Page last updated: 10 November 2025
South Dakota, a state in the north-central United States, is renowned for its monumental Mount Rushmore National Memorial, expansive Great Plains, and rich indigenous heritage.
How many tourists visit South Dakota each year?
Over 14 million international and domestic tourists visit South Dakota annually.
- South Dakota attracted 14.5 million visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 21% to approximately 11.5 million.1
- In 2021, around 14.3 million tourists visited South Dakota and this rose in 2022 to 14.4 million.
- The figure climbed to 14.7 million in 2023, exceeding the 2019 (pre-pandemic) by 2%.
- South Dakota saw 14.9 million total visitors in 2024, up 1.4% from 2023 and 2.7% above 2019.
How many tourists visited South Dakota in 2024?
- South Dakota welcomed 14.9 million visitors in 2024, indicating a 1.4% increase from the previous year and exceeding the 2019 figure by 2.7%.
How many tourists visited South Dakota in 2023?
- South Dakota welcomed 14.7 million visitors in 2023, indicating a 3% increase from the previous year and exceeding the 2019 figure by 2%.
How much do tourists spend in South Dakota every year?
In 2023, visitor spending reached $4.9 billion in South Dakota.
- In 2019, visitors spent $4.1 billion in South Dakota. Total spending dropped to $3.3 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic but began to recover in 2021, reaching $4.4 billion.
- By 2022, spending climbed to $4.7 billion, and in 2023, it peaked at $4.9 billion, exceeding the pre-pandemic year by 19%.
- Tourist spending reached $5.1 billion in 2024, a 4.1% increase from 2023 and 24.4% more than in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in South Dakota in 2024?
- In 2024, visitors spent $5.1 billion across South Dakota, an increase of 4.1% from the previous year.
How do visitors spend their money in South Dakota?
Visitors in South Dakota spend most in food and beverage.
- In 2024, visitors spent $1.14 billion in food and beverage.
- Transportation and Retail spending accounted for $1.09 billion and $1.07 billion, respectively
- Other sectors include lodging ($1.02 billion) and recreation ($776 million)
Where do visitors spend their money in South Dakota?
Visitor spent most in the Southeast region of South Dakota
- In 2024, South Dakota visitors spent $2.05 billion in the Southeast region.
- This was closely followed by Black Hills and Badlands, where visitors spent $1.96 billion.
- Among all the four regions, visitors spent $700.5 million in the Glacial Lakes and Prairies region and $386.9 million in the Missouri River region.
How much does it cost to visit South Dakota?
Tourists spent an average of $342 while visiting and exploring South Dakota in 2024, reflecting a 1.2% increase from the 2023 average spending of $337.62.
- This expenditure encompasses various travel-related expenses, including lodging, dining, shopping, transportation, and recreational activities.
Which countries visited South Dakota the most?
The USA was the leading source of tourists to South Dakota in 2024.
- Minnesota, a state in the USA, was the top source of visitors to South Dakota, accounting for 1.6 million visits. Texas also contributed significantly with 984,000 tourists.
- In-state tourists (from South Dakota) accounted for 926,100 visitors.
How long do visitors spend in South Dakota?
- Tourists to South Dakota typically stayed for an average of 2.0 to 2.5 days visiting and exploring the wonders of South Dakota in 2024.
When is the best time to visit South Dakota?
The best time to visit South Dakota is primarily during the summer months, specifically from late May to September.
- Summer (June to August)
- This is the peak tourist season, characterised by average temperatures between 19-23°C.
- August had the highest number of visitors due to events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Deadwood Rodeo. Expect longer days with up to 15-16 hours of sunlight.
- This is the peak tourist season, characterised by average temperatures between 19-23°C.
- Fall (September to November)
- Early fall, particularly September, is another excellent time to visit. The weather remains mild (around 17°C), and the autumn colours enhance the scenery.
Economic Impact – South Dakota Tourism Statistics 2024
- Job Creation: The tourism sector supported approximately 58,824 jobs, generating about $2.2 billion in income for families across the state.
- Tax Revenue: The industry contributed $399 million in state and local tax revenue, an increase of $15 million from 2022.
- This revenue alleviated the tax burden on residents, with each household saving an average of $1,105 annually due to tourism.
South Dakota Travel Resources
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How popular is South Dakota as a tourist destination?
- The Black Hills region, home to iconic sites like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, remains a major draw for visitors.
- According to Forbes magazine, South Dakota was recognised as one of the 14 premier travel destinations in the United States in 2019.
Why do people visit South Dakota?
- Visitors are drawn to South Dakota to experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a monumental carving symbolising American leadership, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, an evolving tribute to Native American heritage and the legacy of the Lakota leader.
Learn more about Mount Rushmore National Memorial Tourism Statistics. - The state’s natural wonders, including Badlands National Park, renowned for its geological formations and diverse wildlife, and Custer State Park, celebrated for its free-roaming bison and scenic landscapes, offer unparalleled outdoor experiences.
- South Dakota is home to distinctive geological sites such as Jewel Cave National Monument, one of the world’s longest caves, providing guided explorations of its intricate underground formations.
What is the number one tourist attraction in South Dakota?
- The number one tourist attraction in South Dakota is Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This iconic monument features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
South Dakota Travel Statistics Resources
USA Travel Statistics Resources
- Arizona Statistics (incl. Grand Canyon National Park)
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