10 Easy Road Trips Near Hartford, South Dakota (That Take You Out of Minnehaha County)
If you live in Hartford, South Dakota (in
Minnehaha County), you already know it’s a cozy place to call home. But what if you’re itching to get out of town for the day… without hopping on a plane or driving across the country?
The good news: you’re surrounded by small towns, lakes, and state parks that make perfect
day trips from Hartford, SD. And because we’re skipping Minnehaha County completely, you’ll get to explore a whole new set of places in the counties around you: Lyon (IA), Pipestone (MN), Rock (MN), Lake (SD), Lincoln (SD), McCook (SD), Moody (SD), and Turner (SD).
Grab a coffee, fill up the gas tank, and let’s talk about 10 short
out-of-county road trips that are easy, relaxing, and full of things to do.
1. Pipestone National Monument – Sacred Stone and Scenic Trails (Pipestone County, MN)
About an hour northeast of Hartford, just over the Minnesota line, you’ll find one of the most unique spots in the region:
Pipestone National Monument near the town of Pipestone.
Here, Native Americans have quarried the soft red pipestone for centuries to make ceremonial pipes. You can learn about that history while also enjoying a peaceful walk.
- Stroll the Circle Trail, about ¾ of a mile, past quartzite cliffs and a small waterfall.
- Watch carvers work with pipestone at the visitor center.
- Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet if you’ve got kids in tow.
The whole loop is short and easy, which makes this a great half-day trip. If you like photography, the red rock against green grass and big Midwestern skies is tough to beat.
2. Blue Mounds State Park – Cliffs, Bison, and Big Views (Rock County, MN)
Just east of Pipestone, in
Rock County, Minnesota,
Blue Mounds State Park feels surprisingly wild for being only about an hour from Hartford.
The star of the show is a long pink quartzite cliff that rises about 100 feet above the prairie.
- Hike along the cliff for sweeping views across the plains.
- Look for the park’s bison herd from viewing areas.
- Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from the overlook.
If you’re used to flat fields, these cliffs and rocky outcrops feel almost like a mini road trip out West, without the 10-hour drive.
3. Lake Madison – Classic South Dakota Lake Day (Lake County, SD)
When it’s hot, most people around here think the same thing: “Let’s head to the lake.”
Lake Madison, in
Lake County near Madison, is less than an hour from Hartford and offers that simple, classic Midwest lake-day vibe.
- Launch a boat or paddleboard at one of the public access points.
- Swim or wade at a lakeside park (water shoes can be nice on rocky areas).
- Throw a small cooler in the car and enjoy a laid-back picnic by the shore.
If you like low-key, no-fuss weekends, a Lake Madison trip is one you’ll find yourself repeating all summer long.
4. Lake Herman State Park – Quiet Trails and Lakeside Camping (Lake County, SD)
Just a few minutes from Lake Madison sits
Lake Herman State Park, another gem in
Lake County that’s perfect when you want something a little quieter and more nature-focused.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Easy hiking and walking trails with lake views.
- Shady campgrounds if you want to stay overnight.
- Plenty of spots to fish from shore or by boat.
If you’re new to camping or haven’t pitched a tent in years, this is a great “starter park.” It’s close enough to home that you can bail if the weather turns bad, but far enough away that it feels like a mini getaway.
5. Palisades State Park – Climbing, Kayaking, and Red Rock Views (Moody County, SD)
When people from the Sioux Falls area talk about quick weekend adventures,
Palisades State Park in
Moody County almost always comes up.
The
Split Rock Creek cuts through tall red quartzite cliffs, creating a dramatic little canyon that’s way more scenic than you might expect this close to home.
- Walk along the rim trails and look down into the rocky gorge.
- Watch rock climbers scaling the quartzite walls.
- Bring a kayak or canoe and paddle through the cliffs when water levels are right.
It’s a fantastic place for photos, quick hikes, and a couple of hours of exploring. And because it’s a short drive, you don’t have to dedicate your whole day unless you want to.
6. Newton Hills State Park – Wooded Trails and Fall Colors (Lincoln County, SD)
If you love trees, this one’s for you.
Just south in
Lincoln County,
Newton Hills State Park offers rolling wooded hills that feel totally different from the open prairie around Hartford.
- Hike shaded trails that wind through thick forest.
- Visit in the fall when the leaves are turning and the hills light up with color.
- Use the picnic shelters for family gatherings or weekend cookouts.
On a hot summer day, these shaded paths are a welcome break from the sun. In autumn, it’s one of the best day trips near Hartford for leaf peeping.
7. Scenic Drives and Small-Town Stops in McCook County, SD
Looking for something slower-paced? Head west into
McCook County and enjoy an old-fashioned country drive.
Instead of checking off big attractions, think of this as a “wander and explore” type of trip:
- Take the backroads and stop for photos of old barns, fields, and wide-open skies.
- Drop into a small-town café for a slice of pie or a burger.
- Visit local churches or historic buildings, often with simple but interesting stories.
This kind of outing is more about relaxing than rushing. Roll down the windows, put on your favorite playlist, and let the miles slow you down a bit.
8. Turner County Backroads – Barn Quilts and Rural Scenery (Turner County, SD)
South of you,
Turner County is another great spot for a leisurely afternoon drive, especially if you enjoy throwing a camera in the car.
Here’s how to make a day of it:
- Watch for barn quilts and painted signs on old farm buildings.
- Pull over to photograph windmills, gravel roads, and farm fields at sunset.
- Stop into a small-town bar or diner for dinner and a cold drink.
You might not find big “tourist sites” here, but you will find the kind of quiet, rural scenery that reminds you why the Midwest has its own kind of beauty.
9. Lyon County, Iowa – Rivers, Parks, and a Change of Scenery
To the southeast, cross into
Lyon County, Iowa for a subtle but fun change of scene. Even though it’s just across the state line, it feels a bit different.
Plan a laid-back day like this:
- Drive along local rivers and look for small county parks to stretch your legs.
- Pack a simple picnic and find a quiet spot near the water.
- Check out small main streets for local shops or bakeries.
Sometimes just seeing different license plates and road signs is enough to make it feel like you’ve “gone somewhere,” even if you’re still back home by dinner.
10. Border-Hopping Loop: Rock & Pipestone Counties, MN
If you’ve got a full day and don’t mind a bit more driving, try a border-hopping loop that takes you through both
Rock County and
Pipestone County in Minnesota.
Here’s one possible route idea:
- Start by heading to Pipestone National Monument.
- Then swing down to Blue Mounds State Park in Rock County.
- Finish with dinner in a small Minnesota town before heading back to Hartford.
This is an easy way to combine dramatic rock formations, short hikes, and a little history all in one trip—without ever feeling rushed.
Tips for Planning Your Hartford-Area Road Trips
To make these
day trips from Hartford, SD smooth and fun, a tiny bit of planning goes a long way:
- Check park websites before you go for hours, fees, and trail conditions.
- Bring layers—it can be windy or cooler near lakes and cliffs.
- Pack snacks and water, especially if you’ll be hiking or driving backroads.
- Keep some cash on hand for small-town diners or park fees.
You don’t need a big budget or a long weekend to explore. Most of these spots are 30–75 minutes from Hartford, making them ideal for a spontaneous Saturday drive.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or near Hartford, South Dakota means you’re surrounded by quiet parks, lakes, and small towns just waiting to be explored. From the cliffs at
Palisades State Park to the bison at
Blue Mounds and the lakes around Madison, it’s easy to turn an ordinary day into a mini road trip.
Have you tried any of these out-of-county adventures? Do you have a favorite spot in
Lake, Lincoln, Moody, McCook, Turner, Rock, Pipestone, or Lyon County that I should add next time?
- Drop a comment and share your go-to day trip from Hartford.
- Share this post with family and friends who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
You might be surprised how many great little getaways are hiding just an hour from your driveway.
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