It’s easy to get busy with daily life and forget to stop and look around. Here in South Dakota, we’re often surrounded by natural beauty, but we don’t see if because we’re focused on jobs and family and mundane tasks. Here are some stunning photographs taken at scenic overlooks across the state that will remind you just how gorgeous South Dakota is!
- Big Badlands Overlook, Badlands National Park
Chris Ford/flickr A sunrise photo from the Big Badlands Overlook requires getting up really early in the morning, but it’s well worth it when you get a shot like this.
- Black Elk Peak, aka Harney Peak, Black Elk Wilderness Area
Navin75/flickr Climb the fire lookout tower, and you’ll be rewarded by some of the most amazing views of the Black Hills.
- Dino Park, Rapid City
Robin Zebrowski/flickr From the hill above Dino Park, you can catch a gorgeous view of Rapid City.
- Dell Rapids Scenic Overlook, Dell Rapids
amir85/flickr This overlook shows you the steep cliffs lining the Big Sioux River in Dell Rapids, just 20 miles north of Sioux Falls.
- Yellow Mounds Overlook, Badlands National Park
Jody Halstad/flickr You can see the different layers of sediment in the yellow mounds of Badlands National Park. These mounds were created over millions of years.
- Near Mount Coolidge Summit, Custer State Park
Katie Wheeler/flickr A drive through Custer State Park yields plenty of unmarked scenic overlooks. Take your time and pull off the road for some quick photos where it’s safe to do so.
- Pinnacles Overlook, Badlands National Park
Charles (Chuck) Peterson/flickr A stunning view and some incredible rock formations make Pinnacles Overlook the most popular in Badlands National Park. It’s well worth the stop.
- Sylvan Lake Overlook, Custer State Park
Randy Watson/flickr Sylavn Lake is one of the most popular in the Black Hills, and you’ll see why once you get a look at this beauty.
- Black Hills Overlook
Mike Willis/flickr The photographer doesn’t mention where exactly this overlook is. Do you know? Tell us in the comments!
- Cliff Shelf Nature Trail, Badlands National Park
daveynin/flickr Take the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail for incredible views like this one. It’s an easy half-mile hike that’s well worth your effort.
- Observation Tower, Sioux Falls Park
katie wheeler/flickr Climb the observation tower to see Sioux Falls Park from a vantage point you can’t get anywhere else.
- Nicollet Tower, Sisseton
Hillary/flickr You’ll have panoramic views of the prairie and surrounding farmland when you climb Nicollet Tower in Sisseton.
- Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon
AR Nature Gal/flickr The viewing platform at Roughlock Falls gives you an up-close view of the beautiful Roughlock Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state.
What’s your favorite view in South Dakota? Share you photos with us!
Chris Ford/flickr
A sunrise photo from the Big Badlands Overlook requires getting up really early in the morning, but it’s well worth it when you get a shot like this.
Navin75/flickr
Climb the fire lookout tower, and you’ll be rewarded by some of the most amazing views of the Black Hills.
Robin Zebrowski/flickr
From the hill above Dino Park, you can catch a gorgeous view of Rapid City.
amir85/flickr
This overlook shows you the steep cliffs lining the Big Sioux River in Dell Rapids, just 20 miles north of Sioux Falls.
Jody Halstad/flickr
You can see the different layers of sediment in the yellow mounds of Badlands National Park. These mounds were created over millions of years.
Katie Wheeler/flickr
A drive through Custer State Park yields plenty of unmarked scenic overlooks. Take your time and pull off the road for some quick photos where it’s safe to do so.
Charles (Chuck) Peterson/flickr
A stunning view and some incredible rock formations make Pinnacles Overlook the most popular in Badlands National Park. It’s well worth the stop.
Randy Watson/flickr
Sylavn Lake is one of the most popular in the Black Hills, and you’ll see why once you get a look at this beauty.
Mike Willis/flickr
The photographer doesn’t mention where exactly this overlook is. Do you know? Tell us in the comments!
daveynin/flickr
Take the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail for incredible views like this one. It’s an easy half-mile hike that’s well worth your effort.
katie wheeler/flickr
Climb the observation tower to see Sioux Falls Park from a vantage point you can’t get anywhere else.
Hillary/flickr
You’ll have panoramic views of the prairie and surrounding farmland when you climb Nicollet Tower in Sisseton.
AR Nature Gal/flickr
The viewing platform at Roughlock Falls gives you an up-close view of the beautiful Roughlock Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state.
To witness even more natural beauty, take this hiking trail.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
