South Dakota is a state of stunning beauty. From the badlands to the prairies and the rivers to the forests, these aerial views in South Dakota are unbelievable. In fact, the beauty of our state is so true that many people have taken to using drones to capture images from the sky, which you can enjoy via these 8 best aerial views of South Dakota:

1. Badlands
Badlands - aerial views in south dakota
Ted Sakshaug / Flickr
The beauty of the Badlands is show-stopping from any angle but especially from above! While you can enjoy its many colors and jagged edges from the ground, you can make them out so much better with this bird's eye view of South Dakota.
Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750
2. Grassland conservation easement on Sand Lake Wetland Management District
rassland conservation easement on Sand Lake Wetland Management District - aerial views in south dakota
USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr
These gorgeous grasslands are located in the Sand Lake Wetland Management District in South Dakota and are jaw-dropping in every way! As you can guess, we were thrilled to find this aerial shot!
Address: 39650 Sand Lake Drive, Columbia, SD 57433

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3. The Missouri River

This enormous winding river runs directly down the center of the state. This stunning video captures the river as well as the sun-speckled clouds, giving all around perfect views of South Dakota from above.

4. A South Dakota winter
Above South Dakota - aerial views in south dakota
Sergei Mutovkin / Flickr
This snowy shot captures South Dakota in the dead of winter. When temperatures are downright freezing, it is easy to forget the beauty that snow brings, which is why we are grateful for snapshots like these.

5. South Dakota harvest

One of the most treasured times of year in the midwest is harvest. This aerial video perfectly captures the astonishing beauty that South Dakota residents know and love.

6. Aerial view of Mount Rushmore
Aerial view of Mount Rushmore, South Dakota - aerial views of south dakota
IIP Photo Archive / Flickr
This tourist attraction and astonishing work of art is absolutely delightful when seen from the sky. Doesn't Mount Rushmore make for some of the best photos of South Dakota?!
Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751
7. Rolling hills of South Dakota
Missouri Breaks I90 crossing in central South Dakota - aerial views in south dakota
David Hill / Flickr
Have you ever looked at the rolling hills of South Dakota and thought they must go on forever? You are correct!

8. Badlands

What better way to begin and end an aerial roundup of South Dakota than with the Badlands? Since we can never get enough, here is a parting shot that was taken via drone.

These aerial views in South Dakota are just a few of the gorgeous views South Dakota has to offer. Which views are your favorite? For even more of the best scenic spots in all of SoDak (with or without a drone!), check out These Jaw Dropping Places in South Dakota Will Blow You Away.

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Best Aerial Views of South Dakota

Annie | June 08, 2019

What are the most scenic places in South Dakota? 

In our opinion, every corner of South Dakota is scenic, but if you want the most bang for your buck (or you are traveling through and only have a short period of time), we recommend visiting the aforementioned Badlands, the wildlife wonderland that is Custer State Park, and/or the picture-perfect Sylvan Lake.

What are the most well known landmarks in South Dakota? 

We could seriously write a novel about South Dakota's many landmarks, but for the sake of time, we will just highlight a few! In terms of man-made South Dakota marvels, there is the iconic Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Mitchell Corn Palace. If you are looking for something all-natural, we again recommend the Badlands, as well as Wind Cave National Park and Spearfish Canyon.

What are the best little known attractions in South Dakota? 

Do you want to beat the crowds at Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave? We suggest checking out a few of South Dakota's lesser-known attractions, like the jaw-dropping Laframboise Island Nature Area in Pierre, Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon, and/or Hot Springs' historic Mammoth Site.

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