One thing about the lazy days of summer is that they tend to slip away from us pretty fast. How many fun trips in South Dakota have you taken so far this season? If the answer is, “Not nearly enough,” you should add a few of these day trips to your calendar! Here are 11 of the best day trips in South Dakota that you’ll want to do ASAP:

1. Have some adventures and makes some memories at Rushmore Tramway Adventures.
Rushmore Tramway Adventures, 203 Cemetery Rd, Keystone, SD 57751, USA
Rushmore Tramway Adventures/Facebook
This amazing adventure park in Keystone, South Dakota has an alpine slide, chairlift, tramway, zipline, aerial park and more to keep you entertained all day. There's something for every member of the family here.
2. Splash in the Devil's Bathtub
Devils Bathtub Trailhead, 1917 Spearfish Canyon Hwy, Lead, SD 57754, USA
Mia R./Tripadvisor
You'll find the Devil's Bathtub in Spearfish Canyon. It's just a short half-mile hike to this pretty pool and waterfall, and before you reach the pool, you can take a slide down the natural waterslides - slick rocky chutes that will cool you right off!
3. Be a kid again at the Children's Museum of South Dakota.
Children's Museum of South Dakota, 521 4th St, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
Children's Museum of South Dakota/Facebook
The Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. Play and learn at the interactive exhibits, and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch.
4. Spend the day playing at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area, 26140 451st Ave, Canistota, SD 57012, USA
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area/Facebook
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is located in the eastern portion of the state, near Sioux Falls. There's plenty to keep you busy here all day long - from swimming and beach lounging to paddle boarding and hiking.
5. Hop aboard the 1880 Train.
Eagle525/Tripadvisor
If you love trains, history or the beauty of the Black Hills National Forest, this is a train trip in South Dakota you don't want to miss. Hop aboard at either Hill City or Keystone, then enjoy a scenic ride, complete with a narrated history.

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6. Step back in time at Prairie Homestead.
Prairie Homestead, 21070 SD-240, Philip, SD 57567, USA
938fg/Tripadvisor
Head to the town of Phillip for a day of fun and history. Prairie Homestead features a restored sod home, chicken coop, outhouse, farm implements and farm animals. Get a feel for what it must have been like to be an original settler here.
7. Hike, fish, picnic and practice your archery skills at Hartford Beach State Park.
Hartford Beach State Park, 13672 Hartford Beach Rd, Corona, SD 57227, USA
Hartford Beach State Park/Facebook
Hartford Beach State Park is up in the northeast corner of the state, and you'll fall in love with it as soon as you discover it. The park is nestled on the banks of Big Stone Lake, and it offers plenty of recreation opportunities for the entire day.
8. Take a drive along the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, Wildlife Loop Rd, Crazy Horse, SD 57730, USA
northwoodsorbust/Tripadvisor
The 18-mile-long Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park is a drive everyone should take during the summer. You'll enjoy incredible scenery and see tons of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, deer, prairie dogs and more.
9. Lace up your hiking boots and tackle Bear Butte.
Bear Butte, Southwest Meade, SD 57788, USA
Clint/flickr
Bear Butte stands 1,253 feet above the prairie, and it's a truly gorgeous hike to reach the top. The 3.1-mile trail is steep and will take some effort, but it's definitely worth your while. This sacred place is stunning.
10. Bask in South Dakota's natural beauty at Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Big Sioux State Recreation Area, 410 W Park St, Brandon, SD 57005, USA
Big Sioux Recreation Area/Facebook
Big Sioux Recreation Area is just east of Sioux Falls. Visit for a day of canoeing and disc golf. Enjoy several hiking trails, including a special archery trail and another trail that takes you over a cool suspension bridge.
11. Slip, slide, and splash at Watiki Waterpark.
WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, 1314 N Elk Vale Rd, Rapid City, SD 57703, USA
Watiki Waterpark/Facebook
You'll avoid sunburn while swimming and splashing at this gigantic indoor waterpark in Rapid City. Watiki Waterpark has waterslides, a lazy river, pools, hot tubs, and plenty of fountains to get you soaked.

Which of these places have you visited already this year? Tell us about your summer trips in the comments!

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Best Day Trips in South Dakota

Tori Jane | May 19, 2022

What are some unique things to do around South Dakota?  

South Dakota is one of those amazing places that doesn’t tend to get the love it deserves. It’s filled to the brim with tons of amazingly lovely natural wonders, offbeat roadside attractions, and so much more to do and explore. Some of our favorite unique things to do around South Dakota include some famous things like visiting Mount Rushmore. Sure, it might be a typical activity once you arrive in South Dakota, but there’s a reason for that: it’s one of a kind, and truly the single most “South Dakota” thing you can experience. Other fun things to do in South Dakota include the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, where you can wander halls filled with aviation history far and wide. Admire vintage military aircraft, awe at actual missiles, and learn something new every time you stop in. Finally, you’ll also want to check out Storybook Island. It’s an amusement park that brings the pages of all our favorite stories from childhood to life – literally!  

What are the best day trips near me in South Dakota?  

What’s more fun than an old-fashioned day trip? How about a day trip in South Dakota? We think yes! There are so many places to visit in South Dakota that we’re not even sure where to begin, but we do have a few favorite places to share. With more than 60 state parks and state recreation areas, South Dakota is an amazing day trip destination. Some of our favorite spots include heading out to Lewis and Clark Lake, where you can indulge in activities like biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and even archery! Another favorite place to visit in South Dakota is the Crazy Horse Memorial. It’s a lovely homage to North American peoples, and it’s technically unfinished, as the artist, Korczak Ziolkowski, passed away in the 1980s mid-project.  

Where are the best getaway spots near me in South Dakota?  

Now, we may be a little biased, but we kind of feel like every place in South Dakota is the perfect getaway spot in South Dakota! Of course, some places are a little more suitable than others, and as with most things, we have some favorites. We love escaping to the Terry Peak Ski Area, a family-friendly destination filled with skiing, snowboarding, and lodging galore. And speaking of lodging, why not check out the Lodge at Deadwood? It’s among the most fascinating and luxurious places to stay in South Dakota, and its proximity to downtown Deadwood, South Dakota, ensures it’s a place anyone can fall in love with.

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