Are you ready for a scenic drive that offers some iconic South Dakota views? This byway takes you through some of South Dakota’s most scenic lands. From the Nebraska border to the North Dakota border, the scenery is incredible.
The Native American National And State Scenic Byway runs through South Dakota from the Nebraska border all the way north to North Dakota. The entire route is 478 miles, so we suggest that you split your trip into at least two days to fully appreciate this road’s scenic beauty.
Google Click here for the interactive map and directions.
The South Dakota portion of this scenic byway starts at the Nebraska border, at the Chief Standing Bear Memorial Bridge. This bridge stretches across the Missouri River from Niobrara, Nebraska to Running Water, South Dakota.
Jake DeGroot/Wikimedia
This byway takes you through the lands of many tribes. To learn some of their stories, stop at the Akta Lakota Museum in Chamberlain, just about one hour into your trip.
Michael0311/Tripadvisor
Just past Chamberlain, you’ll cross into the Crow Creek Reservation, where you’ll see rolling meadows and some beautiful views of the Missouri River.
Crow Creek Connections
The Crow Creek Reservation covers 196 square miles and is home to around 1,230 people.
Crow Creek Connections
You’ll cross the Missouri at the Big Bend Dam and continue on to the Lower Brule Indian Reservation.
Crow Creek Connections
The Lower Brule Reservation is home to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, and is home to about 1,300 people.
Alanscottwalker/Wikimedia
The Buffalo Interpretive Center, about seven miles east of Fort Pierre, was established by the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Stop by and visit to learn more about the Sioux people and their customs.
Rolf Blauert Dk4hb/Wikimedia
Fort Pierre was established in 1855.
Fort Pierre Tourism/Facebook
Today, the town is home to around 2,100 people. This scenic little town is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Bad Rivers.
Fort Pierre Tourism/Facebook
By the time you get to Eagle Butte, you’ll be in the Cheyenne River Reservation, which covers 4,266 square miles.
Shiran De Silva/Youtube
Through this part of the scenic byway, you’ll find rolling hills and prairie.
Shiran De Silva/Youtube
Watch for bands of wild horses through this part of your drive.
Lars Ploughman/flickr
Visit the Sitting Bull Monument and Gravesite in Mobridge. Chief Sitting Bull and his son (among others) were killed on the Cheyenne River Reservation in December, 1890.
Brett Whaley/flickr
You’ll cross the Missouri again at Mobridge.
dvs/flickr
From Mobridge, you’ll travel north through the most eastern portion of the Standing Rock Reservation. The South Dakota portion of the scenic byway ends at the North Dakota Border.
Shiran De Silva/Youtube
Have you ever taken this scenic byway?
Click here for the interactive map and directions.
Jake DeGroot/Wikimedia
Michael0311/Tripadvisor
Crow Creek Connections
Alanscottwalker/Wikimedia
Rolf Blauert Dk4hb/Wikimedia
Fort Pierre Tourism/Facebook
Shiran De Silva/Youtube
Lars Ploughman/flickr
Brett Whaley/flickr
dvs/flickr
If you’re looking for another great scenic drive, consider our fall foliage road trip!
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