10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Sioux Falls, South Dakota
If you live in Sioux Falls, or you’re just in town for a few days, you might be wondering:
What fun stuff can I do nearby without driving all day?
The good news? You’re surrounded by small towns, quiet lakes, and quirky attractions just a short drive away. These road trips all take you
outside Minnehaha County into nearby counties like Lyon (IA), Pipestone (MN), Lake (SD), Lincoln (SD), Moody (SD), Turner (SD), McCook (SD), Rock (MN), and more.
Most are under an hour away, so they’re perfect for a quick day trip from Sioux Falls.
1. Pipestone National Monument – Pipestone County, Minnesota
Looking for a peaceful place with a little history and a lot of scenery? Head northeast to
Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone County, Minnesota, about 45–60 minutes from Sioux Falls.
Walk the short loop trail (around 3/4 of a mile) and you’ll find:
- Red pipestone quarries that Native American tribes still use today
- Small waterfalls and rocky cliffs
- Prairie views and wildflowers in summer
Inside the visitor center, you can watch carvers shaping the soft red stone and learn how it’s been used for sacred pipes for generations.
If you like taking photos, this place is a dream at sunset. The rock glows a deep red, and the whole area feels calm and quiet.
2. Blue Mounds State Park – Rock County, Minnesota
Just over the border in Rock County, Minnesota, you’ll find
Blue Mounds State Park, about 35–45 minutes east of Sioux Falls.
This park is known for:
- A tall pink quartzite cliff that looks almost like a mini canyon
- A herd of American bison grazing the prairie
- Easy hiking trails and big-sky views
You can hike along the edge of the cliffs, keep an eye out for bison from a distance, and enjoy the kind of wide-open scenery you usually see in western movies.
Pack a cooler, a simple picnic lunch, and maybe a blanket. There’s something relaxing about stretching out under that huge sky, listening to the wind in the grass.
3. Lake Madison & Lake Herman – Lake County, South Dakota
If a lake day is your idea of fun, drive about 45 minutes northwest to
Lake County, South Dakota. The area around Madison is full of water—especially
Lake Madison and
Lake Herman.
Here you can:
- Swim at designated beaches
- Launch a boat or kayak
- Fish for walleye, perch, and bluegill
- Camp or just hang out for the afternoon
Lake Herman State Park has simple hiking trails, picnic shelters, and campsites with nice lake views. It’s an easy spot for a summer Saturday when you don’t want to over-plan your day.
Tip: Bring layers. Even warm days can turn windy pretty fast out on the water.
4. Canton & Newton Hills State Park – Lincoln County, South Dakota
South of Sioux Falls, in
Lincoln County, you’ll find the charming town of
Canton and the rolling hills of
Newton Hills State Park, usually about a 30–40 minute drive.
Newton Hills feels different from the flat fields you’re used to:
- Wooded hills and ravines
- Shaded hiking and biking trails
- Birdwatching and wildlife spotting
In fall, this is one of the best places near Sioux Falls for colorful leaves.
You can spend a slow morning grabbing coffee in Canton, then head to the park for an afternoon hike. If you’re from the area, you might be surprised how “not flat” this little corner of South Dakota is.
5. The Small-Town Charm of Parker – Turner County, South Dakota
Sometimes, the best road trip is a simple one. Drive about 40 minutes southwest to
Parker in
Turner County for a classic small-town South Dakota experience.
What to do there?
- Walk Main Street and check out local shops and cafés
- Visit nearby parks or ball fields for a casual stroll
- Time your visit around a local festival or county event
If you grew up in a small town, it might feel a little nostalgic. If you didn’t, it’s a nice reminder that not everything has to be big and busy to be fun.
I once ended up in a town like this on accident after missing a turn. I grabbed lunch at a tiny café and ended up talking with locals about farming, football, and the weather for almost an hour. No fancy attractions—just real people and a slower pace.
6. Dell Rapids’ Quiet Cousin: Flandreau & the Big Sioux River – Moody County, South Dakota
About 45 minutes north of Sioux Falls you’ll reach
Flandreau in
Moody County. It sits along the
Big Sioux River and offers a quieter, less crowded option than some of the bigger recreation spots.
Things to do in the area:
- Walk or picnic near the river
- Cast a line if you enjoy fishing
- Drive the back roads to enjoy rural scenery
This is a laid-back kind of trip. Nothing high-pressure, nothing over-hyped. It’s a good choice when you want to get out of town without having to “do it all.”
7. Pipestone’s Downtown & Local Eats – Pipestone County, Minnesota
If you already plan to visit Pipestone National Monument, don’t skip the town of
Pipestone itself in Pipestone County.
In the historic downtown area you’ll find:
- Buildings made from that same reddish-pink quartzite stone
- Local diners and coffee shops
- Small galleries and gift shops
It’s one of those places where you can park the car and just wander on foot. Order a slice of pie, sip a coffee, or browse for a handmade gift. If you like old brick and stone buildings, bring your camera—you’ll use it.
8. Lyon County, Iowa Backroads & Riverside Views
To the southeast, crossing into
Lyon County, Iowa, you’ll find a patchwork of farms, small towns, and river views. This is more of a “roll down the windows and drive” kind of trip.
Here are a few ideas:
- Follow the backroads near the Big Sioux River
- Stop in small towns for ice cream, burgers, or a quick lunch
- Take photos of old barns, churches, and wide-open fields
If you’ve ever wanted to go on a Sunday drive like your grandparents talked about, this is the place for it. No big crowds, no ticket lines—just miles of quiet roads and a slower rhythm.
9. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area – McCook County, South Dakota
About 30–40 minutes west of Sioux Falls in
McCook County you’ll hit
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. It’s close enough for a quick visit but far enough to feel like you’ve “gotten away.”
You can:
- Swim at the beach area
- Fish from shore or by boat
- Camp overnight or spend a long afternoon outside
- Walk the short trails and stretch your legs
On hot summer days, the lake is a nice escape from the concrete and traffic of town. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a folding chair. If you have kids, they’ll stay busy just playing by the water.
10. Luverne & Palisades-Style Scenery – Rock County, Minnesota
While Palisades State Park itself is in Minnehaha County (so we’re skipping it), you can still enjoy similar rocky scenery and small-town charm nearby in
Luverne and the surrounding areas of
Rock County, Minnesota, about 30–40 minutes from Sioux Falls.
Around Luverne you’ll find:
- Prairie landscapes and rolling farmland
- Access to quartzite rock formations out in the countryside
- Local shops, cafés, and a walkable downtown
Make it a lazy half-day road trip: breakfast or lunch in Luverne, a short drive through the countryside, and a few photo stops along the way.
Tips for Planning Your Sioux Falls Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Sioux Falls more fun and less stressful, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather: Plains weather can change fast—bring layers and a light jacket.
- Fill up the tank: Some stretches don’t have many gas stations.
- Pack snacks and water: Especially if you’re hiking or spending time by the lake.
- Bring a paper map or download maps offline: Cell service can get spotty in rural areas.
- Wear comfy shoes: Even “easy” stops usually mean a bit of walking.
Ready to Hit the Road From Sioux Falls?
You don’t have to drive for hours to find new things to do near Sioux Falls. Within an hour or so, you can:
- Walk along cliffs in Minnesota
- Relax by lakes in Lake and McCook counties
- Explore small towns in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa
- Learn about Native American history at Pipestone National Monument
Next time you’re wondering what to do on a Saturday, pick one of these
10 out-of-county road trips from Sioux Falls, toss a cooler in the car, and just go. You might find a new favorite spot—without ever getting too far from home.
Share Your Favorite Sioux Falls Road Trips
Do you have a favorite park, lake, or small town outside Minnehaha County that deserves a shout-out?
Drop your suggestions in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy weekend road trip ideas from Sioux Falls.
The more we share our local gems, the more everyone gets to enjoy them.
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