Top South Dakota Outdoor Activities

Easily book this Black Hills hot air balloon ride ahead of time and avoid the stress of trying to get a last-minute, sunrise ride while in South Dakota. Fly above the Black Hills in Custer State Park for stunning 360-degree views from up above. This hot-air balloon tour includes a glass of Champagne, light snacks, and a souvenir certificate to toast the beautiful morning.

Experience Mount Rushmore in the most thrilling way with this zipline adventure through South Dakota’s Black Hills in Keystone. Don your safety gear and glide over granite peaks, forested canyons, creeks, and spires, enjoying unparalleled views of the iconic American monument and the surrounding landscapes. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

Don't bother renting a car or planning a thing with this private tour to three celebrated South Dakota monuments: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. After a hassle-free pickup from your hotel, your personal guide transports you to these three landmarks. You visit each attraction—with entry fees included—and learn more as you go with the help of your guide's expert commentary.

Experience the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore, with a local guide to tell you about the history of the sights, share personal stories from their time spent living in the area, and do the driving for you. See the Crazy Horse Memorial, the town of Custer, the Iron Mountain Road, and more. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a herd of bison.

Hop aboard 'Buff,' a Jeep Wrangler specially modified to resist excited bison, with this private tour through Custer State Park. You'll visit all corners of the park, including Mt. Coolidge, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop, with a stop along the way for a picnic lunch served with beer/wine (on request) at Stockade Lake.

Discover the wonders of the American heartland with our Mount Rushmore & Great Plains Audio Tour Bundle! Marvel at the iconic Mount Rushmore, where our guides share fascinating stories about the presidents carved into the mountain and the history behind this monumental project. Then, journey through the vast Great Plains, exploring wide-open prairies, historic landmarks, and diverse wildlife. Learn about the Native American history, pioneer trails, and natural beauty that define this region. Perfect for families, history buffs, and adventure seekers, this bundle offers a captivating and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and set off on a remarkable journey through Mount Rushmore and the Great Plains! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Discover the wonders of Wind Cave National Park with our immersive self-guided audio tour! Wander through one of the world's longest and most intricate cave systems and explore the park’s unique prairie and forest landscapes—all at your own pace. With GPS-triggered narration, our expert guides bring the park’s geology and rich cultural history to life, sharing intriguing stories about the cave’s discovery, the lives of native people, and the scientific marvels hidden beneath your feet. Skip the crowds and rigid schedules—enjoy total freedom, offline maps, and compelling insights without the cost of traditional guided tours. Join thousands who’ve enriched their park adventures with our audio guides—download now and let the magic of Wind Cave unfold! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Explore rugged terrain on this guided off-road adventure operated by a handpicked BRP Experiences operator, featuring premium Can‑Am side-by-side vehicles. Looking for scenic overlooks, hidden lakes, or rugged terrain? We make it easy to experience the best of the Black Hills off-road in our Can-Am UTVs. Ride right from the property. Price includes helmets and gas. Your machine rental will come equipped with a full or half windshield, a roof, as well as a map and GPS. Family friendly!

Discover some of South Dakota’s top landmarks—including the iconic Mt. Rushmore—and leave the driving to someone else on this seamless, full-day bus tour. Meet in the morning in Rapid City, hop aboard your air-conditioned coach, and head to Mt. Rushmore to see the larger-than-life sculpture. Next, drive through the Black Hills, stop for lunch (own expense) in Custer State Park, thread the Needles Highway, see the Crazy Horse Memorial, and more.

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case murder on the streets of Sioux Falls. Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locations. You'll have the option to explore the downtown area using the Walking Map or follow a Driving Map on the city's outskirts. Once you choose, the exact starting point will be revealed. *See images for route. Park or stop at each location, listen to the audio story, and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. Finally, make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. Your overall detective skills will be evaluated, culminating in a Case Performance Score to measure your sleuthing prowess. This game is suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, offering an immersive audio tale filled with intrigue.

The annual Buffalo Roundup takes place on the last Friday of September. View the roundup and watch the branding and sorting of bison. After pickup from Rapid City, head to the South Parking Lot, where a folding chair, hot beverages, and continental breakfast await. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Stockade Lake and sightseeing including Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and Iron Mountain Road.

Visit Devils Tower National Monument and the surrounding area with a professional guide with this tour. You'll make plenty of stops along the way at spots such as the Old Fort Meade Museum, Bear Butte State Park, and the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument, while your guide tells you all about the region's history.

Experience Custer State Park on the ultimate, luxury, crowd-free open-air safari. * Luxury Vehicles: Choose a Mercedes Caleche Sprinter, Lincoln Executive Limo, or Specialized Jeep Gladiator. * 100% Private & Customizable: Set your own pace and linger for wildlife. * Iconic Routes: Cruise Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road stress-free. * Unobstructed Views: Perfect window-free photography of 1,400 free-roaming bison. * Premium Dining: Includes a curated lakeside picnic. * Beat the Heat: Smart scheduling avoids the intense afternoon sun and provides the best time for wildlife viewing.

Unlike traditional ground-based tours, this scenic flight offers a bird’s-eye view of South Dakota’s striking landscapes—something you simply can’t experience from a car or a trail. From the air, you’ll see the full scale and dramatic contrast between the rolling prairie of Buffalo Gap National Grassland and the jagged cliffs of Badlands National Park. ✈️ Exclusive Access – Cover more ground than any vehicle or hike can, including remote areas not visible from roads or overlooks. Incredible Photo Opportunities – Capture stunning aerial shots of layered rock formations, winding rivers, and wildlife. Wildlife Spotting – Spot bison herds, prairie dogs, and more from a unique, non-intrusive vantage point. Personal Experience – Led by a local pilot who shares stories, highlights, and insider knowledge throughout the flight. This isn’t just a tour—it’s an aerial adventure designed for travelers who want something unforgettable, immersive, and off the beaten path.

Don't waste your precious vacation days booking separate tours through the Black Hills. This comprehensive adventure combines visits to Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park's famous bison herds into one efficient trip. You’ll explore the scenic Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and beyond, all with convenient hotel pickup and no planning stress.

Soar over the Southern Black Hills and expansive prairies of South Dakota on this thrilling hot-air balloon ride from Hot Springs. Climb aboard your private hot-air balloon and enjoy unparalleled views of the area. Upon touchdown, enjoy a celebratory sparkling wine toast with snacks and receive a personalized flight certificate.

Experience the very best of South Dakota's Black Hills on this unforgettable self-guided driving tour along the legendary Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Travel winding mountain roads, cross famous pigtail bridges, drive through narrow granite tunnels, encounter free-roaming bison, and visit some of America's most iconic landmarks, including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Along the way, discover the fascinating stories of the pioneers, engineers, Native American history, and conservationists who shaped this remarkable landscape. With stunning overlooks, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery around every curve, this GPS-guided driving tour is one of the most scenic road trips in the United States.

You visit Mount Rushmore, one of our nation's national treasures, and Custer State Park, one of our nation's largest and most diverse state parks. This is the perfect tour for families looking to combine sightseeing with a history of the area. You'll be provided with the history of the Black Hills in the context of the western expansion across North America. Custer State Park is home to an abundance of wildlife and a free roaming 1,500 herd of bison. You'll also be provided with the historical background for how the faces of four important founding fathers came to be carved on Mount Rushmore.

Discover the grandeur of Mount Rushmore National Memorial with our engaging and amusing audio tour! Marvel at the colossal faces of four iconic U.S. presidents while our witty guides share fascinating stories, fun facts, and historical insights. Learn about the incredible artistry and engineering behind this monumental achievement, as well as the legends and lore surrounding it. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travelers, our audio tour adds a delightful twist to your visit. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a memorable adventure through Mount Rushmore! "Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours"

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park with our captivating audio tour! Traverse rugged cliffs, colorful canyons, and expansive prairies while our guides share intriguing stories and fun facts about the park's unique geology, rich fossil beds, and diverse wildlife. Learn about the ancient history that shaped these striking formations and the animals that roam this fascinating terrain. Ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, our tour offers a fun and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable exploration of the breathtaking Badlands National Park! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Maximize your time in South Dakota by seeing Black Hills’ highlights all in one day. An air-conditioned vehicle loaded with snacks takes you to famous carved monuments Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, as well through some of Custer Park’s 71,000 scenic acres. You might even spot resident bison, elk, and other wildlife. There are also stops at Sylvan Lake and Iron Mountain Road, for more Rushmore views.

The Badlands Loop Road offers a unique journey through one of North America's most dramatic landscapes. This self-guided driving tour spans 31 miles of jagged ridges and rich history, narrated seamlessly via GPS. Key highlights include ancient fossil beds, sacred Lakota lands, and stunning overlooks like Panorama Point and Big Badlands Overlook. With no set schedule, you can explore at your own pace and discover hidden stories along the way. - 31-mile scenic drive with GPS-triggered narration - Explore the rich history of the Badlands and Lakota culture - Stop at iconic viewpoints and wildlife spotting areas - Flexible timing—spend 1 to 3 hours based on your stops

Explore Custer State Park on an all-day, small-group Jeep tour. After a convenient pickup from your Rapid City hotel, cruise scenic Iron Mountain Road and marvel at hundreds of bison on a 19-mile safari.  Ascend Mt. Coolidge and get amazing views of Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills. You won't have to bring food with you as a picnic lunch is included in the tour price.