South Dakota Outdoor Attractions

Experience the great outdoors with Choice Hotels^®. Our South Dakota hotels are conveniently located near a number of picturesque gardens, stunning state parks, and astounding wildlife. Take a look at the scenery and greenery that South Dakota offers.

In the Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region

Badlands National Park
25216 Ben Reifel Road
Interior, SD   57750
605-433-5361

Witness the stunning natural beauty for which this South Dakota region is partially named. Badlands National Park is comprised of 224,000 sprawling acres. Hiking amidst buttes, pinnacles and spires, and you'll be amazed by the beautiful array of natural features this park has to offer.

Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD   57730
605-673-9200

This national park was established by President Grover Cleveland in the year of 1897. A century later, the forest is as thriving as ever. Guests will want to visit this gorgeous sanctuary of wilderness to view the greenery which sprawls along the eroded rocks which dot the area. This is one of South Dakota's most popular natural attractions, with nearly 4 million annual visitors.

Rushmore National Park
13000 Highway 244
Keystone, SD   57751
605-574-2307

One of the more glaring features of Rushmore National Park is, of course Mount Rushmore, with its brazen ode to four of the most impacting presidents in the nation's history. But lesser known is the natural wilderness area which surrounds the park: find yourself in the middle of lush greenery and beautiful mountainsides and you'll understand why the forgers of this great monument chose this location.

In the Great Lakes Region

Little Moreau Recreation Area
19150 Summerville Road
Shadehill, SD   57653
605-374-5114

The plummeting waterfalls in this recreation area are enough to beguile even the most disinterested visitor into paying a trip. Over seven in all, they are as geologically fascinating as they are majestic. The opportunities for water-related recreation here abound, and range from swimming to fishing and boating along the banks of Little Moreau.

Wylie Park
2301 24th Avenue NW
Aberdeen, SD   57401
605-626-3512

Located in beautiful Aberdeen, South Dakota, this is where many South Dakotans flock when they need to commune with the peace and tranquility offered by some of the most beautiful nature in the state. Sprawling over a square mile, the park isn't huge in size, but it makes up for that with its dense wilderness, it's abounding recreational activities, and its stunning variety of wildlife.

Richmond Lake State Recreation Area
37908 Youth Camp Road
Aberdeen, SD   57401
605-626-3488

So many opportunities for world-class recreation make their home at Richmond Lake State Recreation Area that we're not able to list them all. However, they include skiing during the wintertime amidst beautiful pine trees and snowy slopes; hiking along trails which wind their way through some of the most pristine wilderness in the state of South Dakota; golf, swimming on Richmond Lake, and more.

In the Glacial Lakes & Prairies

Pelican Lake Recreation Area
400 W. Kemp
Watertown, SD   57201
605-882-5200

For those who enjoy a wide variety of activities including swimming, boating and fishing, Pelican Lake Recreation Area is the place for you. In other words: water enthusiasts one and all are sure to be the prime enjoyers of this beautiful lake, which is named for the Pelicans which make regular appearances on the water. Migrating birds and vast numbers of prairie grasses are among other features of the park.

Roy Lake State Park
11545 Northside Drive
Lake City, SD   57247
605-448-5701

One of the most vivid glimpses into the nature of South Dakota can be found at Roy Lake State Park, where a variety of reasons awaits visitors. Fishing on Roy Lake includes opportunities for angling walleye, bass, panfish, and pike fishing. Those who find themselves without their bait and rod will enjoy sandy beaches, picnic area, and a diversity of trails which are sure to keep them busy.

Mina Lake Recreation Area
37908 Youth Camp Road
Aberdeen, SD   57401
605-626-3488

Lake Mina was one of the first man-made lakes to grace the landscape of northeast South Dakota. Dating back to the 1930's, residents constructed the lake to relieve them from several years of drought. Eighty years' worth of developments later, the area is host to one of the most diverse collections of wildlife in the entire country, as well as plenty of water activities along the man-made lake's banks.

In the Southeast Region

Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area
26140 451st Avenue
Canistota, SD   57012
605-296-3643

This wonderful natural destination in the state of South Dakota is renowned for its clear waters and its abundance in fish and other wildlife. Come here with the bait and tackle for a day full of prime freshwater fishing in Lake Vermillion, or bring your entire boat and explore the reaches of the lake. Of course, if you'd prefer to keep it low-key, there's always the option of donning an inconspicuous pair of swimming trunks and dipping into the water's comforting depths.

Union County State Park
523 E. Capitol
Pierre, SD   57501
605-773-3391

The rich glacial soils which find their home at Union County State Park are the perfect host for a variety of lush plant life include native woods and pine trees. Enjoy the scenic setting found at Union County State Park, and you might find yourself coming back for more. If that doesn't excite you, maybe the opportunities for horseback riding over the park's pristine 150 acres will.

Clay County State Recreation Area
Clay County, SD  

Enjoy 34 acres of pristinely preserved parklands, and you'll find yourself in-the-know on the subject of South Dakota's vast and beautiful wilderness. Enjoy the park's trappings, which range from recreational opportunities to a vast diversity of animal and plant life. Experience South Dakota through the eyes of a naturalist, only at Clay County State Recreation Area.

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