Have you ever driven around South Dakota during the fall? It's magical, isn't it? While the trees and lush landscape are always beautiful, it manages to become even more stunning in the fall, as everything turns a stunning shade of orange, red, yellow, or brown. Are you ready to take in all of the beauty that this time of year has to offer? Then you will want to check out when and where to expect South Dakota's best fall foliage (and peak times):
As of this publication, the Mount Rushmore State should begin seeing some subtle color changes, with the week of September 13th calling for patchy changes around the Black Hills region.
By the next week (September 20th), most of the Black Hills will be engulfed in changing colors (with the best still to come!), with the northwest and far west areas beginning to notice very minimal changes.
Come September 27th, the entire state of South Dakota should be experiencing the fall season in all of its glory, with the Black Hills finally reaching its peak and the rest of the state either very minimal or patchy.
For the week of October 11th, most of SoDak should be seeing partial to patchy foliage, with the northeast corner (a la Sisseton, Watertown, and Brookings) finally nearing its peak.
The foliage may have come and gone in both the Black Hills and northeast portion of South Dakota, but the week of October 25th, the rest of the state should be showing off its peak yellows, oranges, and reds.
All of these in-depth predictions and graphics come to us from Smokymountains.com, which releases these reports annually and comes to their predictions via such factors as elevation, current temperatures, historical precipitation, and temperature forecasts. To learn more, be sure to visit their website! Now that you know the best times to view the foliage, you will want to Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See South Dakota Like Never Before.
If you are looking to add excitement to your year, why not plan a road trip to some of Mount Rushmore State's most fascinating destinations? While some of these trips may not be suitable all year round, you can plan ahead and discover some breathtaking places to visit throughout the year. Each trip has a link to the original article, where you can find an interactive map and more information and travel tips about each stop. Put the best road trips in South Dakota on your list this year, and get ready to explore your home state like a tourist!
Route: Queen City Bakery > Porter Sculpture Walk > The Corn Palace > The Back 40 > South Dakota Hall of Fame > 1880 Town > Badlands National Park: Pinnacles Overlook > Wall Drug > Dinosaur Park
Distance: 375 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours driving time
If you're searching for an affordable way to explore the Midwest, you're in luck! There are plenty of fantastic places to visit, and it won't require you to spend a fortune on gas. A road trip from Sioux Falls to Rapid City (or the other way around) will take you to some of the state's most fascinating attractions, like the South Dakota Hall of Fame and the Corn Palace, covering 371 miles and just a little over one tank of gas. So buckle up and get ready to discover some hidden gems on this one-day South Dakota road trip.
Route: Newton Hills State Park > Lake Vermillion Recreation Area > Lewis and Clark Recreation Area > North Point Recreation Area > Oahe Downstream Recreation Area > Ravine Lake in Huron > Mina Lake Recreation Area > Hartford Beach State Park > Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
Distance: 787 miles
Trip Time: 13.5 hours driving time
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Have you ever considered South Dakota as a beach destination? You might be surprised that this Midwestern state boasts some beautiful sandy beaches. If you're up for an adventure, why not take a weekend road trip to discover South Dakota's hidden beaches? This road trip will take you from the southern part of the state to the northern part covering a distance of 789 miles and stopping at beaches like Hartford Beach State Park and Newton Hills State Park. By planning to spend a few nights along the way, you can truly soak up the beauty each beach offers. So don't worry about trying to do it all at once – take your time and enjoy all the hidden gems along the way.
Route: Big Badlands Overlook > White River Valley Overlook > Bigfoot Pass Overlook > Panorama Point > Prairie Wind Overlook > Burns Basin Overlook > Homestead Overlook > Conata Basin Overlook > Yellow Mounds Overlook > Conata Picnic Area > Ancient Hunters Overlook > Pinnacles Overlook
Distance: 40 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour and 15 minute driving time
South Dakota is often overlooked and has much to offer beyond just Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, like the Badlands Loop Road. The Badlands Loop Road is one of the best road trips in America and a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won't want to miss. This scenic drive will take you on a journey through the Badlands National Park, where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscapes and rock formations. As you drive along the highway, you'll feel like you're on another planet, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the area's layered rock formations. The park spans over 240,000 acres, so there's plenty to see and explore. The best part about the Badlands Loop Road is that it takes you through the center of the park, so you can easily see all the best overlooks and viewpoints and experience the beauty up close. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife as you drive through the park - you never know what you might see!
Thinking of taking a one-of-a-kind drive in South Dakota? Look no further than the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway in the Black Hills. But beware, one section of this road is not for the faint of heart. The Iron Mountain Road portion is a 17-mile stretch of the byway and is the windiest road in the state, with 314 curves and 14 switchbacks. Additionally, you'll go through three tunnels carved into the side of the mountain, which can be nerve-wracking, but once you make it through, a stunning view of Mt. Rushmore will be your reward. The Iron Mountain Road is a thrilling and unforgettable drive for those up for the challenge.
Route: Custer State Park Welcome Center > Coolidge General Store > Blue Bell Stables > Buffalo Corrals > Wildlife Station Visitor's Center
Distance: 18 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
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Have you been looking for a picturesque and unforgettable drive in South Dakota? We recommend taking the Wildlife Loop Road. Situated in Custer State Park, this 18-mile scenic drive is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. As you wind through the Black Hills landscape, keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of animals, from pronghorn to bighorn sheep to burros to bison and even prairie dogs. You might even spot some magnificent birds soaring overhead. Since the area is home to so many animals, it's important to drive slowly - the recommended speed limit is just 25 miles per hour or less. So hop in your car, roll down the windows, and get ready for an incredible bucket list adventure.
Get your car gassed up and rally your friends because it's time to experience the state's stunning waterfalls. While many people know South Dakota for its famous landmarks and history, few are aware of the abundance of breathtaking waterfalls. If you're a waterfall enthusiast or just looking for a unique adventure, this is the perfect South Dakota road trip itinerary for you. This two-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to epic waterfalls such as Bridal Veil Falls and Cascade Falls and is an excellent trip to complete in a day, so don't miss out on seeing these natural wonders in one unforgettable stretch.
Route: Rapid City > Hermosa > Custer State Park > Black Hills Parkway > Cheyenne Crossing > Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway > Vanocker Canyon > Sturgis > Nemo > Rapid City
Distance: 189 miles
Trip Time: 4.5 hours driving time
If you're looking for a beautiful way to experience the fall foliage, we have just the road trip for you. Taking this route will show you some of the best drives for the season, and you'll be able to witness the breathtaking fall colors that South Dakota has to offer. The trip is about four and a half hours long and starts and ends in Rapid City. You can go in either direction, but we recommend heading south on SD-79 from Rapid City to Hermosa, with stops at Custer State Park and Vanocker Canyon, to name a few. Get ready to be awed by the stunning colors of autumn on this ride.
We discovered the most magical Christmas towns and can't wait to share them with you! Use this South Dakota road trip map to visit some of the most beloved Christmas towns, which have some of the most charming and festive Main Streets that are all decked out with thousands of beautiful lights. A standout is the Winter Wonderland at Falls Park; can you believe they have 25 miles of light strings? How about the town of Madison, where Christmas music accompanies the dancing lights? Whichever destination you choose along the route, you're guaranteed a festive time.
Route: Petrified Wood Park Castle > Storybook Island Castle > Badlands Castles > Enchanted World Castle > The World’s Only Corn Palace > Storybook Land Castle
Distance: 600 miles
Trip Time: 9.5 hours driving time
Are you a fan of all things magical and enchanting? If so, you won't want to miss this incredible road trip
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to South Dakota's most majestic castles. With over 600 miles to cover, this road trip will take you on a journey through some of the most impressive ones in the state. On this road trip map, you can check out multiple destinations like the Petrified Wood Park Castle, Badlands Castles, and the Enchanted World Castle. Feel free to start where ever makes the most sense to you and edit the map in any way. Whether you're traveling with a group of friends or with your family, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Road Trip to South Dakota Landmarks & Natural Wonders
This state has so many natural wonders, from mountains and waterfalls to incredible caves and caverns. On this three-hour trip, you'll check out caves like Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park in Custer, where you can take cave tours. And if you're a fan of waterfalls, you're in for a real treat - you'll be stopping off at Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls in Lead. So whether you're on the search for caves and waterfalls or just love exploring new sights, this itinerary is the ticket.
Route: Royal Bake Shop >Flyboy Donuts > Daylight Donuts > Donut Shoppe > Wall Drug Store > Jerry’s Cakes & Donuts
Distance: 467 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
What better way to check out the small towns in the area than finding out the best donut shops in each one? This road trip will take you to a variety of delicious donut shops through the most charming small towns, such as Royal Bake Shop in Centerville and Daylight Donuts in Mitchell. The route promises to be a delightfully indulgent adventure where you can spread the trip out over a weekend or check out a couple for a quick day trip. So hit the road today and satisfy your sweet tooth.
So, whether you're looking for weekend road trips in South Dakota or quick road trips in South Dakota, we hope this list helps your search! Is your favorite road trip through South Dakota on this list? Let us know -we'd love to hear from you! Need more ideas for things to do in the wild wild West? Staying at the campground of Cedar Pass Lodge in the Badlands might be the ticket.
Curious about where to go in the fall in South Dakota? Fall colors in South Dakota are usually at their peak in the middle of October, so why not go out and take full advantage of it? Take a beautiful drive through the best fall foliage in South Dakota on this scenic route! We have created the ultimate fall foliage road trip in South Dakota that includes the best drives for the season as named by the Travel Channel, South Dakota Magazine, and other publications. So buckle up and get ready, because you're in for one heck of a journey!
Fall colors in South Dakota are positively breathtaking, and this route shows you the best parts. This drive is about four and a half hours long round-trip, starting and ending in Rapid City. You can go either direction, but for this explanation, we are going to go clockwise, beginning by heading south on SD-79 from Rapid City to Hermosa. Check out the full
This spot in South Dakota in the fall is truly magical. The route will take you on 16A through the park, a beautiful drive that has gorgeous views. Custer is just outside of the park once you make it through, and from here, you will head north on 385 for the next part of the journey. Learn more about the beauty of Custer State Park.
US Highway 385 is one of the longest drives through the forests of the Black Hills, at roughly 59 miles long. The views are absolutely breathtaking and the colorful fall leaves create splashes of color among the darker pine trees. It will take you past places like Pactola Lake and makes for a perfect drive to appreciate the changes of the season. At the end of 385, you will head west on 85 to Lead, then onto 14A from there towards Cheyenne Crossing, which is a great place to grab a bite to eat before you continue on your fall foliage road trip in South Dakota.
After going through Cheyenne Crossing, you will head north on 14A to one of the most memorable and arguably the most beautiful section of this drive - the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. It's only 22 miles long, but the speed limit is 35 mph, so you will be able to take your time and really soak up the sights and fall colors in South Dakota. The winding road will bring you through absolutely stunning forests and by waterfalls, lakes, and through towering hills. I suggest a stop or two at some of their most famous waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil Falls, which is right next to the road. At the end of this section, you will reach the town of Spearfish. From here, you can head east on I-29 towards Sturgis for a quick drive to the next gorgeous byway. Learn more about the beautiful drive through Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
From Sturgis to the tiny town of Nemo is an amazing route that will take you through a beautiful landscape full of all the fall colors in South Dakota. This part of the drive is less busy than places like the Black Hills Parkway and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, so you can enjoy it to its full potential with fewer crowds. This beats taking I-90 all the way to Rapid City! It takes a little longer, but the views are totally worth it. You can go all the way through Nemo and back to Rapid City this way, a lovely journey through gently rolling hills. Get yourself more acquainted with Sturgis.
What do you recommend when it comes to where to go in the fall in South Dakota? Tell us in the comments!
Consider renting an RV for your road trip! Check out what RVshare has to offer.
Looking for more things to do in South Dakota in the fall? Why not take a more spooky approach as summer changes to winter and try our Haunted South Dakota Road Trip...if you're brave enough, that is!
