Add a visit to South Dakota for your 2023 family travel plans. The state offers unique experiences to try each month of the year.
January
Try ice fishing in Lake Oahe. Learn from local guides how to find the perfect catch. For ice fishing pros, visit during the Mobridge Ice Fishing Tournament.
© Photos provided by South Dakota
February
Head to Terri’s Peak Ski Area in Lead, South Dakota. This park offers terrain for all skill levels and the highest lift service between the Rockies and the Alps.
March
Visit the world’s only Corn Palace. Located in Mitchell, South Dakota, the classic Midwestern attraction draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
April
With the start of spring, head to the many national and state parks to spot baby buffalo and other wildlife, including antelope, mountain goats and big-horn sheep.
May
Hike South Dakota’s highest peak: Black Elk Peak. At 7,242 feet, hikers can take in views of South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska and North Dakota.
© Photos provided by South Dakota
June
Traverse the Native American Scenic Byway. The route takes travelers through the lands of the Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux tribes.
July
Go stargazing in Badlands National Park. The annual Badlands Astronomy Festival takes place July 29 –31.
© Photos provided by South Dakota
August
South Dakota is a top sunflower producer. The bright flowers typically bloom in late July and early August for about 30 days.
September
The annual Buffalo Roundup takes place the last Friday of September, with 1,400 bison traveling through Custer State Park.
October
Take a hot-air balloon ride in Custer State Park to witness fall foliage from above.
© Photos provided by South Dakota
November
Available for beginners or experts, plan a pheasant-hunting experience.
December
Visit Spearfish for snowmobiling in Black Hills National Forest. There are more than 350 miles of trails through forests, meadows and canyons.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 3, 2024Visit the Founding Texan Towns of Dr. Pepper, Blue Bell Ice Cream and More
Did you know Blue Bell Ice Cream was founded in a small Texas city? Or how about your beloved Dr. Pepper? Family travelers looking to take a quirky vacation should make for Texas, where some of the most beloved U.S. brands we know and love today originated.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Destinations / North America
May 3, 2024Reasons to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Greater Williamsburg, Virginia
Plan your Memorial Day weekend family travel to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Destinations / Mexico
May 2, 2024Treat Mom This Mother’s Day at Montage Los Cabos
Mom deserves to be treated special every day, but, for the one day a year devoted just to her, Montage Los Cabos, in Cabo San Lucas, is pulling out all the stops. This Mother’s Day, the beachside resort honors moms with special experiences designed to make her feel all the love she deserves.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Destinations / North America
May 2, 20245 Montana National Park Vacations to Experience This Summer
Home to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Montana beckons family travelers this summer with some thrilling and fun adventures and experiences. Whether it’s taking an RV to Yellowstone and Glacier National Park or embarking on adventures in Big Sky, here’s five national park vacations to consider in Montana this summer.
ShareThis