South Dakota Vacations

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South Dakota Vacations: In the Land of Great Faces and Great Places

Trip Length: Varies

Activities: Multiple choices
Service Price: Fully guided - or custom itinerary for self guided

South Dakota is full of world-class attractions, natural wonders and unbelievable beauty. You can go any direction in the state and find affordable experiences that lead to lifelong memories. From the towering pines and granite peaks of the Black Hills to the rolling bluffs and majestic rivers of our prairies, this is truly the land of Great Places. South Dakota lays claim to one of the largest concentrations of public parks, monuments and memorials in the world. One of the most famous being Mount Rushmore. When you visit South Dakota, you will discover thousands of years of history in abundant fossil fields. Walk in the footsteps of legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Or experience American Indian heritage first hand at a pow wow.

Area Information:

The Black Hills rise dramatically out of the plains as an isolated mountain range. Southeast of them lies the fabulously eroded landscape known as the Badlands. South Dakota Vacations offer unique opportunities for discovering their off the beaten path attractions. Check out the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, chuck wagon suppers, gold panning demonstrations, fishing, naturalist programs and much more! In South Dakota, you’ll also discover the rich culture of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota Indian tribes, which make up the Sioux Nation.

The majestic, 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents gaze out over South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest.

National Parks: South Dakota is home to the Badlands National Park and Wind Cave.

The Badlands are a work of art still in progress. Water and wind continue to sculpt the pliant soil into sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires that resemble medieval castles made of sand. It's in the golden light of sunrise or sunset that the artistry is on full display, when the duff-colored soils glow in shades of red, pink, and purple.

Above ground at Wind Cave you'll find rolling prairie, interesting rock formations, and beautiful pine forests open to exploration.Underground at Wind Cave you will find the 70-mile labyrinth of passageways in Wind Cave are undeniably the park's leading attraction. Packed with crystals, suggestive underground formations, and chambers, the cave is full of geologic wonders such as "Garden of Eden" and the "Dungeon."

Wildlife:

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the park is home to a variety of wildlife and magnificent scenery spanning 71,000 acres. Bison and ring-necked pheasants are this state's most well-known wildlife, but you can also expect to find nearly 400 species of birds, elk, deer, antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and more.

Kayaking, Biking, Hiking and Climbing:

South Dakota is an undiscovered gem when it comes to biking. Whatever kind of ride you’re looking for, South Dakota has it: strenuous mountain climbs, leisurely rides on old railroad beds, fun fat-tire outings and serious road rides. Hard-core mountain bikers love riding "The Hills." Nearly all of this 1.2-million-acre forest is open to bikers, except Black Elk Wilderness Area. Hiking trails often prove challenging courses. Take Crow Peak, near Spearfish. This hard-and-fast ascent covers 1,600 feet (via a series of switchbacks) in just 3.5 miles. The multipurpose Centennial Trail extends 111 miles with terrain ranging from dirt and grass to rocks and water. You’ll encounter daunting climbs and sometimes daring descents on this rugged outing. Bicyclists rave about South Dakota's awesome fat-tire and road rides

If you want to kayak you will find the waterways of South Dakota range in difficulty from Class I (fast-moving water with riffles and small waves) to Class IV (intense, powerful but predictable rapids). There are a handful of spots that rank as Class V (violent rapids).

Western Adventures:

In South Dakota a variety of opportunities for horseback riding are offered. Some are working cow camp trips, others are trail rides for a day or short trip. Thre are ranches where in summer, guests can help work the cattle, or in fall, guests help drive the cattle down to winter pasture in the valleys. You can also find expeditions from a fixed camp in the mountains. South Dakota's varied terrain and scenic trails make it optimal for every type of horseback riding, from open prairies to rugged, winding trails.

Fishing:

In South Dakota the fishing season never ends! The walleye, pike and smallmouth bass are always biting.

Archaeology & Paleontology:

If you’re interested in what lies beneath the surface, you’ll love exploring South Dakota’s ancient past. Fossils of extinct species, giant wooly mammoths and dinosaur bones have been discovered in South Dakota’s fertile fields. A visit to one of our bone zones is an experience you’ll never forget.

Native American Scenic Byway:

The byway crosses the reservations of four tribes of Lakota Sioux: Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock. Its many memorial markers, monuments, museums, and sacred sites commemorate the heritage of the Sioux Nation and help you hear history from the Native American point of view.

*Price will vary dependent on your needs and services requested. We can provide as little or as much guidance and help as needed. Our services vary from trusted recommendations to a full itinerary with all acitivities and accommodations booked.

GreenSpot.travel can customize South Dakota vacations especially for you, a group of friends or your family. If you only need a little help - we can do that. Or we can put together an itinerary for South Dakota with different combinations of places and activities we recommend and we can work with you to make your vacation just right, just let us know, it's what we do best!