Great Plains & Prairie States
Wide open spaces and legendary landmarks 🦬🌾
The Great Plains & Prairie States are defined by their immense horizons and deep connection to American frontier history. This vast region in the center of the country transitions from the fertile cornfields of the east to the rugged buttes and badlands of the west. For families, this is the ultimate road-trip destination. The roads are wide and straight, traffic is generally light, and the changing landscape provides a backdrop for discovering the natural and human history of the continent. Summers are warm and can see dramatic thunderstorms, which are a spectacle in themselves, while shoulder seasons offer mild, crisp weather ideal for hiking.
South Dakota is a major hub for family tourism in this region. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the headline attraction, but families often find the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial equally compelling for its scale and cultural significance. Just a short drive away, Custer State Park offers one of the best wildlife experiences in the country outside of Alaska. Families can drive the Wildlife Loop Road to find themselves surrounded by a herd of 1,300 free-roaming bison, as well as pronghorn, elk, and friendly 'begging burros' that approach cars looking for snacks (though feeding them is discouraged).
Science and history merge in the Badlands National Park, where erosion has carved a jagged, otherworldly landscape. The Fossil Exhibit Trail is boardwalk-accessible and perfect for strollers, showcasing replicas of ancient beasts. In Nebraska and Kansas, the focus shifts to pioneer history. Families can visit the actual homestead sites of Laura Ingalls Wilder, bringing the "Little House on the Prairie" books to life. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha is consistently ranked among the world's best, featuring the world's largest indoor desert and a massive indoor rainforest that allows for year-round exploration regardless of the weather.
This region celebrates simple, wholesome pleasures. Activities often include corn mazes, local rodeos, and stargazing festivals where the lack of light pollution reveals the Milky Way in stunning detail. Food is hearty and beef-centric, with steakhouses and diners serving generous portions that appeal to growing kids. Accommodation ranges from standard hotels to guest ranches where families can try horseback riding and sleep in cabins, adding an element of adventure to the stay.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to iconic landscapes like the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering unique fossil-rich terrain and bison viewing. Peak seasons offer manageable temperatures for hiking, while June's higher rainfall and winter's sub-zero temperatures present seasonal challenges.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer surprising cultural depth with high-quality art museums and botanical gardens. Summer and late spring provide the best atmosphere for exploring urban gardens and outdoor museum districts.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Boasts internationally significant sites like the Cosmosphere and the Mammoth Site, which are primary travel motivators for science-oriented families. While exhibits are mostly indoor, travel is most comfortable during the warmer months when regional transport and auxiliary sites are fully operational.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Famous for the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and the Badlands Loop Road, providing dramatic vistas and high-quality asphalt. May and September offer the best balance of comfortable driving temperatures and moderate rainfall compared to the wetter peak summer.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers world-class specialized infrastructure like RIVERSPORT OKC for whitewater training and the extensive Mickelson Trail for cycling. Best conditions occur when temperatures are consistently above 15°C and facilities are fully staffed for the summer season.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Anchored by the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, which draws a massive international crowd. The rest of the year has few events of equivalent global significance, making seasonal timing highly specific to this major festival.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa offers an authentic, historic restorative experience in a unique setting. Optimal timing aligns with mild weather to enjoy the thermal waters without the intense heat of peak summer or the freezing prairie winters.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Features regional ski areas like Terry Peak in the Black Hills which provide reliable conditions for local enthusiasts but lack the scale of major mountain ranges. The winter months offer the necessary cold for snow retention, though infrastructure is limited for elite travelers.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Hosts established regional parks such as Frontier City and various water parks that serve domestic families. These facilities are primarily operational in the warm summer months and are best visited when air temperatures exceed 20°C.
Attractions (98 total)
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Badlands Loop Road (SD Highway 240)
Cactus Flat
63km (39 miles) paved route (1-2 hours). Traversing the heart of Badlands National Park with 16 designated overlooks including Pinnacles Overlook and the vibrant Yellow Mounds formations.
Visit website →Historic Route 66 Oklahoma
Quapaw
Over 640km (400 miles) paved historic highway (2-3 days). The longest driveable stretch of the Mother Road in any state, featuring the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Round Barn of Arcadia.
Visit website →Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Keystone
113km (70 miles) paved figure-eight loop (3-5 hours). Highlights include the Iron Mountain Road's pigtail bridges, the Needles Highway's granite spires, and tunnels framing Mt. Rushmore.
Visit website →Talimena National Scenic Byway
Talihina
87km (54 miles) paved ridge-top drive (2 hours). Crossing the Ouachita Mountains into Arkansas, known for panoramic vistas, fall foliage, and the Winding Stair Mountains peaks.
Visit website →Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway
Grand Island
438km (272 miles) paved highway (5-6 hours) following NE Hwy 2. Passes through the world's largest hand-planted forest and the unique grass-stabilized sand dunes of central Nebraska.
Visit website →Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
Cassoday
76km (47 miles) paved route (1 hour) on K-177. Highlights include the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, one of the last remaining remnants of the vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
Visit website →Theodore Roosevelt National Park Scenic Loop Drive
Medora
58km (36 miles) paved loop (1.5-2 hours) in the South Unit. Features dramatic badlands scenery, the Painted Canyon, wild horse sightings, and sprawling prairie dog towns.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Badlands National Park
Interior
Dramatic eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires mixed with the largest protected mixed-grass prairie in the United States.
Visit website →Custer State Park
Custer
A massive wildlife preserve in the Black Hills known for the scenic Needles Highway and free-roaming bison herds.
Visit website →Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Medora
Rugged badlands and scenic plateaus where the Missouri River flows, famous for its wild horses and bison herds.
Visit website →Wind Cave National Park
Hot Springs
One of the world's longest and most complex caves, featuring rare boxwork formations and a vast surface prairie.
Visit website →Monument Rocks
Gove City
Ancient chalk monoliths rising 70 feet from the flat plains, designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Bayard
An iconic geological spire that served as a critical landmark for pioneers traveling on the Oregon Trail.
Visit website →Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Strong City
Protects a globally significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem and a historic 19th-century ranch.
Visit website →Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Indiahoma
Rugged granite mountains and mixed-grass prairie that provide a habitat for bison, elk, and longhorn cattle.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Black Elk Peak Trail (Trail 9)
Custer
12.7km moderate-to-challenging day hike to the highest point in South Dakota. Typical duration: 4-5 hours with 450m elevation gain. Leads to a historic stone fire lookout tower with views of four states.
Visit website →George S. Mickelson Trail
Deadwood
175km moderate rail-trail through the Black Hills. Typical duration: 2-4 days cycling with 1,000m total elevation gain. Features 100+ converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. Bike rental: Mickelson Trail Sports (mickelsontrailsports.com)
Visit website →Maah Daah Hey Trail
Medora
231km challenging multi-day trail through the North Dakota Badlands, popular for mountain biking and hiking. Typical duration: 3-5 days (cycling) or 10-14 days (hiking) with approximately 3,500m elevation gain. Bike rental: Dakota Cyclery (dakotacyclery.com)
Visit website →Ouachita National Recreation Trail
Talihina
359km challenging long-distance trail starting in Oklahoma and crossing into Arkansas. Typical duration: 18-22 days with significant elevation gain. Open to mountain bikes on western sections. Bike rental: Ouachita Rides and Guides (ouachitaridesandguides.com)
Visit website →Castle Trail
Interior
16km moderate out-and-back day hike through the heart of the Badlands formations. Typical duration: 4-6 hours with 100m elevation gain. The longest maintained trail in the park, showcasing dramatic geologic features.
Visit website →Cowboy Trail
Valentine
313km easy gravel rail-trail following the old Chicago & Northwestern line. Typical duration: 4-7 days cycling. Features a spectacular 45-meter high bridge over the Niobrara River. Bike rental: North Fork Outfitting (northforkoutfitting.com)
Visit website →Flint Hills Trail State Park
Osawatomie
188km easy-to-moderate trail crossing the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North America. Typical duration: 3-5 days cycling with minimal elevation gain. Accesses the iconic rolling hills of eastern Kansas.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
Wichita
An expansive botanical complex featuring a serene Chinese Garden of Friendship, a butterfly house, and highly interactive children's gardens.
Visit website →International Peace Garden
Dunseith
A sprawling garden on the US-Canada border featuring floral clocks, fountains, and peaceful landscapes that symbolize the friendship between the two nations.
Visit website →Lauritzen Gardens
Omaha
A 100-acre botanical oasis in Omaha featuring diverse plant collections, a massive Victorian-style conservatory, and a popular model railroad garden.
Visit website →Myriad Botanical Gardens
Oklahoma City
A 15-acre urban park and tropical conservatory in the heart of Oklahoma City featuring dramatic water features and diverse exotic plant collections.
Visit website →McCrory Gardens
Brookings
A beautifully manicured botanical garden and arboretum featuring extensive themed display gardens and diverse woody plant collections.
Visit website →Philbrook Museum of Art Gardens
Tulsa
An Italianate villa surrounded by 25 acres of formal gardens, reflecting pools, and sculptures inspired by the classic gardens of Italy.
Visit website →Sunken Gardens
Lincoln
A historic terraced garden in Lincoln renowned for its thousands of blooming annuals, lily ponds, and intricate stonework and sculptures.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Chickasaw Cultural Center
Sulphur
Immerse yourself in Chickasaw heritage at this world-class campus featuring a traditional village, live performances, and history exhibits.
Visit website →Historic Deadwood
Deadwood
Walk the brick streets of this legendary gold rush town, a National Historic Landmark famous for its Wild West outlaws and gaming.
Visit website →Historic Medora
Medora
Experience a classic Western town with 1880s charm, outdoor musicals, and the historic Rough Riders Hotel at the gate of the Badlands.
Visit website →Boot Hill Museum
Dodge City
Explore a faithful recreation of Dodge City's 1876 Front Street, complete with saloons, shops, and frontier history exhibits.
Visit website →Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Stanton
Discover the lifestyle of Great Plains tribes through authentic earth lodge reconstructions and archaeological remains of ancient villages.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Cosmosphere
Hutchinson
A world-class space museum housing the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow and the Apollo 13 command module.
Visit website →The Mammoth Site
Hot Springs
An active indoor paleontological dig site containing the world's largest concentration of mammoth remains from the Pleistocene era.
Visit website →North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Bismarck
A premier facility exploring natural history through the ages, featuring significant dinosaur discoveries and indigenous culture galleries.
Visit website →Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Hays
Home to the world-famous 'fish-within-a-fish' fossil and extensive exhibits on the prehistoric inland sea that once covered Kansas.
Visit website →Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Norman
Features massive dinosaur fossils, including the world's largest Apatosaurus, and immersive walk-through dioramas of ancient environments.
Visit website →Science Museum Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
A massive, interactive science center featuring a planetarium, live science shows, and expansive hands-on galleries for all ages.
Visit website →University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall)
Lincoln
Famous for Elephant Hall, this museum showcases the world's most significant collection of fossilized mammoths and ancient mammals.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Crazy Horse Memorial
Custer
This massive mountain carving and cultural center honors the Lakota leader and provides deep insights into Native American heritage.
Visit website →Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone
This iconic monument features the colossal faces of four US presidents carved into the granite mountainside of the Black Hills.
Visit website →Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma City
This solemn site features a reflecting pool and empty chair monument dedicated to those affected by the 1995 bombing.
Visit website →Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
Medora
This 26-room summer home of a French aristocrat provides a fascinating look at the rugged life and ambitions of early North Dakota pioneers.
Visit website →Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Williston
This reconstructed outpost serves as a living history museum illustrating the peaceful coexistence of fur traders and Northern Plains tribes.
Visit website →Fort Larned National Historic Site
Larned
This well-preserved frontier military post allows visitors to explore original stone buildings and learn about life on the Santa Fe Trail.
Visit website →Joslyn Castle
Omaha
This 35-room Scottish Baronial mansion offers families a chance to explore a literal castle filled with historic wood carvings.
Visit website →Marland Mansion
Ponca City
Known as the Palace of the Plains, this opulent Mediterranean estate showcases the incredible wealth of the 1920s oil boom.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Frontier City
Oklahoma City
This Western-themed Six Flags park offers thrilling roller coasters and live stunt shows in a recreated 19th-century frontier town setting.
Visit website →Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides
Omaha
Nebraska's premier amusement destination features a large water park, go-karts, and classic fairground rides for all-day family entertainment.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
A premier outdoor water park featuring high-speed slides, a massive wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river for all ages.
Visit website →Riversport OKC
Oklahoma City
A unique Olympic-caliber aquatic center offering whitewater rafting, kayaking, and high-speed tubing on man-made rapids.
Visit website →Raging Rivers Waterpark
Mandan
North Dakota's leading water park offers thrilling speed slides, a winding lazy river, and dedicated play areas for younger visitors.
Visit website →Rock River Rapids
Derby
A top-rated regional aquatic center with spiraling slides, a lazy river, and interactive splash zones for children.
Visit website →Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Hot Springs
This historic indoor aquatic center is built over natural mineral springs, offering warm, healing waters and slides in a unique setting.
Visit website →Wild Water West
Sioux Falls
South Dakota's largest water destination features a wave pool, multi-story slides, and a go-kart track for land and water thrills.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha
This stunning Art Deco masterpiece features a spectacular marble interior and galleries showcasing works from antiquity to the contemporary era.
Visit website →Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Oklahoma City
Families will be mesmerized by the vibrant, towering glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly and an extensive collection of European and American masterpieces.
Visit website →Philbrook Museum of Art
Tulsa
Explore a stunning historic 1920s villa surrounded by 25 acres of formal gardens and a world-class collection of global art.
Visit website →Plains Art Museum
Fargo
Located in a beautifully renovated historic warehouse, this museum highlights contemporary and Native American art reflecting the spirit of the northern plains.
Visit website →South Dakota Art Museum
Brookings
Discover the heritage of the Great Plains through iconic prairie paintings by Harvey Dunn and intricate Native American tribal art.
Visit website →Wichita Art Museum
Wichita
Home to a premier collection of American art, this museum features an interactive creative studio and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden for families.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
Ogallala
Known as 'Big Mac', this massive reservoir features over 100 miles of shoreline and extensive white sand beaches perfect for swimming and camping.
Visit website →Wilson State Park
Sylvan Grove
Set on the shores of the clearest lake in Kansas, visitors enjoy sandy beaches framed by unique red sandstone cliffs and rugged terrain.
Visit website →Angostura Recreation Area
Hot Springs
A popular Black Hills destination featuring crystal clear waters and sandy beaches that feel like a coastal retreat in the middle of the plains.
Visit website →Grand Lake State Park - Bernice Area
Bernice
Located on the 'Crappie Capital of the World', this park offers swimming beaches and a nature center on the shores of a massive, winding lake.
Visit website →Lake Sakakawea State Park
Pick City
One of the largest man-made reservoirs in the US, offering expansive deep-blue waters and rugged coastal-style scenery on the Missouri River.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Oklahoma City
A peaceful and moving urban tribute featuring reflective pools and bronze chairs honoring the victims and survivors of the 1995 bombing.
Visit website →The Keeper of the Plains
Wichita
A majestic 44-foot steel sculpture at a river confluence symbolizing the heritage of the region's first peoples, best seen at night with fire pits.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Oklahoma City
A sprawling zoo and botanical garden featuring modern habitats like Sanctuary Asia and an extensive collection of endangered species.
Visit website →Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha
World-renowned for its massive indoor rainforest and desert habitats, offering families an immersive global wildlife experience.
Visit website →Sedgwick County Zoo
Wichita
One of the nation's largest zoos, providing families with up-close animal encounters across diverse world geography exhibits.
Visit website →Dakota Zoo
Bismarck
A scenic park along the Missouri River featuring native and exotic species in naturalistic enclosures across 90 acres.
Visit website →Bear Country USA
Rapid City
A unique drive-through wildlife park where families can see black bears, wolves, and bison from the comfort of their own vehicles.
Visit website →Tulsa Zoo
Tulsa
A popular family destination offering interactive exhibits like the Lost Kingdom and a focus on conservation and education.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures
Oklahoma City
A premier urban adventure center and Olympic-standard training site featuring whitewater rafting, tubing, and a massive high-ropes course.
Visit website →Point to Point Park
Medora
A family adventure hub at the edge of the Badlands featuring a point-to-point zipline, elaborate mini-golf, and a lazy river.
Visit website →TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest
Bellevue
An expansive aerial adventure park located within a massive nature preserve, offering suspension bridges and zip lines high in the forest canopy.
Visit website →Rush Mountain Adventure Park
Keystone
A thrill-seeker's destination near Mount Rushmore featuring the Rushmore Mountain Coaster, zip lines, and tours of the historic Rushmore Cave.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis
Early August, 10-day event, one of the world's largest motorcycle rallies attracting over 500,000 annual visitors. It celebrates motorcycle culture with races, concerts, and bike shows. Family-friendly activities are available in the mornings and at the Buffalo Chip events.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium
Omaha
Located within the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo, this facility features a 70-foot shark tunnel and one of the largest indoor tide pools in the country.
Visit website →Butterfly House & Aquarium
Sioux Falls
A serene attraction combining hundreds of tropical butterflies with aquatic galleries featuring coral reefs, jellyfish, and interactive touch tanks.
Visit website →Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center
Medicine Park
This facility focuses on native freshwater species of the Great Plains and the unique natural history of the Wichita Mountains.
Visit website →Oklahoma Aquarium
Jenks
This impressive facility houses the world's largest collection of bull sharks and offers immersive walk-through tunnels with rays and prehistoric fish.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Terry Peak Ski Area
Lead
1,801-2,153m, 30 runs, 25km pistes, Dec-Mar season, features the highest lift-served summit between the Rocky Mountains and the Alps.
Visit website →Bottineau Winter Park
Bottineau
610-671m, 9 runs, 3km pistes, Dec-Mar season, located in the Turtle Mountains with a focus on family-friendly terrain and adaptive skiing.
Visit website →Frost Fire Park
Walhalla
259-366m, 10 runs, 3km pistes, Dec-Mar season, situated in the scenic Pembina Gorge with a terrain park and snowmaking capabilities.
Visit website →Great Bear Ski Valley
Sioux Falls
396-472m, 12 runs, 4km pistes, Dec-Mar season, features a dedicated tubing park, terrain park, and groomed cross-country trails.
Visit website →Huff Hills Ski Area
Mandan
518-655m, 16 runs, 5km pistes, Dec-Mar season, the largest ski area in North Dakota overlooking the Missouri River Valley.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Bonanzaville, USA
West Fargo
A 12-acre pioneer village and rural life museum with 40 historic buildings showcasing the agricultural heritage of the Red River Valley.
Visit website →Orr Family Farm
Oklahoma City
A premier agritourism destination featuring petting zoos, train rides, and seasonal rural activities in the heart of Oklahoma.
Visit website →Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Overland Park
A top-rated farm park featuring over 250 animals, pony rides, and a 1900s schoolhouse for an immersive agricultural experience.
Visit website →Old MacDonald's Farm
Rapid City
A family favorite in the Black Hills offering hands-on interaction with over 100 farm animals in a scenic mountain setting.
Visit website →Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
Grand Island
A massive living history museum and rural experience featuring a 200-acre 1890s prairie town with working blacksmiths and farmsteads.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Gering
A massive 800-foot landmark that served as a critical guide for pioneers on the Oregon Trail, featuring steep cliffs and historic wagon ruts.
Visit website →Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Sulphur
A refreshing nature retreat featuring numerous mineral springs, cool streams, and scenic waterfalls that have been a popular destination for over a century.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa
Hot Springs
A standalone thermal spa facility built on the historic site of the original 1881 Moccasin Bathhouse. It utilizes natural mineral water from the Moccasin Spring, offering multiple outdoor soaking pools with temperatures ranging from 31°C to 39°C (88°F to 102°F). The facility features a pool carved directly into the natural red sandstone and focuses on the therapeutic benefits of the spring's mineral content.
Visit website →