South Dakota

South Dakota is a state of contrast. Large stretches of open land are broken up by more concentrated areas where the terrain changes quickly and dramatically.

Travel across the state often involves long drives that connect these different zones. The distance between them is part of the experience, and the transitions help define how a trip feels from start to finish.

Some areas are more contained and easier to explore in a single day, while others require more planning and time to fully take in. That variation gives the state more depth than it first appears to have.

Summer is the most flexible season for moving through the state. Spring and fall can be strong but shorter, with weather playing a bigger role in planning.