South Dakota Tourism

South Dakota is the definition of a hidden gem. To witness its sunsets is to stand face-to-face with the story of Earth itself. There is a purity to the natural light that lends each image a fairytale realness that personifies the idea of escapism. South Dakota is also replete with industry professionals with unrivaled work ethic and creative drive. The filmmakers I know who have shot here want to keep the secret for themselves, but some treasure must be shared. South Dakota is America’s best kept filmmaking secret.”

– Andrew Kightlinger, writer-director, "Tater Tot & Patton"

SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota’s breathtaking landscapes include sprawling prairies, glacial lakes, dramatic mountains and striking geological formations. The state welcomes millions of annual visitors who come to experience iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Badlands National Park. The state is steeped in Native American culture, iconic small-town living and real-life cowboys. Westerns, thrillers and contemporary dramas have all utilized South Dakota’s diverse backdrops. South Dakota offers filmmakers and producers excellent – and economical – ways to achieve their cinematic vision. With room to work and beauty to work with, South Dakota’s legendary rock formations, wildlife and open prairies make it the perfect location for iconic backdrops or intimate interiors. In South Dakota, you'll find experienced crews, a low cost of doing business and incredible locations for your next film.

FEATURED LOCATIONS Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park boasts 244,000 acres of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, bighorn sheep and buffalo. Skeletons of three-toed horses and sabertoothed cats may also be found amid the park’s rocky terrain. From narrow pathways to open land, the Badlands possess a rare combination of landscapes guaranteed to captivate any audience. The park was most recently featured in the Academy Award-winning film Nomadland (2020).

Historic Deadwood

This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and has since been the pinnacle of Old West history and culture. Surrounded by the Black

Hills National Forest, the town includes historic buildings with unique architecture inside and out in addition to a variety of casino interiors. Must-see outdoor spots include Mount Moriah Cemetery and Mount Roosevelt, also known as the Friendship Tower.

Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in the American frontier. Custer State Park is one of them. Located in the Black Hills, the park is home to various wildlife and magnificent scenery spanning 71,000 acres. Past its granite pinnacles that reach the sky and forest of ponderosa pine lies the famous Needles Highway. Custer State Park is overflowing with wildlife and scenic offerings with a variety of trails and undisturbed nature.

The Missouri River

The Missouri River gives South Dakota more miles of shoreline than Florida, meaning that filmmakers will have access to various shoreside landscapes and open-water filming opportunities. The river has islands and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — that all offer perfect opportunities for diversified shots along the waters of the Mighty Mo'.

FILM CREDITS

Nomadland, Dances with Wolves, Into the Wild, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, The Rider, Starship Troopers

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM Rebecca Cruse 605-773-3301 filmsd@state.sd.us FilmSD.com

Badlands National Park

Custer State Park Historic Deadwood

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

When you film in South Dakota, your crew can enjoy no personal or corporate income tax. South Dakota also offers its resources and assistance to help you secure locations, special permissions and permits and connect you with the best local experts to make your dream shoot a reality.

Scan to discover more of what the South Dakota Department of Tourism offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com