The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through South Dakota Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
By Tori Jane|Published April 23, 2024
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Quick question, South Dakota: If someone were to ask you where you could find all the best parks, trails, and wildflowers, would you know where to send them? If not, have I got the trip for you! I’ve put together this wonder-filled, absolutely lovely road trip that’ll take you to some of the best wildflowers in South Dakota. Do you have any favorite stops along this route? What would you add to it? Let me know… and let’s go!
This entire journey is a total of 545 miles long, and without stops, it should take about nine hours to complete. But why wouldn't you stop? Just look:
Our first stop is at Jewel Cave National Monument, which is well-known for its gorgeous spring and summer wildflowers. Oh, and it's more than just flowers - Jewel Cave is absolutely astonishing, and it has the title of the second-longest cave in the United States (and the fifth-largest cave in the world). When this impressive cave system is covered in blooms, it's especially perfect.
Custer State Park is amazing all year 'round, but in the spring and early summer, it's especially perfect. This 71,000-acre slice of paradise is famed for its flowers, with hundreds of gorgeous species peppered across the landscape. You'll need to procure an entrance license for just $20, with which you can remain here for up to a week. If just driving through the flowers isn't enough... imagine waking up among them.
Wind Cave National Park is filled to the brim with wildlife, hiking trails, and especially wildflowers. Hike one of the many trails or perhaps take a guided tour - it's up to you. Wind Cave is the third-largest cave in the world, and how lucky are we here in South Dakota to have it to ourselves? It's even more magical when covered in spring flowers.
Our fourth stop is none other than the stunning Badlands National Park, which is easily the most famous of our numerous state and national parks. In the spring, it's covered in flowers, showing off brilliant color in the most amazing ways. You'll find an amazing array of gorgeous flower species, as well as lots of lively wildlife to admire as well. This stop's a must!
5. McCrory Gardens, Brookings
McCrory Gardens, 631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
McCrory Gardens is one of those places so beautiful that you might just forget you're on earth for a moment. This otherworldly place has definitely earned its spot on this trip; you'll love the variety of blooms as well as all the paths for walking. McCrory Gardens is home to South Dakota's annual TulipPalooza, a springtime festival that's just as brilliant as it sounds. Come for the flowers... stay for the festival.
6. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area, 26140 451st Ave, Canistota, SD 57012, USA
Our final stop is none other than the breathtaking Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, yet another flower-famous place for us to admire for a bit. Lake Vermillion is a gorgeous, 512-acre reservoir that always seems to reflect the blue of sky in its waters. The park is open year-round, but the springtime is my favorite time to show up - the flowers speak for themselves!
So, what do you think? Any plans to embark upon this epic South Dakota wildflower road trip? Let me know! Not sure what to pack for this one? Check out our helpful list of must-have items for your next road trip. Where are your favorite places for springtime wildflowers in South Dakota? Tell me about ’em in the comments!
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