15 Best Romantic (Weekend) Getaways in South Dakota

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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South Dakota is a Midwestern state in the US, home to one of the most famous mountain sculptures: Mount Rushmore. However, it’s also one of the least densely populated states, which means that South Dakota has a beautiful, expansive landscape that has not been uprooted. It’s part of the Great Plains region, full of rolling plains, beautiful mountains and dense, forested areas.

South Dakota is especially perfect for couples who are seeking a romantic vacation away from big cities and would much prefer a weekend taste of the quiet life. With a continental climate, South Dakota is home to four distinct seasons, which means that it’s perfect for year-round vacationing, even in the winter time.

Outdoorsy couples who love an adventure will adore South Dakota, as well the couple who enjoy staying in by the fire, or just enjoying the quiet, scenic landscape that South Dakota has to offer.

Let’s have a look at the best romantic (weekend) getaways in South Dakota:

1. Hisega Lodge

Hisega LodgeSource: facebook.com
Hisega Lodge

The Hisega Lodge was first built in 1908, and while it has been operating since then, it has been updated for more recent times with modern amenities. The lodge is in the Black Hills, just 10 miles from Rapid City. The 10 different accommodations at the Hisega Lodge range in terms of size and style, from queen size suites, to rooms with a view that overlook Rapid Creek.

Community style breakfast is served each morning for guests, with both savory and sweet foods. The breakfast schedule is flexible so as to accommodate each guest. Hisega Lodge offers add-on adventures, so that the couple seeking excitement can go rock climbing, kayaking, or even just take a bite through any one of the surrounding nature trails.

Website: http://hisegalodgebnb.com/

2. Summer Creek Inn

Summer Creek InnSource: summercreekinn.com
Summer Creek Inn

Nestled in the Black Hills, the Summer Creek Inn is located just 15 minutes away from Rapid City. The Summer Creek Inn is open all year round, and offers 9 different suites, each with their own private bath. Many of the suites also come with a fireplace, so couples can enjoy a quiet night in after their day exploring the surrounding areas.

Breakfast is served every morning for the Summer Creek Inn guests, as well as a beer and wine bar perfect for relaxing after a day out and about. At the inn, guests are welcome to shoot and game of pool, or relax by the pond, or even enjoy a movie in the offered theatre room. For nearby activities, the famous Mount Rushmore is only a 15 to 30-minute drive.

Website: http://www.summercreekinn.com/

3. The Lodge at Deadwood

The Lodge At DeadwoodSource: deadwoodlodge.com
The Lodge At Deadwood

This particular getaway is located in Deadwood, and it is perfect for couples who really enjoy that big-resort feel while on vacation. The Lodge at Deadwood offers an array of luxury accommodations that will suit each couple’s needs, from deluxe queen rooms to extra-large suites for those who like to travel in style.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be found at the Deadwood Grille, while Oggie’s Sports Bar is also available for a more relaxed and fun dining experience. The Lodge at Deadwood offers more than just a quiet escape, however. There is also an onsite casino for couples who love a little responsible gambling, with tabletop games and slots.

Website: https://www.deadwoodlodge.com/

4. Amie St. Jean Bed and Breakfast

Amie St. Jean Bed And BreakfastSource: amiestjeanbedandbreakfast.com
Amie St. Jean Bed And Breakfast

Amie St. Jean Bed and Breakfast is full of history as well as antique decor, located in the Black Hill in Rapid City. There are three, large suites available for couples to choose from, and each is lovingly decorated with hand-picked antiques. Each room has a different theme, from the roaring 20s to French decor.

Delicious breakfast is provided each morning, with both savory and sweet elements to the meal. There’s also an afternoon or evening snack included with the price of the room. Amie St. Jean Bed and Breakfast is ideally located just two blocks from the civic center, where there are always new and exciting events taking place, such as musical theatre and the local symphony.

Website: https://www.amiestjeanbedandbreakfast.com/

5. Emerald Hills

Emerald HillsSource: emeraldhillsbb.com
Emerald Hills

Emerald Hills is an intimate bed and breakfast, surrounding by some of Black Hill’s most stunning views. Couples who are looking for something exclusive and private will enjoy Emerald Hills, as this bed and breakfast offers only two suites that are separated by a large common area. This is the perfect romantic getaway for couple seeking some solitude.

Breakfast is served each morning on the deck so guests can enjoy the view, with delicious breakfast choices from pancakes to stuffed breakfast burritos. Emerald Hills is within easy traveling distance to Rapid City, as well as Mount Rushmore. For nearby entertainment, couples can explore hiking trails, horseback riding and nearby lakes.

Website: http://emeraldhillsbb.com/

6. Dakota Dream Bed and Breakfast

Dakota Dream Bed And BreakfastSource: dakotadreambandb.com
Dakota Dream Bed And Breakfast

Located on 20 acres of natural pine, the Dakota Dream Bed and Breakfast is in Custer, and it’s another hotel perfect for couples seeking that special secluded atmosphere. The Dakota Dream offers two separate guest room, as well as a stand-alone one-bedroom cabin. Dakota Dream also offers a “Horse Hotel”, so if there are any couples traveling with their hoses, this is the place!

Home-cooked breakfast is served each morning, with dishes like eggs and ham, pancakes filled with strawberries and fresh baked pastries. The surrounding area of Black Hills is nearby, for an adventure to the Custer State park or the Crazy Horse Memorial. For a quiet night in, there is a common area with games available.

Website: http://www.dakotadreambandb.com/

7. 1899 Inn

1899 InnSource: 1899inn.com
1899 Inn

Located in Deadwood the 1899 Inn is a historic house that has now been renovated and turned into a delightfully intimate bed and breakfast. The 1899 Inn is home to three black rescue cats that roam the property. There are three different themed guest rooms, as well as an attic suite for couples to choose from, each with vintage furnishings and decoration.

The 1899 Inn uses garden-grown herbs as well as in-house recipes for their daily breakfast, complimentary to each guest, with a menu that changes each day. Along with all of the exciting area activities that can be found in Deadwood, the 1899 Inn offers a unique amenity: bedtime cuddling from any one of the cats upon request.

Website: http://1899inn.com/

8. K Bar S Lodge

K Bar S LodgeSource: kbarslodge.com
K Bar S Lodge

Located within the Black Hills National Forest, the K Bar S Lodge is just a short drive away from Mount Rushmore, which is perfect for couples who are looking for a convenient location for all their vacation sightseeing. There are several types of rooms and suites available, from queen rooms to king suites with a whirlpool.

A continental breakfast awaits guests each morning, with an array of different foods from waffles to fresh pastries. The K Bar S Lodge is located just a short drive from Mount Rushmore, as well as an array of shops, restaurants and natural, South Dakota landmarks, like the Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Website: http://www.kbarslodge.com/

9. The Town Hall Inn

The Town Hall InnSource: townhallinn.com
The Town Hall Inn

This historic, boutique hotel is located in Lead, though it’s just five minutes away from nearby Deadwood. The Town Hall Inn served the function of a town hall from 1912 to 1938, but now serves as a hotel for guests from all over. There are 12 different suites that have been renovated out of former offices, like the Jury Room and the Municipal Judge’s Chamber.

A light and delicious continental breakfast is served each morning to guests, and nearby restaurants in Leads and Deadwood await guests for lunch and dinner. The Town Hall Inn is the perfect place for a winter vacation, with the two nearby ski resorts just a few minutes away. For summer fun, there are plenty of biking trails or nearby museums.

Website: https://townhallinn.com/

10. Backroads Inn and Cabins

Backroads Inn And CabinsSource: cabinsoftheblackhills.com
Backroads Inn And Cabins

Located in the heart of the southern Black Hills, the Backroads Inn and Cabins is an escape like no other. Backroads offers ten different cabins that are nestled among the sloping hills and natural pines. Each cabin is unique built and decorated, and each offers a different atmosphere depending on the guest’s vacation desires.

Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, and guests can reach grocery stores and restaurants just two miles away in the town of Keystone. Each cabin also has a gas grill and their own private fire pit. Mount Rushmore is only 3 miles away from the Backwoods Inn and Cabins, as well as biking and hiking trails around the property.

Website: http://www.cabinsoftheblackhills.com/

11. Silver Mountain Resort and Cabins

Silver Mountain Resort And CabinsSource: silvermountaincabins.com
Silver Mountain Resort And Cabins

15 minutes from both Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, the Silver Mountain Resort and Cabins are surrounded by beautiful pines and picturesque waterfalls. This out of the way retreat is the best place for couples wanting a quiet, mountain getaway. There are 7 different cabins that come fully furnished.

Each cabin comes with an equipped kitchen, with Rapid City only a short 15-minute drive away for both groceries as well as restaurants of all kinds. Mount Rushmore is also a quick drive away for optimal sightseeing. The surrounding area is also perfect for hiking, horseback riding or bike riding through the pines.

Website: http://www.silvermountaincabins.com/

12. Prairie House Manor

Prairie House ManorSource: prairiehousemanor.com
Prairie House Manor

Located in the picturesque prairie town, De Smet, Prairie House Manor is a Victorian style bed and breakfast. Prairie House Manor is home to a rich history, including inspiration for the Little House on the Prairie books. There are six different guest rooms, each with their own unique theme and decor, some with private entrances and porches.

Each morning, guests are served a delicious breakfast spread, and a beverage counter is available for all guest use. De Smet is close to Lake Thompson, which offers outdoor activities for all seasons, from fishing to snowmobiling and skiing. There’s even a nearby country club for those who like to relax with a bit of golf.

Website: http://www.prairiehousemanor.com/

13. High Prairie Lodge

High Prairie LodgeSource: tripadvisor.com
High Prairie Lodge

This Black Hills bed and breakfast is located near Deadwood, and it offers a stunning and scenic property that is best for couples who are looking to escape the big city. There are 3 guest rooms at the Lodge, with different designs and themes, as well as a secluded cottage accommodation, for couples wanting to enjoy some well-deserved solitude.

A hot, gourmet breakfast is served every morning to all guests, and a picnic lunch can be requested for couples who want to enjoy the quiet scenery around the property. Deadwood is just a few miles away, where couples can enjoy a night out dining or gambling. Mickelson Trail is also nearby, perfect for hiking and bike trails.

Website: http://www.highprairielodge.com/

14. Canyon Lake Resort

Canyon Lake ResortSource: canyonlakeresortsd.com
Canyon Lake Resort

The Canyon Lake Resort is located in Rapid City, surrounded by both all the excitement of the city as well as the natural beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills. This resort is located right on the lake from of Canyon lake, and offers several types of accommodations, from suites in the main lodge, motel rooms in a separate building, and even individual cabins.

Each guest room or cabin offers a microwave or stone, as well as a usable kitchen. Rapid City is also all around, allowing guests to explore all the restaurants nearby. Canyon Lake Resort offers free paddleboat usage to all guests, as well as a head outdoor pool and access to all of the surrounding hiking and biking trails.

Website: http://www.canyonlakeresortsd.com/

15. Frontier Cabins Motel

Frontier Cabins MotelSource: tripadvisor.com
Frontier Cabins Motel

Located in the Badlands of South Dakota, the Frontier Cabins Motel offers an array of 33 different, authentic log cabins. Each come fully furnished and equipped, with private baths. Couples will love all the privacy that the Cabins have to offer. The Cabins are in the town of Wall, a scenic retreat for couples who are eager to escape the busy city life. This is the perfect place to explore all that the Badlands have to offer.

Each cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator and microwave, with grocery stores not far away in the town of Wall. On the property, guests can use the sauna, hot tub and picnic area. Not far away is the Wall Golf Club or the New Town Dam for fishing. The Badlands National Park is also only six miles away, for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Website: http://frontiercabins.net/



15 Best Romantic (Weekend) Getaways in South Dakota:

  • Hisega Lodge
  • Summer Creek Inn
  • The Lodge at Deadwood
  • Amie St. Jean Bed and Breakfast
  • Emerald Hills
  • Dakota Dream Bed and Breakfast
  • 1899 Inn
  • K Bar S Lodge
  • The Town Hall Inn
  • Backroads Inn and Cabins
  • Silver Mountain Resort and Cabins
  • Prairie House Manor
  • High Prairie Lodge
  • Canyon Lake Resort
  • Frontier Cabins Motel