This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission when you make a purchase at NO additional cost to you. Check out our privacy policy for more information. Thank you for supporting this site!
Did you know that South Dakota is more than just Mount Rushmore? While this iconic monument draws many visitors, there’s so much more to explore in this beautiful state. From the wildlife and rugged landscapes of Custer State Park to the stunning views of Spearfish Canyon and the hikes around Sylvan Lake, South Dakota is full of hidden gems, especially when you go to experience the fall foliage in South Dakota
For those looking to escape into nature, the Black Hills offer scenic drives like the Needles Highway, where you’ll find spectacular rock formations and winding roads. And don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities to hike, spot wildlife, and take in the beauty of this diverse landscape.
If you thought a trip to South Dakota was just about American history, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The state offers everything from outdoor adventure to vibrant local cuisine and even wineries. Whether you’re exploring ancient forests or planning a weekend getaway filled with history and natural beauty, South Dakota has it all.
Why You Should Take A Weekend Trip in South Dakota
Often overlooked, South Dakota is a destination that will surprise you with its charm and adventure. It’s home to Mount Rushmore, yes, but also to Custer State Park, where buffalo and burros roam freely. Spearfish Canyon offers stunning hikes, and the surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking.
When I visited, I was amazed by how much there was to see and do. We went in late fall to catch the fall foliage in South Dakota, and though some shops and restaurants had already closed for the season, the vibrant foliage and peaceful atmosphere more than made up for it. South Dakota is a destination that shouldn’t be underestimated—perfect for a weekend escape full of outdoor beauty and discovery!
Where you should stay in South Dakota
We chose to stay in Custer, about 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore but only about a 15 minute drive to Custer State Park. Custer was small, friendly and quiet, something we were looking for in our stay. If you are looking for more wilderness and less town, I would recommend staying in Custer. We stayed at this VRBO – it felt like home from the moment that you walked through those front doors; not only did they provide accommodations but also memories which will last forever. It has sweeping rolling hills views from your front porch, cozy accommodations and great place to spend quiet evenings.
Where to Stay near Custer
There are a couple of hotels in town that are highly rated if you want more of a traditional vacation feel to your accommodations, such as in house breakfast, a pool, or your room made up everyday.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer – featuring free breakfast, mountain views, pool, and game room.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Custer – featuring free breakfast, a fitness room, bicycle rentals and a pool.
- Hilltop Cottage – this cottage sleeps 8, featuring breathtaking views, private deck and hot tub.
Where to Stay in Keystone
The Classic town and closest town to stay in when visiting the Black Hills area is Keystone, South Dakota. It has plenty of hotels and also can be a good basecamp for your adventures in South Dakota. Some great places to stay in Keystone are:
- K Bar S Lodge – featuring free breakfast, views of Mount Rushmore, balconies, as well as family rooms.
- Comfort Suites & Inn Mt. Rushmore – featuring free breakfast, walkable to shops and restaurants, as well as a pool and hot tub.
- Lodge at Mount Rushmore – A five bedroom vacation home close to Mt Rushmore, a private garden & patio equipped with outdoor seating. Great for multi-generational groups or families with kids.
Join My Exclusive Group
Join our community of passionate travelers where we share stories, tips, and exciting destinations! Plus, I share exclusive deals & travel opportunities. Come on over—we’d love to have you with us!
Things to do in South Dakota
Mount Rushmore
No trip to South Dakota is complete without a visit to the iconic Mount Rushmore. Carved between 1927 and 1941, the monument features four legendary U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
We found that the best time to visit is in the morning when the crowds are thinner, making it easier to take everything in.
In addition to the impressive view from the amphitheater, we highly recommend strolling along the President’s Trail for a closer look at the monument. You can also pop into the Sculptor’s Studio to see the original model and learn more about the creation of this massive sculpture.
Surprisingly, the gift shop had some unique finds that went beyond the usual touristy fare (though if you’re after classic souvenirs, they have those too!). While the café wasn’t particularly memorable, the homemade ice cream was a delicious treat—especially when enjoyed with a view of the presidents. All in all, it made for a great morning, though I’d suggest planning for just a couple of hours here before heading off to explore more.
Then plan on filling your afternoon with a great lunch in Custer at Black Hills Burger and Bun, this place has amazing and unique, fresh made burgers as well as homemade desserts. After lunch take a drive through Custer National Park or if you are up for an adventure like we were, take a beautiful hour drive to experience some amazing fall foliage and do some hiking in Spearfish Canyon.
You can visit the Mount Rushmore site to give you more information on park hours and special events.
Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park
If you love scenic drives and animals, this is the place to go. Located in Custer State Park, this is an 18 mile loop that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to drive with views of buffalo, deer, elk, and if you are lucky, bighorn sheep. There is also a pack of feral burros that love to be fed and are not shy in coming up to your car.
For viewing animals, the best times to go are early in the morning or just before sunset.
We saw all sorts of animals on our visit there but didn’t see the elusive bighorn sheep, maybe you will spot one on your drive through the loop. Even without seeing the bighorns, we had a great time spotting animals and were amazed at the large buffalo herd. Along the loop there are also plenty of places to picnic, as well as a restaurant, the State Game Lodge.
You can visit the Custer State Park site for hours, cost, and other information to help plan your day.
Taking a Drive Along the Needles Highway
This drive is even more breathtaking in person than in pictures, it was definitely the surprise favorite activity of our trip. This is a 14 mile drive located in the Custer State Park and takes about an hour to drive. The drive is through beautiful Ponderosa Pine forests, awe inspiring needle like granite formations ( the inspiration for the name of the highway) and spectacular sweeping views. Two, one way tunnels carved out of the granite are also on this highway. You will also pass through the Needle’s Eye, named for the opening created by erosion.
Visit the Custer State Park site for more information to plan your drive.
You can combine the Wildlife Loop Drive and Needles Highway drive into one drive. We entered Custer State Park through the West Entrance, did the loop and exited onto the Needles Highway, making a stop at the end of the highway at Sylvan Lake. Sylvan lake has a variety of recreational activities, including renting non-motorized boats, hiking trails, campsites, and general store. It is a great way to spend the day as part of your weekend trip to South Dakota.
Be sure to bring some snacks and water for your drive. The only place with restrooms and facilities along Needle Highway is at Sylvan Lake.
Fall Foliage Hikes in Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon is a great place to go mountain biking, rock climbing or hiking, featuring multiple waterfall hikes. Roughlock Falls is a 2 mile hike that has a nice path as well as picnic tables and restaurants. It is a pretty easy hike and we combined it with a couple of other hikes. Spearfish Falls is close to Roughlock Falls and is an easy, under a mile hike/walk. If you don’t pack a lunch, the Latchstring Inn restaurant is close by, where you can enjoy some blackened trout or canyon nachos.
We also did the Devil’s Bathtub hike that is located off the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. It is roughly a mile and half hike, crossing the stream multiple times and is a moderate hike. The scenery is incredible and this was by far, my favorite hike of the day. Definitely plan on wearing some sort of water hiking sandal, as your feet will likely get wet.
Places to Eat in South Dakota
There are some great places to eat in South Dakota, but our favorite find was Skogen, a great Norwegian restaurant in Custer! Here are some other great choices to fill your bellies while exploring the Black Hills:
- Skogen – A great Farm to Table restaurant in Custer. When we went, we could only get reservations at the community table. That is usually not my first choice, but was so glad we ended up there. The other two couples we sat with were great and the food was delicious, it made for a great experience. They serve dinner Tuesday-Saturday and reservations are recommended.
- Black Hills Burger and Bun – This place has great handcrafted burgers and have specialty burgers that rotate each week. We really enjoyed our meal there, especially the in-house crafted dessert, a peach kuchen.
- Latchstring Inn – A great stop before or after a day exploring Spearfish Canyon. They feature dishes serving up trout, buffalo, and have an assortment of burgers.
- Grapes & Grinds – This place has great coffee, lattes, & gelato. Also offering wine tasting featuring local wines.
- State Game Lodge – A great stop if you are exploring Custer State Park for the day and need a place to stop and relax.
- The Farmhouse – This place is so delicious! We ate here when we were in Spearfish and were not disappointed. It is a farm to table concept restaurant with a seasonal menu. We enjoyed everything here- the bacon jam burger, the Banh Mi and dessert, a strawberry and basil shortcake with homemade ice cream.
South Dakota is a hidden gem with plenty of activities and delicious food to enjoy. Whether you’re looking forward to exploring Spearfish Canyon, Mount Rushmore, or Custer State Park, there’s something for everyone in this great state. Don’t forget to indulge in some of the amazing local cuisine – from buffalo burgers to kuchen, you won’t be disappointed!
Hope we inspired you to make some epic plans for a weekend trip to visit South Dakota! Looking for a tailored vacation planned for you? Make an appointment now to talk to me about booking your next vacation!
What do you look forward to doing most on your trip to experience the fall foliage in South Dakota?
Related Posts
Want to Read about our adventures in South Dakota or see a 4 day itinerary for some inspiration planning a trip to South Dakota? Check out our other posts to discover more.
Our South Dakota Adventures
We wanted to share all of our experiences with you, so you can see what fun things you can do on your next vacation in South Dakota. We had an amazing time checking out the fall foliage in South Dakota – check it out now!
Awesome 4 Day South Dakota Trip Itinerary
If you’re looking for an exciting road trip to take this fall, think about going to see the beautiful fall foliage in South Dakota. With plenty of parks, forests, and attractions to see, you can make a fun four-day road trip out of it. Here are some highlights to include on your route.