From the Black Hills to the Badlands, there is no shortage of photo ops in South Dakota! I visited in September 2020 and it was my first COVID trip. After being cooped up in the house for 6 months, my travel itch was real and I was ready to explore. Even though I could have traveled anywhere and loved it at that point, I was seriously blown away by South Dakota. While in the Black Hills, I felt like I was in Colorado exploring the Rockies; while in the Badlands, I felt like I was in New Mexico; and the city of Rapid City felt like a hometown I’ve never had. A visit here is a worthy addition to every bucket list. Here are 12 photos to inspire you to visit South Dakota!
South Dakota in Photos
Truly no better way to start your day than with sunrise at Mount Rushmore! Take advantage of golden hour and the place all to yourself.
Read More: 4 Reasons to Visit Mount Rushmore at Sunrise
Making new friends along Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park. A must-do when you visit South Dakota!
Views from the terrace at Crazy Horse Memorial. Would love to see the carving completed in my lifetime!
Read More: One Day in the Black Hills of South Dakota
The vastness of Badlands National Park is awe-inspiring.
Enjoy the peace, quiet, and mountain air with a morning stroll along the President’s Trail at Mount Rushmore.
Social distancing made easy.
Even in the fog and rain, the views of Pactola Lake are nothing short of spectacular.
A quick stop at the Custer Park Wildlife Station Visitor Center will make your buffalo tracking easier. They will tell you exactly where the herds are each day!
Cell service can be spotty, so don’t forget a good ole’ fashioned paper map!
Read More: Ultimate 4-Day Dakotas Road Trip Itinerary
You’ll feel like you’re leaping back in time to the wild, wild West while driving through these towns that dot the Black Hills! (Pictured here: Keystone, SD)
Watch it turn from Golden Hour to Blue Hour on this easy walking path at Mount Rushmore.
Road tripping through Badlands National Park. Each twist and turn provides a view more spectacular than the last. Be prepared to stop a lot and take it all in!
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