You’ve probably heard of the famous places in the Dakotas, but here’s the thing: the 8 Great Destinations in the Dakotas aren’t always the ones you’ll find on a souvenir postcard. Mount Rushmore? Stunning. The Badlands? Absolutely worth it. Those buffalo herds roaming around? Iconic. But the Dakotas have another side too—one that doesn’t get the billboards or the bus tours.
It’s the kind of place where you might pull over just because the sky looks different, step out onto a prairie with nobody around for miles, and watch the sunset over some grassland you’d never heard of before that morning.
If you’re building out a bigger trip, our Ultimate South Dakota and North Dakota Road Trip guide has you covered on the heavy hitters—parks, monuments, scenic highways, and all the must-see stops along the way.
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Why These Are the 8 Great Destinations in the Dakotas
We spent nine days driving through both states, and funny enough, the spots that really stuck with us weren’t the crowded ones. They were the random finds. An old fort tucked off a back road. A giant sculpture in the middle of nowhere. A lookout point that wasn’t even marked on the map. Just wide-open spaces that made you stop and stare.
So we put together a list of eight underrated destinations in the Dakotas we think are worth your time. Some have history. Others celebrate art. A few are simply pretty views, plain and simple. But every single one shows you a version of the Dakotas that most people miss—and honestly, that’s kind of the point.
Planning Your Dakotas Adventure
The Dakotas are bigger than they look on a map. These eight destinations stretch across both North and South Dakota, from the Black Hills to the wide-open grasslands of western North Dakota. Because many of these stops are spread out, having your own vehicle is the best way to experience them.
For a larger itinerary, our Ultimate South Dakota and North Dakota Road Trip guide covers the major national parks, monuments, scenic drives, and must-see stops across both states.
Most travelers fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) if they’re starting in the Black Hills, where destinations like Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Fort Meade are nearby. For more flight options, Sioux Falls (FSD), Denver (DEN), or Minneapolis (MSP) can also work well, especially if you’re planning a longer Great Plains road trip.
The best part? The driving is part of the adventure. The open highways, endless skies, and unexpected roadside discoveries are exactly what make exploring the Dakotas memorable.
Before You Visit the Dakotas: A Few Things to Know
The Dakotas reward travelers who come prepared. These eight destinations range from historic sites and roadside attractions to wide-open grasslands, so a little planning goes a long way.
- Pack layers. Weather can change quickly, especially in the Badlands and prairie regions. A sunny morning can turn into a windy afternoon, so bring a lightweight jacket even in summer.
- Fill up when you can. Some of these destinations are far from major towns, and cell service can disappear quickly. Download offline maps and keep water and snacks in the vehicle.
- Plan around the light. Sunrise and sunset are when the Dakotas really shine. The wide-open landscapes, grasslands, and historic sites look completely different during golden hour.
- Respect the landscape and wildlife. Give bison plenty of space, stay on marked trails, and help preserve these places for the next travelers.
What We Pack for a Dakotas Road Trip
The Dakotas can throw just about every kind of weather at you, so we always pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, a small daypack, and the basics for spending time outdoors. A portable charger and offline maps are also worth having—cell service can disappear quickly once you leave the bigger towns.
These 8 Great Destinations in the Dakotas range from historic forts to sweeping grasslands and quirky roadside attractions.
Stop 1: Fort Meade Recreation Area — Frontier History Near Sturgis
Most people blow through Sturgis on their way to the Black Hills. They see the rally signs, maybe top off the gas tank, and keep rolling. And honestly, we get it—Sturgis isn’t exactly known for being quiet. But just a few miles east, tucked back into the hills, you’ll find something completely different.
Fort Meade was established in 1878 as a cavalry post during the Army’s push to establish control over the Northern Plains following the Black Hills gold rush. Soldiers stationed here protected settlers, guarded the Deadwood stagecoach route, and played a complicated role in a period of rapid change for the region.
Today, Fort Meade is a recreation area managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The site still has preserved military buildings, an old parade ground, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from the roar of motorcycles rolling through Sturgis.
What we loved: The diorama exhibits in the museum basement. They may be a little dated, but they do a surprisingly good job bringing pieces of military history to life.
Favorite memory: Having the entire place almost to ourselves. I still remember standing there reading Major Marcus A. Reno’s letter about his life—it was one of those unexpected moments that makes a stop stick with you.
Why it’s worth a stop: Fort Meade is quick, free, and easy to add to a Black Hills itinerary. After the crowds and attractions of the area, it offers something different—a quiet place to slow down, learn a little history, and discover a piece of the Dakotas that many travelers miss.
Stop 2: Buffalo Gap National Grassland — Endless Prairie & Wildlife
If you’ve driven through Badlands National Park, you’ve probably looked out across the prairie beyond the park boundaries and wondered what’s out there. The answer is Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and it’s one of the most underrated landscapes in the Dakotas.
Covering more than 600,000 acres, Buffalo Gap is the second-largest national grassland in the country. It was established during the 1930s after the Dust Bowl, when the federal government purchased abandoned farmland and restored much of it to native prairie. Today, it’s home to bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, coyotes, golden eagles, and plenty of other wildlife.
What we loved: The solitude. We turned onto one of the dirt roads branching off the main highway, found a spot overlooking a broad valley, and just sat there. No traffic. No crowds. Just the wind moving through the grass while a herd of pronghorn grazed in the distance. It’s the kind of quiet you don’t realize you’ve been missing until you experience it.
Favorite memory: Watching prairie dogs pop in and out of their burrows along the roadside. We probably sat there for twenty minutes, laughing at their little territorial squabbles. It was way more entertaining than we expected.
Why it’s worth a stop: It’s free, uncrowded, and the sunsets are every bit as spectacular as the ones inside Badlands National Park—just without the tour buses.
Stop 3: Dignity of Earth and Sky — Missouri River Overlook
This one isn’t exactly hidden—it’s a 50-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture overlooking the Missouri River just off I-90 near Chamberlain. You can’t miss it. And honestly, you shouldn’t.
Created by South Dakota artist Dale Lamphere, the sculpture depicts a Native American woman wrapped in a star quilt, her arms outstretched in welcome. Standing high above the Missouri River, the sculpture seems to change with the light—bright and gleaming under the midday sun, then soft and reflective as evening settles in.
What we loved: The pause. We pulled off the interstate expecting a quick photo and ended up staying for more than an hour. There’s a small Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at the rest area, and the views over the river are outstanding. We wandered to the edge of the bluff, watched the current below, and just stood there listening to the wind.
Favorite memory: Standing at the base of the sculpture just before sunset, watching the Missouri River turn into a ribbon of gold. Nearby, a woman was quietly telling her children about the history of the region, and it became one of those simple, unexpected moments that sticks with you long after the trip is over.
Why it’s worth a stop: It’s free, easy to access, and one of the most meaningful roadside stops in the Dakotas. Between the sculpture, the river overlook, and the interpretive exhibits, it’s well worth taking a break from the drive.
Stop 4: Great Falls of the Big Sioux River — Sioux Falls
Okay, we know what you’re thinking. Sioux Falls is a city. How is that a hidden gem?
Fair question. But here’s the thing: a lot of travelers fly into Sioux Falls, pick up their rental car, and head straight for the Badlands or the Black Hills. They never stop at Falls Park—and that’s a mistake.
The waterfalls are the centerpiece, tumbling over pink Sioux quartzite that’s estimated to be more than a billion years old. The river drops about 100 feet through a series of cascades, creating one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in South Dakota. Surrounding the falls are paved walking paths, the ruins of the old Queen Bee Mill, and an observation tower with panoramic views of both the river and the city.
What we loved: The contrast. You’re standing in the middle of South Dakota’s largest city, yet all you hear is rushing water. The pink quartzite seems to glow in the afternoon sun, and it’s surprisingly easy to forget you’re surrounded by downtown Sioux Falls.
Favorite memory: Climbing the observation tower just before sunset. The water reflected the evening light, the quartzite took on a warm golden color, and we found ourselves taking photo after photo—even though none of them really captured what it looked like in person.
Why it’s worth a stop: Whether you’re flying into Sioux Falls or wrapping up your Dakotas road trip, Falls Park is an easy, free stop that’s well worth your time. It’s a reminder that some of the state’s best scenery isn’t tucked away in the middle of nowhere.
Stop 5: Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site — Fur Trade History on the Missouri
Most people driving across western North Dakota never make the short detour to Fort Union Trading Post. That’s a shame because this quiet spot along the Missouri River was once one of the busiest places on the northern frontier. If you’re headed to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, it’s well worth taking the extra time to stop.
Fort Union was the most important fur-trading post on the Upper Missouri River from 1829 to 1867. Indigenous clans including the Assiniboine, Crow, Blackfeet, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara traded buffalo robes and other furs for manufactured goods from around the world. Today, visitors can explore a carefully reconstructed fort based on archaeological evidence and historic drawings.
What we loved: The authenticity. Every building feels thoughtfully recreated, and the park rangers bring the site’s history to life. We spent nearly an hour talking with one ranger about the fur trade, the relationships between Native nations and traders, and how commerce shaped the northern Great Plains. It wasn’t a scripted presentation—just an interesting conversation that gave us a much better appreciation for the site’s importance.
Favorite memory: Climbing the lookout tower on the Bourgeois House and taking in the view over the Missouri River. Standing there, it was easy to picture a steamboat rounding the bend or traders arriving with stacks of buffalo robes. The peaceful landscape makes it surprisingly easy to imagine what life might have looked like here nearly two centuries ago.
Why it’s worth a stop: Fort Union is one of the best-preserved and most faithfully reconstructed fur-trading sites in the United States. If you enjoy history, it’s an easy detour that offers a deeper understanding of the people, cultures, and commerce that shaped the northern plains long before modern highways crossed the region.
Stop 6: Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site — Life Along the Knife River
Long before Lewis and Clark arrived in present-day North Dakota, the Knife River was home to thriving Hidatsa villages where families farmed the rich river bottomlands and lived in large earthlodges. Corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers filled the surrounding fields, while extensive trade networks connected the people here with communities across North America.
Today, the park preserves the remains of three historic village sites, along with a reconstructed earthlodge you can step inside. Walking the trails, it’s easy to forget you’re standing in a place that supported vibrant communities for hundreds of years before Europeans reached the northern plains.
What we loved: Stepping inside the reconstructed earthlodge. It’s cool, dimly lit, and much larger than it looks from the outside. Standing beneath the smoke hole with the fire pit in the center gives you a real appreciation for how thoughtfully these homes were designed.
Favorite memory: Walking the trail along the Knife River in the evening, passing the shallow depressions that mark where earthlodges once stood. There wasn’t much sound beyond the river and the breeze through the cottonwoods, but that quiet somehow made the history feel even more present.
Why it’s worth a stop: This site changes the way you think about the northern plains. Long before wagon trains and railroads, these villages were thriving centers of farming, trade, and culture. It’s one of those places that quietly reshapes your understanding of American history.
Stop 7: Little Missouri National Grassland — Theodore Roosevelt’s Wild Neighbor
Everyone visits Theodore Roosevelt National Park. But the national grassland surrounding much of it? That’s where you find the solitude.
Little Missouri National Grassland stretches across more than a million acres of badlands, prairie, and rugged river breaks, making it the largest national grassland in the United States. Managed for grazing, recreation, and wildlife habitat, it’s a place where wild horses, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and countless prairie birds still roam across an enormous, open landscape.
What we loved: The backroads. We wandered down one of the unpaved roads winding through the grassland, with colorful badlands rising in the distance and miles of prairie stretching in every direction. Before long, we spotted a small band of wild horses—including two foals—and sat quietly watching them graze without another vehicle in sight.
Favorite memory: Pulling over at an overlook that wasn’t marked on any map. There was no sign, no parking lot, no interpretive display—just an incredible view of the badlands with the Little Missouri River winding below. We climbed onto the hood of the car, ate our sandwiches, and didn’t see another person for the next two hours.
Why it’s worth a stop: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is unforgettable, but Little Missouri National Grassland offers something different: space, silence, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled onto a corner of the West that still feels wonderfully untamed. And best of all, it’s completely free.
Stop 8: The Enchanted Highway — The World’s Largest Scrap Metal Sculptures
This one is weird. Full stop. And we loved every minute of it.
The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of road between Gladstone and Regent, North Dakota, where enormous scrap metal sculptures rise out of the prairie. Local artist Gary Greff began creating them in the early 1990s to encourage travelers to leave Interstate 94 and help breathe new life into the small town of Regent. Today, the route features giant grasshoppers, pheasants, deer, tin families, and the famous Geese in Flight, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture.
What we loved: The commitment. These sculptures aren’t just big—they’re enormous. Every one of them is packed with incredible detail and a personality all its own. Each installation has a pull-off, so you can wander around, take photos, and appreciate the craftsmanship up close. It’s classic roadside America in the best possible way.
Favorite memory: We stopped to photograph the giant grasshopper—yes, it’s mounted on an old pickup truck—and ended up chatting with a local couple who shared stories about Gary Greff’s vision for the highway and what it has meant to the surrounding communities. It turned what could have been a quick photo stop into one of our favorite conversations of the trip.
Why it’s worth a stop: It’s quirky, creative, and unlike anything else you’ll find in the Dakotas. If you’re driving across western North Dakota, give yourself a couple of extra hours to explore the entire route. It’s the kind of unexpected roadside adventure that reminds you why road trips are still the best way to travel.
A Few More Quirky Dakotas Stops Worth Pulling Over For
The Dakotas are full of those “Well…we have to stop now” moments. We couldn’t include everything, but these roadside oddities are worth a look if they fit your route.
- The World’s Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, North Dakota — A 26-foot-tall concrete buffalo overlooking the National Buffalo Museum. It’s impossible to miss and makes a fun photo stop.
- Salem Sue near New Salem, North Dakota — The world’s largest Holstein cow stands 38 feet tall on a hill overlooking Interstate 94. She’s been welcoming travelers since the 1970s.
- Porter Sculpture Park near Montrose, South Dakota — A whimsical collection of oversized metal sculptures, including the famous giant pink rocking horse.
- Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota — Technically not a hidden gem anymore, but if you’ve driven across I-90, you’ve seen the signs. It’s quirky, touristy, and somehow still worth experiencing at least once.
There are dozens more scattered across both states, which is part of what makes road-tripping the Dakotas so much fun. Sometimes the best stop is the one you never planned to make.
Final Thoughts: On 8 Great Destinations in the Dakotas: Beyond the Postcards
The Dakotas don’t shout. They don’t have to.
The famous places are famous for a reason, and they’re absolutely worth seeing. But some of our favorite memories came from the places we never expected to love—the quiet grasslands, the forgotten forts, the giant roadside sculptures, and the overlooks where we had the view all to ourselves.
These eight destinations reminded us why we love road trips. Not just because of where they take us, but because of the detours along the way. The conversations with strangers. The unexpected history lessons. The moments that never make it into the itinerary but somehow become the stories you tell long after you get home.
The Dakotas gave us all of that, and we have a feeling they will for you too. We hope these 8 Great Destinations in the Dakotas inspire you to slow down, take a few extra detours, and discover a side of the region that most travelers never see
Which of these hidden gems would you add to your road trip? Or have you discovered one we should visit next time? Let us know in the comments—we’re always looking for our next unexpected stop.
