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.

Somewhere between here and nowhere.

The spaces in between are often the most memorable.

Alexandria

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Cities to Explore

Make time for quiet places.

Not every destination needs noise to be meaningful.

Aberdeen

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Simple trips are often the best.

You don't need much for a place to leave an impression.

Akaska

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Go where you feel alive.

Pay attention to the places that pull you in without explanation.

Alcester

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Take the detour.

The extra miles are often where the story begins.

Agar

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Follow what feels interesting.

Curiosity is usually a better guide than a strict plan.

Academy

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Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

Albee

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Make time for quiet places.

Not every destination needs noise to be meaningful.

Ada

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Follow what feels interesting.

Curiosity is usually a better guide than a strict plan.

Agency Village

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Lakes & Parks

Lakes

No rush.

The lake doesn't ask for much.

Lake Francis Case

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Head out.

The best views are just offshore.

Lake Sharpe

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Somewhere between here and nowhere.

The spaces in between are often the most memorable.

Lake Oahe

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Leave room for the unexpected.

The best parts of a trip rarely show up on an itinerary.

Angostura Reservoir

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Start early. Stay late.

The edges of the day tend to hold the best experiences.

Deerfield Reservoir

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Quiet holds here.

The stillness is part of the experience.

Cold Brook Lake

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Go a little further.

The next turn is often where things start to get interesting.

Belle Fourche Reservoir

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Step away.

Time moves differently here.

Cottonwood Springs Lake

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Upcoming Events

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Explore a Region Glacial Lakes and Prairies 20 counties  ·  4 regions in South Dakota

Glacial Lakes and Prairies covers the northeastern quadrant of South Dakota, the broad agricultural country between the North Dakota line…

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Explore a County Charles Mix County 0 cities  ·  66 counties in South Dakota Browse all counties →