my favorite, so I took most of my photos there. 

One unexpected place we enjoyed was the Belle Joli Winery Tasting Room, where we tried locally grown wines. My favorite ended up being their Cabernet Sauvignon, which surprised me because I’m not into red wines. If you have more time, you can visit their 5-acre vineyard in Sturgis. 

6. Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park

Now we’ve arrived at the whole point of the trip! Bison! 

No South Dakota road trip is complete without driving the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park.

This 18-mile scenic drive is open year-round and winds through hills and open grasslands where you’re almost guaranteed to see bison roaming freely. We saw entire herds crossing the road just feet from the car — an unforgettable experience.

You might also spot bighorn sheep, deer, elk, wild burros, and of course, the prairie dogs. I feel like prairie dogs kinda rule South Dakota. We loved this drive so much that we made it twice. Bison are so cool, man.

Check out this self-guided audio tour before you start your Custer State Park drive to learn more about the area as you explore.

One little tip: If you stop at the Custer State Park Visitor Center before your drive, the rangers will share where the bison herds have been spotted that day. Another tip: When you spot the bison, stay in your car; don’t be that jerk. 

7. Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore

From Custer State Park, take the Iron Mountain Road toward Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Iron Mountain Road is another 18 miles long.

Numbers 6, 7, and 8 on this list are totally doable in one day. We broke it up into multiple days, but it was a slower road trip for us. 

Iron Mountain Road features one-lane tunnels and scenic bridges that perfectly frame views of the Black Hills and even Mount Rushmore in the distance. It’s a stunning photo opportunity with the right lens.

When you arrive, you will be greeted by the iconic monument carved into the mountain, featuring four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It’s an extraordinary sight.

If you have the chance, go back at night to experience the evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore. They share a little history, a film, and light up the faces. It’s seasonal, but I believe they do it daily.

This tour will handle all the arrangements, so you don’t have to drive to Mount Rushmore at night to see the ceremony. I was hesitant to drive in at night because of the wildlife, so it’d be nice to have a guide.

I also recently learned about Carver’s Cafe, an ice cream shop located right by the Avenue of Flags, which serves Thomas Jefferson’s original ice cream recipe. They say vanilla is the flavor to choose. I’m sad that I didn’t know this while visiting and standing there in the heat. But maybe you can check it out and report back. 

8. Needles Highway in the Black Hills

Our final highlight was driving the Needles Highway, a 14-mile scenic stretch through the Black Hills. This unique road takes you through narrow tunnels, sharp turns, and towering spires known as “the needles.” It was a beautiful drive. Stop often for photos. I was tired by then, so I didn’t take enough pictures. Keep in mind, this road is closed in the winter.

Needles Highway leads to Crazy Horse Memorial. We visited it, but found it expensive and not worth the cost.

If you’re driving up from the Wildlife Loop, you’ll come across the popular Sylvan Lake. It’s a pretty area if you enjoy water activities. It’s not our thing, so I didn’t count it as a must-see.

You’ll also be near a highly rated restaurant we didn’t get a chance to try: Skogen Kitchen. Please try it and let me know if I need to drive back. 

Also, if you’re looking for something unique and incredible to try in South Dakota, this tour that takes you on a hot air balloon ride over the Black Hills is IT. What a cool experience! If it were in our budget, I would have jumped on board. The tour includes a glass of Champagne, light snacks, and a souvenir certificate to toast the beautiful morning.