South Dakota Vacation Activities
I’ve gotten to visit South Dakota at least once a year for the past two years and have loved the new things I’ve gotten to experience each time. Some of these things I hadn’t heard or thought of until I’d see it on a facebook page, so I wanted to share it in one spot for you to see and make your next trip to South Dakota even better.
Buffalo Jeep Safari
The Buffalo Jeep Safari through Custer State Park was the highlight of my trip last year. We climbed into the back of the Jeep with some other fun people around sunrise near the State Game Lodge and settled in for an informative, yet funny ride. Taking the Jeep safari offers you so many opportunities to go down roads that would either be too difficult to traverse in your own personal vehicle, you would be fined (the mains stretch that we saw the most buffalo is only allowed access to the Jeep safari drivers), or just dangerous. These drivers know how to read the body language of the buffalo and not get too close to upset these giant creatures. The drivers also know the general areas that the buffalo, pronghorn, and other animals are and communicate to each other through out the ride.
2. Driving through the Badlands
Starting from the Pinnacles Entrance and taking Sagecreek Rim Road is the start of a leisurely drive through the Badlands, with multiple places to stop off and view all the interesting rock formations and local wildlife, including buffalo!
3. Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a must see if you’re in the area, it’s such an iconic landmark of American history. There is also a trail that runs along the front of the base of the mountain and offers a different view than from the viewing platform. They light up the faces at night and I can’t wait to see that on my next South Dakota adventure.
4. Spearfish
Driving through Spearfish is so calming, being able to experience the roaming wildlife (the deer looked so different than the ones I see in Wisconsin!), and the sheer size of everything. Bridal Veil Falls is a must stop, it has a platform to view the waterfall right from the road.
5. Black Elk Peak Trail Hike
Over six miles round trip, this hike can be a bit daunting, but the view at the top is so worth it. There’s many scenic spots to stop and catch your breath along the way, while still taking in the gorgeous view. The main draw of this trail is the old stone fire lookout at the top, the highest point in South Dakota, and on a good day you can see for miles. Be prepared for changing weather if you plan to go all the way to the top, my dad and I started our hike in clear sunshine and were surrounded by cool dense fog by the time we made it to the top.
6. Chapel in the Hills
This little hidden treasure in Rapid City is a cool little stop off. The chapel was built as a reproduction of some of the wooden churches in Norway and is nestled in a little piece of woods outside of the heart of Rapid City. There is a little wooded prayer walk behind the church that we saw several deer from.
