Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region

Enter South Dakota on Interstate 29 heading south to Sisseton. In the Sisseton area is Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, a restored 1864 cavalry outpost. Each June, the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival brings the fort to life with cavalry drills, Native American and pioneer shows.

 Visitors to Sisseton can also experience Sica Hollow State Park, a scenic ravine steeped in Dakota Indian legend and crisscrossed by a National Recreation Trail; and the Nicollet Tower– a 75-foot structure named after the famous French mapmaker Joseph Nicollet who explored the area in 1839. The tower allows visitors a breathtaking view of three states and the north-south Continental Divide. Side trips in the Sisseton area might include trips to the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge or the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Southwest of Sisseton on US-12 is Aberdeen, the last stop of the day. Popular nursery-rhyme and fairy-tale characters can be found at Wylie Park/Storybook Land. Pioneer history exhibits are showcased at Centennial Village and the Dacotah Prairie Museum. Overnight in Aberdeen. 

Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region / Southeast Region

The day begins by traveling south to Watertown, the city of lakes. Stops in Watertown can include a visit to the Bramble Park Zoo and the Redlin Art Center, home to original artwork by “America’s Most Popular Artist,” Terry Redlin. 

Next is Brookings, a small university town where you can visit a number of museums, including the South Dakota Art Museum, the Children’s Museum of South Dakota and the State Agricultural Heritage Museum. Visitors to Brookings can also visit McCrory Gardens, one of the top 10 small botanical gardens in the United States. No visit to Brookings would be complete without visiting South Dakota State University, well-known for its agricultural research facilities. Visitors to the SDSU campus can enjoy delicious South Dakota ice cream and cheese, both made at the university.  Visitors with a love for literature can travel a short distance west of Brookings to De Smet, the home of the well-known author Laura Ingalls Wilder.This town was made famous by Wilders’ pioneer adventure books, “Little House on the Prairie.” Visit theIngalls Homestead and the Surveyors’ House as well as 16 other sites mentioned in Laura’s books.  Venture east to Interstate 29 and south to Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city. Here, travelers can visit the Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River streams over glittering pink quartzite; tour the Center for Western Studies; or take in some premier shopping. For clients traveling with families, Sioux Falls also offers the Washington Pavilion Kirby Science Center, the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum, the Outdoor Campus and the Sertoma Butterfly House & Purdy Marine Cove. Located northeast of Sioux Falls near Garretson is Palisades State Park and Devil’s Gulch which features relaxing scenery, historic trails and camping. Overnight in SiouxFalls.

Southeast Region / Great Lakes Region

Today begins by continuing the journey south to Vermillion. This small university town is home to a museum of world-class proportions. The National Music Museum houses more than 13,500 rare musical instruments, making it one of the greatest institutions of its kind. 

Also located in Vermillion is the W.H. Over Museum, which features exhibits displaying South Dakota’s natural history and cultural heritage. East of Vermillion is the town of Yankton, Dakota Territory’s first capital. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were among the first white visitors to this area. Today, Lewis and Clark Lake offers a multitude of water recreation opportunities including fishing, sailing and swimming. The Yankton Historic Tour takes visitors to well-preserved sites ranging from stately gems of architecture to fascinating museums like the Dakota Territorial Museum. After departing Yankton, head north to Mitchell and visit the World’s Only Corn Palace, South Dakota’s shrine to its number one industry – agriculture. Other popular stops in Mitchell include the Prehistoric Indian Village, the Carnegie Resource Center and the Dakota Discovery Museum. Heading an hour west on Interstate 90 will bring visitors to the Chamberlain-Oacoma area. Located on the banks of the Missouri River, Chamberlain-Oacoma features the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, the South Dakota Hall of Fame and Al’s Oasis – an excellent place for weary travelers to relax and eat. Overnight in Chamberlain.

Great Lakes Region / Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region

Take advantage of a beautiful South Dakota morning by traveling north along the banks of the Missouri River on SD-50 toward Fort Thompson. This section of road makes up a portion of the Native American Scenic Byway- a historic stretch of road that cuts through the heart of the Lakota Nation. 

When Lewis and Clark explored this region in 1804, the two explorers noted the abundance of wildlife and the sharply-cut, colorful bluffs in this area. The journey continues along SD Highway 1806 to Pierre and Fort Pierre. Along the way is the Buffalo Interpretive Center, which will provide your clients with an educational experience detailing the broad history of the buffalo and its profound effect on Native American culture. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of the 100 buffalo who still roam the area. While in Fort Pierre, be sure your clients visit the Verendrye Monument, the site where two French explorers buried a lead plate claiming the region for France in 1743. Located near the monument, your clients can visit the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center which features exhibits showcasing South Dakota’s state sport. Located across the Missouri River is the state capital of Pierre, where your clients can further broaden their knowledge of South Dakota history at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center.

Continue the journey by heading south on US-83 to the junction of Interstate-90. Head west to Murdo and visit the Pioneer Auto Show, which features more than 250 antique classic cars. Farther west lays a collection of early prairie town buildings and the entrance to Badlands National Park. The park was a major film site of the movies “Thunderheart,” “Starship Troopers,” and “Armageddon.” Take the Badlands Loop (Highway 240) for awesome views of this 244,000-acre (97,600 ha) national park. After the Badlands, take a break in Wall at the internationally famous drugstore. Evening entertainment could include a chuckwagon supper and trail or wagon ride at a real Western ranch. Overnight in Wall. 

Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region

Tour Rapid City with stops at Stavkirke, a replica of a 500-year-old church in Norway; the Journey Museum, with exhibits on traditional and contemporary Native American culture; the Museum of Geology, with skeletons of giant prehistoric marine reptiles; the Dahl Arts Center; a free Black Hills Gold jewelry factory tour; and Dinosaur Park and Storybook Island for kids of all ages.

Depart Rapid City on Highway 16 (also known as Mount Rushmore Road) en route to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Along the way, just two miles from the monument, is Keystone, a mountain town visitors will love. You’ll find attractions ranging from gold mines to helicopter rides. Next on the itinerary is the “must-see” of any South Dakota tour, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. After touring America’s Shrine of Democracy, depart for Custer State Park, one of the largest state parks in the country. Custer State Park includes 71,000 acres (28,400 ha) of mountains, plains, lakes and streams, and some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere (including one of the largest publicly-owned buffalo herds in the country). Evening entertainment can include a hayride/supper or a visit to the Black Hills Playhouse. Overnight in Custer State Park or Custer. 

Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region

Begin the day by enjoying trail rides through the mountains or Jeep rides on the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park to see the buffalo herds. Wind Cave National Park is south of Custer State Park on Highway 87. 

Cave tour options range from simple walking tours to lantern tours. Farther south on Highway 87 is the city of Hot Springs, home of the Mammoth Site, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary and Evans Plunge – the world’s largest natural, indoor warm-springs swimming pool.

Return to Custer and travel a short distance west on US-16 to Jewel Cave National Monument. Regarded as the world’s second longest cave, this geologic wonder offers dazzling formations and a world-class educational experience.

The next stop on the itinerary is located a short distance from Jewel Cave. Just north of Custer, a fifth granite face is emerging in the Black Hills. Crazy Horse Memorial, a gigantic carving of Lakota leader Crazy Horse being blasted into a mountain. The Crazy Horse complex also contains the beautiful Indian Museum of North America.

Continue north on US-385 to Hill City for a ride on the historic 1880 Train and see works by local artists in main street shops. Visitors to Hill City can also visit the award-winning Prairie Berry Winery to have lunch and sample their unique creations.

Continue north on US-385 through winding roads and majestic scenery toward the Old West town of Deadwood. Popular stops along the way include Sheridan Lake and the Pactola Reservoir. Upon arriving in the Lead/Deadwood area, visit attractions like the Black Hills Mining Museum, the Days of ’76 Historic Museum or Kevin Costner’s homage to the North American bison  at Tatanka: Story of the Bison. Also located in Deadwood is Deadwood’s Mount Moriah Cemetery, where the likes of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. Travelers interested in outdoor recreation can take a walk or enjoy a bike ride on the George S. Mikelson Trail, a 109-mile trail that cuts through the heart of the Black Hills. For evening entertainment, your clients can enjoy dining at one of many premier restaurants or try their luck at one of 80 casinos that offer slots, Blackjack and poker. Overnight in Deadwood. 

Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region

The final day of the itinerary begins with a drive through one of the most beautiful areas in the state. Travel Southwest on US-85 to US-14A. Recognized as the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, this breathtaking 20-mile route along US 14A, cuts through towering limestone cliffs. 

A forest of spruce, pine, aspen, birch and oak covers the hillsides while Spearfish Creek flows along the canyon bottom. Popular stops in Spearfish Canyon include Bridal Veil and Roughlock Falls. Spearfish Canyon also features a wide variety hiking trails for those looking for active adventure.

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway ends as you reach the outskirts of Spearfish, where visitors can enjoy lunch in the quaint downtown area. Spearfish is also home to the High Plains Western Heritage Center, which features a number of exhibits detailing the history of the region as well as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery and Museum, one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management. Your clients can also visit a local favorite at Crow Peak Brewing Company and relax by the fireplace with an ice cold brew.

Continue east on Interstate-90 toward Sturgis, home of the world-famous motorcycle rally. Those interested in the history of the rally can visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum which houses a number of classic bikes and rally memorabilia. Visitors to Sturgis can also venture a short distance east on SD-34 and visit the Old Fort Meade Museum and Bear Butte State Park, a Native American worship site.

The American Journey finishes by returning to Rapid City where your clients can relax by strolling among the shops and restaurants in the historic downtown district or visit some of the sites mentioned above. Rapid City offers a regional airport with service to a number of hub cities. Overnight in Rapid City. PHOTO Spearfish Canyon State & National Forest Service Scenic Byway.