10 TOP Things to Do in Western South Dakota (2025 Activity Guide)

Photo provided by Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

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What to do in Western South Dakota

Popular places to visit

Mount Rushmore

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Rushmore, a popular spot to commune with nature in Keystone. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Visit this popular landmark in South Dakota to see firsthand the enormous sculptures of four U.S. presidents carved into a mountain.

Badlands National Park

Despite the forbidding name, this park has great beauty in its cliffs, prairies and ancient fossil beds.

Custer State Park

You can take time to visit Custer State Park during your travels to Custer. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the horseback riding.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Find out about the history of Custer when you take a trip to Crazy Horse Memorial. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Sylvan Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Sylvan Lake during your travels in Custer. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Wind Cave National Park

View unusual crystalline patterns underground and wildlife, pleasant prairies and forests above ground at this park created on land once inhabited by Lakota Indians.

Rapid City which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people

Wall Drug

Learn about the local history of Wall with a stop at Wall Drug. Wander around the natural setting or enjoy the area's coffeehouses.

Jewel Cave National Monument

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Jewel Cave National Monument during your travels in Custer. Amble around this family-friendly area's scenic parks, or seek out the horseback riding.

Areas of Western South Dakota

Rapid City which includes a city and night scenes

Historic Rapid City

Historic Rapid City is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Main Street Square or Art Alley.