10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips From Dell Rapids, South Dakota

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10 Easy Road Trips From Dell Rapids, South Dakota (All Outside Minnehaha County)

If you’re based in Dell Rapids, South Dakota and you’ve already hit all the local favorites, you might be wondering, “Now what?” The good news: you’re surrounded by small towns, state parks, lakes, and quirky roadside stops that make for perfect half-day or full-day adventures. And the best part? All of the ideas below are outside Minnehaha County, just like you asked for, but still close enough that you won’t spend your whole day driving. These 10 short road trips near Dell Rapids will take you into nearby counties like Moody, Lincoln, Lake, McCook, Turner, Pipestone (MN), Rock (MN), and Lyon (IA).

1. Pipestone National Monument – Pipestone County, Minnesota

If you only pick one road trip from Dell Rapids, make it this one. Located in Pipestone, Minnesota, just over the border, Pipestone National Monument is about an hour’s drive from Dell Rapids and feels like stepping into a history book. You’ll find:
  • Short hiking trails (around ¾ of a mile) that loop past red quartzite cliffs and a small waterfall.
  • Beautiful prairie views and unique rock formations.
  • A visitor center with displays on Native American culture and the sacred pipestone quarries.
Take your time on the trail. There are benches where you can sit and listen to the wind across the prairie. On a quiet morning, it’s incredibly peaceful. Tip: Wear comfy walking shoes and bring water. The trail isn’t long, but some sections can be a little uneven.

2. Lake Herman State Park – Lake County, South Dakota

About an hour northwest of Dell Rapids, near Madison in Lake County, you’ll find Lake Herman State Park. This is a relaxed, low-stress spot for a simple day outdoors. Things to do here:
  • Picnic by the lake with lake views and plenty of shade.
  • Hiking and walking on short trails through rolling hills and trees.
  • Fishing from the shore or by boat if you bring one.
  • Camping if you want to turn your road trip into an overnight stay.
On a summer evening, the sunsets over Lake Herman are hard to beat. Pack a cooler, some folding chairs, and make a simple afternoon out of it.

3. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area – McCook County, South Dakota

Head southwest from Dell Rapids into McCook County and you’ll reach Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, a favorite spot for locals who love the water. Here you can:
  • Swim at the beach area in the warmer months.
  • Kayak or paddleboard if you have your own gear.
  • Fish for walleye, bass, and more.
  • Enjoy easy, family-friendly walks around the park.
If your ideal road trip is less about sightseeing and more about simply relaxing by the water, this one checks all the boxes. Family idea: Grab breakfast in Dell Rapids, drive out in the morning, spend the day at the lake, and be home by evening without feeling rushed.

4. Newton Hills State Park – Lincoln County, South Dakota

In Lincoln County, a little over an hour from Dell Rapids, you’ll discover Newton Hills State Park, one of southeastern South Dakota’s prettiest wooded parks. What makes it special?
  • Wooded hiking trails instead of just open prairie.
  • Colorful fall foliage if you visit in September or October.
  • Birdwatching and quiet corners to escape the noise.
Some of the trails are a bit hilly, but nothing extreme. It’s a nice change of scenery if you’re used to flat farmland and open fields. Road trip combo: Pair Newton Hills with a quick meal stop in a nearby small town to turn it into a full day out.

5. Garretson & Palisades Vibes…But in Rock County, Minnesota

While Palisades State Park itself is in Minnehaha County (and off-limits for this list), you can still chase those same rocky, scenic vibes just across the border in Rock County, Minnesota. Head east into Rock County and look for:
  • Red quartzite ridges and rock outcrops that look a lot like what you’d see around Palisades.
  • Quiet rural drives with old barns, farm fields, and big-sky views.
This is more of a “slow road” trip. Think:
  • Windows down.
  • Good playlist.
  • Stopping for photos whenever you see a cool view or old bridge.
It’s a nice option if you enjoy scenic drives near Dell Rapids more than structured activities.

6. Moody County Backroads & Flandreau Area – Moody County, South Dakota

Just north of Minnehaha lies Moody County, which gives you a chance to soak in relaxed small-town South Dakota. Around the Flandreau area you can:
  • Take a backroads drive among cornfields, pastures, and classic Midwestern barns.
  • Look for small-town cafes with good, simple food and homemade pies.
  • Explore local parks for a light walk and a break from the car.
This kind of road trip is less about “bucket list” attractions and more about enjoying the mood of rural life. If you like to take pictures of grain elevators, old churches, and country roads, you’ll have fun here.

7. Turner County Scenic Loops – Turner County, South Dakota

To the south, Turner County is full of quiet highways and county roads that are perfect for a laid-back afternoon drive. Here’s how to make it a fun little adventure:
  • Pick a small town (like Parker or Centerville) and make it your “target.”
  • Take the back way, not just the main highway.
  • Stop at any local park or main street that catches your eye.
Along the way, watch for:
  • Old farmsteads and windbreaks.
  • Fields stretching for miles in every direction.
  • Classic country churches that pop up out of nowhere.
This is an easy choice if you want a short road trip from Dell Rapids that doesn’t require a lot of planning.

8. Lyon County, Iowa: Crossing Another State Line

If you’re in the mood for another state line crossing, drive southeast to Lyon County, Iowa. Why go?
  • Enjoy a three-state road trip feel (South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa) within a couple of hours.
  • Check out small Iowa towns with their own twist on Midwest charm.
  • Explore county parks and riverside areas for short walks and picnic breaks.
The drive itself is the main attraction here. You’ll pass through rolling farmland, river valleys, and quiet communities. It’s a nice way to break out of your usual routine without going far.

9. Madison & Surrounding Lakes – Lake County, South Dakota

We already mentioned Lake Herman, but the whole Madison area in Lake County is worth a dedicated trip. Make a loop that includes:
  • Lake Madison and nearby recreation spots.
  • Local cafes or diners in town for lunch.
  • A stop at a lakeside park to stretch your legs.
If you’re traveling with kids or friends, this area gives you options:
  • Beach time when it’s warm.
  • Ice fishing or winter walks when it’s cold.
  • Simple, low-key shopping and treats in town.
It’s an easy, classic South Dakota road trip: lakes, small towns, and open skies.

10. Pipestone & Rock County Combo Loop – Minnesota Border Adventure

If you’ve got a full day, combine a couple of spots into one bigger loop through Pipestone County and Rock County, Minnesota. Here’s a simple plan:
  • Start from Dell Rapids and head to Pipestone National Monument.
  • Walk the trail and explore the visitor center.
  • Drive south or east into Rock County, taking side roads for a more scenic route.
  • Stop for photos wherever the prairie and rock formations catch your eye.
By the time you roll back into Dell Rapids, you’ll feel like you’ve gone on a much bigger adventure than the miles might suggest.

Tips for Planning Short Road Trips From Dell Rapids

To make the most of your day trips near Dell Rapids, keep a few simple things in mind:
  • Check park hours and fees. Some state parks and recreation areas have entrance or parking fees.
  • Pack a small “road trip kit.” Water, snacks, a light jacket, phone charger, and a paper map just in case.
  • Watch the weather. South Dakota and the surrounding region can change fast—sunny mornings and stormy afternoons.
  • Fill up on gas first. In rural areas, stations can be spread out more than you expect.
A short drive of 30 minutes to 1.5 hours can completely change the scenery and your mood. You don’t need a big budget or a long weekend to feel like you’ve gotten away for a while.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Dell Rapids?

These 10 ideas are just a starting point. Once you begin exploring Moody, Lincoln, Lake, McCook, Turner, Pipestone, Rock, and Lyon counties, you’ll start to spot your own favorite stops—little parks, quiet lakes, mom-and-pop cafes, and scenic overlooks that don’t show up on big travel sites. Now I’d love to hear from you:
  • Have you taken any of these road trips from Dell Rapids?
  • Do you have a hidden gem in one of these counties that more people should know about?
Please share your experiences in the comments and let other travelers know what you’ve discovered. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or on social media so more people can find fun, easy road trips near Dell Rapids, South Dakota.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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