10 South Dakota Destinations for Healthcare Travelers
Are you looking for a truly unique travel healthcare experience? Take your next assignment in South Dakota, where adventure meets opportunity in the heart of America. Nestled among the Midwest’s sweeping plains and rugged landscapes, South Dakota offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse cultural experiences.
Whether you’re a travel nurse who craves outdoor exploration or a healthcare traveler eager to expand your skills in rural or urban settings, the land of the Great Plains has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 must-see places in South Dakota for travel nurses and healthcare travelers.
Must-See South Dakota Destinations for Healthcare Travelers
Rapid City
Healthcare travelers on assignment in Rapid City will find themselves immersed in a vibrant town filled with history, culture, and plenty of fun things to do in their off time. The downtown area features the Main Street experience with various shops, restaurants, and events to enjoy.
Healthcare travelers can visit unique attractions like Chapel in the Hills or take in the gorgeous colors of a sunset or sunrise from Dinosaur Park (you can’t miss the 80-foot-long brontosaurus!). Canyon Lake Park and the Skyline Wilderness Area provide biking and hiking trails and places to relax with a picnic or day at the beach.
Beyond the city limits, Rapid City is a gateway to the Black Hills region, giving adventurous travelers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation and visits to historical sites.
Badlands National Park
Known for its striking landscape of layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires, Badlands National Park is a haven for outdoor adventurers and geology buffs. The epic formations here are approximately one million years old and provide a stunning backdrop for day hikes and photos. Healthcare travelers can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in this unique wilderness area.
Be sure to check out Good Rangers, Bad Lands, the park’s official podcast featuring the park’s rangers and other staff sharing stories of preserving and protecting this amazing national park.
Black Hills National Forest
Encompassing over 1.2 million acres across western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, the Black Hills National Forest is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Known as the “Island in the Plains,” this park is named for the pine-covered hills, which appear black from a distance.
Travelers can enjoy hiking, biking, winter activities, fishing, and scenic drives amid its rugged landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Travel nurses who love camping will find plenty of opportunities to pitch a tent, including trekking on horseback to the perfect camping spot.
Prairie Berry Winery
Located in the heart of the Black Hills, Prairie Berry Winery offers a unique taste of South Dakota with its award-winning wines made from local fruits and berries. Healthcare travelers can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and delicious food pairings at the winery’s on-site bistro. The winery also offers events throughout the year, such as concerts, yoga sessions, and more.
Custer State Park
Spanning 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park offers stunning scenery, including granite peaks, rolling plains, and pristine lakes. Take in the gorgeous views on a scenic drive or a hike along one of the many trails. Healthcare travelers who love hiking, camping, spotting wildlife, and relaxing in nature will enjoy everything this park offers. Be sure to bring your paddleboard or kayak for a fun way to explore the five lakes!
Wind Cave National Park
As one of the world’s longest and most complex caves, Wind Cave National Park is a fascinating destination for spelunkers and nature lovers. Above ground, the park features rolling prairies and diverse wildlife, including bison and prairie dogs. Below, you can explore the cave through one of the many guided tours. Reserve a more leisurely tour to view features like frostwork and cave popcorn, or get adventurous on one of their more strenuous tours – perfect for healthcare travelers looking for an epic adventure they’ll never forget.
Jewel Cave National Monument
If Wind Cave has you craving more cave adventure fun, Jewel Cave National Monument is a must-see. Although it’s currently the fifth longest cave in the world, studies show that most of it has not been discovered yet. Healthcare travelers can take guided tours to explore its intricate passageways adorned with sparkling calcite crystals. Keep your eyes open for the wide variety of wildlife that call the area home, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, bats, and many species of birds.
Deadwood
History buff healthcare travelers, prepare for an incredible Wild West historical experience in Deadwood. Deadwood is a historic mining town known for its colorful characters, including Seth Bullock, Wild Bill Hickok, and Calamity Jane.
Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy casino gaming, and experience the town’s lively atmosphere. Travel nurses will enjoy antiquing and shopping along the town’s cobblestone streets. If your assignment takes you to the area in April, be sure to check out the Forks, Corks & Kegs annual event.
Spearfish Canyon
Renowned for its scenic beauty, Spearfish Canyon offers stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush forests that healthcare travelers don’t want to miss on their South Dakota travel assignment. Spearfish Canyon is the number one attraction of the Northern Hills area, featuring limestone palisades older than the Grand Canyon. Don’t miss Spearfish Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Roughlock Falls for majestic waterfall visits and gorgeous photos of your trip.
Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, presents healthcare travelers with a unique blend of city comforts and natural wonders. Amidst the cityscape, the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Saint Joseph offers stunning architecture and a serene ambiance, with free self-guided tours.
The vibrant parks and scenic landscapes ensure every moment off-duty is filled with exploration and rejuvenation. Check out the the cascading waters of Falls Park and the tranquil trails of Palisades State Park. Healthcare travelers on assignment in Sioux Falls are also in close proximity to Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska for even more fun travel adventures.
Travel With TNAA
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or culinary delights, South Dakota has something for every type of travel nurse. From iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park to the vibrant communities of Sioux Falls and Rapid City, South Dakota provides endless possibilities for adventure and professional growth.
In addition to the opportunities for adventure, South Dakota has a lower cost of living statewide than the U.S. average. Healthcare travelers will pay less for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other travel assignment expenses.
Plus, when you travel with TNAA, you’re traveling with an agency that has your back every step of the way. Housing, credentialing, benefits, sick leave…we’ve got you covered. All you have to do is pack your bags and decide where you’re going.
Ready to explore South Dakota as a travel nurse or allied healthcare traveler? Check out our available travel nurse jobs in South Dakota and apply today!
