South Dakota travelers choose from 21 Best Western hotels.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

With winter’s chill officially gone, and the rejuvenation of spring rolling through with an eye on summer, be sure to explore greater South Dakota. Essentially comprised of everything east of the Badlands, greater South Dakota features cities rife with attractions and sights that are truly must-see. Head into the capital city of Pierre and check out the Fighting Stallions Memorial, or tour the South Dakota State Capitol building. From there, make your way into Mitchell and check out the Corn Palace, where in late August, visitors can take part in the annual Corn Palace Festival – musical guests include Loretta Lynn, and .38 Special.

A small and urbane city, Chamberlain is set east of Pierre, just along Lake Sharpe. Home to the South Dakota Hall of Fame, Chamberlain is a fine destination for spring and summer travelers.

A city rich in Native American history, guests of the Best Western Chamberlain hotel are in close proximity to the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center – open only on weekdays through April. Explore even more local history with a trip to the Lewis and Clark & Keelboat Center, just minutes from downtown Chamberlain.

Aberdeen, north of Chamberlain and west of Watertown, is easily accessed from Highway 81 and is home to the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge. A visit to Aberdeen during the spring and summer opens up great outdoor recreation possibilities at the Richmond Lake Recreation Area, and Yellowstone Trail.

Plan to visit the Brown County Fair in August, where guests will be treated to an exhibition at the Dacotah Stampede Rodeo. Then, at the same Brown County Fair, just a few days later, get ready for some excellent country music – August 16 brings Travis Tritt to the stage, with special guest Hunter Hayes. August 18, you’ll be delighted by a live performance from country music star Dierks Bentley.

If you’re in town prior to the start of the Brown County Fair, be sure explore local history with a visit to the Isaac Lincoln Hall Art Gallery – an Aberdeen staple.

Dubbed the “Best Little City in America,” Sioux Falls is home to the Wild Water West Waterpark – take the family on a warm summer day for an aquatic adventure. For more local flair, one where you’ll actually stay dry, head over to Yankton Trails Park for the Sioux Falls JazzFest, July 26-28.

Set nearly in between Watertown and Sioux Falls is Brookings. If you’re a fan of college baseball, make the scenic drive into Brookings and watch at the South Dakota State Jackrabbits take on Western Illinois University at Erv Huether Field on May 17.

Badlands National Park
South Dakota

With spring and summer rolling into the Badlands of South Dakota, visitors in the Mount Rushmore State are set to experience charming, scenic views of the Black Hills. Guests of the Best Western hotels in the area – from as far south as Hot Springs, to cities like Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish – come from all over the state to experience the natural beauty, and rich early American history. Keystone, a friendly little city set in the Black Hills, is home to Mount Rushmore, one of the iconic landmarks in the U.S. – spring and summer open up tremendous viewing opportunities.

Rapid City, the seat of Pennington County, is affectionately known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” and is home to the Journey Museum and Gardens. Once you’re in Rapid City, explore a festive and historic downtown district, and be sure to plan a day of exciting adventure at the Black Hill Caverns. In conjunction with a visit to the Black Hill Caverns, don’t miss out on the Museum of Geology, or the Children’s Science Center.

For families traveling into Rapid City, be sure to explore Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf – excellent miniature golf enjoyed by visitors young and old. Rapid City also features Reptile Gardens, an entertaining wild animal park where you and the kids will come face-to-face with 100-year-old tortoises, and witness live alligator shows. Many visitors also find themselves at Bear Country USA, a drive-thru wildlife park.

Less than hour northwest of Rapid City is Deadwood. An unassuming city, Deadwood was once a vibrant mining town at the turn of the century, and now focuses on tourism – it’s small town charm mixed with modern amenities create a wonderful landing spot for spring and summer visitors traveling into the Badlands of South Dakota.

Enjoy a fine South Dakota spring afternoon at the Blacktail Horseback and Walking Tours. From there, head to the Midnight Star Casino and place a few bets, play a few slots, and check out the scenery on the walls – the casino is owned by Kevin Costner, and many of the walls are decorated with his movie posters. And for historical perspectives, be sure to tour the Adams Museum.

Hot Springs is a friendly little city set at the southern foothills of the Black Hills National Forest. Rich in Native American history, the natural scenery blossoms during the spring and early summer. Be sure to explore the awe-inspiring Wind Cave National Park. Fans of the equine head to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary for a glimpse at raw animal power and beauty – especially during spring and summer.

Before your tour of the Badlands concludes this spring, be sure to head into Hill City and check out the Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train.