South Dakota vacation rentals take the form of lakefront cottages, wilderness cabins, city bungalows, and chic apartments.
Sun, snow, and when to go
With four distinct seasons, guests in South Dakota vacation rentals can choose their favorite time of year to visit. Although the weather is typically sunny, breezy, and fair, South Dakota can experience extreme fluctuations. Due to a semi-arid continental climate, summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, while winter temperatures often drop below zero.
Winter places, stone faces, and wide open spaces to explore
Seasons should be taken into account when you visit South Dakota. For vacationers who prefer a white winter, Great Bear Recreation Area near Sioux Falls is perfect for frosty activities. Snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing are just some of the active pursuits available at Great Bear during the winter. For the remainder of the year, guests can hike, fish, and explore acres of wilderness.
Those visitors who enjoy snowmobiling, ice climbing, and ice fishing should head to the Rapid City, Spearfish, or Sundance areas.
No matter the time of year, the most famous place to visit in South Dakota is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Larger than life, the carved faces of four U.S. presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt) gaze out at you from the rock. Mornings typically bring the best light for optimal views.
Consider basing yourself in Deadwood if you wish to visit the Black Hills. This town offers casinos, live entertainment, and fine dining. You might explore Custer State Park, considered one of the nation’s top ten state parks. Here, you can catch a glimpse of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bison. Activities include fly-fishing, hiking, and rock-climbing.
Drive northeast in the state to see prairies and glacial lakes such as Lake Thompson. Enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures here, including camping, fishing, and biking. In the central part of South Dakota, you’ll find the Missouri River region. With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, it provides excellent fishing, kayaking, sailing, and swimming.
Roundups, ribs, hot-rods, and parades
South Dakota offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the past, and one way to do this is through the annual Buffalo Roundup. Held in September at Custer State Park, wranglers corral more than 1,300 bison.
Four days in August brings car enthusiasts together in Deadwood. Concerts, a classic car competition, and hot-rod races are some of the events. For those visitors wanting to taste a bit of the West, head to Vermillion for Ribs, Rods & Rock n’ Roll. This annual State Barbeque Cook-off draws a crowd for a two-day event in September.
Many towns in South Dakota hold parades for major vacations. However, Sioux Falls has one of the best. The annual Parade of Lights in November features dazzling displays of lights and elaborately decorated floats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in South Dakota?
We found 11,399 vacation homes in South Dakota available for your next trip.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in South Dakota?
Many travellers are searching for Pool, Pets allowed, and Internet when booking a vacation home in South Dakota.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in South Dakota?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 36% of vacation rentals in South Dakota are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to visit South Dakota?
If you're looking for balmy weather, July and August are typically the hottest months in South Dakota with temperatures around 31 °C. January and February in South Dakota are the coldest, with -10 °C on average.