10 Best Places To Fly A Drone In South Dakota (2024)

David Cassiel

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in South Dakota.

South Dakota, which is located in the middle of the United States, has both metropolitan attractions and untamed natural beauty. South Dakota has several attractions to visit, including National Music Museums and badlands that rise into the sky.

The most popular attraction in South Dakota is its breathtaking natural environment. The majority of outdoor excursions are defined by the Black Hills in the state’s west. Visitors may find a variety of activities inside these forested acres, including subterranean caverns and monumental structures. These woodland acres formerly provided shelter to indigenous inhabitants for thousands of years.

In this article, I will reveal to you where to fly your drone in South Dakota, as well as where it is permitted and not permitted by the law to fly a drone. I will also offer regulatory guidance to assist you in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Regulations In South Dakota

The federal drone laws governing drone operations in South Dakota, which were created by the Federal Aviation Administration, classify drone operations as either recreational or commercial.

Federal Regulations In South Dakota

Recreational drone pilots are subject to the FAA rules for recreational flyers, which require them to register their drones if they weigh more than 250 g and complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before they can operate their drone for recreational purposes in the United States of America.

Commercial drone pilots are subject to FAA rules for commercial pilots, which require them to follow The Part 107 regulations, complete a multiple-choice exam, and earn a drone pilot certification from the FAA before they can operate their drone for commercial purposes in the United States of America.

Panorama of Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
Best places to fly a drone in south dakota.
Panorama of Rapid City, South Dakota, USA

When flying within five miles of an airport, drone pilots are no longer needed to independently contact air traffic control. Instead, to obtain airspace authorization to fly in regulated airspace near and above numerous airports, both commercial and leisure fliers can use the automated LAANC system. You must apply for airspace authorization if you are operating in Class B, C, D, or E regulated airspace. In areas where LAANC is not available, you can use the FAA Drone Zone or LAANC.

Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.

State and Local Regulations In South Dakota

Here is an in-depth guide to the drone laws in South Dakota that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in South Dakota. You should always exercise sound judgment when in doubt and adhere to the FAA’s regulations.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice and is solely provided for informative reasons. If there is anything we missed or if you have any further questions, please contact us at info [at] droneller [dot] com, and we will do our best to assist you.

Best Places To Fly A Drone In Rapid City, South Dakota

Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Rapid City, South Dakota. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.

1. Art Alley

599 7th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States

Art Alley, which is situated between 6th and 7th streets and Main and Saint Joseph streets in Rapid City, was established as a natural neighborhood gallery in 2003. Beginning with mostly canvas artworks displayed on the walls, artists eventually progressed to painting directly on the walls.

Due to the neighboring highways, powerlines, and other impediments, the majority of these alleys are not good locations for flying. However, if you possess the necessary abilities, you might be able to get a good shot in a favorable position. Just be aware that if there is interference, you might need to fly in ATTI mode, which is much more dangerous.

2. Dinosaur Park

940 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States

Dinosaur Park is a popular tourist destination in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was built to take advantage of the visitors visiting the Black Hills to view Mount Rushmore and was dedicated on May 22, 1936. It has seven dinosaur sculptures on a hill overlooking the city.

The city of Rapid City looks after the park, which is situated at 940 Skyline Drive. The entrance is free; however, access for people with disabilities may be limited by the steep flagstone stairs. This park offers panoramic views of the city and is located on a mountaintop.

3. Giant Prairie Dog Statue

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There is a large prairie dog outside of the Badlands National Park.

This concrete colossus, which stands 12 feet over its smaller counterparts and weighs a whopping 6 tons, is surrounded by a prairie dog colony. The attraction is free, and you may purchase peanuts to feed the (in contrast) little non-concrete prairie dogs at the Ranch Store Gift Shop for $.50.

The enormous pink and ocher colony’s mascot has been guarding this little area of the Badlands for more than 50 years, and despite some minor weather-related wear and tear, it shows no signs of disappearing any time soon.

Best Places To Fly A Drone In Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.

1. Arc of Dreams

Sioux Falls, SD 57103, United States

Dale Claude Lamphere, South Dakota’s Artist Laureate, created The Arc of Dreams, one of the country’s newest iconic sculptures. The artwork pays homage to previous and contemporary dreamers and serves as an example for existing and future dreamers.

Nearly the length of a football field, the enormous stainless steel artwork crosses the Big Sioux River downtown between 6th and 8th streets. A 15-foot gap, 85 feet above the river, sits in the middle of the structure, symbolizing the leap of faith that dreamers must take in order for their visions to come true.

If you want to hone your photography and filmmaking talents, you should visit this lovely sculpture. It is located near downtown Sioux Falls on the banks of the Big Sioux River. However, you must obtain FAA authorization to operate a drone in this area.

2. Falls Park

131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

Falls Park is a public park in north central Sioux Falls, South Dakota that encircles the city’s falls. The park, which includes a café, an observation tower, and the ruins of a former mill, is traversed by the Big Sioux River.

It is highly common for visitors to congregate in this park, and during the summer, there may even be outdoor concerts. This implies that if you want to fly your drone around securely, you should go to the park on purpose early in the morning. Regardless of the time of day, the falls are magnificent.

3. Good Earth State Park

26742-26500 Baker Park Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, United States

Good Earth State Park is located southeast of Sioux Falls. It’s a special natural refuge close to the most developed and inhabited area of our state. It is also a significant cultural and historical monument. The location itself is among the first places where people have lived for a long time in the United States.

There are a ton of trails at Good Earth State Park, which is big enough that there aren’t many congested spots. Drones may easily be flown in the open area leading to the Big Sioux River. It’s advisable to take advantage of the park while it’s still somewhat of a “hidden treasure.”

4. Harmodon Park

5721 E 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57110, United States

Drone flights are not usually permitted at Harmodon Park since it primarily serves as a baseball and softball facility. However, you can freely fly your drone whenever you want on game-free days. The fields make beautiful settings for your aerial footage because they are always kept up beautifully.

5. McKennan Park

400 E 26th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, United States

McKennan Park, the oldest constructed park in Sioux Falls, is the gem in the crown of parks. The historic park is home to several additional features along with the Statue of Liberty, the “Pillars of the Nation” memorial, the Mediterranean Sunken Gardens, a reconstructed bandshell from 1926, and different sculptures,

A free wading pool, basketball court, eight illuminated tennis courts, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits for tournament play, an open picnic shelter, an open park area, a kids’ play area, and a bandshell are all included in the park.

This bustling park serves as the city’s beating heart in many ways. Its close proximity to the city’s center and broad open areas make takeoff and landing simpler.

6. Terrace Park

1100 W 4th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

Terrace Park is a 52-acre (21 ha) public park on the banks of Covell Lake in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was once known as Covell Lake Park or Phillips Park. Its contemporary name, which was given in 1916, comes from the steep terraces.

The park has a Japanese Garden with stone architecture and Japanese plants in addition to the typical walking pathways and playground. Drone flights can take place at the park’s north amphitheater and along the lakeshores.

7. Valley of the Giants Trail

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Sioux Falls is quite a trip from the Valley of the Giants Trail, but it is definitely worth it. In less than an hour, you may travel the path and see a variety of breathtaking landscapes, including enormous trees, little cliffs, and a riverbank region. Because of the trees, the park already becomes gloomy in the early afternoon. With a drone, one may see the ancient growth forest.

Final Thoughts on Where To Fly A Drone In South Dakota

So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in South Dakota!

I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of South Dakota from above. You can also check out where to fly a drone in other states and cities in the United States.

Always remember to obey the federal, state, and local drone laws in South Dakota to avoid having issues with the law and authorities.

And don’t forget to share this article with a friend and other drone pilots who will benefit from this information using the share icons below.

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