3 Scenic Drives to Take on Your Next South Dakota Road Trip

South Dakota is undoubtedly my favorite state. Whether we drive from another state or pick up a rental at the airport in Rapid City for family travel, we always seems to find a new reason to fall in love when we hit the road and go exploring. The state has so many wildly different landscapes, so much fascinating wildlife and so many great attractions you’ll want to plan an extra vacation (or two) in order to experience it all. But just in case your time is limited, here are three of the top scenic drives you’ll want to share with the family on your next visit to the Land of Infinite Variety.

The Native American National and Scenic Byway

This is an important route if you want to introduce kids to the indigenous history and culture that made South Dakota such an incredible state. Starting at Chief Standing Bear Bridge on the Nebraska border and running all the way to the state’s opposite border with North Dakota near the town of Kenel, this route follows the Missouri River and travels through the lands of five different tribal nations: Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux. Much of the route travels through undeveloped countryside, so you’ll be able to get a true appreciation for South Dakota’s unspoiled natural beauty, but you’ll also find incredible culture and history in the charming towns you’ll pass through along the way.

Spearfish Canyon State and National Forest Service Scenic Byway

This trip isn’t a long one (the route is only 19 miles long), but you’ll want to take your time to take in all the stunning landscapes that await. As you follow route 14A along Spearfish River between the town of Spearfish and the Cheyenne Crossing junction, you’ll wind your way through Spearfish Canyon and get an up-close look at the Black Hills. Along the way, you can stop for some fishing, hiking or simply taking in the splendor of the scenery, especially the majestic waterfall at Roughneck Falls State Nature Area.

Arts and Sculpture Trail

This route is designed to give you a glimpse of the incredible artistry (with the state’s natural landscape as a backdrop) evident at nearly every turn. As you ride through what South Dakota calls a “free public art museum,” you’ll experience all sorts of beautiful, handcrafted attractions across the state. Broken into four separate routes exploring the state’s different regions (west, central, northeast and southeast), this route is more of a celebration of the many art installations, sculptures, statues, military memorials and murals that demonstrate the creative soul of South Dakota.