8 I-90 Stops in South Dakota That Make the Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

Interstate 90 cuts through the entire state of South Dakota, connecting towns, wild spaces, and historic landmarks in one ribbon of pavement. Every stop along this route tells a piece of the state’s story, whether you’re craving wide-open vistas, quirky Americana, or a taste of local culture.

If you’re mapping out your own adventure, here are eight must-see stops that showcase the best of South Dakota from east to west.

1. Chamberlain: Dignity of Earth and Sky

Rounding the bend into Chamberlain, it’s impossible to miss the towering Dignity of Earth and Sky statue rising above the Missouri River. This 50-foot steel sculpture honors the Native women of the region with strength and grace. The star quilt she holds shimmers in the wind, echoing traditions that run deep in South Dakota.

I find the overlook itself just as captivating. Standing here, you get an unbroken view across the river and rolling hills. I always take a moment to read the plaques nearby, which share stories about the region’s Lakota and Dakota heritage.

Sometimes, you’ll catch wildflowers blooming along the path, or spot eagles gliding over the valley. The combination of art, history, and quiet beauty makes this a powerful spot for reflection on any I-90 journey. You’ll leave feeling connected to the landscape and the people who shaped it.

2. Sioux Falls: Falls Park

I always feel energized starting a trip in Sioux Falls. Falls Park sits right in the heart of the city, where the Big Sioux River tumbles over striking pink quartzite. The constant rush of water and the open lawns draw locals and travelers in every season.

One of my favorite moments is climbing the observation tower for a panoramic view of the falls and city skyline. There’s a sense of calm up there, especially in the early morning when the mist rises over the rocks. Walking the park’s paved trails offers a gentle way to stretch your legs after hours on the interstate.

You’ll spot public sculptures and old stone buildings dotted around, showing off both history and creativity in one place. In summer, kids dart around the splash pad while families picnic nearby. I always grab a coffee from the nearby café, sip in hand as I watch the water’s endless flow. It’s a welcoming introduction to South Dakota.

3. Mitchell: The Corn Palace

There’s nothing quite like pulling up to Mitchell’s Corn Palace for the first time. Every year, artists create brand-new murals from corn, grain, and native grasses, turning the building into a giant work of art. The designs change each summer, celebrating South Dakota’s agricultural roots in a way that feels both proud and playful.

Walking inside, I’m always surprised at how much local history is packed into the exhibits. From the palace’s early days in 1892 to today’s lively community events, these walls have seen plenty of change. Don’t skip the gift shop, stuffed with corn-themed curiosities you won’t find anywhere else.

People love to snap photos out front with the elaborate façade as a backdrop. It’s both museum and festival rolled into one, with live music, basketball games, and seasonal festivals filling the calendar. If you’re road tripping through the state, this stop promises both a smile and a story to tell later.

4. Murdo: Pioneer Auto Show

Murdo’s Pioneer Auto Show is a living time capsule that car lovers and history fans can both appreciate. The grounds are packed with over 250 classic cars, motorcycles, and tractors, each one with its own story. Walking through the barns and open lots, I always spot something I hadn’t noticed before, from an original Stutz Bearcat to quirky roadside relics.

This isn’t just a lineup of shiny chrome; you’ll also find jukeboxes, vintage toys, and even a General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Every vehicle and artifact seems to spark memories from another era. Kids will love the oddball displays, and grown-ups can swap stories about their own first set of wheels.

There’s a friendly, small-town energy here that makes it easy to linger. The staff know their stuff and love to share a favorite detail or fun fact. For anyone curious about America’s motoring past, this spot is a highlight of the South Dakota stretch of I-90. Best of all, it sits just off the interstate, making it one of the easiest stops to add into your road trip without losing time.

5. Badlands National Park (Wall Exit)

The Badlands always feel like driving onto another planet. Just south of Wall, the landscape flips from flat prairie to a maze of striped rocks, spires, and gullies. Geologists say the park’s colorful layers date back millions of years, revealing ancient history in every curve.

I love stopping for even a short hike, such as the Notch Trail. It winds through canyons and up wooden ladders, ending with wide views of the grasslands below. Photographers and kids alike can’t resist scrambling up the fossil-studded rocks.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot bighorn sheep or a group of prairie dogs watching from the burrows. Every time I visit, the light and shadows paint the cliffs in new shades. The otherworldly beauty of this place makes it a must for any South Dakota road trip.

6. Wall: Wall Drug

Nothing epitomizes South Dakota roadside Americana quite like Wall Drug. What began as a humble drugstore offering free ice water has exploded into a maze of quirky shops, photo ops, and family-friendly attractions. Even skeptics end up grinning at the animatronic dinosaurs and the famous jackalope statue out front.

I make a tradition of grabbing a homemade donut from the café, savoring the cinnamon as I wander the wooden boardwalks. The sprawling store is a wonderland for kids and collectors alike, stocked with everything from cowboy boots to retro postcards.

Every wall tells a bit of the store’s evolution since 1931, and you’ll often hear travelers swapping stories about their first visit. Wall Drug is a true pitstop classic and a memory-maker for generations of road trippers. I’d never drive I-90 through the state without a quick detour here.

7. Rapid City: Downtown & Presidents

Every time I roll into Rapid City, the lively downtown grabs my attention. Bronze statues of former presidents stand on nearly every corner, turning a simple walk into a miniature history tour. Cafés spill onto the sidewalks, offering a chance to unwind with a bite after a day on the road.

Local shops and galleries line Main Street, bringing together handmade art, books, and regional foods. In summer, outdoor concerts and street fairs fill the evenings with music and laughter. Rapid City’s downtown feels inviting, never rushed, and always welcoming to travelers.

The city marks the entrance to the Black Hills, making it a strategic overnight stop. It’s easy to plan side trips to Mount Rushmore or Crazy Horse from here. For me, Rapid City is both a comfortable pause and a launchpad for exploring western South Dakota.

8. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

If you have time for just one scenic drive near I-90, make it Spearfish Canyon. The byway twists through 19 miles of towering limestone walls, lush forests, and clear streams. In fall, bright gold aspen leaves set the whole valley aglow, a sight that stays with you long after you leave.

I never skip a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, where the water tumbles down sheer cliffs just steps from the road. If you have more time, Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls are nearby gems, each offering short, scenic hikes that showcase the canyon’s natural beauty. There are short trails for all skill levels, and anglers often dot the creek casting for trout. Each bend brings a new view, and it’s easy to lose track of time stopping for photos.

Close to the Wyoming border, Spearfish Canyon sums up the wild, untamed heart of western South Dakota. The drive is peaceful, scenic, and a perfect way to end a road trip across the state.