Explore South Dakota State Highways—a network of scenic and essential routes connecting towns, parks, and attractions across the Great Plains and Black Hills.
South Dakota’s state highway system serves as a vital network linking small towns, Native American reservations, scenic attractions, and regional economic centers across the Great Plains. These routes, marked with distinctive black-and-white highway shields, support travel across vast open landscapes and provide crucial east-west and north-south corridors beyond the reach of the Interstate and U.S. highway systems. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is responsible for maintaining these routes, which span a wide range of environments from rolling prairies to the Black Hills.
State highways in South Dakota are numbered from SD 10 up through the 400s, with primary routes like SD 34, SD 44, and SD 79 playing major roles in cross-state travel. SD 79, in particular, is a long north-south corridor running along the eastern edge of the Black Hills, offering travelers an alternate route to U.S. 385. Meanwhile, SD 34 stretches nearly the entire width of the state, connecting towns like Sturgis, Pierre, and Madison. Many routes serve as rural connectors, providing access to agriculture hubs and recreation areas like the Missouri River and Custer State Park.
The state’s sparse population means some routes experience low traffic volumes, but they are no less important. These highways often provide the only paved links between isolated communities and the broader transportation network. Seasonal weather can impact road conditions significantly, especially during winter storms, but SDDOT provides consistent maintenance and snow removal. Whether you’re heading to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, or just crossing the plains, South Dakota’s state highways are a reliable and scenic way to explore the state.
Cruise 9 scenic miles east along South Dakota Highway 244 from Hill City to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Enjoy dense forests, the tranquil Horsethief Lake, and classic Black Hills mountain views on this unforgettable approach to America’s Shrine of Democracy.