The Dakotas Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Rushmore; very cool but very touristy!
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.
Sylvan Lake, known as the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Created in 1881 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch, it offers picnic areas, rock climbing, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking trails. It is also popular as a starting point for excursions to Harney Peak and The Needles. A hotel was operated on the shore of the lake in the early 20th century.

The lake was featured in Disney's 2007 film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film made the lake appear to be located directly behind Mount Rushmore when in reality it is actually five miles southwest of Mount Rushmore.

Where to stay in The Dakotas

These falls are right in town surrounded by a nice park.

Downtown Sioux Falls

If you're spending some time in Downtown Sioux Falls, Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and Old Courthouse Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Sioux Falls
I love water towers

Downtown Deadwood

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

Downtown Deadwood
#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.

Historic Rapid City
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Northwest Sioux Falls

If you're spending some time in Northwest Sioux Falls, Sanford Pentagon and Sioux Falls Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Sioux Falls
Aerial View of Fargo Skyline at Dusk

West Acres

While visiting West Acres, you might make a stop by sights like West Acres Mall and Roger Maris Museum.

West Acres
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Mall District

While visiting Mall District, you might make a stop by sights like Empire Mall and The District.

Mall District
Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks

Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks

3.5 out of 5
1000 South 42nd St Grand Forks ND
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$231 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$231
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Grand Forks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,502 reviews)
The hotel was great except there was a lot of cold air blowing from the bottom of the climate control unit. We had to set up a barricade to stop the cold air from blowing in the room.

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks
La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham at WaTiki Waterpark

La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham at WaTiki Waterpark

3 out of 5
1416 North Elk Vale Road Rapid City SD
The price is NZ$136 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
NZ$136
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free water park access and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,278 reviews)
It was good!

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham at WaTiki Waterpark
The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort

The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort

3 out of 5
100 Pine Crest Deadwood SD
The price is NZ$189 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
NZ$189
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly resort in Deadwood. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a casino and free water park access. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,387 reviews)
The rooms were amazing! The hot tub was very dirty!

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City

GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City

2.5 out of 5
660 Disk Dr Rapid City SD
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,807 reviews)
ppppll I'll I'll pull lllllpp ppl lol lol I'll ppl ppl p lol pl I'll ppl lol look pppp ok pp lol I'll ppl look I'll ppl l ppl l ppl ppl lol lol lol l ppl. no a

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
Spearfish Cottages

Spearfish Cottages

3.5 out of 5
514 W Mason St Spearfish SD
Stay at this cottage in Spearfish. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (598 reviews)
Clean, safe, wonderful

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Spearfish Cottages
Pine Haven Lodging

Pine Haven Lodging

3 out of 5
13514 U.S. 16 Rapid City SD
Stay at this cabin in Rapid City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
The room was awesome! Staff was top notch. One star deducted because we just didnt like our bed. It was a memory foam but was way to stiff for our liking.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Pine Haven Lodging
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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