From granite-carved presidents to sweeping prairie landscapes, South Dakota delivers an unexpected mix of American history, natural beauty and quirky roadside charm.
Groups come for the big names — Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park — but end up falling in love with the stories tucked into small towns, the welcome of wide-open spaces and meals that reflect a hearty frontier spirit. Whether it’s watching bison thunder across rolling hills, exploring new cultural attractions or bedding down in historic hotels that whisper tales of the Wild West, South Dakota offers groups a travel experience packed with history, character and wide-open wonder.
Here’s a look at the can’t-miss classics, brand-new experiences, and where to stay and eat along the way.
Popular Demand
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Few American landmarks are as iconic as Mount Rushmore. The massive granite faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln draw millions each year, and group travelers can explore the visitor center, museum exhibits and scenic trails that give fresh perspectives on the monument. Evening lighting ceremonies add a sense of drama, while ranger talks bring history to life. Many visitors also hike or drive to nearby Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rockies, for sweeping views of the Black Hills. Beyond the photo ops, it’s a powerful reminder of national identity and the sheer scale of American ambition carved right into the mountains.
Badlands National Park
Eerie rock spires, rainbow-striped buttes and sweeping grasslands make the Badlands one of the state’s most unforgettable landscapes. The park is rich in wildlife — bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs — and equally rich in prehistoric fossils, with ranger-led programs that explore its ancient past. The Loop Road provides easy access for motorcoaches, with overlooks and short trails that make it ideal for groups. Sylvan Lake, about two hours away at Custer State Park, is worth the trip for picnics and day hikes. Visitors can stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to see fossil displays and watch paleontologists at work; walk the Door Trail for close-up views of eroded cliffs; or join a night-sky program to take in the Milky Way under one of the darkest skies in the country.
Deadwood’s Wild West Legacy
History comes alive in Deadwood, where Gold Rush legends still echo through its brick-lined streets. Once home to figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, the town blends its frontier past with modern-day fun. Groups can tour the Adams Museum for stories of boomtown life; ride the Deadwood Stagecoach; or visit Mount Moriah Cemetery to pay respects to the town’s most famous residents. After dark, live music, gaming halls and old-style saloons keep the spirit of the Wild West going strong.
Up and Coming
Native American Cultural Experiences
South Dakota’s tourism story is evolving to spotlight Native voices, and groups can now engage in more immersive cultural programs. From visiting the still-developing Crazy Horse Memorial to exploring the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center in Chamberlain, travelers can gain insight into Lakota heritage through art, artifacts and storytelling. Workshops, traditional crafts and guided tours led by Native interpreters offer authentic connections to the state’s first peoples. Each October, the Black Hills Pow Wow in Rapid City gathers tribes from across North America for three days of music, dance and community.
Prairie Adventures
Beyond the Black Hills, South Dakota’s prairies are emerging as destinations in their own right. Group-friendly ranch stays, birding tours and prairie hikes introduce travelers to the expansive landscapes that shaped frontier life. Wind Cave National Park, one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems, pairs underground exploration with opportunities to spot bison and elk roaming the grasslands above. Activities like guided wagon rides, prairie dog town visits and stargazing programs offer new ways to connect with nature in one of America’s last great grasslands.
Craft Beer and Culinary Trails
South Dakota’s food and drink scene has been growing fast, with breweries, distilleries and farm-to-table restaurants popping up across the state. Cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City now anchor craft beer trails, featuring local favorites such as Lost Cabin Beer Co. and Firehouse Brewing Co. Both are known for inventive small-batch brews and welcoming tasting rooms. Smaller towns are getting in on the action, too, offering cozy taprooms and locally sourced menus that highlight the region’s agricultural roots. For groups, this means curated tasting tours, brewery hops and culinary experiences that connect local flavor with South Dakota’s growing craft scene.
Overnight Sensations
Historic Bullock Hotel
Built by Sheriff Seth Bullock in 1895, the Bullock Hotel stands as a monument to Deadwood’s Wild West legacy. Its Victorian architecture, antique furnishings and whispered tales of hauntings create an atmosphere that’s part history, part legend. Groups staying here can walk to Deadwood’s main attractions, including museums, saloons and casinos, while soaking in the hotel’s old-world charm. The Bullock combines convenience with character for an authentic feel of stepping back into the Gold Rush era.
Hotel Alex Johnson
Since 1928, Hotel Alex Johnson has been welcoming travelers to downtown Rapid City with the building’s mix of Native American design, German heritage and Art Deco elegance. Presidents and movie stars have stayed here, and today it blends vintage character with modern comforts. The rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Black Hills, perfect for groups winding down after a day of sightseeing. With its prime location, distinctive architecture and legendary guest list, Hotel Alex Johnson makes a stay in Rapid City feel both grand and authentic.
Memorable Meals
Alpine Inn
Don’t let the historic setting fool you — Alpine Inn in Hill City has a quirky reputation and one of the simplest menus around: steak or vegetarian option for dinner, German specialties at lunch and decadent desserts anytime. Located in a former boarding house, the restaurant has been serving groups for decades, combining old-world charm with no-fuss hospitality. It’s affordable, delicious and uniquely South Dakota, with a setting that feels both like a step back in time and a warm family gathering.
Wall Drug
What started as a humble roadside stop offering free ice water is now one of the most famous attractions in America. Wall Drug is quirky, kitschy and unforgettable, a sprawling complex of shops, attractions and dining options. Groups flock to Wall Drug’s 500-seat Western Art Gallery Restaurant for its hearty fare, especially the homemade donuts and buffalo burgers. Visitors who want an experience full of Americana can stop here for photo ops with giant jackalopes and old-fashioned cowboy decor and to experience one of the most memorable dining spots in the state.
