South Dakota

Head for a sparkling lake, explore big-city science and nature museums, or enjoy hiking and biking in state parks. The Midwest delivers great family getaways in destinations like Branson, Missouri; Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota; the Black Hills of South Dakota; Traverse City, Michigan; Indianapolis and more. Check out two dozen of our top picks for family vacation destinations.

Travel Hot List: 5 Things We're Crushing on This Winter

Bring skates to a new park trail. Buy a personal poem written on the spot. And pour a glass of ice wine (which doesn’t mean on the rocks).

5 Top Stops in Badlands National Park

The otherworldly vistas of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park create a compelling backdrop for hikers, campers and photographers. A Midwest photographer shares five of her favorite stops.

New Experiences to Check Out in South Dakota

South Dakota’s prairie cities, badlands buttes and scenic Black Hills make the state a perennial travel favorite. But major anniversaries, highly anticipated openings and updated events promise new ways to experience the state.

And the Next Corn Palace Mural is....

South Dakota's Corn Palace is putting the finishing touches on its newest mural.

Road Rally 2018: Chasing Legends in South Dakota

For the classic summer road trip, head to South Dakota’s Black Hills. Our 2018 Road Rally checked every box in the land of granite presidents, mythical (maybe) jackalopes and the site of Wild Bill’s very bad day.

20 Things to Do in South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is just the first on a long, diverse list of things to see and do in this state, rich with history and natural beauty.

Top Things to Do in the Black Hills

Badlands, granite spires and pine-covered hills rise from the prairie on the state’s western edge. There, you’ll find trails to explore and pieces of history around the bends of twisting roads.