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Five things to See and Do in Northeast South Dakota

Published: Feb 23, 2021 by Aimee Burmester · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

While the northeast region of South Dakota might not seem like the most ideal place to visit, there are still some wonderful sights and experiences to take in. 

Today I’m sharing five things to do in Northeast South Dakota. 

Northeast South Dakota is often seen as a pass-through to another location. People will drive through Aberdeen or Watertown on their way to or from the Black Hills or Twin Cities. While you may find yourself in northeast SoDak for just a short time, I challenge you to stop and check a couple things out. 

Here is my list of the five best things to do, see or eat in Northeast South Dakota. For this post, I am considering Northeast South Dakota the portion of South Dakota that extends north of US Highway 212 to the North Dakota and Minnesota Border, and everything that extends east of the Missouri River to the Minnesota border.

Visit the State Parks

One thing all of South Dakota has done well is take care of its state parks and recreation areas. In northeast South Dakota, there are 18 different state parks and state recreation areas. Some are on the Missouri River and offer breathtaking views of the slow, calm meandering river and river hills, others offer rolling flat prairie, or you can take in a forest covered hike. Each park offers a unique experience, and almost all of them have camping availability. 

Check out the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks website to learn more about each location. My recommendations are West Whitlock Recreation Area which is 20 miles west of Gettysburg, SD on the Missouri River, Sica Hollow State Park in the far northeast corner of the state, and the historic Fort Sisseton State Park .

Grab a Cup of Joe at a Local Coffee Shop

What South Dakota lacks in large chain coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, it makes up for in adorable, local, mom-and-pop coffee shops. Pick any town you stop in on your journey around Northeast South Dakota and you will find at least a church, a bar and a place to get a fresh cup of coffee.

One of my favorite brands of coffee, Dark Canyon Coffee is a South Dakota brand and is actually served at many locations including the 212 Mini Mall in Gettysburg. You can find other good coffee at places like the Red Rooster Coffeehouse in Aberdeen which also offers great lunches and a fun consignment mall, or check out 3 Bean Coffee Company in Sisseton which specializes in their own roasted coffee and espresso beans!

Relax with a Cold One at a Brewery or Restaurant

When you think of the best breweries in the world, I’m sure Northeast South Dakota is not the first region that comes to mind, however, you will find some unique spots that offer locally brewed beer, regional beers as well as more well-known brews. Watertown offers a couple great watering holes including Danger Von Dempsey’s that serves their own brews and great food including homemade pizza, or check out the Watertown Brewing Company that offers a full menu of ales and beers crafted right on site. 

Not only does Watertown have two great breweries. They also have the Glacial Lakes Distillery , a locally-owned distillery that specializes in vodka, but also dabbles in rum, gin and brandy. You can book a tour and tasting on their website--a great way to spend a weekend afternoon!

Aberdeen also offers a couple great spots for a locally brewed night cap. If you’re still wanting to try locally-brewed libations, check out the One-Legged Pheasant which serves its own beers and a local pizza favorite, Jimmy’s Pizza . If you’re looking for a more nationally recognized craft beer, you can find them and a cool relaxing vibe at Slackers Bar . With over 100 beers on tap, you’re sure to satisfy your thirst. If a brew isn’t for you, you can play video games on the multiple vintage gaming systems around the bar. So fun!

Eat Locally

Northeast South Dakota may not be the region you think of when you think of sushi, but if you’re not thinking of amazing beef you’re missing out. Completely landlocked, and very low in population, you will not find many chain restaurants in Northeast South Dakota. You will find, however, some amazing local steakhouses. No matter which town you stop in, or which body of water you find yourself vacationing on, you will find a steakhouse near.

South Dakotans definitely know how to cook a good steak, and the northeast region of the state has its fair share of places to dine. Aberdeen is the home to Maverick’s Steakhouse --a local joint (that has grown to four locations--so awesome), with amazing Bloody Mary’s, great barbeque and perfectly done steaks. If you find yourself wanting dinner with a view, check out the Wakeside Bar & Grill on Mina Lake, just 15 minutes west of Aberdeen. And if you’re looking for a giant steak, and a gorgeous sunset over the Missouri River, head even further west to Bob’s Resort & Steakhouse , 20 miles west of Gettysburg. The view from the dining room offers some of the most spectacular sunsets around. 

Local Attractions and Roadside Stops

When people think of South Dakota, they normally think of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, and while those are all gorgeous, and breathtaking (and some of my favorite places to visit), you can still take in some pretty amazing sites on your way to or from the western half of South Dakota.

Aberdeen offers a great place to stop with children in Northeast South Dakota-- Storybook Land is free to visitors and has turned childhood nursery rhymes into fun adventures for kids. There is a small fee to ride some of the rides available, but it’s definitely a great place to visit and burn off some energy. 

If you’re headed west on Highway 212, make sure to stop in Faulkton, SD, and take in the Faulkton Elevator Mural . It offers a great stopping point to jump out of the car, stretch your legs and see an amazing feat. The mural spans all sides of a grain elevator that extends hundreds of feet into the sky and features two young children seemingly playing and happy. Very unique!

There are many other great things to do and see in Northeast South Dakota. What do you love to share about your local area?

Want to read more about South Dakota travel? Check out my post on the best places to visit for couples in the Black Hills. 

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11 Best National & State Parks in South Dakota

Written by Brad Lane Updated May 11, 2023

Author Brad Lane has enjoyed several trips throughout South Dakota .

Standing proudly as the gateway to the American West, the state of South Dakota is filled with history, adventure, and a wide range of astounding landscapes. From the glacial lakes and prairies in the northeast to the Black Hills and Badlands in the west, South Dakota proudly displays these scenic areas through a vast system of state and national parks.

Whatever kind of outdoor experience you're looking for, whether it's exploring underground at Wind Cave National Park , or learning about native cultures at Good Earth State Park , every experience is always backdropped by a rugged beauty unique to the state of South Dakota.

For ideas on the best places to visit for your next outdoor adventure, see our list of the top national and state parks in South Dakota.

1. Badlands National Park

2. custer state park, 3. wind cave national park, 4. mount rushmore national memorial, 5. palisades state park, 6. hartford beach state park, 7. good earth state park, 8. bear butte state park, 9. sica hollow state park, 10. newton hills state park, 11. fort sisseton historic state park, map of national & state parks in south dakota, best time to visit state and national parks in south dakota.

Highlights: Sprawling state park with beautiful rock formations and scenic drives

Badlands National Park stands brightly against the prairies of western South Dakota, boasting beautiful buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Created by ancient deposits of sediments and minerals, followed by 500,000 years of erosion, the layered rocks of different colors lend to a stunning landscape .

Some of the best ways to experience the beauty of Badlands National Park include roadside attractions, short hikes, and a full list of campgrounds to extend your stay.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center , on the southeastern edge of the park, is a great place to start your visit. After collecting information and getting questions answered from park rangers at the visitor center, heading west on Highway 240 takes you through the heart of the park, with plenty of places to pull-off and enjoy the environment.

Of the many places to stop, a visitor favorite tends to be the Door, Window, and Notch trailheads , which all share the same parking lot, and provide accessible hikes into the desolated beauty that is Badlands National Park.

June, July, and August are the most popular months to visit the park, but late August and September is regarded as the best time to visit the Badlands. The late summer season into the fall offers fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

If you do visit in the summer, planning your trip early in the day will help avoid congestion and the extreme heat of midday. The golden hours of dawn and dusk provide the most stunning photographs of this enchanting area.

Highlights: Largest state park in the country, alpines lakes, wildlife drives, several campgrounds

Encompassing more than 71,000 acres within Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park ranks as one of the largest state parks in the nation. Alongside the scenic drives, abundant wildlife , and eye-popping geological beauty, Custer State Park ranks high as one of the top tourist attractions in the state .

Any visit to Custer State Park can go in many directions, and whether you're interested in hiking trails, fishing spots, or some of the best campgrounds in South Dakota , the park deserves multiple days on your itinerary.

With so many things to do and the acreage to explore at Custer State Park, a first visit can seem overwhelming. A recommended course for adventure includes accessing the impressive Sylvan Lake via the scenic Needles Highway . Visitors also enjoy taking part in a naturalist program at the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center or keeping an eye out for buffalo on the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road .

Climbing granite spires with a harness and rope is another popular activity at the park. Custer also features many interpretive programs, including chuckwagon cookouts hosted by professional guides.

Winter in Custer State Park is a bit quieter, but still offers plenty of things to do, like wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, and staying at the Creekside Lodge.

Address: 13329 U.S. 16A, Custer, South Dakota

Highlights: Underground tours of a complex cave system with lights and no crawling involved

Wind Cave National Park is home to a dichotomy of environments in the Blacks Hills south of Custer State Park. Above ground, swaying prairie grass and forested hills define the landscape, concealing the complex cave system found beneath the soil. With more than 140 miles of its passageways mapped, Wind Cave is one of the longest cave systems in the country .

This national park receives its name from the change in barometric pressure found at the small, natural entrance to the cave.

If you want to explore this underground labyrinth yourself, the only way to check out the impressive passageways is through one of many guided tours led by park ranger staff . They offer tours nearly every day of the year.

Most guided tours begin with an elevator ride 12 stories underground and proceed through the cave using a cement pathway and electric lights installed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The variety of tours offered caters to a wide range of ages and abilities.

Along any route, visitors can expect to see a unique geological world filled with dark corners, large ceilings, and a plethora of cave speleothems (cave formations). The most unique speleothem in Wind Cave is the Boxwork formation, which while abundant in Wind Cave, exists in few other caves in the world.

Highlights: Iconic American monument surrounded by Black Hills landscape and scenery

Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognized natural features in South Dakota. Operated as a National Memorial by the National Park Service, this iconic portrait of presidents warrants the millions of visitors it receives each year.

Alongside the enormous carving into the Black Hills mountainside, the National Memorial features other visitor attractions, including a Sculptor's Studio and half-mile interpretive trail.

Mount Rushmore is a day-use-only destination. The surrounding Black Hills offers several outlets for adventure to tack onto a Mount Rushmore vacation, including the best campgrounds near Mount Rushmore .

The crown jewel of South Dakota's state parks, Custer State Park , is located less than 12 miles to the south.

Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, South Dakota

Highlights: Pink quartzite cliffs line the water at this popular state park and campground

Palisades State Park is a hot spot for hiking, camping, photographing, and rock climbing on the southeast corner of South Dakota. At the center of all this action is Split Rock Creek, having dramatically carved its way into the environment for thousands of years. Jagged pink Sioux Quartzite juts from either bank of Split Rock Creek, dominating the landscape and providing the eye-catching appeal that makes Palisades so popular.

Visitors to Palisades hike along the shore to appreciate the scenery. The South Wall Trail is an easy half-mile hike that leads to an impressive scenic overlook of Split Rock Creek. Visitors with the proper gear and experience also enjoying scaling the rock formations.

The campground at Palisades State Park is one of the best campgrounds in South Dakota and features over 30 sites, as well as camper cabins. The Palisades Lodge is also available for overnight use and can sleep up to 12 people.

Address: 25495 485th Avenue, Garretson, South Dakota

Highlights: Easy access to Big Stone Lake for water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming

Hartford Beach State Park is in the glacial lake region of northeast South Dakota, defined by the impressive section of the Warren River known as Big Stone Lake . Water activities are abundant at Hartford Beach State Park including fishing, boating, and swimming at a sandy beach . Five different hiking trails and a nine-hole disc golf course also entice land lovers to the park.

A particularly interesting and accessible hike for all ages to do while visiting Hartford Beach State Park is the Village View Trail . This interpretive trail provides a glimpse of American Indian Mounds and a way of life that dates back much further than our own.

The campground at Hartford Beach features over 80 electric campsites, and the state park also has camper cabins available for overnight use.

Address: 13672 Hartford Beach Road, Corona, South Dakota

Highlights: Wild landscape on the Big Sioux River, expansive Visitor Center with exhibits

While Good Earth State Park is relatively new to the South Dakota State Park system, the area that it encompasses is no stranger to civilization. As part of the larger Blood Run National Historic Landmark , Good Earth State Park pays tribute to one of the oldest areas of human history in the country.

Dating back to pre-colonial times, the land that comprises Good Earth State Park at Blood Run was once a thriving trading center and gathering place for the Oneota peoples, including Omaha, Ponca, Ioway tribes.

Today, you can learn more about these indigenous cultures through the 11,000-square-foot Visitor Center at the park. This state-of-the-art Visitor Center features engaging exhibits with historic artifacts and lifelike reproductions of the Oneota culture.

Six miles of woodland and prairie hiking trails span from the Visitor Center, with interpretative information lining the entire way. Trails at Good Earth State Park ultimately lead to great views of the Big Sioux River.

Address: 26924 480th Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Highlights: Impressive butte with a summit hiking trail and a small lake nearby

Located north of the Black Hills National Forest, just outside the motorcycle-friendly city of Sturgis, Bear Butte State Park and its namesake feature still hold cultural significance for the native peoples of South Dakota. Known as Mato Pahu or "Bear Mountain," Bear Butte stands well over 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. A 1.85-mile summit trail offers impressive views and unparalleled outlooks from the top of the sacred mountain.

Alongside roaming buffalo herds , Bear Butte is home to current American Indian ceremonies and spirituality. Respect for the space and for the acts of worship are important aspects of any visit to this unique state park of South Dakota.

The state park operates a primitive campground, with 15 sites available near the shores of Bear Butte Lake, across Highway 79 from the mountain.

Address: N Highway 79, Sturgis, South Dakota

Highlights: Sprawling trail network, including Trail of Spirits National Recreation Trail

In northeast South Dakota, less than 30 minutes from Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, this scenic state park has a spooky past. The park has a longstanding reputation among indigenous cultures for mysterious happenings. Visitors to Sica Hollow State Park today learn more about this mystic history on the Trail of the Spirits, a National Recreation Trail.

The park is popular for all types of trail users. A total of eight miles of multi-use trails wander through the verdant countryside at Sica Hollow, and the park has grown in popularity with horse riders over the years. A horse camp at the park features eight available sites and community corrals.

The autumn season is a beautiful time to visit the park, when the foliage begins to change color.

Address: 44950 Park Road, Sisseton, South Dakota

Highlights: Wooded network of hiking trails and abundant campsites

Newton Hills State Park encompasses a little more than 1,000 acres of rolling hills and dense forest in the southeast corner of the state, 30 miles south of Sioux Falls. The park draws visitors throughout the year to explore its scenic woodland environment . Hikers, bikers, and horse riders can enjoy most of the trails at Newton Hills through the six miles of Blue Diamond multi-use trails found sprawling throughout the area.

Come wintertime, the unique prairie plateau that is Newton Hills becomes an exciting place to explore on cross-country skis and snowshoes. The fun doesn't have to be limited to a day visit at Newton Hills State Park, and with more than 100 campsites available, this eastern South Dakota state park is the perfect place to pitch a tent and stay awhile.

Address: 28767 482nd Ave, Canton, South Dakota

Highlights: Remains of a frontier army post, annual festivals, self-guided tours

Fort Sisseton was first established in the eastern Dakota Territory in the 1860s. It's located atop the Coteau des Prairies in the northeast region of South Dakota, 70 miles west of Hartford Beach State Park.

Today, 14 of the original buildings of this frontier army post remain, including officer's quarters , stone barracks , and guard houses . Visitors to Fort Sisseton Historical State Park are encouraged to explore the different historic sites on their own or with a group walking tour.

Parts of the park are available to rent for special events, including weddings and family reunions. It's worth checking out the annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival that takes place each June, which includes a cast of characters and all sorts of activities the whole family can enjoy. A visitor center with further interpretive information is open daily between May and September.

Location: Lake City, South Dakota

National and State Parks in South Dakota encompass vastly different landscapes with fluctuating seasons. Still, the best time to visit is the summer, including the months of June, July, and August. These months offer the warmest temperatures and longest days. For example, summer temperatures in the Black Hills top out in the 80s (Fahrenheit) during July and August.

The only exception is the arid landscape of the Badlands National Park, where extreme heat adds an extra obstacle to a summer visit. The best time to visit Badlands National Park is during the shoulder seasons, including April, May, September, and October. These months are still warm, but much more comfortable and less crowded.

These same shoulder months are also excellent times to visit other state parks in South Dakota. Expect cooler temperatures in April and May, alongside a chance of rain. Nights also come quicker in September and October, but these months are also excellent for less-crowded hiking and camping.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

South Dakota Adventures : If you are looking to extend your outdoor adventures in South Dakota, there are many great campgrounds to discover. For an overview of the entire state, our best campgrounds in South Dakota article can inspire some new vacation ideas, and for a more specific look at a couple of recommended areas, our best campgrounds in Badlands National Park and best campgrounds around Mt. Rushmore articles can help narrow it down.

Cities in South Dakota : Several cities in South Dakota represent the best of what the state has to offer. For some of the best Black Hills attractions and scenery, the cities of Deadwood and Rapid City are well worth the visit. The east side of the state is on full display in Sioux Falls , complete with a namesake tumbling water feature.

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Watch CBS News

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.? See the paths for the 2044 and 2045 events

By Cara Tabachnick

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 2:31 AM EDT / CBS News

Eclipse-watchers waited more than six years since the last time a total solar eclipse charted its way across the United States,  in 2017 . After the  April 8 event , prepare to wait a lot longer — the next chance won't be coming around any time soon.

Viewers in what's called " the path of totality " saw the moon completely block the sun  — an opportunity those in North America won't have again for 20-plus years. The next total solar eclipses in North America are not anticipated until 2044 and 2045.

"A total solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular things anyone can see in their lifetime," Virginia Tech astrophysicist Nahum Arav told CBS News. The eclipse "looks like a black hole in the sky," said Arav, who watched the paths of totality of eclipses in 1991 and 2017.

Monday's eclipse started around 11:07 a.m. PDT on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and then moved into Texas . The eclipse's visibility tracked  through 15 states  — Oklahoma, Illinois , Ohio,  Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont ,  New Hampshire  and Maine , among them — before heading northward into Canada and then exiting North America.

Even with spotty weather in some states, millions of people from coast to coast saw a partial solar eclipse, in which the moon partially covers the sun. However, only those within the path of totality experienced the darkness of the total solar eclipse. 

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after the 2024 eclipse?

Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, said Arav. "Eclipses happen all over the Earth evenly," he told CBS News — but noted the timings when they occur are not regular. That means  eclipses can occur within just a few years, or every few decades, in North America.

Before the eclipse in 2017, the last total solar eclipse to cross North America was in 1979 . That was the first eclipse whose path of totality crossed the entire continent in 99 years. 

Even though eclipses may seem to occur randomly, scientists can pinpoint exactly when and where they will happen.

"There is no ambiguity, as we know exactly where it will land," said Arav. 

There will be eight total solar eclipses visible from North America in the 21st century, Arav said, with one occurring about every 12 years, on average.   

The next total solar eclipse to cross North America is predicted to occur on Aug. 23, 2044 , NASA said. However, the path of totality from this eclipse will only touch three states, according to  The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public interest in space.  

This next eclipse will mainly be observed in Canada, Arav said. 

Path of totality for the 2044 total solar eclipse

The 2044 eclipse will start in Greenland on Aug. 23, 2044, and will continue its path through Canada. 

The 2044 total solar eclipse will be short, mostly appearing in Canada. It will be visible from three states in the U.S.: Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.  

The path of totality will cross Williston and Dickinson, North Dakota, and Great Falls, Montana.

Path of totality for the 2045 total solar eclipse

The next solar eclipse that crosses a significant portion of the continental U.S. will be in 2045, said Arav. That year, a solar eclipse will darken skies in parts of the U.S., Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil. 

In North America, the 2045 total eclipse will be visible in many states as it moves from coast to coast. The eclipse will start in California and move east to end in Florida, similar to 2017, Arav said. 

There will be numerous U.S. cities where eclipse watchers can view the total eclipse, including Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Orlando, Florida.

Future solar eclipses in North America after 2045

Scientists have predicted eight total solar eclipses will appear in North America in the 21st century.

"Natural phenomena are like a Swiss clock," Arav said. "We know exactly when and where they will appear."

After the 2044 and 2045 total solar eclipses, the next total eclipses in North America will occur in 2078 and 2099.

May 11, 2078

This total solar eclipse on May 11, 2078 , will pass over the southern United States.

Cities include:

Atlanta, Georgia

New Orleans, Louisiana

Charlotte, North Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sept. 14, 2099

This total solar eclipse on Sept. 14, 2099 , will cross a wide swath of the United States.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicago, Illinois

Columbus, Ohio

Fargo, North Dakota

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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Solar eclipse live: Watch live coverage from path of totality

[See eclipse livestream below]

On Monday, millions of people across the United States will get to see a rare total solar eclipse , the first in the U.S. since 2017 and the last until 2044.

And millions of others who aren't in the path of totality will see a partial solar eclipse .

Depending on where you are will determine how much of the sun will be covered by the moon. Those along the path of totality — which stretches from northern Mexico into Texas, the Midwest and East Coast and, finally, southeast Canada before moving out to sea, according to  NASA — will see a total solar eclipse, in which the moon appears the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes.

In Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida, about 62% of the sun will be obscured.

What time does the eclipse start in Jacksonville?

In Jacksonville, the eclipse will begin at 1:47 p.m. and continue to 4:19 p.m. At its peak at 3:05 p.m., about 64% of the sun will be obscured by the moon. ( Search eclipse times by ZIP code .)    

Solar eclipse live: Watch a livestream from the path of totality

So if you want to experience the total solar eclipse from the path of totality, you'll want to follow USA TODAY's livestream of the eclipse as it moves across the country.

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

A solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon: it won't happen again in the U.S. again for another 20 years, on Aug. 23, 2044. Even then, its path of totality will stretch across Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota — hundreds of miles northwest from Monday’s eclipse path.

So grab your eclipse glasses and head outside to view it. And view the live stream to see what really makes a solar eclipse so special.