Scenic Drives in South Dakota

Routes

Avg Distance

403 mi

Avg Drive

6h 47m

Destinations

South Dakota's scenic drives offer a chance to experience the Great Plains, with routes averaging 401 miles and taking around 6.7 hours. While most routes feature gently rolling terrain, the maximum elevation can reach over 3,600 feet, and drive scores consistently hit 8 out of 10. If you're looking for expansive views and open roads, South Dakota delivers.

Climate through the year: South Dakota

South Dakota peaks at around 85°F in Jul and cools to 27°F / 9°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jun at ~4.2 in of rain.

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	27	9	0.6	8
Feb	32	13	0.8	8.6
Mar	45	24	1.6	7.2
Apr	59	36	3	5.1
May	71	48	3.9	0.1
Jun	81	59	4.2	—
Jul	85	63	3.3	—
Aug	83	61	3.3	—
Sep	76	52	2.7	—
Oct	61	38	2.4	1.4
Nov	45	25	1.2	6.2
Dec	32	13	0.8	8.7

Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for SD — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.

Planning Tips

Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

We rate routes on a 1-10 drive score based on elevation changes, road variety, and terrain diversity. The 60 routes listed here all score 7 or higher.

Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Top Scenic Routes

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South Dakota Trips

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	27	9	0.6	8
Feb	32	13	0.8	8.6
Mar	45	24	1.6	7.2
Apr	59	36	3	5.1
May	71	48	3.9	0.1
Jun	81	59	4.2	—
Jul	85	63	3.3	—
Aug	83	61	3.3	—
Sep	76	52	2.7	—
Oct	61	38	2.4	1.4
Nov	45	25	1.2	6.2
Dec	32	13	0.8	8.7

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	27	9	0.6	8
Feb	32	13	0.8	8.6
Mar	45	24	1.6	7.2
Apr	59	36	3	5.1
May	71	48	3.9	0.1
Jun	81	59	4.2	—
Jul	85	63	3.3	—
Aug	83	61	3.3	—
Sep	76	52	2.7	—
Oct	61	38	2.4	1.4
Nov	45	25	1.2	6.2
Dec	32	13	0.8	8.7

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	27	9	0.6	8
Feb	32	13	0.8	8.6
Mar	45	24	1.6	7.2
Apr	59	36	3	5.1
May	71	48	3.9	0.1
Jun	81	59	4.2	—
Jul	85	63	3.3	—
Aug	83	61	3.3	—
Sep	76	52	2.7	—
Oct	61	38	2.4	1.4
Nov	45	25	1.2	6.2
Dec	32	13	0.8	8.7