South Dakota
National Parks

Explore South Dakota's natural wonders, both above ground and below. Come #FindYourPark in South Dakota.

South Dakota National Parks

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park showcases a dramatic landscape characterized by rugged canyons, towering spires, eroded buttes, and expansive prairies. The Badlands are renowned for their geological significance, offering a glimpse into the Earth's history through their exposed rock layers, which reveal millions of years of sedimentary deposits and the remains of ancient creatures.

Badlands National Park features numerous hiking trails, providing opportunities for up-close exploration of the mesmerizing landscapes, while Loop Road offers a scenic drive through the park, with numerous overlooks to capture the breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and prairie dogs, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Badlands National Park is designated as a Dark Sky Park, providing exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. 

The park was originally designated as a national monument on March 4, 1929 and later re-designated as a National Park on November 10, 1978, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter.

Jewel Cave National Monument - Custer, SD

Jewel Cave National Monument is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is renowned for being one of the longest cave systems in the world, with over 200 miles of mapped passageways. The cave's name is derived from the sparkling calcite crystals that adorn its walls, creating a remarkable, jewel-like appearance. 

Visitors to Jewel Cave National Monument can explore the cave through guided tours highlighting various sections of the cave -  showcasing its stunning geological formations, intricate passageways, and impressive chambers. The Scenic Tour is a popular option, allowing visitors to view the sparkling calcite crystals, delicate stalactites and stalagmites, and other fascinating cave features. Other activities include hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching among the Black Hills.

Jewel Cave was designated as a national monument on February 7, 1908 and signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site was designated as a national historic site on January 24, 1999 and preserves and commemorates the Cold War history of the United States, specifically the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system. The historic site includes Launch Control Facilities and missile silos that once held these powerful missiles, offering visitors a glimpse into this era of tension and global politics.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Launch Control Facility Delta-01 and the missile silo, Delta-09. These tours provide unique insights into the history of the Minuteman missile system, the role it played during the Cold War, and the daily lives of the staff who operated and maintained it. The visitor center features exhibits, artifacts, and informative displays that shed light on the complexities and challenges of the era.

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail - PA, OH, WV, KY, IN, ID, IL, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, ND, OR, SD, WA

The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail marks the historic journey by Merriweather Lewis and William Clark along 4,900 miles of wilderness from Pennsylvania all the way to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. The Trail connects 16 states - Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon - and includes museums, landmarks, exhibits, and Visitor Centers along the route. For a complete list of markers and things to see and do, click here.

Missouri National Recreational River - Yankton, SD, NE

Missouri National Recreational River runs along the border between South Dakota and Nebraska. This stretch of the Missouri River has been preserved to showcase the river's vital role in the westward expansion of the United States and its significance as a source of water, transportation, and sustenance. 

The park provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and canoeing and also offers several hiking trails that lead to stunning river overlooks and serene natural settings.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Keystone, SD

In the Black Hills of South Dakota, this memorial features the massive sculptures of four U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The sculpture project was the brainchild of artist Gutzon Borglum, who, along with his son Lincoln Borglum, oversaw the carving of the presidents' faces into the granite mountain. The construction of Mount Rushmore spanned 14 years, from 1927 to 1941, and it stands as a testament to American ingenuity and ambition. 

Visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial can enjoy the visitor center with exhibits, films, and displays along with hiking trails, a scenic drive, and the opportunity to explore the Black Hills National Forest. The Grand View Terrace provides unobstructed views of the sculpture, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the carving.

Wind Cave National Park - Hot Springs, SD

Wind Cave National Park is known for its unique underground wonders and is home to one of the world's longest caves. Wind Cave is famous for its distinctive calcite boxwork, a rare and delicate cave formation that is one of the park's many geological marvels. The cave was discovered in 1881 by brothers Jesse and Tom Bingham, and its exploration and conservation have been of paramount importance in the history of cave management in the United States.

Visitors can explore the underground passages on guided cave tours, which offer a chance to witness the intricate formations. The park's above-ground features include a diverse landscape of rolling prairies, forests, and meadows, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, and a unique herd of white deer.

Wind Cave National Park was designated as a national park on January 9, 1903 and was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt.