Western Region

 

Commonly referred to as the Black Hills, South Dakota’s Western Region features many well known attractions including Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Crazy Horse, Sturgis Rally and so much more.

Mount Rushmore

Each year, more than 3 million travelers visit South Dakota’s top attraction, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located 25 miles southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota. The majestic granite sculpture of Mount Rushmore commemorates four powerful presidents who helped shape our nation: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

The Badlands

One of the most popular attractions in western South Dakota, the Badlands National Park provides its visitors dazzling views of beautiful, striking rock-like formations. The buttes, pinnacles, and spires formed by winds and glacial erosion more than 35 million years ago enchant the over one million annual visitors to The Badlands National Park.

South Dakota’s western region is a stark contrast to the eastern & central regions of the state. It has some of the most well-known attractions in the state, including Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.  If you’re not drawn to the western region for these, you will be drawn by its rugged beauty and adventurous spirit.

When planning your trip to this region of the state, we definitely recommend you visit all the top attractions if time allows. Attractions such as Mount Rushmore, the Badlands & Crazy Horse and many more.

However, the Black Hills area offers endless options for fun. Due to the vast amount of adventures available you will never have the same trip twice!

Check out some of the popular things to do below. 

Popular Cities in the Region

Find Things to do in Western South Dakota

The Western Region in South Dakota features millions of travelers every year. Whether you are looking for something to do, a place to stay, an attraction, outdoor activities, or a nearby restaurant there are endless opportunities in the region. Take a peak at some of the many area hotspots below.

Bullwacker’s Saloon

Bullwacker’s Saloon

Wall Badlands Area Chamber of Commerce

Wall Badlands Area Chamber of Commerce

Little Elk Homestead

Little Elk Homestead

Black Hills Adventure Tours

Black Hills Adventure Tours

Wolf Camp

Wolf Camp

Hayride/Chuck Wagon Cookout

Hayride/Chuck Wagon Cookout

Rapid Escape Rooms

Rapid Escape Rooms

Historic Deadwood

Historic Deadwood

McDonald Mountain Ranch

McDonald Mountain Ranch

Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Spearfish Canyon Lodge

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

Affordable Adventures

Affordable Adventures

Pizza Lab

Pizza Lab

Triple R Ranch

Triple R Ranch

Four Mile Old West Town

Four Mile Old West Town

Oglala Lakota Living History Village

Oglala Lakota Living History Village

Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City

Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City

Big Rig RV Park Campground

Big Rig RV Park Campground

HOTELS / Lodging

South Dakota is loaded with excellent hotels, bed & breakfasts, camping and cabin rentals throughout the state. Here are some popular hotels located in the popular Rapid City/Deadwood areas.