South Dakota

South Dakota is best known for Mount Rushmore, where the heads of presidents Jefferson, Roosevelt, Washington and Lincoln are carved in grand proportion into the mountainside. Today, South Dakota draws more than 11 million visitors each year, many to see Mount Rushmore but others to experience the Wild West towns, explore the coniferous "Black Hills" and see the wild natural rock formations in the Badlands.

A place with a bit of a rough-and-tumble history, the southernmost border of South Dakota is the battle site of Wounded Knee, where the Native Americans fought to keep their land in the face of US expansion. The state was a part of many territories including the Louisiana and Missouri, but it finally became a state along with North Dakota in 1889. Gold had been discovered in the mountains in 1874 and soon settlements like Deadwood were popping up everywhere, and people like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock were coming to settle the land and make their fortunes.

Today's visitors to South Dakota will find a variety of scenery and history that make for a fun vacation spot. On the western border of the state, Rapid City is the place to go. Right below Rapid City is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which makes a great historical day trip. The sculptor Gutzon Borglum oversaw the carving at this grand site. The presidents are 60 feet tall and there is no admission fee. After seeing Mount Rushmore, visitors can then go hiking or horseback riding nearby. Visit at night to see the faces illuminated by spotlights.

Other great spots to visit in Rapid City are the Reptile Gardens, with the largest collection of reptiles in the world, Bear Country USA, where visitors can drive through the park and see North American wildlife, and the Black Hills Maze where visitors can try to find their way out of a big wooden maze. Rapid City also has some fun amusement parks such as Storybook Island, and Rushmore Waterslide Park To catch up on South Dakota history, visit the Journey Museum where you start 2.5 billion years ago and continue up until the Wild West!

If you're visiting central South Dakota, the capital city of Pierre is a fun place to stop for some cultural heritage. Visit the State Capitol Building, a Greek Revival building finished in 1910, where a sculpture by the same artist who created Mount Rushmore sits on the Capitol lawn. For a great walk, visit La Framboise Island where it's foot traffic only and the scenery is beautiful. For some indoor fun and learning, the South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium is great for yourvacation in Pierre. This hands-on, touching-encouraged museum is great for the whole family and the whole thing is housed in a converted power plant!

If eastern South Dakota is calling your name, Sioux Falls is the best place to stay. It's mostly about the prairie lands in Sioux Falls, but there's some great museums too! The Great Plains Zoo has over 1,000 animals, many of whom are not often found in other zoos. The Zoo also includes the Delbridge Museum of Natural History. The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is another museum stop in the city. If it's outdoors you want, the Great Bear Recreation Park or Falls Parkare local spots to visit.

So whether it's the Black Hills, the Badlands, or the eastern prairie lands that are calling, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Country Inn & Suites - Starting at $37 a night this Rapid City hotel is near the Journey Museum and Reptile Gardens. A really great bargain –this hotel serves continental breakfast and featuring an indoor pool and spa tub.
Days Inn Pierre - Starting at $59 a night and close to the State Capitol building. Complimentary breakfast is served, and there's an area to BBQ if you want to eat in and save cash!
Ramada - Starting at $55 a night and close to the Great Plains Zoo, this Sioux Falls hotel is familiar and comfortable.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Hotel Alex Johnson - Starting at $79 a night and close to the Reptile Gardens, this rustic Rapid City hotel has a coffee shop, limited room service, and spa amenities!
Holiday Inn - Starting at $111 a night this comfortable Pierre hotel is near to the Capitol building, and has an indoor pool and fitness facility.
Country Inn & Suites - Starting at $98 a night and close to the best Sioux Falls tourist spots. The hotel has a restaurant and room service, and serves a complimentary breakfast!

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Sheraton Sioux Falls - Starting at $89 a night this hotel is a great luxury bargain! The hotel has a restaurant and café, room service, a health club and spa tub, and more!