10 TOP Things to Do in Western South Dakota March 2026

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

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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 horse riding.

Mount Rushmore which includes outdoor art and art

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

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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 horse 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

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Find out about the history of Custer with a stop at Crazy Horse Memorial. Discover the area's notable monuments or seek out its horse 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

5/5(4 reviews)

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 horse riding.

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

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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 horse riding.

Needles Highway

Enjoy an outing to Needles Highway during your stay in Custer. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the horse riding.

Explore areas of Western South Dakota

Downtown Deadwood

If you're spending some time in Downtown Deadwood, Adams Museum and Gold Dust Casino & Hotel are top sights worth seeing.

#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.

West Boulevard Historic District

West Boulevard Historic District might not have many top sights, but Main Street Square and Art Alley are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Downtown Historic District

If you're spending some time in Downtown Historic District, Main Street Square and Art Alley are top sights worth seeing.

Rimrock

While Rimrock may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Thunderhead Falls and Pactola Pines Marina.