10 TOP Things to Do in Western South Dakota (2026 Activity Guide)

Mount Rushmore; very cool but very touristy!

This is a very special place for my family and I. My grandfather, Raymond Berg, and great-grandfather, Alfred Berg, both worked on this national monument.

A little closer view of President George Washington.

Mount Rushmore, May 2009 #blue #BestOf5 #instone #troveontuesday
#mountains

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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.

Custer State Park

Custer State Park is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Custer. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the horseback riding.

Badlands National Park

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

Will it ever be completed? It’s quite an endeavour. I enjoyed walking around the visitors centre.

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.

Panoramic view of The Needles on Needles Highway, Black Hills, near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

The Black Hills

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at The Black Hills during your travels in Hill City. Discover the area's mountain views and shops.

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.

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.

Landscape of a Small Bison Herd Moving up a Ridge near the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park, South Dakota in the Autumn

Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road

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

Areas of Western South Dakota

Downtown Deadwood

While visiting Downtown Deadwood, you might make a stop by sights like Adams Museum and Gold Dust Casino & Hotel.

#Perspective
Stopped off in Rapid City on our way to Yellowstone NP, was blown away by the graffiti art down some of its back lanes. Thought the overhead power lines created great leading lines through the image.

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.