Here Are the Best Times and Places To View South Dakota’s Fall Foliage in 2025

South Dakota doesn’t get enough credit for its stunning autumn displays, if you ask me. The state experiences all four seasons, so fall here can be just as beautiful as anywhere else. From rolling plains to colorful river valleys, there are plenty of spots that show off the season at its best. So, where are the best places for viewing fall colors in South Dakota? Also, when do leaves change color in South Dakota in 2025?

Predictions aren’t exact, but our friends at the Smoky Mountains use a few key factors to estimate the timing of autumn color. Things like temperature patterns, rainfall, and historical trends all come into play, giving us a pretty good idea of when the state will hit its stride. While no forecast can ever be perfect, their interactive Fall Foliage Map is still one of the best tools out there for planning ahead—especially if you’re hoping to catch those peak South Dakota fall colors at just the right time.

This year, fall colors are expected to start creeping south in mid to late September. Look outside—see it yet? Probably not, unless you’re far north, where the change shows up first. By late September into early October, the northern half of the state begins to glow, and by mid-October, most of South Dakota is alive with autumn hues.

By early to mid-October, the northern half will be at or near peak color, with the southern half soon following. By the end of the month, most leaves will be on the ground. As a northern state, South Dakota experiences autumn earlier and faster than most, making it all the more reason to enjoy it while it lasts.

So, where should you go to see the colors up close? There are plenty of options! Custer State Park is a top pick, while Spearfish Falls offers a truly extraordinary view. The falls are beautiful on their own, but the autumn colors make them jaw-dropping. Needles Highway is another must-see, with twisting roads through massive granite spires and trees bursting with reds, golds, and oranges. And Palisades State Park? It’s worth a visit too, with riverside trails, cliffs, and sparkling water—perfect spots to stop and take in the fall colors.

Autumn in South Dakota is easily the best time of year. It’s not too warm, not too cold, and it signals change… all in the best ways. So, when do fall colors in South Dakota change in 2025? Now you mostly know. For the full scoop on the prediction, check out the Smoky Mountains website. Then plan your ultimate leaf-peeping trip by signing up for our newsletter and using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to map out the best destinations for fall colors in South Dakota.