Are you ready for a scenic drive that offers some iconic South Dakota views? This byway takes you through some of South Dakota's most scenic lands. From the Nebraska border to the North Dakota border, the scenery is incredible.
The Native American National And State Scenic Byway runs through South Dakota from the Nebraska border all the way north to North Dakota. The entire route is 478 miles, so we suggest that you split your trip into at least two days to fully appreciate this road's scenic beauty.
Click here for the interactive map and directions.
The South Dakota portion of this scenic byway starts at the Nebraska border, at the Chief Standing Bear Memorial Bridge. This bridge stretches across the Missouri River from Niobrara, Nebraska to Running Water, South Dakota.
This byway takes you through the lands of many tribes. To learn some of their stories, stop at the Akta Lakota Museum in Chamberlain, just about one hour into your trip.
Just past Chamberlain, you'll cross into the Crow Creek Reservation, where you'll see rolling meadows and some beautiful views of the Missouri River.
The Crow Creek Reservation covers 196 square miles and is home to around 1,230 people.
You'll cross the Missouri at the Big Bend Dam and continue on to the Lower Brule Indian Reservation.
The Lower Brule Reservation is home to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, and is home to about 1,300 people.
The Buffalo Interpretive Center, about seven miles east of Fort Pierre, was established by the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Stop by and visit to learn more about the Sioux people and their customs.
Fort Pierre was established in 1855.
Today, the town is home to around 2,100 people. This scenic little town is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Bad Rivers.
By the time you get to Eagle Butte, you'll be in the Cheyenne River Reservation, which covers 4,266 square miles.
Through this part of the scenic byway, you'll find rolling hills and prairie.
Watch for bands of wild horses through this part of your drive.
Visit the Sitting Bull Monument and Gravesite in Mobridge. Chief Sitting Bull and his son (among others) were killed on the Cheyenne River Reservation in December, 1890.
You'll cross the Missouri again at Mobridge.
From Mobridge, you'll travel north through the most eastern portion of the Standing Rock Reservation. The South Dakota portion of the scenic byway ends at the North Dakota Border.
Have you ever taken this scenic byway?
If you're looking for another great scenic drive, consider our fall foliage road trip!
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