With temperatures slowly climbing and springtime in the air, flowers and foliage around the great Mount Rushmore State are beginning to bloom, meaning we can soon get out to enjoy all of their wondrous colors. Not sure where to start? Begin with the best National Park to visit in South Dakota with plentiful flowers: Badlands National Park.

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The truth is, South Dakota is such an amazing state to explore that there’s really no bad time to do it, but there is something truly magical about springtime – when everything is bursting back into life – that we can’t resist.

So, what’s your favorite National Park in South Dakota to visit during spring wildflower season? Learn even more about the Badlands by clicking The Place In South Dakota That Looks Like Something Out Of Star Wars.

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National Parks to Visit in South Dakota

What are some fun hiking trails in South Dakota?  

With over 300 wonderful trails to choose from, South Dakota is a great place for hikers. We would argue that every hiking trail in South Dakota is the best hiking trail in South Dakota, but there are definitely some that tend to be more popular than others. Among the best hikes in South Dakota are the amazing Notch Trail, at Badlands National Park. It’s rated as moderate and extends for just one and a half miles, making it an excellent scenic short-and-sweet trek for nature fans. Prepare for awesome views on that one! Then, there’s the Black Elk Peak Loop, at Custer State Park, which is seven miles long and takes you to the highest point in all of South Dakota. Oh, and you can’t skip the world-famous Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop, which leads to the rock pile at the bottom of Mount Rushmore.  

What are the best parks in South Dakota for nature lovers?  

South Dakota is an outrageously beautiful place filled with wonder and awe; it seems like everywhere you turn, there’s something amazing in front of you, and our state and/or National Parks are definitely a huge part of that. There are six National Parks in South Dakota, and 63 state parks as well, so it’s safe to say you’ve got a lot of exploring to do! Some of our favorite state parks in South Dakota include gems like Custer State Park, which is home to awe-inspiring geological formations, historic sites, and even an epic scenic drive. In Madison, there’s the Lake Herman State Park, which offers amazing photogenic views of – you guessed it – Lake Herman, as well as excellent camping, fishing, and hunting opportunities. If you loved the geology of Custer State Park, be sure to also visit Palisades State Park, in Garretson. Split Rock Creek runs right through it, and the fascinating rock formations and surrounding geography are second to none. Obviously, there are many more – but these ones are seriously among the best.

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