10 Best South Dakota Road Trip Ideas For New Visitors

From dramatic granite peaks and bison-filled prairies to historic towns and hidden caves, South Dakota is a road tripper’s dream. These 10 best South Dakota road trip ideas will take you across the state’s most iconic and underrated routes. Whether you’re cruising through the Black Hills, exploring the Badlands, or diving into Old West history, this list offers the perfect mix of scenery, wildlife, culture, and adventure. Get ready to experience the wild beauty and rich heritage of South Dakota one mile at a time.

1) Black Hills Scenic Byway

Winding through pine-covered hills, granite spires, and scenic lakes, the Black Hills Scenic Byway is the crown jewel of South Dakota road trips. This route passes through Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Needles Highway, offering epic drives and countless photo ops. Wildlife, rock formations, and hiking trails make this a must-do.

Ideal time to go:
May to October

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Rapid City to Mount Rushmore, evening lighting ceremony

• Day 2: Drive Needles Highway, picnic at Sylvan Lake

• Day 3: Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park, visit Crazy Horse Memorial

• Day 4: Optional hike to Black Elk Peak or Cathedral Spires

2) Badlands National Park Loop

Badlands National Park delivers a surreal landscape of jagged cliffs, colorful buttes, and wide-open prairie. The scenic loop drive through the park offers overlook pullouts, short hikes, and abundant wildlife like bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. This route is perfect for a dramatic, photogenic adventure.

Ideal time to go:
April to October

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Wall, visit Wall Drug

• Day 2: Drive Badlands Loop Road, stop at Pinnacles Overlook

• Day 3: Hike Notch Trail or Door Trail, visit Ben Reifel Visitor Center

• Day 4: Continue to Interior or head toward the Black Hills

3) Historic Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

This drive combines Wild West lore with natural beauty. Starting in the historic gold rush town of Deadwood, travelers head into Spearfish Canyon, where waterfalls and limestone cliffs frame a serene drive. It’s especially stunning in fall.

Ideal time to go:
May to October (late September for peak fall colors)

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore Deadwood’s Main Street and museums

• Day 2: Drive Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, stop at Bridal Veil Falls

• Day 3: Hike Devil’s Bathtub Trail or Roughlock Falls

• Day 4: Visit Spearfish or return via alternate Black Hills route

4) Mount Rushmore to Wind Cave National Park

This road trip links two major South Dakota attractions: the iconic Mount Rushmore and the lesser-known but fascinating Wind Cave National Park. Along the way, travelers pass through the granite wonderland of the southern Black Hills and have plenty of chances to encounter bison, elk, and pronghorn.

Ideal time to go:
May to October

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Visit Mount Rushmore and Iron Mountain Road

• Day 2: Drive to Wind Cave National Park, take a cave tour

• Day 3: Explore hiking trails and prairie dog towns

• Day 4: Visit nearby Hot Springs and Evans Plunge

5) The Great Faces, Great Places Loop (Southeast South Dakota)

This loop covers cultural and historical highlights in southeast South Dakota, from the Missouri River to the state’s capital. It’s perfect for those interested in Lewis and Clark history, scenic river overlooks, and classic Americana.

Ideal time to go:
May to September

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Start in Sioux Falls, explore Falls Park

• Day 2: Drive to Yankton, visit Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

• Day 3: Continue to Pierre, tour the South Dakota State Capitol

• Day 4: Optional riverboat cruise or return via I-90

6) Native American Cultural Route (Pine Ridge & Rosebud Reservations)

This meaningful road trip allows travelers to respectfully explore the rich heritage and modern life of South Dakota’s Native communities. Highlights include the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wounded Knee Memorial, and local art centers.

Ideal time to go:
May to October

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive from Rapid City to Pine Ridge, visit Red Cloud Indian School

• Day 2: Wounded Knee site and museum

• Day 3: Explore local markets, arts, and culture centers

• Day 4: Optional side trip to Badlands or travel east to Rosebud Reservation

7) Missouri River Road Trip (Lewis and Clark Trail)

Following the Missouri River along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, this route features small towns, bluffs, and recreation areas. It’s ideal for history buffs, bird watchers, and those seeking peaceful water views.

Ideal time to go:
Late spring through early fall

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Start in Yankton, explore the riverwalk

• Day 2: Drive north to Chamberlain, visit Akta Lakota Museum

• Day 3: Tour the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

• Day 4: Camp or fish along the river at a state recreation area

8) I-90 Cross-State Adventure

For travelers short on time or passing through, I-90 is South Dakota’s main artery, and it’s packed with iconic stops. From the Corn Palace to Wall Drug to the Badlands and Black Hills, this trip is a fast-paced way to see the state’s top attractions.

Ideal time to go:
Year-round (some attractions limited in winter)

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Start in Sioux Falls, visit SculptureWalk and Falls Park

• Day 2: Mitchell’s Corn Palace and roadside attractions

• Day 3: Wall Drug and Badlands National Park

• Day 4: Rapid City and Mount Rushmore or Custer State Park

9) Buffalo Gap Grasslands And Scenic Backroads

This lesser-known road trip leads through South Dakota’s wide-open prairies and backcountry, offering solitude, sweeping skies, and chances to spot bison, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Ideal for campers, off-grid travelers, and photographers.

Ideal time to go:
Late spring to fall

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Begin in Wall, venture south through Buffalo Gap Grasslands

• Day 2: Camp or stay in Scenic, SD

• Day 3: Drive gravel roads toward Interior, stargaze along the way

• Day 4: Connect to Badlands or loop back via Highway 44

10) Sturgis Motorcycle And Western Heritage Tour

Famous for its annual motorcycle rally, Sturgis also offers a year-round road trip option for those interested in Western heritage and motor culture. The drive includes museums, wide-open highways, and scenic curves perfect for motorcyclists and car cruisers alike.

Ideal time to go:
Late spring to early fall (August for the Sturgis Rally)

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

• Day 2: Ride or drive Vanocker Canyon Road

• Day 3: Visit Fort Meade and Bear Butte State Park

• Day 4: Return via Belle Fourche and the geographic center of the U.S.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets in the Badlands, hiking granite peaks in the Black Hills, or immersing yourself in Native American history, these 10 best South Dakota road trip ideas offer something for every kind of traveler. With wide-open roads, rugged beauty, and deep cultural roots, South Dakota is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable American road trip.