South Dakota is naturally painted in rich colors year-round, but autumn illuminates the landscape with fiery foliage. Discover the magic of fall in The Mount Rushmore State, from refreshing wilderness walks to scenic road trips along meandering byways.

To help you plan your own all-American fall adventure this year, Berty and I wrote a complete guide to South Dakota in Autumn. We’re sharing maps to the most fun South Dakota fall locations, the best times to visit each, what to expect, and so much more!

From big cities to small towns, South Dakota does it up for fall. Bring the family to a harvest festival, complete with hayrides and corn mazes. Autumn is prime pumpkin- and apple-picking time, and you’ll find no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

These festivities come in many forms—from family-friendly carnivals and Weiner dog parades, to Celtic concerts, Oktoberfests, a pumpkin catapult and so much more! Check out what communities, large and small, are doing to celebrate the arrival of autumn in South Dakota. (Pro tip: Come hungry and thirsty.)

Oct 12, 2023 · There is also amazing autumn foliage to see in the state. At sights such as Spearfish Canyon, you can see aspens and birches change their colors from green to gorgeous warm hues on a fall hike. Most of the leaves in South Dakota start to change at the beginning of October, and peak colors come around the end of the month.

Oct 7, 2024 · From exploring the rugged beauty of Custer State Park to the scenic splendor of Needles Highway, the state's top destinations showcase the best of autumn’s colors and outdoor fun. Typically, fall colors peak between late September and mid-October, making it the ideal season for a visit.

Aug 4, 2023 · Fall colors in South Dakota are usually at their peak in the middle of October, so why not go out and take full advantage of it? Take a beautiful drive through the best fall foliage in South Dakota on this scenic route!

Sep 4, 2024 · Here Are The Best Times And Places To View South Dakota’s Fall Foliage In 2024. South Dakota offers stunning autumn displays with peak fall colors expected from mid-September to late October.

Aug 8, 2022 · Along with leaf peeping, other popular fall activities in South Dakota include pumpkin patches, hay rides, corn mazes, and Oktoberfest. Here are the best things to do in South Dakota in the fall! Spearfish Canyon is one of the most gorgeous places for fall colors in …

Aug 27, 2024 · A Vibrant Celebration of Autumn’s Splendor in the Mount Rushmore State. South Dakota comes alive with vibrant fall festivals as autumn paints the landscape in warm hues. These events celebrate the harvest season and showcase the state’s rich traditions. The Sioux Falls Autumn Festival is a must-visit arts and crafts fair.