Explore
From the rugged beauty of the Black Hills and the Old West history of Deadwood to the wildlife and scenic drives of Custer State Park, South Dakota is filled with places that reward exploration. Farther east, the waterfalls of Sioux Falls and the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead near De Smet offer a glimpse into the landscapes and pioneer history that helped shape the state.
Where ancient earth, open prairie, and endless sky collide.
Where rugged landscapes, legendary history, and the spirit of the West come together.
Where the legends, lawmen, and outlaws of the Old West still walk the streets.
Step into the prairie landscapes and pioneer history that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Saloon No. 10 is inseparable from the story of Wild Bill Hickok, but Deadwood's history comes with an important twist: the modern saloon is not the original building where Hickok was killed. Following both locations reveals how a real 1876 murder became one of the West's most enduring legends.
High above Deadwood, Mount Moriah Cemetery holds far more than the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Its steep roads and wooded slopes preserve stories of lawmen, miners, immigrants, business owners, families, and the diverse community that grew from the Black Hills gold rush.
Walk in the footsteps of Laura Ingalls Wilder in De Smet, South Dakota, where the open prairie, historic buildings, and stories of pioneer life inspired several of her beloved Little House books. Explore the places where Laura grew up, became a teacher, met Almanzo Wilder, and experienced life on the Dakota frontier.
Beyond the grasslands of western South Dakota, the earth suddenly falls away into a maze of striped buttes, jagged spires, fossil beds, and deep canyons. Explore the geology, Lakota history, wildlife, scenic drives, trails, and unforgettable light of Badlands National Park.
Rising above the plains northeast of Sturgis, Bear Butte offers one of western South Dakota's most distinctive hikes. The short but steep climb rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Black Hills and Great Plains while passing through a landscape that remains sacred to several Native American peoples.