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28 Sep 2025
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South Dakota to Minnesota Road Trip Itinerary

South Dakota to Minnesota Road Adventure Overview

Embark on a memorable road trip starting in the bustling city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where you can witness the beauty of the iconic Falls Park and explore a vibrant arts and dining scene. Continue east to Lake Okoboji in Iowa, renowned for its sparkling blue waters, recreational boating, and classic lakeside fun. Heading north, immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Blue Mounds State Park, Minnesota, famous for its striking quartzite cliffs and roaming bison herd amidst prairie landscapes.

Next, experience the rich cultural history at Pipestone National Monument, where visitors can explore sacred Native American quarries and scenic walking trails. Venture on to Mankato, a dynamic city set along the Minnesota River, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities, riverfront parks, and family-friendly attractions. Conclude your journey in Minneapolis, Minnesota’s heart of culture and activity, where you’ll enjoy a great blend of urban excitement, lakeside parks, vibrant neighborhoods, and landmark sites like the Stone Arch Bridge.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Sioux Falls, SD

    Known for its beautiful namesake waterfalls in Falls Park, vibrant downtown, and local art scene.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Lake Okoboji, IA

    A popular vacation spot famed for its clear blue waters, boating, and family-friendly attractions on the Iowa Great Lakes.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Blue Mounds State Park, MN

    Features dramatic pink quartzite cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and a bison herd in a peaceful prairie setting.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Pipestone National Monument, MN

    Home to sacred red pipestone quarries used by Native Americans for centuries, offering unique geology, cultural history, and scenic trails.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Mankato, MN

    A vibrant small city with beautiful riverfront parks, outdoor activities, and historical sites including the Minnesota River Valley.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Minneapolis, MN

    Minnesota’s largest city known for its lively arts scene, diverse dining, stunning lakes, parks, and historic sites like the Stone Arch Bridge.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Phillips Avenue Diner - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

    4.5
    $$$$

    Phillips Avenue Diner - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

    A restored vintage diner in Sioux Falls serving classic comfort food with a modern twist and a fun retro atmosphere.
    4.5
    $$$$
    Picture for Phillips Avenue Diner - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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    The Barefoot Bar

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Barefoot Bar

    A tropical-themed lakeside bar and restaurant in Lake Okoboji known for its laid-back vibe, sand floors, and tasty beach fare.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    Luenemann’s Burgers & Brew

    Luenemann’s Burgers & Brew

    Unique pub-style eats inside Blue Mounds State Park's woods, offering gourmet burgers and local brews in a rustic setting.
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    Lange’s Cafe

    4.2
    $$$$

    Lange’s Cafe

    Famous for homemade pies and comforting Midwest classics, this 24/7 cafe in Pipestone is a regional institution.
    4.2
    $$$$
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    The Bachelor Farmer

    The Bachelor Farmer

    Located in Minneapolis, this restaurant offers modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, historic warehouse, with creative dishes and a rooftop garden.
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel On Phillips

    4.6

    Hotel On Phillips

    A boutique hotel in a converted historic bank in Sioux Falls featuring unique architecture, original vaults, and elegant rooms.
    4.6
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    The Inn Hotel

    4.3

    The Inn Hotel

    Art Deco-inspired boutique hotel on Lake Okoboji, offering stylish accommodations and lakeside views in a vibrant setting.
    4.3
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    Buffalo Ridge Resort

    Buffalo Ridge Resort

    Set in a renovated 19th-century school campus in Blue Mounds, this resort features charming rooms and scenic grounds with a historical twist.
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    Historic Calumet Inn

    Historic Calumet Inn

    A lovingly restored 1888 hotel in Pipestone with vintage decor and a quirky, old-world atmosphere.
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    Hewing Hotel

    9.1

    Hewing Hotel

    A former warehouse in the North Loop of Minneapolis, this trendy hotel boasts Scandinavian-inspired design, a rooftop sauna, and locally sourced cuisine.
    9.1
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Gerardo Coronel

    Gerardo Coronel

    MUST BE 18+ YRS TO ATTEND, NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE EXCEPT FOR GRANDSTAND, DACOTAH EXPOSITION CENTER, SHOW 8 PM, DOOR 6:30 PM, INTERNET SALES THRU TICKETMASTER ONLY
    Map IconJackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton (40.91 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Oct 2025
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  • Event Icon

    Collin Raye

    Collin Raye

    MUST BE 18+ YRS TO ATTEND, NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE EXCEPT FOR GRANDSTAND, DACOTAH EXPOSITION CENTER, SHOW 7 PM, DOOR 6 PM, INTERNET SALES THRU TICKETMASTER ONLY
    Map IconJackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton (40.91 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Oct 2025
    Picture for Collin Raye
  • Event Icon

    Thunder From Down Under

    Thunder From Down Under

    MUST BE 18+ YRS TO ATTEND, NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE EXCEPT FOR GRANDSTAND, DACOTAH EXPOSITION CENTER, SHOW 8 PM, DOOR 6:30 PM, INTERNET SALES THRU TICKETMASTER ONLY
    Map IconJackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton (40.91 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Nov 2025
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  • Event Icon

    Montgomery Gentry ft Eddie Montgomery, with Kentucky Headhunters

    Montgomery Gentry ft Eddie Montgomery, with Kentucky Headhunters

    MUST BE 18+ YRS TO ATTEND, NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE EXCEPT FOR GRANDSTAND, DACOTAH EXPOSITION CENTER, SHOW 7 PM, DOOR 6 PM, INTERNET SALES THRU TICKETMASTER ONLY
    Map IconJackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton (40.91 mi)
    Calendar Icon15 Nov 2025
    Picture for Montgomery Gentry ft Eddie Montgomery, with Kentucky Headhunters
  • Event Icon

    Jamie O'Neal and Ty Herndon Merry Christmas Baby

    Jamie O'Neal and Ty Herndon Merry Christmas Baby

    MUST BE 18+ YRS TO ATTEND, NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE EXCEPT FOR GRANDSTAND, DACOTAH EXPOSITION CENTER, SHOW 7 PM, DOOR 6 PM, INTERNET SALES THRU TICKETMASTER ONLY
    Map IconJackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton (40.91 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Dec 2025
    Picture for Jamie O'Neal and Ty Herndon Merry Christmas Baby
  • Event Icon

    Hunks - 21+

    Hunks - 21+

    The event will take place at Kato Ballroom in Mankato.
    Map IconKato Ballroom in Mankato (64.47 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Nov 2025
    Picture for Hunks - 21+
  • Event Icon

    Walker Hayes: Unplugged

    Walker Hayes: Unplugged

    The event will take place at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.
    Map IconMayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato (64.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Oct 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Im planning to drive 8-9hrs to South Dakota starting from Minneapolis, MN. What are some cool or interesting places to visit besides Badlands, Mt

    MN > SD summer road trip

    Im planning to drive 8-9hrs to South Dakota starting from Minneapolis, MN. What are some cool or interesting places to visit besides Badlands, Mt

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Hello, I am planning a road trip between Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. Its on my bucket list to travel to all 50 states but from what I

    Minnesota, ND and SD road trip

    Hello, I am planning a road trip between Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. Its on my bucket list to travel to all 50 states but from what I

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    11 votes, 45 comments. My wife and I are driving from Marshall in SW Minnesota to Rapid City in mid April. I am seeking advice on the best route

    South Dakota Roadtrip - Advice

    11 votes, 45 comments. My wife and I are driving from Marshall in SW Minnesota to Rapid City in mid April. I am seeking advice on the best route

    /r/SouthDakota
  • Reddit Icon

    Have an itch for a trip through the last week of July. I work the weekend going into August, so trying to decide a trip to do. South Dakota for the

    South Dakota or Michigan from Minnesota trip

    Have an itch for a trip through the last week of July. I work the weekend going into August, so trying to decide a trip to do. South Dakota for the

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    This has probably been posted 500 times before but... Bf and I are planning a road trip from MN to SD in July, planning on doing it for about a week

    South Dakota Road Trip Ideas?

    This has probably been posted 500 times before but... Bf and I are planning a road trip from MN to SD in July, planning on doing it for about a week

    /r/SouthDakota

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A classic road trip anthem that captures the essence of travel and adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    An upbeat, energetic tune that will keep your spirits high while cruising down the highway.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive
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    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A laid-back track perfect for open roads and wide skies, evoking the freedom of the journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Cheerful and uplifting, this song adds positivity and fun to any travel playlist.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    A lively, feel-good song that's become synonymous with road trips and adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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    M83 - Midnight City

    M83 - Midnight City

    Dreamy synths and a catchy beat make this a great tune for city drives and scenic transitions.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Allman Brothers Band - Ramblin' Man

    Allman Brothers Band - Ramblin' Man

    Classic southern rock that fits perfectly with the spirit of exploration.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    An inspiring and comforting song about finding your way back, ideal for reflective moments.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    A timeless anthem about freedom and forging your path, great for any journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine

    Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine

    Joyful and energetic, this track will brighten your drive and fill it with positive vibes.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine