Come See Great Faces and Great Places in South Dakota

In the heartland of America, you’ll find a place where bustling cities meet the wild frontier and windswept prairies blend with towering granite peaks and jagged spires. In South Dakota, you’ll find the land of Great Faces and Great Places.

South Dakota is best known for America’s Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However, visitors to the state will find great diversity in its offerings, from history and heritage to breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife and colorful culture.

Along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, there are several scenic overlooks that offer grand views of the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota, and a few tunnels even frame the famous faces of Mount Rushmore. This byway leads travelers to Custer State Park and the Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway, which is another option for outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing. 

In the northwestern Black Hills, visitors may want to take a drive through beautiful Spearfish Canyon to view its flowing waterfalls and steep canyon walls. Just fifty miles east of the Black Hills, visitors can experience some of nature’s most unique scenery within Badlands National Park and the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.

Continuing to the east, the Native American Scenic Byway is one way to infuse colorful culture into your group’s itinerary. Extending north to south through the middle of the state, this byway takes travelers on a journey through five of South Dakota’s nine Indian reservations. The rolling prairies and glacial lakes of eastern South Dakota also provide opportunities to experience nature’s finest.

No matter which route you choose in South Dakota, you will find an abundance of scenery, wildlife, and places to get out and enjoy nature. For more information and assistance in planning your tour, contact the South Dakota Department of Tourism at 605-773-3301.