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South Dakota is located on the American Great Plains and is home to the Badlands, the Black Hills Mountains, and wide open prairie bordering the Missouri River. The variety of landscapes and the great open spaces between popular destinations makes a South Dakota rent a car the best way to get around and see all that the state has to offer. Look for great deals on South Dakota car rentals and save time and money to visit famous attractions like the Chief Crazy Horse Memorial (the world's largest statue), the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Fort Hays Chuckwagon and Dinner Show (on the movie set for Dances with Wolves), the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Missouri National Recreational River, Wind Cave National Park, or the awesome Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

South Dakota is served by two major airports, Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), also known as Joe Foss Field in the southeast, and Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) in the west. If you fly into Joe Foss Field Airport, served by Northwest, Pinnacle, Mesaba, United, Delta, and Allegiant airlines, car rentals are provided in terminal by Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. Try Enterprise for the best deals. If you fly into Rapid City Regional Airport, served by Northwest, United, Delta, and Allegiant airlines, car rentals are provided in terminal by Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Avis, and Budget. Try Dollar for the lowest rates, followed by Enterprise and Hertz. South Dakota car rentals are usually available downtown from many of the same national names as well as several smaller local chains, usually for better rates than those at the airport.

You must present a valid driver's license and credit card issued in your name at most South Dakota rental car agencies (although some will take a cash deposit depending on a credit check), along with proof of insurance if you decline the vendor's coverage options. Usually age requirements for a rent a car are 21 for compact and economy cars, 25 for all others, and an additional young driver charge may apply for anyone under 25 (select agencies will rent to qualifying individuals over 18 for an additional fee).