Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of South Dakota (South Dakota (SD))
South Dakota (South Dakota (SD)) features major hubs at Rapid City, Deadwood & Sioux Falls. Key sights, National & State Parks, and travel highlights across the state include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park (Wildlife Loop & Needles Highway), Wind Cave National Park & Deadwood.
How to get to South Dakota
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) for the Black Hills & Badlands, Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), and I-90. Use our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($) and $80 National Parks Pass Calculator to plan your route.
Signature local food in South Dakota
When visiting cities and towns across South Dakota, look out for these regional American specialties at classic diners, smokehouses, seafood shacks, and farmers markets:
- Chislic (skewered cubed lamb or beef tenderloin)
- Black Hills buffalo burgers & pheasant stew
- Native American wojapi berry sauce & frybread
- Kuchen (official state dessert filled with fruit custard)
- Black Hills pine-spruce ales & prairie wines
Best time to visit South Dakota
Best time to visit South Dakota: May–Oct.
Featured cities & towns in South Dakota (5 featured · 35 total)
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, county & elevation facts, nearest airport/Amtrak station, regional food specialties, and neighboring towns:
| City / Town | County & Type | Population | Elevation | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, SD | US City | 171,544 | 448 m (1470 ft) | City guide → |
| Rapid City Rapid City, SD | US City | 73,569 | 988 m (3241 ft) | City guide → |
| Deadwood Deadwood, SD | US City | 1,258 | 1381 m (4531 ft) | City guide → |
| Keystone Keystone, SD | US City | 343 | 1320 m (4331 ft) | City guide → |
| Sitka Sitka, SD | US City | 0 | 540 m (1772 ft) | City guide → |