Where to Watch the 2023 Solar Eclipse
On October 14th, 2023, North, Central and South America will witness an incredible astronomical event…
Our South Dakota vacations begin in Rapid City, cycling back road prairie land. While enjoying your time on our South Dakota vacation packages, you’ll pedal the Mickelson Trail through the heart of the Black Hills, following the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line. Walk in the footsteps of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, and Buffalo Bill in the town of Deadwood. Explore Crazy Horse Memorial and snap photos of bison, elk, sheep, and prairie dogs along the aptly named Wildlife Loop.
Few attractions stir the emotions of visitors the way Mount Rushmore does. Hike the base of Mt. Rushmore, one of America’s most inspiring symbols of democracy on our South Dakota vacation packages.
The only thing better than a day spent exploring the legendary Great Plains and the Black Hills on our South Dakota vacations? Topping it off with a hot stone massage, a delicious meal and a restful night’s sleep in the comfort of your resort, hotel, or lodge.
Read about North America's National Parks, and learn from the experts!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.
Below is a breakdown of what to expect during each of South Dakota’s four seasons. Keep in mind that conditions may vary depending on where you are in the state. At higher elevations, temperatures will be cooler, and in the southeastern portion of the state, precipitation will be higher. South Dakota is also one of those unique places where temperatures and conditions can vary throughout the day, so sometimes you may have the pleasure of experiencing two seasons in one day on a South Dakota vacation!
Spring tends to be a milder, transitional season in South Dakota. While rain showers are common (April averages nine days of precipitation and 2.4 inches of rain) so are sunny days and temperatures can even get into the 70s in May. For the most part, expect daily temperatures to be in the 50s. Late April and early May are great times to visit if you want to see the wildflowers bloom and perhaps, a baby animal or two!
This would be considered peak tourist season in South Dakota. School is out for summer and South Dakota – especially Mount Rushmore – is a popular destination for vacationing families as well as international tour groups. You can expect around 15 hours of daylight, so there is plenty of time to squeeze in sightseeing and outdoor recreational activities. In late May, the average temperature is 70 degrees, in June it reaches the 80s and by July and August, daily averages in most South Dakota cities are in the mid-80s. The thermometer will hit 90 degrees here and there, but it’s rare and 100-degree days are even rarer. At night, temperatures often dip down to a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is seldom a problem, but it’s not uncommon to have short, afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months, so be sure to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella. Keep in mind that every August, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world takes place in Sturgis so there will be a lot going on in and around the Black Hills.
After Labor Day, temperatures begin to drop, and for September and October, you can plan on highs in the 70s and 60s, respectively. By November, the temperatures drop another 20 degrees, and at night, it can get below freezing. Still, fall is a fantastic time to visit South Dakota – especially if you want to catch the fall foliage in the Black Hills.
Average annual snowfall for the state of South Dakota is 37 inches, and while it’s higher than the average yearly snowfall for the U.S. (24 inches), it’s not much compared to states like Colorado (70 inches) and Vermont (90 inches). Temperatures are low, with the average high in January around 27 degrees, but as long as you dress accordingly and wear boots, you should be able to participate in a variety of snow sports including ice fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling. There is an average of 9-10 hours of daylight during the winter months, and it’s worth noting that South Dakota is divided into two time zones – Mountain and Central.
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It mostly depends on what time of year you’re visiting and the activities you plan on doing, but for the most part, the items below belong in your bag.
South Dakota is home to some spectacular attractions including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the world’s only “corn palace.” It’s also home to some incredible state and national parks including Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and our personal favorite, the beautiful Black Hills National Forest. You’ll see some amazing things in South Dakota, so bring your camera to capture the moments!
Especially during the winter and summer months when temperatures are most extreme, it’s essential to pack warm clothing. We recommend packing layers, so you’re never caught off guard on those cooler mornings and evenings. Shorts and sandals are musts during July and August, and hats, gloves, and boots are musts during January and February. South Dakota is pretty laid back, so you can leave your fanciest duds at home.
A light rain jacket and/or umbrella are recommended for spring, summer, and even fall vacations. Starting in November and running through March, you’ll probably want to pack your winter jacket as well as winter accessories to keep your feet, hands, and face warm. Before you decide to pack your snow boots, check the forecast because chances are, you may not need them. Sun protection is also necessary – especially during the summer months and at high altitudes and the eastern part of the state. South Dakota is one of the top five windiest states in the U.S., so we also recommend packing a windbreaker.
South Dakota is an underrated, oft-overlooked paradise for people who love outdoor recreation and activities. Hiking boots are a must if you plan on hiking up Harney Peak, the highest point peak east of the Rockies. If biking the historic 109-mile Mickelson trail is on your list of things to do, you’ll want to pack your cycling gear (bike rentals are available along the path).
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We’ve been leading South Dakota vacations for many years now, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned from our experience. See below for a few pointers that you may want to keep in mind as you’re planning your trip.
While you may think that the best time to visit Mount Rushmore is first thing in the morning before the tour buses arrive, the evening lighting ceremony that is held mid-May through the end of September at sunset is a very moving experience – especially if you are a veteran.
If “Dances of Wolves” is one of your favorite movies, you need to check out Kevin Costner’s restaurant, Jake’s, in the town of Deadwood. Not only is the food fantastic, but the decor features vintage movie posters and costumes and memorabilia from Costner’s most famous films.
Odd and unusual roadside attractions are everywhere in South Dakota! If you have the flexibility, build an extra hour or two into your schedule, so you have time to pull over and check out things like the Dinosaur Park, Petrified Wood Park, 1880 Cowboy Town and whatever else you encounter on the side of the road. Don’t worry; there will be plenty of signs pointing the way!
Around 500,000 people attend the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally held every August, and hotels usually increase their room rates a few days before, during, and after the week-long rally. And don’t expect to find an available room at the last minute. Hotels sell out months in advance and rooms can be tough to come by, even in Sioux City which is almost 400 miles from Sturgis!
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With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
