South Dakota Vacation Rentals

Truly a part of, but not exclusively Old West, this region showcases diverse terrain and scenery. The area contains three major landforms: the Black Hills, the Badlands and the high plains, and short-grass prairie. All can be found within a 50-mile radius of Rapid City, the region's hub. The Black Hills are a beautiful, accessible extension of the Rocky Mountains. Thick forests of tall ponderosa pine, spruce and aspen. The granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial gaze out over the mountainous landscape. Buffalo herds, elk, deer, antelope and mountain goats make their homes in public parks. Private parks add grizzly bears, wolves and cougars to the list, displayed in their natural environment. Badlands National Park encompasses 244,000 acres of striking formations ñ spires, pinnacles, buttes and gorges of multi-colored sandstone ñ blended with mixed-grass prairies. Enjoy scenic drives and watch for buffalo, deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes and other wildlife that freely roam this striking area. The balance of the region is high plains, short-grass prairie. Predominantly rolling upland, irregularities such as Castle Rock, Slim Buttes and Thunder Butte rise to 600 feet above the surrounding landscape. Deadwood, which lives up to its Old West image with legalized gaming, ghost towns, nestled quietly in more remote areas of the Hills, may still be explored.

Millions of Canada geese and mallards use the ìMighty Moî as a major flyway between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Deer and antelope may be found along the river. Smaller fur-bearing animals include coyote, fox and mink. The rare black-footed ferret and bald and golden eagles may also be seen in this region. Remnants of military outposts can still be found in the region. The ruins of the Fort Randall Chapel near Pickstown provide an excellent look into the area's historical past. Memorials to Sitting Bull and Sacagawea are found near Mobridge. American Indian tribes maintain buffalo herds and hold powwows and expositions to preserve their rich culture and traditions.

The southeastern region of South Dakota is a flat-to-rolling agricultural area, densely populated with many grain and livestock farms and small towns featuring various periods of architecture. Sioux Falls, the state's largest city, is the focal point of the area with stockyards, manufacturing and historical districts anchored by a turn-of-the-century courthouse turned museum. The city is named for the falls of the Big Sioux River. The cities of Yankton and Mitchell lie in the picturesque James River Valley. Many smaller scenic rivers accent the mighty Missouri River, which also flows through this region. Yankton is located near one of the Great Lakes of the Missouri, sparkling Lewis and Clark Lake, with its whispering cliffs and quiet bays. Yankton's historic downtown and residential districts boast reminders of the heyday of riverboat traffic on the Missouri. Above nearby Gavin's Point Dam, the Missouri sprawls out and appears as it would have prior to its charting by explorers Lewis and Clark. The region is dotted with state parks and recreation areas featuring modern campgrounds, peaceful hiking trails and rolling scenery.

featured properties

Breathtaking Oceanview Condo
2 BR, 2.0 BTH
Range: $750.00

A-73 Surfside Ave. Surfside Colony
2 BR, 4.0 BTH
Range: $2400.00

6BR 6BA BeachFront Estate
4 BR, 2.0 BTH
Range: $4500.00

Breathtaking View from Private Lanai
1 BR, 1.0 BTH
Range: $0.00

South Dakota Vacation Rentals

featured properties

South Dakota

Vacation Rental Hotspots