US Trip Planner US Road Trip Planner

Summer Road Trips in South Dakota

Routes

30

Avg Distance

403 mi

Avg Drive

6h 41m

Destinations

16

South Dakota in the summer means long days for exploring its diverse landscapes. With 30 routes averaging 406 miles and 7 hours, you have plenty of time to see the state. Expect drives with scores up to 8, some reaching over 5,000 feet in elevation, and EV charging available on many routes. This season offers great access to the state's parks and open spaces.

Planning Tips

Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in South Dakota that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 403 miles).

Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.

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.

Summer Routes

Editor's pick

Spearfish, SD → North Sioux City, SD

467.6 mi 7h 31m Score: 8/10

This 468-mile highway-focused route offers a solid 8 drive score and includes access to parks. With 6 DC fast chargers along the way, it's a practical choice for covering a lot of ground.

Editor's pick

Milbank, SD → Rapid City, SD

458.8 mi 7h 40m Score: 8/10

Covering 459 miles, this mostly highway trip boasts a drive score of 8 and traverses gently rolling terrain, reaching a maximum elevation of 3,243 feet. It also provides access to parks.

Watertown, SD → Lead, SD

447.9 mi 7h 40m Score: 8/10

Deadwood, SD → Watertown, SD

444.8 mi 7h 35m Score: 8/10

Jefferson, SD → Sturgis, SD

441.3 mi 7h 3m Score: 8/10

Rapid City, SD → Webster, SD

416.9 mi 7h 3m Score: 8/10

Rapid City, SD → Jefferson, SD

416.2 mi 6h 38m Score: 8/10

Britton, SD → Rapid City, SD

410.5 mi 7h 38m Score: 8/10

Belle Fourche, SD → Harrisburg, SD

410 mi 6h 44m Score: 8/10

Watertown, SD → Rapid City, SD

407.1 mi 6h 56m Score: 8/10

Tea, SD → Belle Fourche, SD

406.2 mi 6h 39m Score: 8/10

Garretson, SD → Spearfish, SD

405.9 mi 6h 34m Score: 8/10

Lemmon, SD → Sioux Falls, SD

403.9 mi 7h 23m Score: 9/10

Tea, SD → Spearfish, SD

399.1 mi 6h 27m Score: 8/10

Baltic, SD → Spearfish, SD

397.4 mi 6h 23m Score: 8/10

Lennox, SD → Spearfish, SD

397.1 mi 6h 37m Score: 8/10

Watertown, SD → Box Elder, SD

396.9 mi 6h 44m Score: 8/10

Deadwood, SD → Harrisburg, SD

396.4 mi 6h 27m Score: 8/10

Brandon, SD → Spearfish, SD

396.1 mi 6h 22m Score: 8/10

Hill City, SD → Yankton, SD

390.6 mi 6h 32m Score: 8/10

Yankton, SD → Sturgis, SD

390.1 mi 6h 23m Score: 8/10

Sioux Falls, SD → Custer, SD

389.1 mi 6h 30m Score: 8/10

Worthing, SD → Sturgis, SD

387.3 mi 6h 13m Score: 8/10

Springfield, SD → Spearfish, SD

383.3 mi 6h 44m Score: 8/10

Sturgis, SD → Lennox, SD

377.4 mi 6h 16m Score: 8/10

Spearfish, SD → Freeman, SD

376.4 mi 6h 7m Score: 8/10

Tyndall, SD → Spearfish, SD

375 mi 6h 31m Score: 8/10

Sioux Falls, SD → Sturgis, SD

374.6 mi 6h Score: 8/10

Springfield, SD → Sturgis, SD

363.4 mi 5h 17m Score: 8/10

Sturgis, SD → Freeman, SD

356.9 mi 5h 46m Score: 8/10

Explore More

South Dakota Trips Scenic drives in South Dakota