9 Great Road Trips to Take in South Dakota

With expansive plains, untamed natural beauty, and well-known sites conveniently located along the major Interstates, South Dakota is a road tripper's paradise. The state is among the most satisfying to drive through, from Mitchell’s Corn Palace and Badlands National Park to the Iron Mountain Road’s pigtail bridges, and the world-renowned Mount Rushmore.

One hour, you’re cruising along open ranchland under a vast, painted sky, and the next, you are winding through granite tunnels and pine-covered peaks in the Black Hills. Major routes like Interstate 90 make it easy to connect bucket-list sights, while scenic byways like The Badlands Scenic Byway and the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway lead you deeper into the state’s untamed beauty. Whether chasing outdoor adventure, American history, or pure open-road freedom, learn more about some of the best road trips in South Dakota.

Interstate 90 Cross-State Journey

Interstate 90 is the state's most popular and busiest route for good reason. Starting near the state's largest city, Sioux Falls, and ending near the town of Spearfish, surrounded by the Black Hills, the Interstate 90 378-mile cross-state road trip takes you through the heart of South Dakota's most iconic sights. From Sioux Falls, make your way west to Mitchell and take in the world's largest and only corn palace. As you reach the Missouri River, explore the region's Native American heritage at the Aktà Lakota Museum and Cultural Center in Chamberlain, then cross the river and stop off in Oacoma for some fly fishing.

Turn your watch back an hour as you pass Murdo on your way to Wall for a 5-cent coffee at the Wall Drug store. Your trip continues with an optional stop at the legendary Badlands National Park. In Rapid City, don't forget to see Dinosaur Park as you make your way to your ultimate destination, Spearfish, one of the entrances to the Black Hills.

The Needles Highway

The Needles Highway is a spectacular 14-mile journey through the center of Custer State Park, packed with sharp turns and towering granite spires. The route begins near Legion Lake Lodge and quickly climbs into a stunning environment of needle-like rock formations, giving the highway its name. Take advantage of scenic pullouts for expansive views of the Black Hills and pause at the well-known Needles Eye, where a small tunnel slices through solid granite. There are opportunities to explore on foot at trailheads along the route, and wildlife encounters are frequent. Sylvan Lake, a beautiful location ideal for a stroll, a kayak, or a peaceful moment in nature, marks the end of your journey.

Badlands Scenic Byway

There aren't many drives that match the Badlands Scenic Byway for its untamed natural beauty and panoramic views. This 39-mile section of South Dakota Highway 240, which starts close to Cactus Flat, runs directly through Badlands National Park, showcasing a unique scene of deep gorges, layered rock formations, and expansive prairie. Pull off at overlooks like Big Badlands and Panorama Point to fully appreciate the dramatic scale of the terrain. Short trails let you step right into the valley. Keep an eye out for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs along the roadside for an unforgettable experience. End your journey at the town of Wall with a stop at one of South Dakota's most popular roadside attractions, the Wall Drug Store.

Native American National and State Scenic Byway

The Native American National and State Scenic Byway is an important 350-mile byway across central South Dakota for a trip rich in culture and expansive river views. The route starts along the Missouri River in Yankton and heads north via the Standing Rock, Lower Brule, Crow Creek, Yankton, and Cheyenne River Tribes. Follow the curves of the Missouri as you pass through small communities where tribal history and living traditions remain central to daily life. Stop at cultural centers, historic sites, and scenic overlooks that highlight the deep connection between the land and the Lakota and Dakota people, including the Akta Lakota Museum, Eagle Butte, and the Sitting Bull monument. The trip ends in Mobridge, where views of the river and wide grassland skies make for a perfect conclusion.

Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

For a greatest-hits tour of the Black Hills, the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway delivers 70 miles of pure scenery. Beginning in Keystone, the route winds through granite tunnels, pine forests, and sweeping mountain vistas, linking together some of the region’s most iconic landmarks and roadways. The drive passes through sections of the Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and The Wildlife Loop, where far-off views of Mount Rushmore are framed by hairpin turns and small rock tunnels. Visit Custer State Park along the route to see beautiful lakes and wildlife, and stop at Crazy Horse Memorial to see a monument that will (hopefully!) be finished sooner rather than later. End your journey at Mount Rushmore and get yourself a selfie.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a Black Hills favourite road trip for locals and tourists alike. The route starts at Spearfish and ascends 19 miles up a narrow canyon sculpted over millions of years, following the Spearfish Creek. The canyon is home to scenic pullouts and short hikes to waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls, which are breathtaking in both the fall and the summer. The drive ends at Cheyenne Crossing, a quiet town that feels like you are transported back in time to the Old West.

Iron Mountain Road

One of the most memorable drives in the Black Hills is Iron Mountain Road and all its short, twisting, and amazing moments. The route starts in Custer State Park and winds its way along 18 miles of granite cliffs and pine woodlands before ascending into a sequence of curves and pigtail bridges. Built in the 1930s, the road was carefully engineered to showcase the landscape rather than cut through it, explaining its tight switchbacks and narrow tunnels. Each tunnel was strategically aligned to frame Mount Rushmore in the distance. As you drive, the tunnels reveal the monument getting a little closer with every passing mile. Scenic pullouts offer panoramic views of rolling hills and dense forest, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

Black Hills Parkway

For a longer, immersive escape into the pines, this road trip through Black Hills National Forest offers nearly 100 miles of mountain scenery, rolling meadows, and granite peaks. Starting in Deadwood, this 59-mile parkway winds south down Highway 385 through lush forests and rivers, with scenic pullouts offering panoramic views of rugged hillsides and valleys. Along the route, hikers and outdoorsy folks can explore trailheads with relaxing picnic sites, wildlife observation areas, and footpaths. Look for elk grazing by the side of the road, deer, and wild turkeys. The journey is the ideal road trip to appreciate the area's natural beauty and take in the stunning Crazy Horse Memorial monument near Custer at the end.

The Wildlife Loop

The Wildlife Loop is a must-do road trip for wildlife lovers, offering a scenic 18-mile loop through the heart of Custer State Park. Beginning at the Blue Bell entrance to the west, the road winds through rolling hills, prairie, and forested valleys, providing plenty of chances to spot bison, pronghorn, deer, and even wild burros roaming freely. Early morning or late afternoon drives increase the likelihood of sightings, while interpretive signs along the route provide insight into the park’s history and ecology. The loop comes to an end at the park's Welcome Center, which has plenty of amenities for guests and serves as the ideal conclusion to an amazing wildlife trip.

Adventure Awaits in South Dakota

A South Dakota road trip is about more than simply getting from point A to point B. It’s about the unexpected moments in between, such as the quiet stretch of highway where the prairie meets the sky or when the sudden curve reveals a herd of bison grazing just off the shoulder. In a single day, you can explore the layered rock formations of Badlands National Park, stand beneath the towering faces of Mount Rushmore, and still catch a prairie sunset on the way back to your hotel. South Dakota makes it easy to experience a little bit of everything in a single journey.