9 Of The Best Tours In South Dakota

South Dakota is a state that packs a punch when it comes to unique tour experiences. Its rugged landscapes, wild west history, and cultural heritage make it a perfect playground for travelers seeking something different than the typical sightseeing. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just someone looking for a thrill, South Dakota offers adventures that are both authentic and memorable. For example, exploring Deadwood’s haunted streets with the Deadwood Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour provides a spine-tingling peek into the town’s storied past, while a Badlands small plane flight lets you see the region from a viewpoint few ever enjoy. These tours combine history, nature, and a sense of adventure that set South Dakota apart from other destinations.

Choosing a tour here isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about finding what excites you most. Whether you prefer walking through haunted streets, flying over breathtaking vistas, or exploring Native American history, South Dakota’s diverse tours promise a genuine experience. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you the best choices that balance value, uniqueness, and practicality.

1. Deadwood Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour

This ghost tour in Deadwood is a top pick for those interested in the spooky side of history. Hosted by a knowledgeable local guide, it takes about an hour to walk through the historic district, stopping at iconic haunted spots like the Deadwood Welcome Center and the Brothel Museum. The tour covers stories of restless spirits, ghostly apparitions, and eerie encounters, blending historic fact with local legend. What makes this tour stand out is its authenticity—local guides share personal experiences and tales that bring the ghost stories vividly to life.

Rated 4.5/5 based on 73 reviews, the tour is priced at $32 per person, offering excellent value for the rich storytelling. Reviewers love the guide’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge—one mentioned, “Susan was wonderful. She was very informative and even brought her own experiences into the making which was great!!” This experience is perfect for those intrigued by the supernatural, history lovers, or anyone wanting a fun, spooky evening in Deadwood.

Bottom Line: If you’re curious about Deadwood’s darker tales, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of spooky stories and historical context, making it a memorable twilight experience.

2. Badlands Small Plane Air Adventure Tour

For around $155, the Badlands Small Plane Air Adventure Tour provides a bird’s-eye view of South Dakota’s most striking landscape. Led by an experienced pilot, this 40-minute flight offers sweeping vistas of the White River Valley, Pinnacles Overlook, and Roberts Prairie Dog Town. Flying over Wall, South Dakota, the landscape unfolds as a dramatic tapestry of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and layered sedimentary rocks.

What makes this tour special is its intimate, personalized experience—it’s just you and the pilot, which means flexibility in spotting wildlife or capturing photos. Reviewers highlight how this aerial perspective transformed their understanding of the terrain, describing it as “a totally different perspective,” and “an unforgettable experience.” It’s ideal for travelers with a sense of adventure, photography buffs, or anyone wanting a rare view of the Badlands’ grandeur.

Bottom Line: If you want to see the full scope of the Badlands’ rugged beauty and geological complexity, this flight delivers a stunning, memorable experience with an expert pilot.

3. Badlands National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

The Badlands National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is perfect if you prefer to explore at your own pace. For just $16.99, this app provides a comprehensive narration covering key overlooks, hiking trails, and park history. It’s designed for flexibility—you can stop wherever you like and listen as long as you want, making it ideal for families or those who want to linger at specific viewpoints.

Highlights include the Hay Butte Overlook and Roberts Prairie Dog Town, where you can observe wildlife like bison and pronghorn. The narration offers insights into fossils, native culture, and geology, enriching your experience beyond just viewing. Reviewers appreciate how the tour “helped us appreciate the Badlands beyond just the views,” with some noting they’ve used it again on return visits. The app is valid for a full year, so you can revisit whenever you’re in the area.

Bottom Line: For a flexible, educational way to explore the Badlands on your own schedule, this audio tour offers excellent value and detailed insights.

4. Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour to See Badlands National Park

At number 4, the Ultimate Small Plane Aerial Tour provides a more extensive flight experience, lasting about an hour and 10 minutes, at $265 per group. This tour takes you over both the North and South ridges of the Badlands, offering a panoramic view of the park’s deep valleys, jagged cliffs, and remote terrains. It’s perfect for those who want to see more ground covered and capture images of wildlife and geological formations from a new perspective.

The tour is highly praised for its comprehensive coverage and the pilot’s enthusiasm, often considered the favorite of the operator. Each passenger receives a complimentary T-shirt—a small but memorable souvenir. Reviews mention how the flight “revealed areas we couldn’t access from the ground,” making it ideal for photography lovers and thrill-seekers.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a substantial aerial adventure that takes in the full grandeur of the Badlands, this tour offers an impressive perspective and a memorable experience.

5. Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smart Phone App Walking Tour

This self-guided Wild West Deadwood Adventure is a budget-friendly way to explore Deadwood’s frontier past. For just $7.75 per person, you use your smartphone to navigate and learn about the city’s most famous sites, including Wild Bill’s shooting location, the Bullock Hotel, and Mt. Moriah Cemetery. The app allows you to pause, start, and revisit at your convenience, giving you control over your pace.

The tour emphasizes history and legend, with stories of outlaws and town figures. It’s especially suited for history enthusiasts who prefer a flexible schedule and an interactive experience. With lifetime access to the content, you can relive the tour as often as you like.

Reviewers find it “a great way to learn about Deadwood without the crowds,” and appreciate the ease of use. A downside mentioned was some audio cut-outs, but overall, it provides excellent value for its price.

Bottom Line: For an affordable, flexible way to explore Deadwood, this app-based tour provides engaging stories and a sense of independence.

6. Admission Ticket to the Dakota Discovery Museum

If local culture and art interest you, the Dakota Discovery Museum offers an in-depth look at the Middle Border region. For just $7.70, your ticket grants access to four art galleries, a historical gallery, and a historic village with a prairie church over 110 years old. It’s a quiet, educational experience that provides artifacts, native art, and stories about early settlers and indigenous peoples.

Highlights include paintings by Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe, as well as a recreated one-room schoolhouse from 1885. Visitors enjoy the chance to enjoy regional history and art at their own pace. The museum’s hours are flexible, making it a good option if you want to combine cultural exploration with outdoor adventures.

Reviewers note that it’s a “nice way to spend a few hours learning about local history,” though with only 2 reviews, it’s best suited for those with a keen interest in art and history.

Bottom Line: This attraction is ideal for history and art lovers seeking a calm, educational experience during their South Dakota trip.

7. Badlands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour (Longer Version)

This extensive Badlands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour is suitable for those planning a full-day exploration. With a price of $12.99 for groups up to 15, it covers the park’s most famous sights, including Minuteman Missile Sites and the Oglala Lakota Living History Village.

It offers a detailed narrative about geology, fossils, and native culture, making it perfect for history buffs and curious travelers who want to learn as they explore. It’s a long tour, lasting 11 to 12 hours, ideal for a dedicated day trip or an in-depth exploration for repeat visitors.

While some reviews mention occasional technical issues like audio cut-outs, many appreciate the comprehensive content and how it enhances the experience. It’s especially useful for those who like a structured, educational approach to their adventure.

Bottom Line: For a full-day, guided experience with detailed stories and facts, this audio tour provides in-depth insights into the park’s wonders.

8. Dakota Highlights: Black Hills, Mt Rushmore & Badlands Audio Tour

This two-day Dakota Highlights package offers an unbeatable overview of North and South Dakota. Covering Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, Badlands, and Teddy Roosevelt National Park, it’s designed for travelers who want a comprehensive, self-paced road trip. You can start with the iconic Mount Rushmore, then explore the lush Black Hills and the dramatic Badlands—all with narrated guidance.

This tour is perfect if you prefer organizing your own schedule but want detailed information about each stop. It’s priced at $39.99 for a group of up to four, making it a cost-effective way to experience multiple highlights over two days. Reviews are lacking, but the itinerary suggests it’s suited for those with a flexible timeline and interest in natural and cultural sights.

Bottom Line: This bundle is great for independent travelers who want a curated, educational journey across multiple key sites in the Dakotas.

9. Wild West Deadwood Adventure

Finally, the Wild West Deadwood Adventure offers a fun, app-led interactive experience. Priced at $14.99 per person, it turns Deadwood into a gameboard of trivia, puzzles, and challenges. It’s perfect for groups, families, or anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition while learning about Deadwood’s landmarks.

This 1.5-hour adventure is designed to be engaging and active, with lots of opportunities to discover new spots or revisit familiar ones in a new way. Since there are no reviews yet, it’s a newer option, but its format appeals to those who like self-guided exploration with a gamified twist.

Bottom Line: If you want a lively, game-like way to explore Deadwood, this tour provides entertainment along with education.

How to Choose Your South Dakota Tour

When selecting the right tour in South Dakota, consider your interests, budget, and available time. History enthusiasts might love the ghost tour or the self-guided walking tour, while thrill-seekers should look at the aerial flights. For a leisurely, educational day, the Dakota Discovery Museum offers a calm cultural experience, whereas the full-day Dakota Highlights bundle suits travelers wanting to see multiple regions.

Think about logistics—if you prefer flexibility, self-guided and audio tours allow you to go at your own pace. For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided options like the ghost walk or aerial tours provide expert narration and a sense of adventure. Booking early is wise, especially for popular experiences like the small plane flights, which tend to fill up quickly.

Final Thoughts

South Dakota offers a surprisingly diverse array of tours—whether you want to wander haunted streets, soar above the Badlands, or explore Native American history. The Deadwood Ghosts tour is a fun pick for ghost-lovers, while the aerial flights open up a new perspective on the landscape. For a more relaxed experience, the self-guided audio tours help you discover the parks at your own pace.

For travelers with limited time, the aerial tours and the ghost walk are excellent quick hits. Those seeking a full adventure might consider combining a drive with a cultural visit to the Dakota Discovery Museum or exploring multiple sites with the Dakota Highlights package. Whichever you choose, South Dakota’s tours promise authentic, memorable experiences that go beyond just looking out the window. Remember to book early—these adventures are popular for good reason.