There’s no better collection of scenic roads in South Dakota than the Black Hills — and they’re all easily reachable from Rapid City. Seven scenic byways introduce you to the area’s beauty and wildlife, including buffalo, antelope and more. Prepare to ooh and ahh as you go through seven mountain tunnels and cover more than 215 miles of stunning twists and turns. These drives allow you to cruise wide open spaces safely, making it the perfect time to hit the road.

What many said couldn’t be done is now a road that causes gasps and smiles with every cruise. Iron Mountain Road features three unique pigtail bridges, taking you through three stone tunnels to amazing views of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. The best part? It’s less than 30 minutes from Rapid City!

Waterfalls aren’t a common thing in South Dakota. That makes the four in Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area all the more amazing. Follow the maintained trail system to explore the waterfalls and the canyon itself. In less than an hour, you can travel from Rapid City to Spearfish Canyon, a destination guaranteed to amaze.

There’s a reason folks call Custer State Park the “crown jewel of South Dakota.” A magical mixture of wildlife, towering trees, rocky pinnacles & spires, and plenty of hiking opportunities all combine to make this a place that must be seen. See rock formations reach for the sky along Needles Highway or keep your eyes open for wildlife along the Wildlife Loop, where a buffalo traffic jam is a delightful possibility. With a drive-time of under an hour from Rapid City, the park is ready and waiting for you to explore.