The Dakotas

Travel 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

While visiting Downtown Sioux Falls, you might make a stop by sights like Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and Old Courthouse Museum.

Downtown Sioux Falls
I love water towers

Downtown Deadwood

While visiting Downtown Deadwood, you might make a stop by sights like Gold Dust Casino & Hotel and Silverado.

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

While visiting Northwest Sioux Falls, you might make a stop by sights like Sanford Pentagon and Sioux Falls Arena.

Northwest Sioux Falls
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Mall District

While visiting Mall District, you might make a stop by sights like Empire Mall and Cinemark Century Sioux Falls 14.

Mall District
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West Acres

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

West Acres
Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center

3 out of 5
800 S 3rd St Bismarck ND
The price is ¥11,875 per night from Jan 15 to Jan 16
¥11,875
¥13,181 total
Jan 15 - Jan 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
I've been here before. It's acceptable.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center
Ramada by Wyndham Sioux Falls Airport-Waterpark & Event Ctr

Ramada by Wyndham Sioux Falls Airport-Waterpark & Event Ctr

3 out of 5
1301 West Russell Sioux Falls SD
The price is ¥10,152 per night from Jan 18 to Jan 19
¥10,152
¥11,453 total
Jan 18 - Jan 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Sioux Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 indoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,489 reviews)
The pool/slide and hot tub were awesome for the kids. The rooms were dated but fairly clean. The did not have any bottled water anywhere for purchases other then the BP restaurant.

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Sioux Falls Airport-Waterpark & Event Ctr
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 ¥14,641 per night from Feb 5 to Feb 6
¥14,641
¥16,178 total
Feb 5 - Feb 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Grand Forks. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,477 reviews)
The reception staff were really great and very helpful. The pool and the bunk beds in the room however were the highlight of the trip. Will definitely come back!

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2026

Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,780 reviews)
I moved rooms after I noticed the first room wasn't properly cleaned and the bathtub had water that wasn't draining in it. Moved to a new room and it was great. The staff were very nice and easy to work with. The bed was comfy and the simple kitchen set up appreciated.

Reviewed on Jan 7, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (596 reviews)
Cottage was super clean and very comfortable. Good wifi. Easy to locate. Hot tub on site. Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on Jan 7, 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 WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
It was a perfect little cabin. Had everything we needed

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do