There’s something about fall that makes us want to get in the car and go somewhere.

Maybe it’s the changing leaves, the crisp air, the promise of a pumpkin patch, or the simple excitement of exploring somewhere new. And luckily, you don’t have to plan a full weekend getaway to make it feel like an adventure. There are plenty of family-friendly destinations within an easy drive of Sioux Falls that are perfect for a fall day trip.

Looking for more fall fun? Check out our Fall Headquarters, sponsored by Avera Children’s! We have gathered full guides for area fall festivals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, fall food, and more!

So pack some snacks, grab the kids, and make a day of it!

Brookings

About 55 minutes north of Sioux Falls

Brookings is an easy fall escape when you want a day that mixes outdoor fun, kid-friendly attractions, and a little small-town exploring.

Spend some time at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, where kids can explore hands-on exhibits and let their imaginations run wild. Then head outside to enjoy the changing leaves at Dakota Nature Park, a 135-acre park with trails, wetlands, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

If you’re visiting on a nice fall day, leave some time to wander downtown, grab a seasonal drink or treat, and explore the local shops. Fall also brings plenty of SDSU Jackrabbit spirit to town, making a football game another fun way to spend a fall Saturday.

Yankton

About 1 hour 15 minutes southwest of Sioux Falls

For a fall day trip that feels a little more like a getaway, head to Yankton.

The Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Recreation Area make this a beautiful place to spend a fall afternoon outdoors. Take a hike, explore the trails, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery along the water. Biking the paved trail near the water is always a family favorite. Yankton also has plenty of history to explore, with museums, historic sites, and a charming downtown area.

For fun in Yankton, make sure to take a look at Mazing Acres. This fall festival destination is open on weekends and is filled with fall fun.

Vermillion

About 1 hour 15 minutes south of Sioux Falls

Vermillion is a great choice when you want your fall adventure to include a little learning along with your fun.

The National Music Museum is home to an impressive collection of musical instruments from around the world, while the W.H. Over Museum offers natural history and cultural exhibits that can turn a day trip into an unexpected learning adventure.

When the weather cooperates, head outside to explore Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, a historic landscape that Lewis and Clark visited during their expedition.

Garretson & Palisades

About 30 minutes northeast of Sioux Falls

You don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve left town.

Head to Garretson for an afternoon of exploring Palisades State Park, where Split Rock Creek winds between dramatic Sioux quartzite cliffs. Some formations rise as high as 50 feet, making this a particularly memorable place for a family hike.

Fall is an especially beautiful time to visit, when the surrounding trees add color to the rocky landscape. Pack a picnic, wear shoes that can handle a trail, and let the kids explore.

Then head into Garretson to check out the Devil’s Gulch, where legend has it that Jesse James jumped his horse over the chasm.

Newton Hills & Canton

About 30–40 minutes south of Sioux Falls

If your idea of a perfect fall day involves colorful trees, hiking, and plenty of fresh air, head south.

Newton Hills State Park is one of the best nearby places to experience fall foliage. The heavily wooded park feels distinctly different from the surrounding prairie and offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching and exploring. More than 200 species of birds visit the area throughout the year, and fall is a particularly beautiful time to explore.

After your hike, continue into Canton for lunch or a little small-town exploring before heading back toward Sioux Falls.

Madison & Lake Herman

About 50 minutes northwest of Sioux Falls

For a slower-paced fall day, point the car toward Madison.

Lake Herman State Park is a beautiful place to spend an autumn afternoon, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, biking, and picnicking. It’s the kind of destination where you don’t necessarily need a long list of activities. Bring lunch, let the kids explore and enjoy the changing scenery.

Then head into Madison for a treat, browse the downtown area, or make the drive home as the sun starts to go down.

Make the Most of Your Fall Day Trip

You don’t need a perfectly planned itinerary to make a family road trip memorable. In fact, some of the best fall adventures are the ones where you leave a little room for spontaneity!

Before you go:

Pack snacks. Hungry kids can turn a scenic drive into a very different kind of adventure.

Bring layers. Fall weather can change quickly, especially when you’re spending part of the day outdoors.

Look at the forecast. A sunny 55-degree day and a windy 45-degree day can make for very different hiking experiences.

Build in a treat stop. Because every good family road trip is better with a donut, ice cream, hot chocolate, or apple cider.

Don’t overpack the itinerary. Pick two or three main stops and let the rest of the day unfold.

Make a playlist. Give everyone a chance to pick a song for the drive.

Take the long way home. If the leaves are beautiful, slow down and enjoy the scenery.

The best part? You can do these trips again and have a completely different experience depending on the weather, the leaves, the events happening that weekend and the ages of your kids.

So pick a town, fill up the gas tank, and make a little fall adventure out of it. You might be surprised how far a one-day getaway can take you.