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. Western South Dakota offers a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the majestic peaks of the Black Hills to the sprawling plains of the Badlands, this region beckons adventurers and explorers alike.
Discover the iconic Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four American presidents are etched into the granite cliffs, or journey through the otherworldly terrain of Badlands National Park, where dramatic rock formations and fossil beds tell tales of ancient creatures.
Delve into the storied past of the Wild West at historic towns like Deadwood and Lead, where legends of gold rushes and outlaws come to life. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a scenic drive through the heart of the Great Plains, Western South Dakota offers endless opportunities for discovery and inspiration.
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.
![Shipwrecks Bar & Grill](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/13f5a87479ead4c824620a9f485f4999_ShipwrecksBarGrill_RapidCity_sign.jpg)
Shipwrecks Bar & Grill
Rapid City
![AmericInn by Wyndham Rapid City](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/246bc3a53590bb1d8beec812113ca192_AmericInn_RapidCity_frontdesk.jpg)
AmericInn by Wyndham Rapid City
Rapid City
![Canyon Lake Resort](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canyon-lake-resort-2471.jpg)
Canyon Lake Resort
Rapid City
![Madame Peacock’s Beer & Bling](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/4bc8c7e828f807c24a8a4c550497646e_MadamePeacocksBeerBling_Deadwood_sign.jpg)
Madame Peacock’s Beer & Bling
Deadwood
![Calamity Peak Lodge](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1550528907250-2v36sopkkxtixjtv.jpg)
Calamity Peak Lodge
Custer
![Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/deadwood-gulch-gaming-resort-4717.jpg)
Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort
Deadwood
![Executive Lodging of the Black Hills](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/apple-springs-log-cabin-1832.jpg)
Executive Lodging of the Black Hills
Sturgis
![Founding Fathers Black Hills at Independence Hall](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/founding-fathers-exterior-696.jpg)
Founding Fathers Black Hills at Independence Hall
Rapid City
![Circle View Guest Ranch](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/bdae3d3fcca4b15a3601109453f3572a_CircleViewGuestRanch_Interior_aerial.jpg)
Circle View Guest Ranch
Interior
![Rocky Point Recreation Area](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2017RockyPoint15-400x284.jpg)
Rocky Point Recreation Area
![Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/440d6016cba9a435b7e5b29b1b711a4b_CalamityJaneCoffeeShopGrill_Custer_outside.jpg)
Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill
Custer
![Nonna’s Kitchen](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/226880c475db3d751be96930d12dbc6b_NonnasKitchen_Spearfish_inside.jpg)
Nonna’s Kitchen
Spearfish
![Dinosaur Museum](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/843c6eb533a9a17c2c1c7a8b99c0b9fa_DinosaurMuseum_RapidCity_outside.jpg)
Dinosaur Museum
Rapid City
![Holy Smoke Resort](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/holy-smoke-resort-3890.jpg)
Holy Smoke Resort
Keystone
![Pump House at Mind Blown Studio](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/hot-glass-at-mind-blown-studio-1246.jpg)
Pump House at Mind Blown Studio
Deadwood
![The Wagons at Rushmore Shadows](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/51915927d2a927060748e2f8aa909fc6_cc06-28-18GlampingRushmoreShadows013_opt.jpg)
The Wagons at Rushmore Shadows
Rapid City
Great Faces. Great Places.
South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!
![Badlands](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/western-region.png)
Western South Dakota
Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.
![](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/central-region.png)
CENTRAL REGION
This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US.
![](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/eastern-region.png)
Eastern Region
The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.