Top South Dakota Outdoor Activities - page 2

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.

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.

There’s nothing “bad” about touring the Badlands with a guide who’ll drive you to the national park, teach you the history of the area, and make sure you don’t miss any of the best spots for photos. The tour is a highly curated route that takes you to places you’d otherwise miss. From scenic overlooks to the famous Wall Drug Store, and even to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, where you’ll get to experience ‘duck and cover drills,’ it’s good fun in the Badlands.

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.

Start your morning off with a relaxing kayak or standup paddling excursion to Pactola Lake. Alongside a private guide, depart from your campsite or accommodation in Rapid City and head to the lake for your adventure. Gently paddle through the waters and take in the beautiful scenery of the Black Hills area, keeping an eye out for the local flora and fauna.

Custer State Park is one of the country’s best state parks, partly thanks to the fantastic wildlife here. But you can't experience its best views from your car: With this open-air Jeep tour, you’ll share the breezes with creatures like buffalo and pronghorn—from a safe distance, of course. You’ll also hit the trails with your guide, discovering some of South Dakota’s most beautiful terrain.

Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, and tunnels leading to Mt. Rushmore. Along the way, your guide shares insightful stories of the region’s history, people, and natural beauty. Arriving at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we’ll stroll the Avenue of the Flags for a first close-up view of the monument. Your guide will bring the story of its creation to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges behind this American landmark. As night falls, you’ll take part in the moving Evening Illumination Ceremony, where patriotic music and storytelling culminate in the dramatic lighting of the monument. This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Avoid the crowded bus tours and discover the best of South Dakota with your own tour guide on this private excursion from Rapid City. Spend your day observing local wildlife like American Bison, bighorn sheep, and antelope at Custer State Park. Then, visit the iconic Mount Rushmore before finishing at the unfinished Crazy Horse Memorial that pays tribute to the Native American warrior.

This tour covers the three major areas of the Black Hills and Badlands. You can put down the planning, and relax as we take you to the significant points of interest. At times, we may deviate from the itinerary for some surprise visits. We can spend more or less time at each location based on your interests. Our guides are trained in a way that enhances your experience on so many levels. We care about your time here most of all and are willing to go out of our way to ensure you have an excellent experience. Photography is something we love as well, and photos will be provided at the end of each day, free of charge.

With nothing but lunar landscapes for miles, Badlands National Park makes for a wild cycling journey—for beginner and advanced cyclists alike. On this guided trip, you’ll pedal nearly 30 miles along the moderate Badlands Loop Road, from vista to vista and across millions of years, breaking for a provided picnic lunch along the way. Watch for wildlife, take in the views, and feel the energy of this sacred place.

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a deeply personal exploration of the natural world, guided by a professional wildlife biologist who brings every moment to life. Designed exclusively for your group, the experience is entirely private and tailored to your interests, pace, and curiosity. What sets it apart is the focus on nature in its purest form—no monuments, no crowds, just the living heartbeat of the Black Hills. You’ll explore vast prairies, winding byways, underground caves, and wildlife-rich habitats with a guide who reads the landscape like a storybook. Rather than simply pointing out animals or naming plants, your guide offers insight into the complex relationships that tie geology, ecology, and wildlife together. You’ll walk away with not only stunning photos but a meaningful connection to the land itself. Unhurried, immersive, and rich with discovery—this tour invites you to slow down, look deeper, and experience South Dakota as few ever do.

Check out the natural wonders of Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, and Northern Black Hills on this private adventure, where all the details are taken care of for you, so you won’t have any hassles along the way. This full-day tour includes a picnic lunch when weather permits or a meal in a local restaurant to keep you energized for the tour.

Delve into this beautiful corner of South Dakota with a private, expertly guided tour from Rapid City to Badlands National Park and Buffalo Gap National Grassland to see the agate fields, plus stop in the historic ghost town of Scenic and at the famous roadside attraction of Wall Drugs. At Badlands your guide will drive the Badlands Loop, stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, and take you to the best overlooks and viewpoints before driving you back to your accommodations in Rapid City.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle for the US Rockies & Plains, featuring 15 tours including Yellowstone & Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Theodore Roosevelt, Black Hills, scenic drives, and Yellowstone walks at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and West Thumb. Discover geysers, peaks, wildlife, history, and wide-open landscapes with GPS-triggered stories that play automatically offline, making it easy to explore by car and on foot. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

At My XO Adventures, we don’t just guide tours—we create lifelong memories through deeply personal connections to the land. What makes this experience unique isn’t just the stunning Badlands views or the wildlife encounters—it’s who you’re sharing them with. Our team isn’t made up of part-time guides reading from scripts. We are storytellers, geologists, naturalists, and soulful travelers who call this region home. Every tour is customized to your interests, pace, and curiosity, and we treat our guests like family—from the first greeting to the final goodbye. Expect laughter, learning, comfort, and care in every moment. We go beyond the overlook and behind the scenes to places most travelers never see. You won’t be herded or hurried. You’ll be welcomed, inspired, and transformed. This isn’t a tour. It’s a journey with meaning—crafted from passion, guided with heart, and remembered forever.

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Rapid City. 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.

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*

Enjoy the best of the Northern Black Hills on this day tour. As a private outing, enjoy the area at your time and pace. Wander through beautiful Spearfish Canyon, enjoying the lush greenery and waterfalls. Take in historic Deadwood, understanding its importance during the Black Hills gold rush, and how it served wild west celebrities like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. In Lead, see one of the largest goldmines in the world, and understand how it has found a place in a modern economy. Options include visits to Devils Tower (+$ fee), and a selection of museums in historic Deadwood.

If you’re looking for a little adventure when you visit Mount Rushmore, this Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike Private Tour combines a 3-mile nature hike of the Flume Trail with a visit to the popular attraction. This private tour will give you an in-depth look at the Flume Trail, the Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore in the privacy of your own group.

If you have a limited amount of time to explore Badlands National Park, prebook this Badlands National Park Private Tour from Rapid City that’s perfect for travelers short on time. Your own private group goes with a guide who knows the area well, and teaches you about the culture, geology, wildlife, and land. You’ll also stop at Badlands Wall to see the stunning sunset.

Zombie Scavengers in Sioux Falls will help prove you can survive a zombie apocalypse! Use an app to find a list of items needed to survive. Find them in any order you'd like and get points for each found survival item. Get points also by doing crazy zombie themed tasks. Survey the area and figure out how to get the most points in order to survive the apocalypse. Should you have any questions along the way, a remote host will chat with you throughout the game. Prove to the world you can survive an apocalypse in Sioux Falls today!

Explore the stunning Black Hills with an authentic, nature-focused tour that prioritizes outdoor experiences over traditional monument visits. This guided adventure takes you along scenic drives, including Iron Mountain Road, where you can enjoy views of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial from the road. Engage in short hikes, wildlife observation, and insightful discussions about the region's ecology, geology, and cultural stories. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this tour offers a relaxed pace and personal connection to the landscape. - See Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial from scenic drives - Observe wildlife in Custer State Park and enjoy interpretive conversations - Picnic lunch at scenic sites, with professional photos included - Private for a personal experience with flexible timing

Turn exploring Sioux Falls into an adventure with this self-guided scavenger hunt. Using just your smartphone, you and your crew will take to the city, hopping from spot to spot (think waterfalls, landmarks, and more) as you collect points, find clues, solve puzzles, and master challenges. Perfect for friend reunions, bachelorette parties, team-building, and beyond, see the city in a fresh way—and see who will be crowned scavenger hunt champion.

Walk around Sioux Falls while completing the Operation City Quest scavenger hunt! Use an app to find a list of objects around the city in any order you choose and perform fun challenges for points. Collect points and take a look at your score compared to others across the country. All of our scavenger hunts have a remote host via chat to help along the way. Come out and explore with us in Sioux Falls.