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State Bucket List
South Dakota's outdoor adventures are anchored by two of the most distinctive landscapes in the American West. The Badlands -- a maze of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires that looks like another planet -- delivers the Notch Trail: a log ladder, a canyon traverse, and a ledge walk that ends at a sweeping view of the White River Valley. Short, weird, and completely unforgettable.
Deadwood's entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark. Wild Bill Hickok was shot here. Calamity Jane is buried here. The Black Hills surrounding the town offer world-class hiking, mountain biking, and riding through a landscape that has been drawing adventurers since the gold rush. The combination of history and outdoor access makes Deadwood one of the most complete small-town destinations in the Mountain West.
These two South Dakota adventures are drawn from Outdoor Taste + Tour's reporting across the Badlands and Black Hills.
The Notch Trail is the Badlands' most dramatic hike - a log ladder, a canyon traverse, and a ledge walk that ends at a sweeping view of the White River Valley. Short, weird, and unforgettable.
Wild Bill Hickok was shot here. Calamity Jane is buried here. Deadwood's entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark, and the Black Hills surrounding it offer world-class hiking and riding.
In-depth articles for every adventure on this list that has an OTT guide.
South Dakota Travel Guides
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