There is much more to see in South Dakota than Mount Rushmore. The state is practically made for road trips, with its lonely scenic drives, unique geological formations and abundance of wildlife.
In Badlands National Park, the stretching terrain of buttes streaked tan, yellow, black and brown are the work of ten million years of sediment and erosion. The landscape is dramatic and, while it may appear desolate, is actually teeming with life. As you follow your expert guide through the winding hiking paths among the Badlands cliffs, keep an eye out for animals like pronghorn, bighorn sheep and fox.
One of the largest state parks in the U.S., Custer State Park is known for its bison herds– don’t be surprised if you get caught up in a buffalo traffic jam! Enjoy a serene horseback ride through fields of flowers and forest streams with a private equestrian guide or perhaps paddle board across one of the park’s many lakes. Custer is also home to one of our favorite scenic routes: Needles Highway, a 14-mile drive along giant granite spires.
Everyone knows about Mount Rushmore, but South Dakota is also home to another impressive (and debatably more interesting) land sculpture. The construction of Crazy Horse Memorial began in 1948 and, when complete, the tribute to the Native American leader will be the largest mountain carving in the world.
While geology and nature steals the show in South Dakota, don’t discount the cities, like Sioux Falls and Hill City. They may not be bustling metropolises, but they’re rich with interesting history and an endearing Western charm.
We’ve outlined some sample South Dakota road trips below but to start designing your own custom South Dakota luxury travel, please get in touch to speak with a specialist.
