12 Romantic Places to Propose to Your Partner in South Dakota

From rolling hills to sparkling waters, scenic overlooks or serene lakes, discover the most romantic locations to pop the question.
Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
Photo: Mendenhall Olga | Shutterstock
Erin Celletti
by
Erin Celletti
Erin Celletti
Erin Celletti
The Knot Contributor
  • Erin is a freelance contributor to The Knot and loves creating lifestyle, travel, beauty, relationships and commerce content.
  • In addition to writing for The Knot, Erin contributes to a wide range of publications including The Everygirl, The Everymom, Scary Mommy, Romper, Bustle and Brides.
  • Erin lives just outside of New York City, has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and two Master’s degrees in Education and Administ...
Updated Oct 04, 2024

Best known for being home to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is also brimming with breathtaking landscapes and intimate settings that make it an ideal place to propose. From the gorgeous natural beauty of the rolling Black Hills to the serene, clear waters of its many lakes, and whether you're looking for a secluded spot or an iconic locale, there's a spot in South Dakota for every proposal.

When you've narrowed down the perfect spot, be sure to check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace for real reviews on the best proposal photographers, proposal planners, and proposal packages. For extra insight, we spoke with South Dakota wedding photographer Patty Solis Rivero of Solis Photography. Here are 12 of the most romantic places to propose to your partner in South Dakota. Consult your proposal checklist and start your search.

Sylvan Lake, Custer, South Dakota

Nestled in the rolling, lush Black Hills, Sylvan Lake in Custer, South Dakota is a truly serene and stunning proposal location where you can find yourselves immersed in natural beauty. Pop the question by the lake's clear, sparkling waters or get adventurous closer to the rocky formations for a picturesque backdrop.

Badlands National Park, Interior, South Dakota

The dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park are, according to Solis Rivero, "gorgeous at any time of the day, but especially at sunset." She adds that there are lots of good photo spots and lots of people, but easy enough for you to find a good, intimate spot. It gets pretty hot in summer and if you're not into walking or hiking she recommends avoiding it that time of the year—but notes that the night views are stunning.

Falls Park, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

With its cascading waterfalls and lush greenery, Falls Park in Sioux Falls is a romantic and easily accessible spot to pop the question. It's such a great spot, that Solis Rivero says there are lots of people around all the time, and that it is a very popular place to propose. She says it's also extra gorgeous at Christmastime. The sound of the falls only adds to the ambiance.

Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota

Solis Rivero calls Mount Rushmore in Keystone the picture-perfect spot. It's very clean, and super-romantic at sunset—just be warned it is full of people all the time. Solis Rivero says it might be hard to find an intimate spot to get down on one knee, and as a heads up—it does cost money to get in.

Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish, South Dakota

Spearfish Canyon is known for its stunning waterfalls, lush forests and scenic views. The natural beauty of this canyon makes it a perfect spot for a romantic proposal in South Dakota—and you can spend the day doing all the outdoor activities, too. Just be sure to check out the forecast before you go. After your partner says yes, check out Spearfish Canyon Lodge while you're there as a potential wedding venue.

Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota

With its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and scenic drives, Custer State Park offers numerous beautiful spots to propose, from the picturesque Needles Highway to the tranquil lakes. Spanning over 71,000 acres, you can spend the day camping, hiking, biking, swimming and more before popping the question.

Black Elk Peak, Custer, South Dakota

At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rockies and offers panoramic views that make for a dramatic and unforgettable proposal spot. The hike up only adds to the adventure (if that's your type of thing), plus, dogs are allowed so you can bring your four-legged family member.

Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, South Dakota

For a unique proposal in South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park is home to stunning encounters both above and below ground and is known best for its intriguing cave formations. The combination of above-ground beauty and underground wonder makes it a really special spot.

The Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota

For a quirky and unique proposal, The Corn Palace in Mitchell offers a fun and colorful backdrop. Solis Rivero calls it picturesque and touristy as the ever-changing murals made of corn create a one-of-a-kind setting. She warns it's more of a family spot and not your typical proposal location, but for those who dare to be different—it just might be the spot.

Historic Deadwood, Deadwood, South Dakota

For some serious Wild West vibes, Historic Deadwood lets you step back in time amongst the charming streets and old-time saloons. Though it is highly touristy, Solis Rivero says if you're into the Western style, this is the place to propose in South Dakota. There are lots of restaurants and Western-themed bars for some truly special photo ops. If you choose to propose somewhere else though, keep it in mind for later, as Solis Rivero says, "It is a key place for bachelor/bachelorette parties in the state."

Palisades State Park, Garretson, South Dakota

Always gorgeous but particularly stunning in the fall months, Palisades State Park in Garretson boasts lots of romantic corners and beautiful sunsets making it, "perfect for an intimate proposal that can be captured by your photographer without being noticed," says Solis Rivero. Within the park is also the serene Split Rock Creek filled with rugged and romantic beauty.

Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota

Within Spearfish Canyon, Roughlock Falls is known to be one of the most scenic spots thanks to its stunning cascading waterfalls and lush surroundings. It's about an hour away from Mount Rushmore and is part of a 19-mile byway you can spend the day exploring.

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