The Most Instagrammable Spots in South Dakota
Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Custer State Park lies about an hour southwest of Rapid City and offers one of South Dakota’s most striking and diverse backdrops for photos. Visitors flock here to capture the scenic Wildlife Loop Road, a 18-mile drive where bison roam freely alongside pronghorns and burros, often posing near granite rock formations that rise dramatically against the sky. The park’s Sylvan Lake area provides an iconic scene: a crystal-clear lake framed by towering granite spires, perfect for reflection shots or adventurous climbs up the Black Elk Peak Trail. At 7,244 feet, this summit trail—roughly 7 miles round-trip—is the highest point east of the Rockies, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the vast Great Plains. Early autumn, when the leaves turn golden and the light softens, is especially magical for photography, transforming the park’s rugged terrain into a kaleidoscope of color.
In the northeast corner of the state, about 30 minutes from Sioux Falls, the town of Garretson hosts Devil’s Gulch, a narrow, dramatic chasm steeped in outlaw lore. Visitors can traverse the wooden bridges spanning the gulch, an experience that feels both thrilling and timeless. The site is famous as the place where the legendary outlaw Jesse James allegedly escaped after a shootout. The rust-red cliffs and the winding crevice below provide natural frames and shadow play for striking photographs. The best time to visit is mid-morning, when sunlight filters through the gulch, casting intriguing patterns that highlight the unique geology and add depth to every shot. Nearby trails also invite exploration of more rugged terrain, perfect for capturing the raw, untamed spirit of South Dakota’s past.
Driving about two hours northwest from Rapid City, visitors reach the Badlands National Park, a surreal landscape of sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles. The Badlands Loop Road showcases the park’s signature formations, and stops like the Big Badlands Overlook and Pinnacles Overlook offer sweeping views over striped sandstone ridges that ripple into the distance. The park’s Notch Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile hike with a wooden ladder climb, culminates in a photogenic vantage point overlooking a narrow canyon and prairie below. What sets the Badlands apart is the intense layering of colors in the rock, visible especially at sunrise or sunset, when the warm light brings out reds, yellows, and purples in the sedimentary layers. Wildlife sightings here—bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and burrowing owls—add a lively touch to landscape shots.
South Dakota’s capital, Pierre, which lies roughly in the state’s center on the Missouri River, is home to the South Dakota State Capitol. This stately building, with its limestone façade and impressive dome, makes for an elegant urban photograph against the backdrop of the peaceful river and rolling hills. Exploring the Capitol grounds during spring, when tulips and other flowers bloom, provides a burst of color contrasting with the building’s classical architecture. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate murals and historic artifacts that reveal the state’s political heritage. A stroll along the riverfront trails nearby expands photo opportunities with scenic water reflections and wildlife, especially in the soft light of evening.
Heading east from Sioux Falls, the town of Dell Rapids is often called the “Little Canyon of the Midwest,” thanks to its striking quartzite rock formations carved by the Big Sioux River. The quartzite cliffs glow with warm hues of pink and peach, making the riverwalk and the trails along the falls particularly photogenic. The downtown’s historic district, with its preserved 19th-century limestone buildings, adds a quaint charm for street photography. Spring and summer are ideal for capturing the lush greenery contrasting with the rocky landscape, while the soft morning mist over the river in fall creates a dreamy atmosphere. Dell Rapids’ unique geology and small-town vibe offer a refreshing alternative to more rugged natural settings in the state.
Near the western edge of South Dakota, Deadwood sits about 45 minutes north of Rapid City and is a treasure trove of Wild West history. The town’s preserved Victorian architecture lines Main Street, where wooden sidewalks and old-fashioned storefronts evoke the gold rush days. Photographers can find dramatic shots along Mount Moriah Cemetery, perched on a hillside above town, where weathered tombstones mark the graves of infamous figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The view from the cemetery’s overlook reveals the rugged hills and the town’s colorful rooftops, especially captivating at sunset. Visiting during the annual Days of ’76 rodeo in summer adds a lively, authentic frontier flavor to photos, complete with period costumes and spirited parades.
In the Black Hills but closer to the Wyoming border, Spearfish Canyon offers a lush, forested contrast to South Dakota’s drier landscapes. About 90 minutes from Rapid City, the canyon’s winding Spearfish Creek cuts through towering limestone cliffs, creating a scene rich with waterfalls and deep green vegetation. Bridal Veil Falls is a particularly popular spot—a gentle cascade dropping nearly 60 feet into a clear pool below. The Spearfish Canyon National Recreation Area also features the seven-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, where pullouts provide opportunities to capture the interplay of water, stone, and forest. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and vibrant greenery, making this a refreshing scene for nature photography. The cool, shaded atmosphere invites relaxation and lingering shots in the dappled light.
Finally, the town of Deadwood’s neighbor, Sturgis, is synonymous with motorcycle culture and the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Located about 30 minutes northeast of Rapid City, the town transforms during rally season with roaring engines, vivid custom bikes, and a palpable sense of freedom and rebellion. Even outside the event, the town’s Main Street offers colorful murals and historic saloons where the spirit of the Black Hills’ frontier lives on. Capturing the gleam of chrome against the rugged hills or the energy of open-road bikers provides dynamic urban and lifestyle photography. Early fall, when the crowds thin but the weather remains pleasant, is ideal for a more relaxed visit and nuanced shots of this iconic South Dakota tradition.
Each of these places showcases a distinct facet of South Dakota’s diverse beauty, from sweeping natural vistas and rugged geology to vibrant small towns and rich history. Whether chasing golden-hour light over majestic peaks or exploring quiet river canyons, visitors will find ample inspiration for captivating images that tell the story of this unique state.