There's a reason South Dakota invited a group of photographers out to capture its landscape for a gallery on Instagram. It's one remarkable state. So to celebrate the beauty of the heartland, we've rounded up our best pictures of South Dakota to help you escape your work day.
Breathtaking pictures of South Dakota
I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as we enjoyed capturing them. From Mount Rushmore to the Badlands, to the historic town of Deadwood to the Needles Highway, there's a lot to see when taking a road trip through South Dakota. If you like animals, there's pictures of wild mustangs and bisons too! Plus, there's an added bonus part way through our photostory to show you what it's like on a buffalo safari in the heartland: A true highlight of our time there.
Hiking to hidden Gems in South Dakota.
This hike is located in Spearfish Canyon. It's about a half hour climb up a river. Wear proper shoes and bring water. It's worth the view when you get to the top.
The Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota. Getting up close and personal
Read more about Crazy Horse
Sunrise at Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
Make sure to spend an entire day in the Badlands. The landscape is a photographer's dream. I could do an entire photostory of South Dakota photos strictly from the badlands, it's diverse and beautiful.
Big Skies over Sylvan Lake in South Dakota
Sylvan Lake is great for a picnic. Oh, and for photos too!
Wild Mustangs run free in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Check out: High Mountain Trail Ride in the Rockies
The entrance to the Badlands in South Dakota
Told you. The badlands are beautiful, so I had to include another photo!
A Lakota traditional dance at sunset in South Dakota.
There's a rich culture in South Dakota and when you are there, make sure to learn about the Lakota tribe. Our accommodation, The Circle View Ranch set up an evening of performances and stories. The Lakota's were kind enough to let us take pictures of them as well.
Flying over Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
See our video of South Dakota‘s Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse by Helicopter
Where the Buffalo roam in the Black Hills of South Dakota
Enjoy our latest South Dakota Video: Buffalo Safari in the Heartland
What the Crazy Horse Memorial will look like when done.
Crazy Horse memorial is massive and still under construction.
Storm clouds at sunset in the lowlands of South Dakota.
If you've enjoy these pictures of South Dakota check out our photos from the Brasada Ranch in Oregon
Taking in the beauty of the Needles in South Dakota
A quick hike in Spearfish Canyon will bring you to Roughlock Falls.
The road to nowhere in South Dakota
Read: The Best Road Trips in the World
The Badlands of South Dakota are beautiful in every direction.
Okay, one last photo of the badlands.
Gazing off into a South Dakota Sunset.
We were blown away by the South Dakota skies!
Becoming one with the Wild Mustangs in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Such a beautiful moment from the Black Hills Wild Mustang Sanctuary. Yet another spot where I could post only pictures of South Dakota mustangs and people would be happy. They are beautiful.
The Gravestone of Wild Bill Hickok.
You can't miss stopping at Deadwood. It's a big casino town, but there's plenty of history and reenactments of the wild west days. Each night you can watch Wild Bill's murder over and over again. I wonder if he is getting any rest in the afterlife?
Bidding Farewell to South Dakota.
Read Next: 8 Great South Dakota Attractions
Thanks to South Dakota Tourism for inviting us to explore their beautiful state. For more information about traveling to South Dakota, visit their website
By Bob Bales August 12, 2015 - 3:15 pm
Love the photo of the running horses. Makes me want to pack up and head to SD.
By Lillie August 7, 2015 - 12:12 am
Ahhh! This brings back so many good memories of my travels there as a teenager! Sheesh they still have a long way to go on that sculpture, though…
By Ryan Baird August 3, 2015 - 5:21 pm
Awesome post, I’m going on vacation with my family to South Dakota next month. I’m visiting a variety of different states along the way, but South Dakota is the main attraction because we’re going to Mt. Rushmore. These pictures are very inspiring and I can’t wait to see more of this beautiful state! 🙂
By Mary @ Green Global Travel August 2, 2015 - 8:30 pm
Great post! I love the unusual perspective in the picture flying over Mt. Rushmore – and the badlands photo is really cool! Thanks so much for the post.
By Isaac July 31, 2015 - 4:14 am
This is a clean deal of photography. South Dokota is such a beautiful place!
By Mahée Ferlini July 28, 2015 - 7:39 pm
These pictures are beautiful. South Dakota really seems to come alive when looking at the big skies and thinking about the wildlife adventures that are there. Guess I’ll have to consider it for a future destination. Thank you for sharing!
By M Firoz Al Mamun July 28, 2015 - 3:45 am
I am very amazed to see these fascinating pictures of South Dakota. I loved this charming place too much. I hope I will make a next destination, there with my wife. She will also enjoy very much to travel south Dakota. Thank you very much for posting such nice pictures from South Dakota.