The 5 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take in South Dakota

"What is there to do in South Dakota this weekend?" you may be thinking. "Are there any day adventures near me?" you might be wondering. Well, we've got good news for you: There are plenty of day trips from Sioux Falls that you can easily do in a weekend — or it might be time to hop in the car and go off exploring for the day. Here are five great day trip ideas in and around South Dakota that are perfect for our war.

1. Visit the parks, art, and nature in and around Sioux Falls.

South Dakota's largest city has plenty to see and do. Start with Falls Park, where you can go for a stroll, enjoy the falls and grab a snack at Falls Overlook Cafe.

Head for the downtown area and take the SculptureWalk Tour. Peruse the shops, grab a meal and enjoy all the art!

Spend some time at the Butterfly House & Aquarium.

Address: 4320 South Oxbow Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106

2. Visit Pierre for government, culture, and science.

Pierre is a pretty city with plenty to offer. Start with the State Capitol, a beautiful, historic building that you can tour every day of the week.

Address: 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD, 57501

The Cultural Heritage Center is chock full of artifacts and interactive exhibits that teach you about South Dakota's history and the cultures who have lived here throughout the ages.

Address: 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, 57501

Kids of all ages will love the South Dakota Discovery Center. Enjoy tons of hands-on activities that teach you about physics, architecture, natural science and more.

Address: 805 West Sioux Avenue, Pierre, SD, 57501

3. Check out Hill City for history, art, and wine.

Take a ride on the 1880 Train, which travels back and forth from Hill City to Keystone, offering some amazing views of the Black Hills National Forest along the way.

Address: 222 Railroad Avenue, Hill City, SD, 57745

Hill City has several wonderful wineries. Visit Prairie Berry Winery, Naked Winery, Twisted Pine Winery and Stone Faces Winery.

4. Spend the day in Keystone for Presidents, nature and adventure.

Every South Dakotan should visit Mount Rushmore. Start your day off there, and take plenty of photos.

Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD, 57751

Horsethief Lake is just two miles from Mount Rushmore, and a nice place to visit to bask in the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Stroll around the lake, or take a longer hike.

If you're up for some real adventure, stop by Rushmore Tramway Adventures and cruise over the trees on a zipline and fly down the alpine slide.

Address: 203 Cemetery Road, Keystone, SD, 57751

5. Explore Badlands National Park for prairie dogs, bison, and cool hiking.

Start with a drive on the Badlands Loop Road, which takes you through the park for 40 miles of stunning views.

Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD, 57750

See the prairie dogs at Roberts Prairie Dog Town. You'll also likely see bison and maybe even coyote. Find it along Sage Creek Rim Road.

Address: Rim Road, Wall, SD, 57790

Hike the Notch Trail - a 1.5 mile hike that takes you through a canyon and up a fun ladder for some amazing views.

What are your favorite day trips from Sioux Falls, South Dakota? What about bus tours from Sioux Falls? There can never be enough great getaway ideas in and around South Dakota. Tell us in the comments!