5 Best Places to Propose in South Dakota

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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read

THE BASICS --

South Dakota is full of perfect places to propose. Whether you and the person you love are enthusiasts for monuments, rivers, lakes, parks, canyons, gardens, waterfalls, sunsets, or good food and wine, there’s a beautiful spot to create a lifetime of memories. But where, exactly, should that most important question be asked? This guide describes some of the best places in South Dakota to ask that special person to marry you.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide we will explain the following:

• Romantic Locations in South Dakota for Outdoor Lovers
• Mount Rushmore
• Sioux Falls
• Custer State Park
• At-Home
• Budget-Friendly
• Best Places to Propose in South Dakota

Romantic Locations in South Dakota For Outdoor Lovers

1. Mount Rushmore

Proposing at the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial can be a truly memorable experience. Choose a quiet spot with a view of the monument, such as the Grand View Terrace, and propose against the backdrop of the famous presidential faces carved into the granite cliff.

2. Sioux Falls

The namesake city of Sioux Falls is home to a beautiful waterfall on the Big Sioux River, as well as parks, trails, and gardens. Consider proposing at Falls Park, where you can enjoy views of the waterfall and the city skyline.

3. Custer State Park

This expansive state park in the Black Hills offers stunning scenery, including granite peaks, pine forests, and rolling plains. Consider proposing at one of the park's scenic overlooks, such as Sylvan Lake or Needles Highway, or during a hike on one of the park's trails.

4. At-Home

Sometimes the most heartfelt proposals happen right at home. In South Dakota, set the mood with string lights on your patio or under the wide prairie sky, a cozy dinner featuring local favorites like bison steak, sweet corn, or fresh produce from a nearby farmers market, and a playlist of songs that are meaningful to your relationship. Add candles, wildflowers gathered from local markets, or even a backyard fire pit to create a warm and personal atmosphere that feels intimate, thoughtful, and uniquely yours.

5. Budget-Friendly

A romantic proposal doesn’t require a luxury budget. South Dakota is full of scenic and heartfelt spots that are beautiful, meaningful, and completely affordable. Begin along the Missouri River, where gentle currents and golden sunsets set the perfect tone for an intimate moment. Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Lake Kampeska or one of the serene Black Hills lakes, where calm waters and mountain views create a peaceful escape. For nature lovers, Badlands National Park and Spearfish Canyon offer breathtaking backdrops of rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and open sky. In Sioux Falls, the Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove surrounds you with vibrant color and quiet wonder, while Black Elk Peak rewards a short hike with sweeping views that make your proposal unforgettable. These inviting and affordable locations prove that in South Dakota, love doesn’t need extravagance to feel extraordinary.

“I've purchased two vintage rings from Suzanne over the past decade and my wife has loved both. Great service, communication and speedy delivery.”

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Best Places to Propose in South Dakota

While it can be tempting to get wrapped up in elaborate proposal plans, sometimes the very best way to ask the question is a classic, heartfelt, on-one-knee moment. Whatever you and your soon-to-be fiance or fiancee enjoy, South Dakota has beautiful and memorable places to propose. Make one of these romantic locations your special place by proposing with the perfect vintage engagement ring.

It's Time!

South Dakota has so many beautiful places to propose—now it’s just about choosing the perfect one. Make the moment even more special with the perfect vintage ring—schedule a virtual appointment or email us to get 5% off when you purchase a ring and mention our Best Places to Propose in South Dakota blog.

Suzanne Sachs