We scoured the major travel platforms, review sites, and social media resources to give you ideas of the Best Romantic Getaways in South Dakota.
When was the last time you spent a weekend with just your partner?
Life, in general, does a phenomenal job of ruining our romantic plans because of work, family, and responsibilities.
It’s time to take charge and book one of these great romantic South Dakota getaways (really, make it a week).
South Dakota is a beautiful state with many romantic getaway alternatives. The most romantic vacation spots in the state are surrounded by beaches, rivers, and mountains.
Check out some of our favorite South Carolina vacation spots and sexiest attractions for lovers.
| I like to travel but also be smart with money. Below are the places where I start my planning with. – ✈️Flights, Hotel, Tours – I seek out Flash Sales to guide my planning 👉 Find good deals – 🛡️Travel Insurance – I like to go to the source like Travelex instead of paying a broker 👉Here – 🚗Car Rental – Rental will save you lots of headaches. Search, compare, and save first up to 30-50% on Discover Cars. 👉 Save Now |
Table of Contents
South Dakota’s Most Romantic Weekend Getaways
Here are some of the top weekend getaways in South Dakota.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen, with its Midwest charm, is a perfect destination to spend a weekend with your true love. Explore the Hagerty and Lloyd Historic District, which features brick buildings, quirky shops, and locally owned eateries, while holding hands.
If you arrive during the summer, cool off at the Aberdeen Aquatic Center, which has pools and slides. Take a tour of the Dacotah Prairie Museum to learn about the history of the town and surrounding area through permanent and temporary exhibits.
In the evening, enjoy a romantic supper at Minerva’s Restaurant and Bar, which features an extensive wine selection and a menu of American classics.
Yankton
Spend a romantic weekend on the Missouri River’s banks to learn about Yankton’s rich history. Another ancient home or building can be found almost anywhere. Pick up a map at the Yankton Visitors Center that shows all of the great spots.
The excursion can be done on foot or by car. Walking across the Meridian Bridge, which spans the Missouri River, provides breathtaking views of the city. Rekindle the romance at The Landing after a long day by asking for a table on the patio with river stunning views.
Pierre
Pierre has everything a major city should have, from historic sites to contemporary shops and restaurants. With its marble staircase, display of miniature dresses worn by First Ladies, and sixteen depictions of the Tree of Life, the South Dakota State Capitol building is a sight to behold.
The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center has three permanent collections where you may learn about the state’s cultural past. While meandering around Capitol Lake, keep your hands in your pockets and look for the Flaming Fountain Memorial, which honors veterans of past wars.
Custer
Take a deep breath of fresh air and prepare for a weekend spent outdoors as a couple in Custer. Hikers, rock climbers, and cave explorers will enjoy this location.
The third-largest cave system in the world is found at Jewel Cave National Monument, where you can sign up for a tour at the visitor’s center. There are three distinct tours to choose from, ranging from a leisurely stroll along paved walks to a tight squeeze through narrow areas.
At Black Hills Burger and Bun Company, sit side by side in a booth for dinner and eat some of the tastiest burgers you’ve ever had.
You might also like these articles :
- 30+ Romantic Getaways In Virginia
- 30+ Romantic Getaways in Washington
- 30+ Romantic Getaways in West Virginia
- 30+ Romantic Getaways In Wisconsin
- 30+ Romantic Getaways In Wyoming
- 30+ Romantic Getaways In Tennessee
Rapid City
Make Rapid City your home base and visit national landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Park.
While in town, take a ride on the City View Trolley to learn more about the city and see the best sights, or take the Rapid City Historic District Tour, which takes you through all of the historic buildings and sculptures of past presidents throughout the downtown area.
At the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, guests may unwind and play together. Float aimlessly on the lazy river while holding hands, or compete to see who can slide down the tallest water slide first.
Deadwood
In the town of Deadwood, you can have your perfect Wild West experience, which reflects what life was like in this and other towns in South Dakota during the settling of the west.
Find a hidden area where you can snuggle close together for the city’s daily Main Street Historic Street Show, which includes a shooting.
If you visit during the winter, rent a snowmobile from Black Hills Off-Road Rentals to explore the wilderness before returning to your vacation property to curl up in front of a raging fire.
Mitchell
Mitchell is a tiny farming town, and during your romantic stay, you can discover more about this way of life. With its displays and exhibits dedicated to cultivating corn, the Corn Palace is one of the most bizarre museums you’ll ever visit.
Learn more about the Native Americans who lived in the area as long as 1,100 years ago at the Prehistoric Indian Village. Check the schedule to see whether the Mitchell Area Community Theater has a performance scheduled during your stay at the Pepsi-Cola Theater for the Performing Arts.
Sioux Falls
With its location on the Big Sioux River, Sioux Falls provides a strange mix of city life and outdoor paradise. Stop by Falls Park to see the beautiful falls that flow through it for some spectacular beauty. You can walk along the walking trails or have a picnic near the base of the falls.
The USS South Dakota Battleship Museum offers tours that educate visitors about this World War II battleship and the heroic soldiers who served on it. In the winter, bring your skis and speed down the slopes at Great Bear Recreation Park.
You might also like these articles
- 30+ Romantic Getaways in Alabama
- 30+ Romantic Getaways in Alaska
- 25+ Romantic Getaways in Arizona
- 30+ Romantic Getaways In Arkansas
- 30+ Romantic Getaways in California
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park’s spectacular scenery is made up of unusually shaped hills and pinnacles produced by clay and sand erosion. Within the park, a big herd of bison roams freely, bringing a unique touch to the overall experience.
This desolate landscape is surprisingly lovely and one of South Dakota’s most popular tourist attractions.
The Badlands Loop Road, which runs from the northern Pinnacles Entrance to the Ben Reifel Visitor Cultural Center and is lined with parking spots and vistas, takes you on a picturesque tour of the area.
The Buffalo Gap National Grassland, one of the last surviving unbroken prairie landscapes in North America, as well as the changing panoramas of rugged rock formations, are the major draw of this magnificent route.
Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon is a lovely natural region with plenty of ponderosa and spruce pine trees, as well as stunning waterfalls and sheer walls. Bridal Veil and Rough Lock Falls, as well as Spearfish Peak and Little Crow Peak, are popular roadside attractions and climbs in Spearfish Canyon.
While the 22-mile route offers wonderful natural beauty at any time of year, the entire area is especially gorgeous in the fall, when the foliage begins to turn color.
The geographic center of the United States is located just north of Spearfish. The city of Spearfish, which serves as the northern terminus of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, is an excellent base camp, with a vibrant community and a variety of lodging options.
Best Romantic Hotels in South Dakota for Couples
South Dakota is particularly well suited to couples seeking a romantic getaway away from the large cities and preferring a weekend taste of the peaceful life. South Dakota has four distinct seasons due to its continental climate, making it ideal for year-round visiting, even in the winter.
Outdoorsy couples who appreciate an adventure, as well as those who prefer to remain by the fire or simply enjoy the tranquil, picturesque terrain that South Dakota has to offer, will fall in love with South Dakota.
Let’s take a look at some of South Dakota’s best romantic resorts:
Summer Creek Inn
The Summer Creek Inn, nestled in the Black Hills, is only 15 minutes from Rapid City. Summer Creek Inn is open all year and features nine separate suites, each with its own private bath.
Many of the apartments also have a fireplace, allowing couples to spend a quiet night after a day of touring the neighborhood.
Summer Creek Inn visitors can enjoy breakfast every morning, as well as a beer and wine bar to unwind after a day of exploring. Guests are welcome to shoot pool, relax by the pond, or watch a movie in the inn’s cinema area.
Mount Rushmore is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something to do in the area.
The Lodge at Deadwood
This particular retreat is in Deadwood, and it’s ideal for couples who want to feel like they’re in a major resort while on vacation.
The Lodge at Deadwood has a variety of luxurious accommodations to suit every couple’s needs, ranging from deluxe queen rooms to extra-large suites for those who want to travel in style.
The Deadwood Grille serves breakfast, noon, and supper, while Oggie’s Sports Bar offers a more casual and enjoyable dining experience.
The Lodge at Deadwood, on the other hand, is more than just a peaceful haven. There is also an onsite casino with tabletop games and slots for couples who enjoy a little responsible gaming.
You might also like these articles
- 30+ Most Romantic Things To Do In Pierre For Couples
- 30+ Most Romantic Things To Do In Nashville For Couples
- 30+ Romantic Things To Do In Austin For Couples
- 30+ Romantic Things To Do In Salt Lake City For Couples
- 30+ Romantic Things To Do In Montpelier For Couples
Amie St. Jean Bed and Breakfast
The Amie St. Jean Bed and Breakfast, located in Rapid City’s Black Hill, is full of history and vintage decor. Couples can select from three big suites, each of which is tastefully adorned with hand-picked antiques. Each apartment has its own theme, ranging from the Roaring Twenties to French décor.
Every morning, a delectable breakfast is served, with both savory and sweet aspects. A complimentary afternoon or evening snack is also included in the accommodation rate.
Amie St. Jean Bed & Breakfast has conveniently located just two blocks from the municipal center, where fresh and exciting events, such as musical theater and the local symphony, are always taking place.
Emerald Hills
Emerald Hills is a small bed & breakfast surrounded by some of the most beautiful views in Black Hill. Emerald Hills is ideal for couples seeking something unique and secluded, as the bed and breakfast has only two suites separated by a big common space.
This is the ideal romantic escape for a couple looking for some peace and quiet.
Dakota Dream Bed and Breakfast
The Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast, located near Custer on 20 acres of natural pine, is another motel ideal for couples seeking that unique hidden atmosphere.
The Dakota Dream has two separate guest rooms as well as a one-bedroom cabin on its own. Dakota Dream also has a “Horse Hotel,” so if you’re traveling with your horse, this is the place to be!
1899 Inn
The 1899 Inn is a historic property in Deadwood that has been refurbished and transformed into a beautifully cozy bed and breakfast. Three black rescue cats live at the 1899 Inn and wander the grounds.
For couples, there are three different themed guest rooms as well as an attic suite to select from, all with historical furnishings and decor.
You might also like these articles
- 30+ Romantic Things To Do In Richmond For Couples
- 30+ Romantic Things To Do In Olympia For Couples
- 30+ Romantic Things To Do In Charleston For Couples
- 30+ Most Romantic Things To Do In Madison For Couples
- 30+ Most Romantic Things To Do In Cheyenne For Couples
K Bar S Lodge
The K Bar S Lodge is located within the Black Hills National Forest, just a short drive from Mount Rushmore, and is ideal for couples searching for a convenient location for all of their vacation sightseeing.
From queen rooms to king suites with whirlpools, the hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites.
The Town Hall Inn
This historic boutique hotel is in Lead, yet it’s only a five-minute drive from nearby Deadwood. From 1912 to 1938, the Town Hall Inn operated as a town hall, but it is currently a hotel that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
The Jury Room and the Municipal Judge’s Chamber are two of the 12 suites that have been restored from former offices.
Guests are provided a light and tasty continental breakfast each morning, and adjacent restaurants in Leads and Deadwood are available for lunch and evening.
Backroads Inn and Cabins
The Backroads Inn and Cabins, located in the heart of the southern Black Hills, is a one-of-a-kind getaway. Backroads has ten cabins to choose from, all tucked among the undulating hills and natural pines.
Each cabin is built and designed differently, and each gives a varied ambience depending on the vacation preferences of the guests.
Each cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen, and guests can walk to grocery stores and restaurants in Keystone, which is about two miles away.
Canyon Lake Resort
The Canyon Lake Resort is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, and is surrounded by both the city’s bustle and the natural splendor of the Black Hills.
This resort is located directly on Canyon Lake and offers a variety of lodging options, including suites in the main lodge, motel rooms in a separate structure, and even individual cabins.
Each guest room or cabin comes equipped with a microwave or stone, as well as a fully functional kitchen. Rapid City is also all around, allowing visitors to visit all of the nearby restaurants.
High Prairie Lodge
This Black Hills bed & breakfast is near Deadwood and offers a lovely and scenic property ideal for couples wishing to get away from the city. At the Lodge, there are three guest rooms with various styles and themes, as well as a quiet cottage for couples seeking some well-deserved privacy.
Every morning, all guests are served a cooked, gourmet breakfast, and couples who want to enjoy the calm countryside around the property can request a picnic lunch.
Prairie House Manor
Prairie House Manor is a Victorian-style bed & breakfast located in De Smet, a scenic prairie town. Prairie House Manor has a long and illustrious history, including serving as the inspiration for the Little House on the Prairie series of books.
There are six separate guest rooms, each with its own distinct concept and décor, as well as individual entrances and porches in certain cases.
Every morning, guests are provided a delectable breakfast buffet, and a beverage bar is open to everybody.
Frontier Cabins Motel
The Frontier Cabins Motel, located in the Badlands of South Dakota, has 33 separate original log cabins. Each has its own bath and is completely furnished and equipped. Couples will appreciate the privacy provided by the Cabins.
The Cabins are located in Wall, a picturesque getaway for couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is the ideal location for seeing everything the Badlands has to offer.
Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave, and there are grocery stores nearby in Wall.
Hisega Lodge
The Hisega Lodge first opened its doors in 1908, and while it has been in operation since then, it has been upgraded with modern amenities. The resort is located in the Black Hills, about ten miles outside of Rapid City.
The Hisega Lodge’s ten various accommodations range in size and design, from queen-size suites to rooms with a view overlooking Rapid Creek.
Each morning, guests are served a communal breakfast that includes both savory and sweet items. Breakfast is served on a flexible timetable to suit the needs of each visitor.
Silver Mountain Resort and Cabins
The Silver Mountain Resort and Cabins, located 15 minutes from both Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, is surrounded by lovely pines and picturesque waterfalls.
This off-the-beaten-path hideaway is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful mountain break. There are seven completely furnished cabins to choose from.
Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, and Rapid City is only a 15-minute drive away for groceries and a variety of eateries.
Best Places to Visit in South Dakota for Couples
South Dakota, home of the magnificent Mount Rushmore National Memorial, has a lot to offer if you have the time to explore. It is located in the Midwest and is divided by the Missouri River.
The boundless plains and prairies of the east contrast well with the diverse and dramatic vistas of the rocky reaches of the west.
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park is located in the southwest, just a short drive from the town of Hot Springs. While the park has lovely plains and lush grasslands, the enormous cave after which it is called is probably the highlight.
Its intriguing labyrinth of huge chambers, tunnels, and chasms stretches an astounding 239 kilometers, making it one of the world’s longest caves. There are many more tunnels to be uncovered.
Wind Cave is famous for its beautiful ‘boxwork’ formations, which are rarely seen anywhere else in the globe, despite its stunning and dramatic scenery.
Black Hills National Forest
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will enjoy the lovely Black Hills National Forest. Its mountain-clad woods, which cover a huge part of the southwest, provide a plethora of leisure options. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, and camping.
The Black Hills mountain range rises high over the Great Plains, rough and lonely. Lakes and streams, canyons, caverns, and rock formations are tucked away among the picturesque slopes and lush forests. It also includes Black Elk Peak, South Dakota’s tallest summit at 2,208 meters.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Millions of tourists visit the majestic Mount Rushmore and its massive carvings each year, making it one of the most unique tourist sites in the United States. The magnificent artwork can be found in the southwest of South Dakota and is the most photographed site in the state.
The massive skulls of four of the nation’s most beloved and respected presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, were carved into the side of the gigantic peak between 1927 and 1941.
These well-known figures reflect the nation’s birth, growth, progress, and preservation, respectively.
Rapid City
Rapid City is conveniently located near several of South Dakota’s breathtaking tourist attractions, including Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as the gorgeous Badlands.
The city itself is worth visiting because it boasts a vibrant downtown with a variety of interesting sights to explore.
It was created on the banks of Rapid Creek in 1876 after gold was discovered in the surrounding Black Hills, making it South Dakota’s second-largest city. The Journey Museum allows visitors to learn more about the city’s fascinating past.
Rapid City, a culinary and cultural hub, boasts superb restaurants, and a stroll down Art Alley for its graffiti, paintings, and poems is a must.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park, about 30 miles southwest of Rapid City, features undulating hills, granite peaks, and crystal-clear water. There are lots of outdoor things to enjoy whether you’re planning a day trip or staying overnight (the park has campgrounds and the historic Custer State Park Resort).
Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, and snowshoeing are all options.
Bridal Veil Falls
The most accessible of the three waterfalls in South Dakota’s Spearfish Canyon is Bridal Veil Falls.
Bridal Veil Falls is approximately 5.8 miles south of the canyon’s north entrance, and it takes 10-15 minutes to reach the falls. To get to the falls, you must drive along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
The water flow in these 60 ft waterfalls is dependent on the seasons in South Dakota; in late summer and fall, the water runs slowly, while in the spring, it rushes rapidly.
The names of the waterfalls are derived from the shape and form of the water as it cascades down like a Bridal Veil and Victorian lace, veiling the limestone and other rock layers beneath the falls.
TOP 14 PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH DAKOTA | Travel & Adventure | RV Life Road Trip
Final Thoughts
A romantic weekend break to South Dakota is a fantastic alternative.
This one-of-a-kind state provides something for everyone, from breathtaking vistas to charming cottages.
Our best wishes to you as you explore everything this beautiful state has to offer!
| I like to travel but also be smart with money. Below are the places where I start my planning with. – ✈️Flights, Hotel, Tours – I seek out Flash Sales to guide my planning 👉 Find good deals – 🛡️Travel Insurance – I like to go to the source like Travelex instead of paying a broker 👉Here – 🚗Car Rental – Rental will save you lots of headaches. Search, compare, and save first up to 30-50% on Discover Cars. 👉 Save Now |
