Beef's at Bridge City Marina is a waterfront restaurant located in Mobridge, South Dakota, offering scenic views of the Missouri River. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and classic American fare, the menu features burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and a selection of local favorites. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, it’s a popular gathering spot for boaters, locals, and travelers looking to unwind with good food and a river view. Its location at Bridge City Marina makes it a convenient and enjoyable stop for those exploring the Mobridge area or spending a day on the water.

This small-town coffee shop offers a variety of beverages, from their signature Bonesteel Blend to specialty drinks and smoothies. In addition to drinks, they serve homemade baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, caramel rolls, baked donuts, mega muffins, petite bread loaves, and cookies by the dozen or half dozen.

McCarville Coffee Roaster also provides wholesale beans and ground coffee, sourcing beans from seven different countries and roasting them in-house. ​

The shop operates daily from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and Wednesday through Sunday during the rest of the year.

(Open Seasonally) House of Scandinavia in Rapid City is a charming boutique and cultural stop that brings a touch of Nordic flair to the Black Hills. Visitors can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of Scandinavian gifts, home décor, apparel, and specialty foods inspired by Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish traditions. The cozy shop offers a unique shopping experience filled with hygge-inspired treasures, from handcrafted items to seasonal favorites. Located in the heart of Rapid City, it’s a delightful stop for travelers looking to discover global charm with Midwestern hospitality.

Whitetail Creek Resort is a cozy, creekside getaway nestled in the Northern Black Hills near Lead, South Dakota. Guests can choose from a variety of lodging options including cabins, motel-style rooms, RV sites, and even glamping tents for a more rustic experience with added comfort. The resort features a relaxing outdoor hot tub, fire pits, and direct access to trails and fishing along scenic Whitetail Creek. With its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and other area attractions, it’s a perfect home base for both adventure and relaxation.

Fort Welikit Family Campground is a peaceful retreat nestled in the pine forests near Custer, South Dakota, just minutes from Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. Guests can enjoy RV sites, tent camping, cozy cabins, and unique covered wagons that offer a fun, pioneer-style stay with modern comforts. The campground features family-friendly amenities like clean restrooms, a playground, laundry facilities, and a general store. With pet-friendly trails and a tranquil setting, Fort Welikit is the perfect basecamp for exploring the Black Hills.

Hartford Steak Co. Tavern in Hartford serves its popular Prime Rib Only menu every Thursday through Saturday evening starting at 5 PM, with meals starting at just $16.99. Each dinner includes a generous cut of slow-roasted prime rib, baked potato, salad, and garlic toast. Known for its quality and affordability, it’s a top dinner spot for those craving a satisfying meal in a welcoming, small-town setting.

Hartford Steak Co. Tavern in Vermillion offers a Prime Rib Only menu Thursday through Saturday evenings starting at 5 PM, with meal prices beginning at just $16.99. Each prime rib dinner includes a baked potato, salad, and garlic toast, providing a hearty and affordable dining experience. This value-packed meal makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for quality without breaking the bank.

Lost Cabin Beer Co. in Rapid City delivers big flavor and laid-back vibes with every glass. Their rotating lineup of hop-forward brews and rustic, woodsy branding draws inspiration from the outdoors—fitting for a brewery just minutes from the Black Hills. This is a place for seekers, sippers, and story-swappers chasing something refreshingly different.

Spearfish Brewing Co. sits right at the gateway to the Black Hills and mirrors the wild beauty that surrounds it. Known for its crisp, German-style lagers and stunning taproom views, it’s a go-to stop for adventurers, bikers, and wanderers alike. Whether you’re relaxing post-hike or planning your next trail, this place pairs perfectly with any kind of escape.

Rooted in tradition and surrounded by South Dakota prairie, Choteau Creek Brewing Co. brings handcrafted flavor to the town of Wagner. The brewery takes pride in small-batch beers that reflect the land and people around them. Visitors love the relaxed vibe, community-focused events, and the chance to discover something new with each visit.

Armour Brewing Co. is proof that good beer doesn’t need a big city to thrive. This gem in rural South Dakota is known for its inventive brews and a warm, welcoming taproom where locals and travelers mingle like old friends. Don’t be surprised if you stumble into live music or a spontaneous game night—it’s just that kind of place.

Tucked away in the small town of Platte, Platte Creek Brewing offers more than just locally crafted beer—it serves up community and charm in every pour. The brewery is just minutes from Lake Francis Case, making it a favorite stop for anglers and outdoor lovers. Expect rotating taps, friendly faces, and a place that feels like home, even if you're just passing through.

Located in the heart of historic Deadwood, Oyster Bay Bar & Casino is a lively seafood spot known for its fun atmosphere and famous oyster shooters. Housed inside the haunted Fairmont Hotel building, this bar and grill offers a unique mix of history, great food, and gaming. Guests can enjoy fresh oysters, seafood platters, and signature drinks, with the oyster shooter being a must-try experience for adventurous visitors. The casino and full bar add to the entertainment, making it a favorite stop for both locals and tourists.

The Faulkton Elevator Mural, completed in 2018 by renowned Australian artist Guido van Helten, is a striking public art piece that transforms the town’s grain elevator into a towering work of art. The mural depicts local children, symbolizing the strong sense of community and heritage in Faulkton. This massive piece has drawn visitors from across the country, boosting tourism and showcasing the power of art in rural revitalization. The mural serves as both a local landmark and a point of pride for the town.

The Lemmon Petrified Wood Park & Museum occupies nearly a full city block in Lemmon, South Dakota, and is recognized as the world's largest petrified wood park. Constructed between 1930 and 1932 under the supervision of Ole S. Quammen, the park features over 100 structures made from locally gathered petrified wood, fossils, and stone. Highlights include towers up to 20 feet tall and a castle built from petrified dinosaur and mammoth bones. The museum, housed within a petrified wood structure known as "the castle," contains historical artifacts and a miniature version of a petrified wood house. The park also features a gift shop that is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Trio Jazz Club is Sioux Falls' premier jazz venue, offering live music performances from Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Located across from the Washington Pavilion, the club provides an intimate atmosphere where guests can enjoy a full bar and dining menu. Their motto, "Enter as friends, leave as family," reflects the welcoming environment they strive to create.

Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort, located in the scenic Black Hills near Custer, offers diverse accommodations, including deluxe cabins, handcrafted treehouses, luxury glamping tents, traditional RV and tent sites, and unique teepees for an authentic yet comfortable camping experience. Guests enjoy amenities like solar-heated family and adult-only pools, hot tubs, playground, general store, laundry facilities, and adventure rentals.

Nestled in the scenic Black Hills near historic Deadwood, Deadwood / Black Hills KOA Holiday offers a variety of accommodations, including RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and unique covered wagon stays. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated pool, hot tub, playground, and a convenient shuttle service to downtown Deadwood.

In the heart of downtown Brookings, Wooden Legs Brewing Co. is a hub of creativity and camaraderie. This local favorite pairs inventive, small-batch brews with a welcoming taproom that feels like a community living room. With a full kitchen, lively atmosphere, and events ranging from trivia nights to local music, it’s the perfect stop to relax and recharge on your South Dakota journey.

Craving something sweet in Spearfish? Stop by Leones' Creamery on Main Street for handcrafted ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients and a whole lot of love. With ever-changing seasonal flavors, sundaes, milkshakes, and more, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself while soaking in the charm of this cozy South Dakota town.

Step back in time at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, where well-preserved 1860s frontier buildings bring South Dakota’s military history to life. Originally built as a frontier army outpost, this fort now serves as a historical treasure where visitors can explore officer quarters, barracks, and blockhouses. Experience living-history events, scenic hiking trails, and a fascinating glimpse into the past. 

Be sure to check out the Travel South Dakota Stories Podcast, featuring an episode on Fort Sisseton Historic State Park: https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/podcast.

Step into the pioneer life of Laura Ingalls Wilder at Ingalls Homestead in De Smet. Experience life on the prairie by riding a covered wagon, washing clothes the old-fashioned way, or attending a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse. This hands-on experience brings the “Little House on the Prairie” stories to life in an unforgettable way. 

Discover the stories that make South Dakota extraordinary! Tune into the Travel South Dakota Stories Podcast featuring Little Town on the Prairie at travelsouthdakota.com/podcast.

Step back 1,000 years at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, a National Historic Site where you can explore the only archaeological site in South Dakota open to the public. Inside the high-tech Thomsen Center Archeodome, watch archaeologists uncover the story of an ancient farming and trading village believed to be ancestral to the Mandan tribe. Walk the expansive grounds and browse the Boehnen Memorial Museum to discover how these early inhabitants helped shape the continent’s culture and agriculture long before European contact.

See where history stands at attention! The Old Fort Meade Museum takes you back to the frontier days of the U.S. Cavalry. Established in 1878, this historic fort once housed soldiers who helped keep order in the Black Hills. Explore artifacts, military history, and stories of the past in this tribute to America’s western expansion.