With the beauty of its 1.2 million acres, the Black Hills National Forest ranks as one of South Dakota's favorite places to visit, camp, hike, and vacation.

Did you also know that the Black Hills is among the Top U.S. Destinations to Avoid Crowds? Hmmm, you can go ahead and scratch your head too. You won't be alone.

Not letting out any secrets here, but there are so many one-day, weekend, and vacation getaway destinations in South Dakota you only need to ask the locals to find out where they are. The great thing about that is, we'll be happy to tell you.

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Many travelers pick the seasons when places like the Black Hills aren't overrun by the tourist crowd. And yes you can still experience all the beauty from Spearfish to Hot Springs.

There are plenty of other great things to do and see all over this state where, at the right time of year, you won't be cheek-to-elbow with others:

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Travel South Dakota
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Hiking: Anywhere in the Black Hills, Good Earth State Park

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Travel South Dakota
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Missouri River: 2,250 miles of shoreline with the state's best fishing. Endless boating, camping sites, biking trails, and hiking.

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Travel South Dakota
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Biking: Sioux Falls Bike Trail, Michelson Trail
From right here in Sioux Falls, to Yankton, and Spearfish Canyon, to the Michelson Trail.

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Travel South Dakota
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State Capitol in Pierre

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Travel South Dakota
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Tour the Badlands

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Travel South Dakota
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South Dakota Air and Space Museum

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Travel South Dakota
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SculptureWalk

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Travel South Dakota/Canva
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Yes, we have the Falls - Roughlock Falls & Falls Park

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Travel South Dakota
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Dinosaur Museum

Best Time To Have A Good Time in South Dakota

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