Holidays in South Dakota

Located in the northern part of the central United States, South Dakota is a varied state with famous landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. With stunning scenery and breathtaking national parks, South Dakota holidays promise an unforgettable adventure on the Great Plains of the United States.

South Dakota Holidays: Getting Around

South Dakota is serviced by several airports, the two biggest of which are Sioux Falls Airport and Rapid City Regional Airport. It is a good idea to hire a car whilst in South Dakota, providing smooth connections between the landmarks. The state has a continental climate with distinctive seasons; spring or summer are the best times to visit for making the most of outdoor activities. The timezone is GMT-6.

South Dakota Holidays: Where to Start?

The most important landmark in South Dakota is Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Located near Keystone, Mount Rushmore it is the United States' “Shrine of Democracy.” Carved by sculptor Gutzon Borglum in the 1920s, this Black Hills monument is famous all around the world, depicting the faces of the founding fathers on the side of the granite mountain. Another important mountain carving is the Crazy Horse Memorial, situated near Custer; a work in progress, the carving honours the culture of North American Indians. Nearby is the fascinating Native American Museum.

South Dakota is rightly famed for its stunning scenery, and the best way to enjoy its natural wonders are at the state's many national parks. At Badlands National Park, visitors can explore acres of moon-like rocks. This site has become very important to archeological discoveries, and thousands of fossils have been unearthed here. Head to Custer State Park in the southern Black Hills to spot wild buffalo, deer, and other rare wildlife in their natural habitat. Custer State Park is also a great place for fishing, swimming in lakes and breathtaking views.