When you think of South Dakota, you think Mount Rushmore, a monument that exceeds every definition of awesomeness. And you can plan a considerable part of your South Dakota honeymoon around a stay in the Black Hills. Ironically, it is an isolated area with a lot to do.
South Dakota is not densely populated, so the mountains and plains simply spread out before you, mostly untouched by man. It is the perfect honeymoon destination for anyone trying to get away from city hassles and enjoy some romantic and exciting solitude. South Dakota has four separate seasons, so each time of the year will be a different experience.
Explore our guide to the best honeymoon destinations in the USA.
Seeing Mt. Rushmore, consisting of sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, is one of life’s more stirring experiences. Go up to the plaza by the monument, where you will find flags from all fifty states. You can view the monument from here or go further. There are half a mile of trails and stairs to climb, but nothing strenuous. Frequent stops for taking in the scenery are recommended. You find a Native American display as you get further up. You’ll also find an ice cream parlor and a gift shop.
Of special interest may be the Evening Lighting Ceremony. This happens every evening during the summer. There is a lecture by a ranger before all flags are lowered. Then, the entire Mount Rushmore is emblazoned with lights.
The experience may take your breath away. There are seats in the amphitheater to watch the entire ceremony.
Rapid City is the closest major city, but the city of Deadwood may be a better choice. It’s a four-hour drive from Deadwood to Mount Rushmore, but there is much activity around Deadwood, it makes an excellent base for your stay.
The drive from Deadwood is through the Black Hills, with buffaloes roaming through Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial. The Lodge at Deadwood is where to go for romantic dining, a breathtaking view, and a bit of gaming. This is an adult playground for hiking and skiing. The Lodge has more than 300 slots and tables, as well as a poker room. Its Deadwood Grill was named the Best Restaurant in the Black Hills.
You can combine your South Dakota honeymoon with amazing history, breathtaking sights, and the best in outdoor living.
This post may contain links from which we earn a commission. You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Table of Contents
Best Hotels for Your South Dakota Honeymoon 🏨
About South Dakota 📖
Best Time to Visit South Dakota 📅
Top Things to do in South Dakota 👫
Weather in South Dakota ☀️
K Bar S Lodge
K Bar S Hotel is a romantic honeymoon lodge and your Keystone “home away from home.” K Bar S Lodge strives to make your stay as pleasant and pleasurable as possible. That’s why so many people return every year.
The hotel guestrooms have a flat-screen TV, air conditioning systems, a fridge, and visitors can also enjoy complimentary internet. The front reception at the lodge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Additionally, visitors will receive complimentary breakfast, making this a favorite option for Keystone tourists. There is complimentary parking available for those who have a car.
While in Keystone, don’t miss out on Cruizzers, a great restaurant for delicious pizza. Keystone Cemetery is a short distance away from the hotel. So, visitors of K Bar S Lodge can conveniently visit one of Keystone’s most famous destinations.
K Bar S Lodge places the finest of Keystone at your disposal, ensuring a relaxed and pleasurable visit.
More Information on K Bar S Lodge
Average Price Range: $82 to $184
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 97
Town Hall Inn
Enter through the Town Hall Inn gates in Lead, South Dakota, and get transported to the early 1900s. A thrilling period when generosity prospered and exploration awaited.
The hotel guarantees a pleasant, welcoming place to rest for the guests. It offers a favorable and reasonable environment to work for the employees. A location that teaches tourists about the great heritage of the gorgeous Black Hills to stimulate return trips.
This antique-styled hotel offers amenities like free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, street parking, and outdoor seating. You will also get a complimentary breakfast in the morning during your stay.
The guestrooms are very comfortable with an air conditioning system, housekeeping, and a TV. Additional features include a microwave, wake-up service, fridge, and free toiletries for you to use.
Plan your honeymoon or next vacation stay at Town Hall Inn. See why this beautiful lead hotel remained a South Dakota attraction for so long.
More Information on Town Hall Inn
Average Price Range: $60 to $210
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 12
Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Do you need a room to rent in Lead? Then go no farther than Spearfish Canyon Lodge. It is a small lodge that offers the finest of Lead right to your doorstep.
The guestrooms include a Television, telephone, microwave, and air conditioning system. Also, you can connect to the internet using free Wi-Fi, enabling you to relax and recharge with comfort.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge has a reception desk, stores, and a gift shop open 24 hours a day. Furthermore, as a distinguished Spearfish Canyon Hotel visitor, you can enjoy the benefits of the on-site jacuzzi and bar. Visitors coming by car can park for free.
If you’re searching for something else to do, Spearfish Canyon and Roughlock Falls are some of the major tourist destinations. Both of these are within proximity to the lodge.
Visit and enjoy your honeymoon or holiday at Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
More Information on Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Average Price Range: $84 to $202
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 57
1899 Inn
Located in Deadwood’s Presidential Area, 1899 Inn is only a 5-minute stroll from Main Street and key historical monuments.
The guest building has six guestrooms and also 2 separate two-room cottages featuring a complete kitchenette and living quarters. You can use their wonderfully designed bridal suites for your honeymoon.
Additionally, every reservation includes a complete breakfast meal in the dining space. There is free parking, free internet connectivity, laundry service, board games are available at the hotel.
If you are craving some local traditional food, try Deadwood Legends Steakhouse or The Deadwood Social Club. The food will leave a great taste in your mouth after eating.
The hotel is closer to various popular attractions of Deadwood. Explore the Adams Museum, Mt Roosevelt Monument, or Deadwood Alive to experience the Deadwood heritage.
Make a trip to the traditional and culturally significant Deadwood town. Relax comfortably at the 1899 Inn.
More Information on 1899 Inn
Average Price Range: $64 to $293
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 8
Martin Mason Hotel
The 1893 Martin & Mason Hotel is an outstanding historical refurbishment in Deadwood. Located in the center of the historical town, the hotel is an easy reach to the finest of Deadwood.
A tranquil and one-of-a-kind environment that combines Victorian-era ambiance with modern conveniences is ideal for honeymoon and vacation. The guestrooms and suites have comfortable King beds and the nicest relaxation in South Dakota.
The hotel offers conference facilities, concierge, free parking, banquet room, casino, bar, and gift shop. Friendly professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In its 1898 ballroom, they specialize in weddings, big occasions, and gatherings.
Every morning, the visitors receive pastries, tea, and coffee. The hotel property houses the Lee Street Station, Deadwood’s top breakfast diner. It is open for business every day.
Additionally, you can pass your time exploring the Historic Old Town, Broken Boot Gold Mine, etc.
More Information on Martin Mason Hotel
Average Price Range: $112 to $221
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 8
About South Dakota
Few people realize that with the Missouri River and all its gorgeous lakes, South Dakota has more shorelines than all of Florida. It is one of the most diverse states. You’ll find open prairie, mountains, the Badlands, and glazier-formed lakes. Its capital is Pierre. Pierre, located on the shores of the Missouri River, is one of the smallest state capitals.
South Dakota was home to several famous Native Americans, such as Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. For fans of Little House on the Prairie, author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s own little house can be toured in the town of De Smet.
The magnificent Mount Rushmore isn’t the only stunning sculpture in South Dakota. Just eight short miles away, the Crazy Horse Memorial surpasses anything else. The statue is 563 feet high. By comparison, each of the four presidential heads comprising Mount Rushmore is 60 feet high. The Crazy Horse Memorial attracts over one million visitors every year. Visit the Indian Museum of North America for more information on Native American culture. Like Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial has a nightly light show during the summer called the “Legends in Light” laser show.
The Crazy Horse Memorial can be reached via Highway 16.
Once you’ve recovered from sensory overload after visiting South Dakota’s incredible monuments, it’s time to relax at Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa. When the water reaches 102 degrees, you can heat things up with a soak, a massage, and a lovely dinner.
Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s largest city, and it is on the banks of the falls of the Big Sioux River. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for romance here. There’s Falls Park by the river with its dramatic tiered waterfalls. Don’t miss Terrace Park. It has canoeing, kayaking, several formal gardens, and enchanting Japanese Gardens. For a romantic dinner date, visit Carnaval. Lots of slow-roasted meats Brazilian-style with wine pairing, if requested. They have live entertainment on weekends.
The winter months turn South Dakota into a winter wonderland, whether you take a sleigh ride through the freshly fallen snow, engage in snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. The gorgeous Black Hills are sure to have pure, fresh powder for your enjoyment.
For a special treat, climb up Black Elk Peak, the highest point in Deadwood. Hike the three-and-a-half mile trail and be rewarded with a remarkable snowy vista. You’ll enjoy plenty of solitude, as a mere 3,000 hikers make the climb each winter.
Another special winter experience during South Dakota’s winter is a drive down Highway 240 through the Badlands. They are interesting to see during the summer but take on a special aura when dusted with snow. The Badlands become a gorgeous backdrop. Return to Rapid City for hot cocoa and a snuggle.
Best Time to Visit South Dakota
South Dakota is filled with unique events throughout the year.
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo – Rapid City
This rodeo held in January is one of the most popular events in the Black Hills. Bull riding and barrel racing are among some of the favorite activities. Check out the animals and enjoy some delicious food.
Wild Bill Days – Deadwood
Celebrate the life of local Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood each June. Enjoy concerts and a classic car auction. Singers such as Ronnie Milsap have entertained at Wild Bill Days.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis
Time to get bad in the Badlands. This rally that lasts for over a week in Mid-August is what motorcycling is all about. Anyone can enter or watch. TV host John Leno is one of the frequent participants, as are people from all around the world. It’s a great time for all, with concerts and food happening throughout the Black Hills.
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Like in the movies, the buffalo herds in Custer State Park get round up. But this isn’t a movie. Get a front-row seat to the action as cowboys and cowgirls round up 1,400 bisons during the last week in September. The roundup happens to control the growth of the herd. Get there early and enjoy a pancake breakfast before the stampede begins.
Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree
This event is held the first full weekend in December and is absolutely unique. The Living Christmas Tree is indeed alive as the choir is placed inside of the tree! The look is totally stunning as the singers peek out from the branches of this lit tree.
Top Things to do in South Dakota
Sculpture Walk Sioux Falls
All Sioux Falls turns into a living museum during the summer as more than 55 sculptures from around the world are exhibited throughout downtown streets. These sculptures can be purchased.
Wild Mustang Sanctuary
Horses are wild and free at the Wild Mustang Sanctuary in the Black Hills near Hot Springs. Take a tour through the sanctuary during the summer months and just enjoy the scenery.
Akela Garden
Akela Garden is South Dakota’s only destination spa near Deadwood. Their wide array of services will help you release any tensions. The garden has hot tubs, sauna, and steam rooms, which will keep you warm and comfortable during a winter visit.
C.H. Patisserie
Need a date-place for a bite and a cuddle? The C.H. Patisserie in Sioux Falls is known as one of the finest bakeries in the country. Is your relationship strong enough for you to hoard that last piece of cake?
Reptile Gardens
Rapid City has the world’s biggest reptile zoo. From lizards, crocs to tropical birds and giant turtles, this is a fun garden in which to have a stroll. There is an indoor jungle with tropical plants and bird shows. The giant turtles can be petted.
1880 Town
Step into the past as you enter 1880 Town in Murdo, Exit 170, SD. You will find over 30 authentic buildings built in the late 19th century, including a saloon, a post office, a schoolhouse, a church, and many other original structures. This is where Dances with Wolves was filmed. Enjoy a meal inside a 1950s railway car turned into a diner.
LaFramboise Island Nature Area
This is a unique island on the Missouri River that is a peaceful getaway in Pierre filled with birds and trees, and its own wildlife. It’s a great place for bird watching, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Pierre Players Community Theater
This theater has been entertaining audiences since the 1960s. The setting itself is quite opulent and worth spending some time in.
Cattleman’s Club Steakhouse-Pierre
The restaurant insists that visitors from around the world come here for its steaks. Whether true or not, the steaks are fantastic, and you get a great view of the Missouri River. Turn a visit here into a special date.
Black Hills Central Railroad1880 Train – Black Hills Central Railroad
Take a two-hour steam train ride through the beautiful Black Hills. This is how our forefathers settled into the great Wild West. Departures are daily from Hill City and Keystone in the summer. Enjoy an old-fashioned shootout train ride, a wine express ride, an Oktoberfest ride, and a December ride with Santa.
Weather in South Dakota
South Dakota has four very separate seasons. Spring here is all about rebirth. The flowers are blooming, baby animals are frolicking – all in temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees. There can be considerable precipitation, but the cold weather is history.
Summer usually means days that are 15 hours long. Depending on where you are, the temperatures can vary from 90 degrees during the day to a nippy 60 degrees in the evening. July and August are the hottest months.
The fall means changing colors. The foliage in the state parks blazes with colors. The days are a mild 60 degrees. The first winter chill tends to hit in October. It’s best to be prepared.
South Dakota is a mecca for snow enthusiasts and the serious freeze lasts from December through March. The temperature doesn’t always rise above freezing and can dip as low as 10 degrees below. Pack accordingly.
