The 9 Top Tours & Things To Do In South Dakota: Which Is Best?

South Dakota offers a surprising mix of history, natural beauty, and adventure, making it a prime destination for unique tours and experiences. Whether you’re interested in eerie ghost stories, breathtaking aerial views, or exploring indigenous culture, this state delivers.

We’re especially fond of the Deadwood Ghosts Walking Tour, where history and hauntings blend seamlessly, and the Badlands Small Plane Air Adventure Tour, which provides a perspective no ground tour can match.

For a more relaxed experience, the Badlands National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers an educational journey at your own pace.

If you’re craving the ultimate thrill, the Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour over the Badlands combines stunning vistas with a touch of adventure. For history lovers, the Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smartphone App unlocks stories of legendary outlaws.

And art and culture fans will enjoy the Dakota Discovery Museum. With so many options, South Dakota truly has a lot to offer.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a variety of tours and things to do in South Dakota including ghost walking tours, scenic aerial adventures, self-guided driving audio tours, wild west self-guided apps, and museum visits. Each offers a distinct way to experience the state’s rugged landscapes and storied past.

To help you choose, we’ve broken down each experience with practical details, highlighting what makes each stand out. Now, let’s explore these must-do activities.

1. Deadwood Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour

At number 1 on our list, the Deadwood Ghosts Walking Tour offers a spine-tingling look at South Dakota’s most haunted city. For just $32 per person, this 1-hour guided walk takes you through Deadwood’s historic streets while tales of restless spirits and eerie encounters unfold.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour weaves stories of notorious outlaws and the city’s violent past with ghostly legends.

The tour visits notable sites like the Deadwood Welcome Center, where visitors often report shadowy figures and cold spots, and the Brothel Museum, haunted by unexplained sounds and whispers. The route also passes through the former Chinatown district, where lingering apparitions are part of local lore.

Reviewers praise the guide’s storytelling and personal experiences, calling it “informative and engaging.” This tour is ideal for anyone interested in a quirky mix of history and supernatural tales. Keep in mind, it’s a short experience, so plan to combine it with other Deadwood explorations.

Bottom line: A fun, spooky way to learn about Deadwood’s wild past, perfect for history buffs who enjoy a ghost story or two.

2. Badlands Small Plane Air Adventure Tour

For a breath of fresh air and a whole new view of South Dakota’s Badlands, the Badlands Small Plane Air Adventure Tour is a top pick. At $155 per group, this 40-minute scenic flight lets you soar over the rugged terrain, revealing the full scope of the park’s dramatic formations.

Led by an experienced local pilot, the flight offers sweeping scenes of the White River Valley, Pinnacles Overlook, and the colorful Yellow Mounds, with wildlife sightings at Roberts Prairie Dog Town.

What makes this tour stand out is its personalized experience—small groups mean you get plenty of attention and great photo opportunities. Many travelers comment on how seeing the Badlands from above changed their perception of the landscape. The pilot’s commentary adds depth, explaining how sediment layers tell a story of millions of years.

With a minimal price increase over many ground tours, this aerial adventure offers excellent value for a memorable perspective.

Bottom line: An unforgettable way to see the landscape, especially suited for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone craving a thrill with a view.

3. Badlands National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

The Badlands National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is perfect for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace. For just $16.99, the app provides a comprehensive narration covering key overlooks, historical facts, and natural highlights along the Badlands Wall.

It’s a flexible way to deepen your visit, whether you’re driving through or stopping at points of interest like Hay Butte Overlook or Roberts Prairie Dog Town.

The app’s standout feature is its year-long access, allowing multiple visits and revisits. Reviewers appreciate how the narration enhances their understanding of the landscape, especially the stories behind local fossils and native wildlife. Some note that the app occasionally has technical glitches, but overall it’s a solid educational tool for self-guided tours.

It’s best suited for families or solo travelers who want to learn while exploring without the pressure of a scheduled tour.

Bottom line: An affordable, flexible way to turn your drive through the Badlands into an engaging learning experience.

4. Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour to See Badlands National Park

At number 4, the Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour delivers an over-the-top experience for those who want to see the entire park from above. For $265 per group, your 1 hour and 10 minutes in the air includes panoramic views of the North and South Ridges, expansive valleys, and remote areas inaccessible by car.

Led by a pilot who loves sharing the landscape, this tour is especially popular among photographers and adventure seekers.

What sets this apart is the more extensive flight time, giving you a broader perspective and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take stunning photos. The tour is also a great value considering it covers more terrain than many shorter flights.

As a bonus, everyone receives a branded T-shirt to remember the trip. Reviewers say it’s “the best way to see the park” and “worth every penny for the panoramic experience.”

Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive aerial view with enough time to appreciate every detail from above.

5. Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smartphone App Walking Tour

For history lovers who prefer to go at their own pace, the Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smartphone App is a practical choice. At only $7.75, it offers lifetime access to a detailed audio guide covering highlights like Wild Bill’s assassination site, the Bullock Hotel, and Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

This self-guided tour allows you to explore Deadwood’s iconic landmarks, learn about legendary figures like Calamity Jane, and enjoy the city’s old-time charm without a tour group. Reviewers appreciate how the app provides flexibility—pause and restart whenever you like.

It’s best suited for independent travelers or those who want to avoid the crowds while still soaking in local stories and sights. Some note that the app’s narration is comprehensive, but a few mention technical issues like audio cutouts.

Bottom line: A budget-friendly, flexible way to discover Deadwood’s legendary past at your own pace.

6. Admission Ticket to the Dakota Discovery Museum

If you’re interested in regional art and history, the Dakota Discovery Museum offers a well-rounded experience for just $7.70. It features four art galleries, a historical gallery, and a historic village with a 110-year-old prairie church. The museum showcases artwork by Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

This ticket grants access to exhibits that tell the story of the Middle Border Region, with artifacts and artwork that reveal the area’s pioneer and indigenous past. The historic village provides a glimpse into life in the late 19th century, and the museum’s flexible hours make it easy to fit into your schedule.

Visitors have found the exhibits engaging, especially the native art collection, although the reviews are limited. It’s best suited for those with an interest in regional art, Native American culture, or local history.

Bottom line: A compact cultural experience that enriches your understanding of South Dakota’s art and history.

7. Badlands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour (Long Version)

This longer, more extensive version of the Badlands Audio Tour spans 11-12 hours and is perfect for those planning a full day in the park. For $12.99, this comprehensive audio guide covers everything from iconic viewpoints to hidden spots, with stories about fossils, geology, and wildlife.

While it offers an immersive experience, some users find the narration intermittently problematic, and it requires a good set of headphones or a car speaker system for the best experience.

It’s a good choice if you’re genuinely interested in a deep dive into the park’s geology and history, especially if you’re planning an all-day adventure. It’s best suited for dedicated explorers who want maximum detail.

Bottom line: A detailed, long-format tour ideal for serious geology and history buffs with plenty of time.

8. Dakota Highlights: Black Hills, Mt Rushmore & Badlands Audio Tour

This two-day bundle covers some of South Dakota’s most famous sights in Dakota Highlights. It includes a self-guided tour of Black Hills, the Mount Rushmore monument, and Badlands National Park. Priced at $39.99 per group, it offers a comprehensive experience for those with a flexible schedule.

The itinerary covers key attractions such as the North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the historic Mount Rushmore, blending scenic drives with educational stops. It’s suitable for visitors wanting a multi-day itinerary that combines driving tours with on-site exploration. Reviewers appreciate the convenience but note that it requires some planning to maximize the experience.

Bottom line: A good option for travelers who want to cover multiple highlights without booking individual tours.

9. Wild West Deadwood Adventure

Finally, the Wild West Deadwood Adventure offers a fun, app-led scavenger hunt through Deadwood. Priced at just $14.99 per person for about 1.5 hours, it combines trivia, puzzles, and exploration in a lively, interactive way. It’s a perfect activity for families, groups, or anyone looking to turn sightseeing into a game.

This experience challenges you to find clues and solve puzzles at landmarks like Wild Bill’s shooting site or the old Gem Theater. Reviewers emphasize its entertainment value and how it makes history engaging for all ages. It suits those who want a less traditional, more playful approach to discovering Deadwood’s stories.

Bottom line: An entertaining, interactive option that works well for groups wanting a mix of education and fun.

How to Choose the Right Tour in South Dakota

When choosing between these diverse experiences, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. For ghost stories and local legends, the Deadwood Ghosts Walking Tour is a hit.

If aerial views are your thing, the Badlands Small Plane Air Adventure or the Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour provide unforgettable perspectives. For a flexible and educational experience, the Self-Guided Badlands Driving Tour is excellent.

Art lovers or history buffs might prefer the Dakota Discovery Museum. Budget-conscious travelers will find value in the Self-Guided Smartphone Tour.

Timing also matters—ground tours are best early or late in the day, while aerial tours are weather-dependent. Booking early ensures availability, especially in peak season. Think about how active you want to be; a scenic flight requires less physical effort, but walking or driving tours offer more immersive experiences.

Final Thoughts

South Dakota offers a wide range of tours that cater to history enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, art fans, and those simply looking to explore nature. A ghost walk through Deadwood is a perfect introduction to its wild past, while aerial tours over the Badlands provide striking views few get to see.

For a well-rounded experience, combining a self-guided drive with a museum visit can deepen your understanding of the region.

If you’re visiting during the peak months, it’s wise to book your tours early. Whether you’re interested in the spooky stories, breathtaking vistas, or cultural exhibits, South Dakota has something to offer every curious traveler. Pick a few options based on your interests, and get ready for a memorable adventure.