7 Cheap Places to Travel in South Dakota- The Heart of America

Today I am glad to give you a chance to learn about my travel experiences and my budget using South Dakota as a destination. Although South Dakota is not a familiar name for travelers as other well-known places, it is a destination that one should consider for a great experience at an affordable price. Ok, friend. Let’s hook up the hiking boots and jump into the 7 cheap places to travel in South Dakota!

If you want to discover more about USA traveling, then check out cheap places to travel in USA.

1.  Badlands National Park

• Accommodation: $100-$200/night
• Food: $20-$50/day
• Flights: ~$1000+ (round trip Munich-Rapid City)
• Car Rental: ~$50-100/day (needed to get around the park)
• Park Entrance: $30/vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• Sample 3-day trip: ~$2000 (very rough estimate, excludes airfare)

Here is your chance to be completely blown away by a different kind of beauty that you would not believe is real- Badlands National Park. It is a photographer’s paradise due to the extraordinary rugged rock formations and boundless prairies.

Take a stroll on the trails, get some fresh air, and don’t forget to take in the amazing views while looking out for any interesting wildlife. In sum, admission to the park is rather cheap and gives the visitors the chance to explore the site for as many days as they want.

2.  Mount Rushmore National Memorial

• Accommodation: $80-$200/night (near Keystone, South Dakota)
• Food: $20-$50/day (Keystone)
• Flights: ~$1000+ (round trip Munich-Rapid City)
• Car Rental: $50-100/day (needed)
• Park Entrance: Free
• Sample 3-day trip: ~$2000 (very rough estimate, excludes airfare)

Regardless of what you can or cannot do, it is impossible to say that you have visited South Dakota without a visit to the legendary Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Be amazed by the absolute colossal stone sculpture of the four US presidents, which is carved into the mountainside.

Avail yourself of free admission and explore the Visitor Center through which you can learn about the captivating history and the skillful craftsmanship behind the monument.

3.  Custer State Park

• Accommodation: $50-$200/night (Custer or park options)
• Food: $20-$50/day (Custer or park concessions)
• Flights: ~$1000+ (round trip Munich-Rapid City)
• Car Rental: $50-100/day (recommended)
• Park Entrance: $20/vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• Sample 3-day trip: ~$1700 (very rough estimate, excludes airfare)

Otherwise, let yourself be enveloped by the natural blissfulness of Custer State Park. The park, which is just as vast and beautiful, features all types of landscapes, such as the granite peaks, the calm lakes, and the rolling prairies.

Walk, bike, or drive through the park to see landscapes, embark on hiking trails, and watch herds of bison, deer, and other animals roaming around the park freely. Camping and visiting the park is a very economical choice, it is one of the places where nature lovers can enjoy the wilderness even when they’re working with a small budget.

4.  Wall Drug Store

• Accommodation: $80-$200/night (near Wall, South Dakota)
• Food: $20-$50/day (Wall)
• Flights: ~$1000+ (round trip Munich-Rapid City)
• Car Rental: $50-100/day (needed)
• Sample 3-day trip: ~$2000 (very rough estimate, excludes airfare)

Take a step back into the past and brush up on the cozy atmosphere of Wall Drug Store. This singular highway stop is a mall-gallery-Old West-themed amusement park combination that offers free entry and is unforgettable.

Drop by the establishments, enjoy the cost-friendly café, and take a snap by the big Jackalope!

5.  Wind Cave National Park

• Accommodation: $50-$150/night (Hot Springs or park area)
• Food: $20-$50/day (Hot Springs or park)
• Flights: ~$1000+ (round trip Munich-Rapid City)
• Car Rental: $50-100/day (recommended)
• Park Entrance: $20/vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• Cave Tours: $15-$30 extra
• Sample 3-day trip: ~$1800 (very rough estimate, excludes airfare)

Get an insight into the enlightening Wind Cave National Park, one of the caves with the longest and most complex tunnels and caves in the world. A tour around the caves will be an affordable attraction and you can view the delicate boxwork inside.

At the surface level, the hiking trails are ideal for appreciating the variety of fauna and vistas of the prairie.

6.  Falls Park

• Accommodation: Munich options (€50-€150/night) still apply.
• Food: Budget-friendly! Picnics, vendors, cafes (€10-€20/day).
• Transport: Public transport accessible (€8.50 day ticket).
• Sample 3-day trip: Around €355.50.

Learn to enjoy the tranquility of Falls Park as seen in the middle of Sioux Falls. This city park boasts stunning waterfalls and walking trails as well as historical landmarks to visit. Bring a picnic, take a stroll among the natural wonders, and consider the park’s sculpture garden.

However, the best of all is that admission to Falls Park is free, which is a bonus because it makes it an affordable place to visit for families and nature lovers.

7.  Crazy Horse Memorial

• Accommodation: $80-$200/night (near Custer, South Dakota)
• Food: $20-$50/day (Custer)
• Flights: ~$1000+ (round trip Munich-Rapid City)
• Car Rental: $50-100/day (needed)
• Park Entrance: $20/vehicle (valid for 1 year)
• Sample 3-day trip: ~$2000 (very rough estimate, excludes airfare)

Become one of the people who will see how the beautiful Crazy Horse Memorial is being formed. This astonishingly giant earthwork pays tribute to the renowned native American leader and symbolizes the wealth of the Lakota tribe culture.

The admission fee might be paid in the end but it is a price worth paying to have an encounter with the monument and learn the Native American history at the visitor center.

The Departure– Cheap Places to Travel in South Dakota

Traveling around South Dakota with a budget sounds like an adventure with lots of beautiful views and unique activities. South Dakota has a lot to offer for everyone from the otherworldly landscapes of Badlands National Park to the iconic Mount Rushmore and the rich cultural heritage of the Crazy Horse Memorial, all affordable locations.

You can also discover South America on our blog.

FAQs

What are the low-cost options for lodging in South Dakota?

SD provides a choice of affordable accommodations like motels, campgrounds, and cabins for travelers. The recommended places may be limited to chain motels and hotels that offer fairly low rates in the larger cities, like Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Add to this the fact that camping in state parks such as Custer State Park or national forests is both cheap and makes you feel like you’re right in the heart of nature.

Are there any free museums or other attractions in South Dakota?

However, the state of South Dakota offers numerous free attractions that are also worth your consideration. Several demonstrations are given, such as visiting the visitor center and the grounds of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, going to Falls Park in Sioux Falls, and driving through Badlands National Park. Furthermore, most of the parks in the state have no charges for those who like walking or cycling, so you can hike and enjoy beautiful viewpoints without being charged.

Which are the free South Dakota activities?

A variety of free-of-charge attractions and activities to choose from can be found in South Dakota. Some of the alternatives may consist of hiking or cycling through state parks as, Custer State Park or the Mickelson Trail, exploring historic downtown cities such as Deadwood or Rapid City, stopping at free museums or art galleries, and finally doing self-guided tours to Spearfish Canyon or Black Hills National Forest. Another advantage of attending local festivals and events is that they serve as the cheapest form of entertainment and also a way of experiencing the local culture.