Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In South Dakota
Beth Price-Williams
Author
After a long winter of snow and cold, spring’s golden days often leave us energized and excited to spend as much time as we can outdoors – exploring hiking trails, biking, boating, and chasing waterfalls. Springtime in South Dakota is simply glorious. But with all there is to do, where do we start? How about pulling out your to-do list and adding some of the best things to do in South Dakota in spring?
Flower Blooms In South Dakota
With colorful flowers blooming across the state and the birds serenading us each morning, spring’s natural beauty often leaves us in awe. For some of the most beautiful flower blooms in South Dakota, head to one of these picture-perfect springtime destinations.
1. Badlands National Park – Interior
With magnificent rock formations, wandering antelope and bighorn sheep, and vibrant wildflowers, Badlands National Park is a must-visit during the spring. But, if you can't make it during the springtime, don't worry. The wildflowers paint the landscape from April through September, but the best time to visit is in May and June. Explore one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders along one of its hiking trails, or go biking. Some local companies even offer guided tours, if you're visiting South Dakota for the first time. Save time, too, to stop at nearby Wall Drug, while you're in the area.
2. McCrory Gardens – Brookings
Tiptoe through - well, not through but past - the tulips at McCrory Gardens on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings this spring. The gardens, one of the best cheap things to do in South Dakota in spring, host an annual tulip festival, or you can just stop by when you have a free hour or two. The 25-acre garden is brimming with meadows, plants, and trees, making it an idyllic springtime destination.
3. Pixie Acres Flower Farm – Castlewood
Botanical Gardens In South Dakota
From beautiful waterfalls to fairy-tale footbridges, South Dakota’s botanical gardens are simply magical in the spring. Stroll along winding paths, stop to smell the flowers, and snap photos at one of the best botanical gardens in South Dakota.
4. The Mary Joe Wegner Arboretum – Sioux Falls
Meander along one of the paths on the lush grounds of The Mary Joe Wegner Arboretum, where you'll pass colorful wildflowers, one of the prettiest waterfalls in South Dakota, and a variety of gardens. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and turkeys, too. The arboretum also hosts programs and classes. One of the best free things to do in South Dakota in spring, this botanical garden is a must-add to your springtime bucket list.
5. Japanese Gardens – Sioux Falls
One of the many gems of the Mount Rushmore State, the Japanese Gardens in Terrace Park offer the chance to slow down and drink in the natural beauty of spring. Wander along the path that leads through the gardens and past pagodas, meditation areas, and lanterns. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, and a gentle waterfall tumbles down, adding to the fairy-tale vibe of this pristine garden, one of the best family things to do in South Dakota in the spring.
Parks To Visit In South Dakota This Spring
Now that winter has passed the baton to spring, the weather starts to beckon us outdoors. Nothing soothes the soul quite like a few hours, a day, or a getaway (we’ve got some of the best campgrounds in South Dakota) at our favorite park. When you’re pondering which park to explore, consider one of these enchanting parks to visit in South Dakota in spring.
6. Good Earth State Park – Sioux Falls
Get out, breathe in that glorious spring air, and explore Good Earth State Park. The park is brimming with amenities - hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching are just a few of the ways to spend a lovely South Dakota day. Carve out some time to journey along one of the park's hiking trails to admire the wildflower blooms.
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7. Custer State Park – Custer
Considered the best state park in the Mount Rushmore State, Custer State Park is chock full of fun activities that are perfect in the springtime - from a drive along Wildlife Loop Road to a trek along one of the more than two dozen hiking trails. If you're looking for one of the best cheap things to do in South Dakota in spring, make your way to this beloved state park.
8. Spearfish City Park – Spearfish
Cure that spring fever with a visit to Spearfish City Park. From a huge wood playground and pickleball courts to basketball hoops and a sand volleyball court, the park offers something for everyone. If you just feel like chilling in this beautiful park, nestled along Spearfish Creek, bring a hammock, kick back, and chill. A visit to this picturesque park is one of the most amazing things to do in South Dakota in spring, don't you think?
Spring Hikes In South Dakota
As the lush green of the foliage and the vibrant colors of the wildflowers paint the landscape, South Dakota leaps alive in the springtime. Spend a few hours trekking along one of the best hiking trails in South Dakota. Here are a few to help you get started.
9. Hell Canyon Trail – Custer County
Hell Canyon Trail meanders 5.6 miles through Black Hills National Forest. With a moderate rating, it offers a few challenges, including steep sections and muddy conditions, but plenty of natural beauty - wildflowers, hidden caves, rock formations, and chiseled cliffs. It's a popular trail with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, and it earns props as one of the best free things to do in South Dakota in spring.
10. Devil’s Bathtub Trail – Lead
Also in Black Hills National Forest, the Devil's Bathtub Trail is short and sweet at just 1.6 miles, but it does pose some challenges, including some steep climbs and water crossings, earning it a moderate rating. Hiking poles, plenty of water, and sturdy shoes are highly encouraged. However, the natural beauty more than makes up for the challenges. Pass rock formations, a tumbling waterfall, and wildflowers as you make your way to Devil's Bathtub, arguably one of the most popular swimming holes in South Dakota.
11. Roughlock Falls Trail – Lead
If you're looking for an easy spring hike, you can't go wrong with the Roughlock Falls Trail. Tallying just over two miles, the scenic hiking trail is handicap-accessible, kid-friendly, and dog-friendly, making it one of the best family things to do in South Dakota in spring. This South Dakota hiking trail is beloved for its breathtaking views of wildflowers, chiseled landscapes, and a series of waterfalls.
Spring Picnic Spots In South Dakota
Springtime in South Dakota means spending as much time as we can outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the changing landscape. Even if we don’t have a lot of time, we can still spend some time outdoors. One of the best South Dakota spring activities, after all, is having a relaxing picnic. Here are a few of the best spring picnic spots in South Dakota.
12. Falls Park – Sioux Falls
From Rapid City and Sturgis to Mitchell and Sioux Falls, we can find so many enchanting spots for a lovely spring picnic. When you've got some free time, pack your picnic basket and head to Falls Park in Sioux Falls. Picnic pavilions are available by reservation, or you can snag a stray picnic table. Save time to explore this picturesque park that's home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South Dakota.
13. Wind Cave National Park – Custer County
Did any of your favorite things to do in South Dakota in spring make the list? If not, which must-visit springtime destinations would you add to your spring bucket list? Let us know in the comments! From Badlands National Park and Spearfish Canyon to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, a national monument, South Dakota boasts some of the best manmade and natural beauty in the world. If you’re on the lookout for the best spring break getaway, South Dakota is the place to go. For another springtime adventure, how about setting off on one of the best road trips through South Dakota, where you’ll visit such unique sites as the Corn Palace and Iron Mountain Road? Before heading out, check out the OIYS Road Trip Essentials Packing List.
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