View of Mount Rushmore on a sunny day

South Dakota tours & vacations

Travel guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real South Dakota in a way like no other. We’ll take you on a journey to ‘the middle of the map’, where vast golden prairies give way to an explosion of nature. From the granite spires and pine forests of the Black Hills, to the mesmerising buttes and canyons of the Badlands, South Dakota is utterly enchanting. But the wonders don’t stop at Mother Nature. When you travel South Dakota with Trafalgar, we’ll take you to the icons, like Mount Rushmore with its four legendary faces etched into the granite peak, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, another mountain carved masterpiece of the revered Lakota war chief. Our South Dakota trips take you to the soul of the state, and you’ll have the chance to learn about Native American culture from tribesmen Stephen Yellowhawk, witness a traditional Black Hills Pow Wow, watch the magical Mount Rushmore lighting ceremony, and even swing by Wall Drug, the country’s most famous roadside stop. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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Scenic Parks Explorer Guided Tour
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4.8

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4.7

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9-Day US National Park Tour from Jackson to Rapid City

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Overall Rating

4.6

OUT OF 5

Based on

independent user reviews

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Usa South Dakota Bison Custer State Park

South Dakota at a glance

South Dakota has it all, from the enchanting buttes and canyons of the Badlands, to the legendary monuments like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Your expert Trafalgar Travel Director will take you from the icons to the soul of the state, as you witness a traditional Pow Wow, meet a local Lakota tribesman, and wander the ancient granite spires of the Black Hills.

Currency

US dollar

 

Capital City

Washington D.C.


 

Winter avg

23°F

Language

English

Summer avg

86°F

Good morning

Good morning

Time Zone

GMT-6

Good evening

Good evening

"Many people come to South Dakota for the icons like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, but they stay for the soul-stirring moments, like the magical mesas of the Badlands and the traditional Native American culture."

Travel Director

 

Our top 3 things to do in South Dakota

As your personal South Dakota trip planner, we’ll show you all the very best things to do in South Dakota, from the faces of Mount Rushmore to the beauty of the Badlands.

Best museums in South Dakota

Many of the top places to visit in South Dakota are the museums, with amazing displays on everything from Native American culture to dinosaurs and space.

Best food in South Dakota

Our South Dakota tours will take you on a mouthwatering journey through all the state’s foodie delights, from grilled meats to sweet cinnamon rolls.

What to pack for South Dakota

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Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re roaming the Badlands National Park or wandering through the Black Hills, you’ll need a reliable pair of walking shoes for your South Dakota trip.

Warm Jacket

The weather can change quickly in South Dakota, even in summer, so bring some warm layers and to stay cozy and comfortable throughout your trip.

Day bag

From sunscreen and snacks to water bottles and jackets, a day bag is perfect for carrying all the essentials while keeping your hands free on your South Dakota adventures.

Camera & extra SD card

South Dakota serves up the most extraordinary sights, from the magical spires of the Badlands to iconic Mount Rushmore, so be sure to bring backup memory cards.

Water bottle

You can’t miss stopping at the famous Wall Drug in the Badlands, famed for offering free ice water to travellers since the 1930s. Bring your bottle and fill up at this iconic roadside stop!

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this on our Frequently Asked Questions page, well in advance of your trip departure date. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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