Top Things to do in South Dakota
Top Hotels in South Dakota
- 1. Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore
- 2. Bavarian Inn, Black Hills
- 3. K Bar S Lodge
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Southwest/Sioux Falls
- 5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sioux Falls
- 6. Deadwood Gulch Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- 7. Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites
- 8. Comfort Suites Conference Center Rapid City
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
- 10. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
Countries
Top 9 Historical & Heritage Tours in South Dakota, United States
South Dakota has good golf courses, skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking, and biking among rolling prairies, pine forests, and granite mountain peaks like Mount Rushmore. Glacial lakes and Missouri River reservoir lakes provide great fishing, boating, canoeing, water skiing, and windsurfing. The whole family will enjoy this prairie land where grain growing begat roadside attractions like the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Everything made from corn, even the popcorn, tastes better here. Where buffalo roam, roadside diners serve up buffalo and luscious homemade fruit pies. Shop for good deals on cowboy boots on the same Black Hills and Badland Main Streets where cowboys and cowgirls outfit themselves. Be near the eroded buttes, spires, and prairie grasslands of Badlands National Park in Lead, Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Hill City, Custer, and other nearby towns. The whole family will enjoy watching for big game like bison, bighorn sheep, antelope, eagles, and hawks. Drive the one-hour Hwy 240 loop road, with a side-trip to Robert's Prairie Dog Town. Learn about the Oglala Sioux Tribe at the White River Visitor Center, which is near Wounded Knee. Tour the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site's Cold War nuclear silos, just outside the Park's boundaries. About 90 minutes west of Badlands National Park is Mount Rushmore. Lead, Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Hill City, Whitetail Springs, and Custer are also very near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument. View Mount Rushmore from the aerial tramway in Keystone, which also houses the Borglum Historical Center celebrating the artist behind the sculpting of Rushmore. Take the kids to the Dinosaur Park in Rapid City. Attend Custer State Park’s Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. Bedazzle the whole family with sparkling calcite crystals in 151-mile long Jewel Cave. Bison, pronghorn, and elk graze the grasslands of Wind Cave National Park. Central South Dakota has the state capitol, Pierre, in addition to numerous lakes along the Missouri River. Go fishing and boating in the rivers and lakes. Take the kids to the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium in Pierre to see the state’s native fish. Drop by the Dacotah Prairie Museum along the James River in Aberdeen in the northeast to learn prairie history and natural history. Swing by Sioux Falls to see the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial and special exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum. Choose from among 10 golf courses in Sioux Falls.
Restaurants in South Dakota
1. Private Tour of the Badlands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. All tours are conducted by the owners, Cindy and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are Private Tours exclusive to the group booking the tour and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free-of-charge and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our largest vehicle, a Sprinter van seats 9, and a larger vehicle may be rented or we can add a Honda Pilot for larger groups. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Inclusions: Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice, Snacks
Exclusions: We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.
Reviewed By Lornadoone
We hired John Eposti through Tours by Locals and were thrilled with him as a guide through the Badlands National Park. We learned about the geological formations, hit a variety of different sites where we saw majestic overlooks, walked on trails, visited a missile installation and stopped to photograph wildlife. We had lunch at Wall Drug, which was a fun diversion, and even got to hear some cowboy poetry. John planned a wonderful day, and helped us appreciate a majestic landscape with warm conversation, informative facts and even arranged to have his wife meet us to help us turn in our van at the end of the day. Well worth the modest investment to enhance your trip!
2. Private Badlands Package
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This tour provides a unique glimpse into the beauty and all that the Badlands have to offer! Learn about the history of the area, and spend the day taking in the rare geology of the Badlands. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Souvenir water bottle.
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW
My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.
3. Private Badlands National Park Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Tour with our knowledgable local guides and take in the park in your own time. Our private tours are flexible, with time to take photos, walk and enjoy the area as you wish to! This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By debo395
We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!
4. Private Mt Rushmore & Southern Black Hills Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Make the most of your time in the beautiful Black Hills with our experienced, local guides. Booking a private tour means you have more time to enjoy the things you want to see! This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Inclusions: Lunch
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By debo395
We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!
5. Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. All tours are conducted by the owners, Cindy and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are Private Tours exclusive to the group booking the tour and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free-of-charge and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our largest vehicle, a Sprinter van seats 9, and a larger vehicle may be rented or we can add a Honda Pilot for larger groups. This is a great tour for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Inclusions: Snacks, Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice
Exclusions: We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.
Reviewed By Lornadoone
We hired John Eposti through Tours by Locals and were thrilled with him as a guide through the Badlands National Park. We learned about the geological formations, hit a variety of different sites where we saw majestic overlooks, walked on trails, visited a missile installation and stopped to photograph wildlife. We had lunch at Wall Drug, which was a fun diversion, and even got to hear some cowboy poetry. John planned a wonderful day, and helped us appreciate a majestic landscape with warm conversation, informative facts and even arranged to have his wife meet us to help us turn in our van at the end of the day. Well worth the modest investment to enhance your trip!
6. Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 14 reviews
Mount Rushmore Tours is the longest operating local family owned and operated tour company in the Black Hills. Started in 1973 and still under the same owner, we are widely regarded as the local experts in the bus tours for Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Restroom on board
Exclusions: Driver / Guide Gratuity, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner
Reviewed By Mark L
The best part of this tour was that they included everything I wanted to see in the Black Hills without me having to do the research and driving. This included a drive through a Buffalo herd, seeing the rock formations, driving through very tight rock tunnels, lunch at the presidential lodge and visits to the two carver's monuments. Our driver was very entertaining and knowledgeable.
7. Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Bus Tour with Live Commentary
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 316 reviews
The first destination will be Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Explore this “Shrine of Democracy” depicting four of the most prominent presidents of the first 150 years of the United States. You will discover the Eighth Wonder of the World at Crazy Horse Memorial. It is the world’s largest mountain carving and is a memorial for all Native American tribes. Next, travel into Custer State Park which is one of the World’s Top Ten Wildlife Destinations. It is known for its bison herds, begging burros and other wildlife. Take in the scenery and marvel at the beauty of Iron Mountain Road. You will wind over stacked loops of wooden bridges known as the pigtails and through one-lane tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore in the distance.
Inclusions: Hotel pick-up & drop at 8 Rapid City locations & 1 Keystone location, Driver with English live commentary in tour vehicle with 11 to 47 seats (Sprinter Van or Motorcoach), Parking Fees
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, snacks or drinks , Bus to Base at Crazy Horse (this is an elective side option, pay on own)
Reviewed By gcbctc
Only a few passengers on the coach, the drive Bruce very, very knowledgeable and pleasant. Gave use hints on how to see the most, in our allotted time.
8. New 2021 - Jeep Gladiator Bison Safari -
- NEW 2021 - Jeep Gladiator Bison Safari's Open-Top-Tours is the first to offer the new Jeep Gladiator's for Safari Touring. Your Guide will explain local history, the wildlife and answer your questions. CAB Unit . . . Safari Tube doors replace the originals. Great views of the granite peaks above and wonderful views of the canyons below. Comfortable Jeep seating for 3 adults and 1 child or youth. Cold AC to cool you even with the doors open. BOX Unit . . . more rustic but still very comfortable. It provides for great panoramic viewing . . . exceptional photo ops. . . seats 5 adults 6 mixed with children. Bison Safari's are 5.5 hrs long. We visit 'ALL' of Custer State Park: Sylvan Lake - Needles Highway - Stockade Lake - Mt Coolidge Lookout - Custer Wildlife Loop - Iron Mtn Road. Our Safari tour also includes lakeside picnic lunch, bottled water, snacks and beer (if you like).
Inclusions: Bottled Water, Beer, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuites are Not Included
Reviewed By EthanMN
We had such a blast with Jeff and Open top tours. We ended seeing quite a bit more bison than I ever expected and the deep knowledge from Jeff was great for us and was very engaging for our young kids. Additionally, they went out of their way to give us additional ideas for the other days we spent in the Black Hills and make our entire trip a great one.
9. Private - Group Tour Devils Tower
Comfortable seating in our Ford Transit van provides excellent viewing and makes frequent rest breaks.This tour will include two vary religious sites of both the Lakota and Cheyenne. Your guide will share with you the history of the region: Indian Wars, Gold Rush and settlement of the Dakota Territory. Tour includes fees, bottled water, snacks + (beer/wine). The vehicle is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized with both disinfectants and AV Lamps. Face Masks are required at National Park buildings (Devils Tower). Masks are not required during the rest of the tour. Guides will wear masks as required and/or as requested. Our guides are friendly safe drivers and knowledgeable about the Northern Black Hills. Ask as many questions as you like. This is a private tour and you will not be rushed at any of the stops. This is your vacation . . . enjoy it.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, National Park fees, Alcoholic Beverages, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch
Reviewed By EthanMN
We had such a blast with Jeff and Open top tours. We ended seeing quite a bit more bison than I ever expected and the deep knowledge from Jeff was great for us and was very engaging for our young kids. Additionally, they went out of their way to give us additional ideas for the other days we spent in the Black Hills and make our entire trip a great one.
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