10 Easy Road Trips From Milbank, South Dakota: Fun Things To Do Nearby (But Out of Grant County)
If you’re in
Milbank, South Dakota and craving a quick change of scenery, you’re in luck. You don’t have to drive across the country to find something new. Within about an hour or so, you can visit lakes, wildlife areas, small towns, and museums in nearby counties in both South Dakota and Minnesota.
In this guide, we’ll explore
10 short road trips from Milbank to nearby counties like
Big Stone County, MN,
Lac qui Parle County, MN,
Codington County, SD,
Day County, SD,
Deuel County, SD, and
Roberts County, SD.
All of these ideas are
outside of Grant County, so you’ll actually feel like you “got away,” even if you’re back home before dark.
1. Watch the Sunset at Big Stone Lake State Park (Big Stone County, MN)
Big Stone Lake is one of those places that keeps drawing you back. Just across the border in
Big Stone County, Minnesota, it’s an easy day trip from Milbank.
At
Big Stone Lake State Park, you can:
- Walk easy lakeside trails
- Have a picnic with wide-open water views
- Launch a boat or cast a line for walleye and perch
- Watch some of the best sunsets in the region
The lake stretches about 26 miles, so there’s plenty of shoreline to explore. On a calm summer evening, the water turns shades of orange and pink. If you enjoy photography, this spot is gold.
Tip: Bring camp chairs and a cooler; it’s a perfect low-key date night or family evening trip.
2. Explore Ortonville’s Small-Town Charm (Big Stone County, MN)
Right next to Big Stone Lake sits the town of
Ortonville, MN. It has that classic Upper Midwest small-town feel—quiet streets, friendly faces, and a main street that still feels alive.
Things to do in Ortonville:
- Stroll downtown and pop into local shops
- Grab coffee or a casual meal at a local café
- Walk the lakeside park and fishing pier
- Check out community events, markets, or festivals in season
If you like simple, low-pressure getaways, Ortonville is a nice change of pace. It’s close enough for a quick afternoon, but different enough that it still feels like a getaway.
3. Birdwatch and Relax at Lac qui Parle State Park (Lac qui Parle County, MN)
If you enjoy nature and a little bit of quiet, head east to
Lac qui Parle State Park in
Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota. The name means “lake that speaks,” and on a windy day, you’ll understand why.
This area is known for:
- Birdwatching: Especially waterfowl during migration season
- Canoeing & kayaking: Calm stretches of water to paddle
- Easy hiking: Short trails through prairie and along the water
- Picnics: Shaded tables with peaceful views
If you’ve ever thought, “I just need some quiet,” this is the kind of spot that resets your brain.
Idea: Pack binoculars, a simple picnic, and a light jacket. Plan to stay a few hours, then take the scenic route home.
4. Discover Local History in Madison, MN (Lac qui Parle County, MN)
The town of
Madison, Minnesota in Lac qui Parle County is another simple but rewarding road trip from Milbank. It’s one of those places where you find little surprises if you take the time to look.
What you might enjoy:
- Checking out local history displays and heritage sites
- Grabbing lunch at a small-town diner
- Walking quiet neighborhoods and parks
- Exploring seasonal events and local festivals
If you like to see how different small towns live, even within a short drive, Madison gives you a different flavor than Milbank, with its own stories and traditions.
5. Spend the Day at Lake Kampeska (Codington County, SD)
Drive west to
Codington County, South Dakota and check out
Lake Kampeska, just outside Watertown. It’s a popular local getaway, and for good reason.
Around Lake Kampeska you can:
- Swim at public beaches
- Fish from shore or boat
- Bike or walk along the lakeside roads
- Enjoy lakeside parks and playgrounds
On a warm weekend, families, anglers, and boaters all share the space. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back.
Pro tip: If you head here, bring sunscreen and maybe a change of clothes—you’ll probably end up staying longer than you planned.
6. Make a Watertown Day: Bramble Park Zoo & More (Codington County, SD)
While you’re in
Codington County, plan a full day in
Watertown, SD. It’s one of the best “big small towns” within driving distance of Milbank.
Highlights include:
- Bramble Park Zoo: A family-friendly zoo with animals from around the world
- Local museums and art: Great for a rainy-day road trip
- Shopping & dining: Chain stores plus local spots with more character
- Parks: Green spaces if you need to walk off a big lunch
If you’re traveling with kids, the zoo is a hit. If you’re with adults only, you can focus more on shopping, coffee, and a nice dinner before heading back to Milbank.
7. Go Wild at Waubay National Wildlife Refuge (Day County, SD)
Looking for a “wow, nature is huge” moment? Point your car toward
Day County, South Dakota and visit the
Waubay National Wildlife Refuge.
Here you’ll find:
- Overlooks with wide views of lakes and wetlands
- Wildlife watching—especially birds, deer, and waterfowl
- Short trails and auto tours for easy exploring
- Beautiful fall colors if you go in autumn
The area has a quiet, wild feeling you don’t always get near town. On a still day, you might hear nothing but wind and birds.
Tip: Bring bug spray in summer, and don’t forget your camera—sunrise and sunset can be amazing here.
8. Enjoy Lake Time at Clear Lake (Deuel County, SD)
To the south in
Deuel County, South Dakota, the town of
Clear Lake and its nearby lakes make for a classic prairie weekend escape.
You can:
- Visit local lakes for fishing and boating
- Check out small-town parks and playgrounds
- Grab ice cream or a burger at a local spot
- Stroll through town and enjoy that friendly “everybody waves” vibe
If you grew up in the Midwest, this kind of town probably feels familiar—summer evenings, kids on bikes, and neighbors chatting outside.
9. Fish and Relax Around Lake Traverse (Roberts County, SD)
Head north to
Roberts County, South Dakota and you’ll run into
Lake Traverse, which stretches along the SD–MN border. It’s a solid choice for folks who love fishing, boating, or just being near the water.
Around Lake Traverse you’ll find:
- Boat access sites and fishing spots
- Cabins and campgrounds (for longer stays)
- Quiet stretches of shoreline to unwind
If you’re after walleye, pike, or panfish, this area is worth a look. Even if you’re not an angler, a slow drive along the lake roads with a thermos of coffee makes for a peaceful half-day trip.
10. Visit Sisseton and the Prairie Hills (Roberts County, SD)
Also in
Roberts County, the town of
Sisseton, SD and the surrounding prairie hills offer a nice mix of culture, scenery, and history.
Depending on the time of year, you can:
- Explore local cultural and historical sites
- Drive the rolling hills and take in wide prairie views
- Stop at parks or scenic pull-offs for photos
- Check out local cafes and shops
On a clear day, those gentle hills and open skies remind you how big the Great Plains really are. It’s a great drive if you just need to think, talk, and breathe for a while.
How to Make the Most of These Short Road Trips From Milbank
To keep your day trips from
Milbank, SD fun and stress-free:
- Plan loosely: Have one or two main stops, but leave room to wander.
- Pack a “go bag”: Water, snacks, phone chargers, a light jacket, and sunscreen.
- Check hours: Especially for museums, parks, and zoos.
- Bring a cooler: Handy for picnic food or local goodies on the way home.
Sometimes the best part of a short road trip isn’t the main destination. It’s the little unexpected things along the way—a roadside stand, a tiny park, or a quiet view you didn’t expect.
Share Your Favorite Milbank Area Road Trips
If you live in or around
Milbank, South Dakota, you probably have your own favorite spots in
Codington, Day, Deuel, Roberts, Big Stone, and
Lac qui Parle counties.
- Do you have a favorite hidden fishing spot?
- Know a small-town café that’s worth the drive?
- Found a great hiking trail or picnic area nearby?
I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment with your go-to short road trip from Milbank, or any tips you’d add for visiting these places.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or anyone looking for easy things to do near Milbank. The more we share local ideas, the more everyone gets to enjoy what’s right in our own backyard.
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