With all the things to do in South Dakota in the fall, our schedules are usually jam-packed. We only have one problem. Autumn is oh-so-fleeting. That makes it essential to make plans ahead of time, so we don't miss out on anything we really want to do. If you're still creating your autumn calendar, add some of the best places to visit in South Dakota in the fall.
South Dakota Fall Foliage: Where To Go In State For Fall Foliage
Leaf-peeping is probably one of the most beloved South Dakota fall activities. Before we can start making plans, we have to know when the fall foliage will be at its most brilliant. The leaves usually begin changing color in the early to mid part of September depending on where you are, with the peak arriving for much of the state by mid-October. Keep track of when the leaves will change color in your corner of the state by using the South Dakota fall foliage prediction map.
Now that you know when to expect the fall foliage at its most brilliant, you can plan where to go leaf peeping in South Dakota.
1. Sica Hollow State Park
Location: Sisseton
Wow Factor: Horseback and hiding trails promise breathtaking views of the fall foliage.
Need To Know: A daily vehicle fee is required unless you have an annual pass. You can purchase the fee online before going to the park or use the self-serving kiosk at the park's entrance.
Pack a picnic for your leaf-peeping adventure at
Sica Hollow State Park, a cozy park at 900 acres that's brimming with activities - hiking, horseback riding, biking, and birdwatching - for the whole family. More than eight miles of trails offer an easy way to enjoy the most colorful season in South Dakota. If you feel like relaxing, sit at one of the picnic tables and soak up the scenery.
2. Devil’s Gulch
Location: Garretson
Wow Factor: Fall colors serve as a breathtaking backdrop for red quartzite chasms and pinnacles, Split Rock River, and Devil's Gulch
Need To Know: Park entry is free from May through October.
Follow a short and sweet half-mile trail that leads to
Devil's Gulch, a spectacular natural wonder that's flanked by towering trees and chiseled cliffs. The trail tends to be quiet, so you might have it all to yourself. Wander along the path that includes crossing over a bridge. Sensational views of the gulch, framed by fall's colors, await. Carve out at least 30 minutes for your adventure, although most hikers agree you can easily hike the trail in around 10 minutes.
3. Custer State Park
Location: Custer
Wow Factor: The state park boasts some of the tallest trees in South Dakota.
Need To Know: Unless you have an annual vehicle pass, you must purchase a seven-day license, per vehicle, to enter the park.
Boasting some of the tallest trees in the state makes
Custer State Park a natural choice for soaking up the sheer beauty of the South Dakota fall foliage. Whether you feel like walking along the park's roads or setting off on a scenic hike or bike ride, you'll find an abundance of photo-worthy moments - from the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold to the grazing bison. Horseback riding and picnicking are popular, too.
4. Mount Rushmore
Location: Keystone
Wow Factor: Fall foliage frames the national landmark.
Need To Know: Entry to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is free.
A stroll through the park at Mount Rushmore promises sensational views of the fall foliage. Even better, September and October tend to be much quieter as the height of the tourist season has passed. The park is open daily weather permitting.
Best Pumpkin Patches In South Dakota
For many of us, a trip to one (or more) of the best pumpkin patches in South Dakota in the fall is a beloved autumn tradition. Even if you only have an hour or two, you can fit in a whole lot of fun as you stroll through rows of pumpkins in search of that perfect one for carving or baking.
5. Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Path
Location: Spearfish
Wow Factor: After picking pumpkins, escape from a corn maze.
Need To Know: The pumpkin patch is open varying hours on weekends only through September and October.
Only three miles from Spearfish,
Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, one of the best places to visit in South Dakota in the fall, has been a family tradition for more than a decade. Wander through the pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin for your needs. Then, after you've found it or them, explore the farm a bit more. Escape from the corn maze, and grab a bite from the food trucks.
6. Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch
Location: Yankton
Wow Factor: The pumpkin patch also features a five-acre corn maze.
Need To Know: The farm hosts a fall festival, including a pumpkin patch, that runs from mid-September to late October.
Celebrate autumn with a stroll around the pumpkin patch at Mazing Acres, where you'll find a whole host of fun activities for the entire family. The pumpkin patch features more than 30 attractions, including hayrides, a mega slide, a barrel train, and an obstacle course.
7. Lil Harvester's Pumpkin Patch
Location: Rapid City
Wow Factor: The pumpkin patch also has a petting zoo.
Need To Know: Lil' Harvester's Pumpkin Patch generally opens in mid-September and runs through the end of October.
Bring the family for a day of pumpkin picking at
Lil Harvester's Pumpkin Patch in Rapid City. The family-owned pumpkin patch, which welcomes visitors on weekends from mid-September through October, also features a petting zoo and other autumn activities. Don't forget to bring your camera.
8. That Pickin Patch
Location: Humboldt
Wow Factor: The large pumpkin patch makes finding pumpkins for decorating and baking easy.
Need To Know: f your pumpkin goes bad or is smashed, you can get a free replacement, if available, in October.
A family favorite, That Pickin Patch is completely self-serve. Walk past the stands and rows of pumpkins. Choose those you like and leave payment in the dropbox. You can also pay by PayPal, Venmo, and credit or debit card. That Picken Patch is usually open until Halloween evening.
Best Fall Festivals In South Dakota
The best fall festivals in South Dakota become treasured traditions for many of us, the events that we seek out year after year through life's changes. Whether you only have an hour or you want to spend an entire day, these fall festivals promise some of the best fall fun in South Dakota.
9. Rapid City Pumpkin Festival
Location: Rapid City
Wow Factor: The annual festival boasts some of the biggest - weighing hundreds of pounds - pumpkins in South Dakota.
Need To Know: The daylong festival is typically held at the end of September.
If you've been on the hunt for the best fall activities near me, you've found one the whole family will love. The annual Rapid City Pumpkin Festival, a daylong event, features a full menu of fun, including kids' activities and vendors, but the star of the show is the pumpkins. Two rounds of pumpkin catapults will be held, and there will be a pumpkin weigh-off to crown the largest pumpkin at the festival.
10. Oktoberfest Deadwood
Location: Deadwood
Wow Factor: The Wiener Dog Races are perhaps the most unique activity of the two-day event.
Need To Know: Admission to the Deadwood Octoberfest is free.
For two days at the beginning of October, usually on Friday and Saturday, Deadwood celebrates Oktoberfest with a whole lot of good food, drink, and fun. Kiddos and guests of all ages will love the Wiener Dog Races, which culminate with one adorable pooch earning the title of the "Fastest Wiener in the West." The annual event also features polka music, beer barrel games, and a poker run.
11. Yankton Harvest Halloween Festival
Location: Yankton
Wow Factor: The family-friendly festival features a full menu of activities and food.
Need To Know: Harvest Halloween is generally held on the final Saturday in October.
Celebrate the final days leading to the spookiest day of the season at the Harvest Halloween Festival. The daylong festival promises fun for everyone, from making new four-legged friends at the petting zoo to pictures with popular characters. Fuel up with goodies from the food trucks; watch the kids in the corn pit and on the inflatables; and join an eating contest.
Free & Cheap South Dakota Fall Activities
Some of the best places to visit in South Dakota in the fall are free or come with an affordable price tag. If you're up for an adventure, you'll certainly find it when you check out these free and relatively cheap South Dakota fall activities.
12. Hike to Roughlock Falls
Location: South Lawrence
Wow Factor: The 50-foot waterfall surrounded by fall foliage is simply breathtaking.
Need To Know: The trail to Roughlock Falls is considered easy.
Does it get any better than hiking to a waterfall? Only if that waterfall is surrounded by the brilliant fall colors. The 2.1-mile
Roughlock Falls Trail leads to the stunning cascade. You'll need about an hour to take this fall hike in South Dakota that winds past colorful trees and chiseled rocks to Roughlock Falls. The trail is open year-round if you can't make it in the fall.
13. Take a scenic drive
Location: Spearfish Canyon
Wow Factor: The winding byway passes some of South Dakota's best fall foliage, especially during the peak.
Need To Know: Carve out at least two hours for your drive, if you're planning on pulling over and exploring.
One of the best ways to see the South Dakota fall foliage is on a scenic drive. Spanning 19 miles, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway meanders past tumbling waterfalls, flowing streams, and beautiful cliffs. U.S. Highway 14A, which passes through Spearfish, promises plenty of places to pull over, including Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls State Nature Area, and the darling town of Savoy.
14. Heartland Country Corn Maze
Location: Harrisburg
Wow Factor: Escape the corn maze on certain evenings throughout the season.
Need To Know: The corn maze is open from early August until mid-October.
See how long it takes you to escape from the 11-acre corn maze at
Heartland Country Corn Maze, a beloved local tradition for a quarter of a century. If you find the hidden checkpoint, stop by the concession stand for a free treat. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, bring your flashlight and meander through the maze at night. You'll be guided only by your flashlights and the moonlight.
15. Powder House Lodge & Restaurant
Location: Keystone
Wow Factor: Large windows offer beautiful views of the fall landscape.
Need To Know: The restaurant serves lunch and dinner and features a menu for the kids.
Gear up for your next fall adventure with a hearty meal at The Powder House Lodge & Restaurant. Marvel at the awe-inspiring view of the fall colors while indulging in a delicious meal. The menu's packed with such favorites as chicken tenders, burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood.
What are your favorite things to do in South Dakota in the fall? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments! With its colorful landscape and crisp air, autumn is an idyllic time for a road trip, too. Follow one of the best road trips in South Dakota on an epic adventure. Before you set, off, though, take a peek at the OIYS road trip packing essentials list.
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