RASDak, or Ride Across South Dakota, is a captivating event that invites cyclists to explore the diverse landscapes of South Dakota, famously known as the “Land of Infinite Variety.” From the rolling prairies in the east to the majestic Black Hills in the west, South Dakota offers cyclists an opportunity to experience its beauty and hospitality in the best way possible: on two wheels. One of the highlights of RASDak is the incredible support from local communities along the route. Many of these communities host rest stops, provide meals, and even organize local entertainment, showcasing South Dakota’s famous hospitality. Proceeds from RASDak support various organizations that contribute to the event’s success. These often include local youth groups, schools, and churches, which use the funds for community projects, making RASDak a cycling event and a way to give back to the communities it touches.
Route Details
The event is celebrated for its routes that pass through some of the most picturesque areas of South Dakota, including state parks, historic towns, and scenic byways. Cyclists experience the state’s varied landscapes, from lush farmlands to rugged terrain.
Day 1: Saturday
Our RASDak adventure begins in Garretson. This town has three beautiful parks that showcase the red quartzite canyon the area is known for. Palisades State Park is considered the 3rd best state park in South Dakota, behind only Custer and Bear Butte! The scenery attracts photographers, rock climbers, and hikers and will be a great place to begin our RASDak adventure!
Come early and check out all that Sioux Falls offers, as it is only 21 miles away. Warmup for RASDak by riding on the 34 miles of bike trails along the Big Sioux River and be sure to visit Falls Park where the Big Sioux drops over 100 feet. Falls Park is blocks from downtown Sioux Falls and has numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Day 2: Sunday
Garretson to Brookings. 58 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44671508
Heading north and passing through the land of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, you can learn of their history and the early settlers to Moody County at the Moody County Museum. The overnight town is Brookings, home to three attractions on the South Dakota Great Places listing: the 70-acre McCrory Gardens, the SD Art Museum, and the SD Agricultural Heritage Museum. Brookings is also home to South Dakota State University, South Dakota’s largest institution of higher education.
Day 3: Monday
Brookings to Milbank. 78 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44672230
The northward journey continues on quiet roads and through small towns to the overnight town of Milbank. Milbank is the birthplace of American Legion Baseball, which is now enjoyed by over 5000 teams representing all 50 states. Milbank is also home to numerous beautiful parks and the Holland Grist Windmill on the National Register of Historic Places.
Day 4: Tuesday
Milbank to Sisseton. 52 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44672604
The first stop will be at Big Stone Lake, the lowest point in SD at 968 ft. From there, you’ll enter the land of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, home of the beautiful “Song to the Great Spirit” building.
The destination town is Sisseton, and you will want to check out the Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center. The tower provides a spectacular view of the valley. The Interpretive Center describes Joseph Nicollet’s visits to the area in the 1830s. Nicollet became famous for his maps, which became the basis of all future maps of the upper Mississippi River valley.
Day 5: Wednesday
Sisseton to Clark. 86 or 106 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44678558
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44689223
Your day will start with a climb up the Coteau des Prairies, the plateau that contains most lakes in SD. You’ll see more lakes on this day than on any previous day of RASDak!
The first stop will be the Nicollet Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of three states. The next stop is Roslyn which while in the heart of lake country, is also known for a different kind of liquid at its International Vinegar Museum.
From there, you’ll journey south to Webster, where you will want to visit their Museum of Wildlife, Science & Industry, and then continue south to our overnight community of Clark. Clark is known as the potato capital of SD and has an annual Potato Days celebration.
Day 6: Thursday
Clark to Arlington. 66 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44678606
The glacial lakes tour will continue along scenic county highways through the communities of Willow Lake, Erwin, and Badger until we reach our destination of Arlington.
Arlington is home of the Cardinals, you can’t miss the cardinal on the water tower. They are a past SD Community of the Year.
Day 7: Friday
Arlington to Garretson. 76 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44678546
We will be returning to our start in Garretson. There will be many more lakes to see as we visit the communities of Sinai, Nunda, Wentworth, and Chester. Our final stop will be at Dell Rapids, which has a beautiful and historic downtown area. Be sure to check out their Sioux River Red Rock Trail. Then, off to Garretson to celebrate with all the other Rasdakians on completing your 416-mile Glacial Lakes of the Prairie tour!
Event Details
The Ride Across South Dakota (RASDak) offers a comprehensive package for cyclists and non-riders with registration fees starting at $210 per week or $55 per day before April 15th, increasing slightly afterwards. The fee includes indoor and tent camping accommodations, showers, luggage transport, SAG support, a roving bike mechanic from Spoke-N-Sport, and rest stops. Participants also receive detailed communication through e-newsletters, daily meetings, text alerts, and a route guide containing maps and information on meals and entertainment. Long-term parking details in Garretson, SD, will be provided. For more information, visit RASDak.
While specific details about routes and accommodations for the latest edition of RASDak might not be accessible now, past events have featured a mix of daily distances to accommodate riders of different abilities and interests. Accommodations typically include options for camping near the start and end points of each day’s ride, with recommendations for local hotels and inns for those seeking more comfort.
Participants can usually ride the entire length of South Dakota or select individual segments based on their schedule and cycling ability. The event is designed to be both a personal challenge and a communal experience, with riders encouraged to pace themselves while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists.
Exploring South Dakota on Two Wheels
RASDak offers more than just a physical challenge; it’s an immersive experience in the heart and soul of South Dakota. As cyclists pedal across the state, they encounter historical landmarks, natural wonders, and the vibrant cultures that make South Dakota unique. The ride is an open invitation to discover the hidden gems and spectacular sights off the beaten path.
