From the bustling streets of downtown Sioux Falls all the way to the historic heart of the Black Hills, South Dakota has no shortage of places to rest your head.

According to Google reviews, three unique properties stand head and shoulders above the rest. Earning near-perfect marks from hundreds of guests, these top-rated stays prove that personalized service, quiet Black Hills settings, and pristine accommodations win every time.

From a high-end historic restoration in downtown Sturgis to peaceful creek-side resorts and secluded mountain lodges, here are the three highest-rated places to stay in South Dakota according to Google ratings.

KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls logo
Get our free mobile app

#3 - Whitetail Creek Resort - 11295 US Hwy. 14A | Lead, South Dakota

Credit: Canva/Google Maps
Credit: Canva/Google Maps

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars (over 330 reviews).

 

  • Location & Setting: Nestled off Highway 14A in Lead, right along the scenic Whitetail Creek.

  • Key Features: Offers wood-framed cabins alongside traditional motel-style rooms.

  • Amenities: Highlights include outdoor fire pits, unique barrel saunas, a cozy guest bar, and direct access to outdoor trails for hiking and snowmobiling.

  • Vibe: Relaxed and secluded, geared heavily toward outdoorsy travelers looking to escape the busier city centers.

#2 - The Hotel Sturgis - 1144 Main Street | Sturgis, South Dakota

 

Credit: Canva/Google Maps
Credit: Canva/Google Maps

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars (over 220 reviews)

 

  • Location & Setting: Located right on Main Street in downtown Sturgis.

  • Key Features: Housed in a beautifully restored 1900s building that blends historic architecture with industrial-chic modern upgrades.

  • Amenities: Features snug boutique rooms and suites, an on-site specialty coffee bar/cafe, and private balconies overlooking downtown.

  • Vibe: Right in the middle of town. A boutique hospitality, ideal for travelers wanting to walk to local shops and dining.

#1 Eagle's Landing Lodge - 12046 US-16 | Custer, South Dakota

Credit: Canva/Google Maps
Credit: Canva/Google Maps

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars (over 100 reviews)

 

  • Location & Setting: Located along Highway 16 in Custer, offering easy access to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.

  • Key Features: Offers warm, rustic lodge quarters and private cabins surrounded by pine trees and Black Hills wildlife.

  • Amenities: Known for quiet grounds, outdoor deck spaces, and private whirlpool tubs in select units.

  • Vibe: Peaceful mountain retreat, perfect for family vacations and Black Hills sightseeing trips.

South Dakota's Snakes: A Local Guide to Identifying and Understanding Our Slithering Neighbors!

South Dakota may not have creepy crawlies like they do in Australia. But, there are a fair amount of snakes to be found here.

We can find some in the Black Hills, some enjoy life on the west-river plains, and several are concentrated in the southeastern part of the state along the Missouri River.

There are seven common species of snake that can be found throughout the state, including our one venomous species.

 

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls