Rolling prairies, dramatic Black Hills National Forest, and Mount Rushmore define the beauty of midwestern U.S. state, South Dakota. So if you are planning to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, here’s the list of the best things to do in South Dakota.
South Dakota is a state that is filled with many incredible natural wonders, waterfalls, parks, national monuments, caves, gardens, museums, villages, and historical landmarks. For example, the Mammoth Site, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, National Music Museum, Wind Cave National Park, Deadwoods, Good Earth State Park, Reptile Garden, and many more.
Are you passing through or planning a tour to South Dakota? This list of the best things to do in South Dakota will help you have a memorable tour.
Things to do in South Dakota
1. The Mammoth Site
The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is an active paleontological excavation site. So, you can see ongoing research and excavations on this site.
This paleontological excavation site features the bones, teeth, and tusks of 60 Columbian mammoths, including three woolly mammoths. In addition, you can see the partially uncovered bones of mammoths that lived in South Dakota millions of years ago inside a climate-controlled building.
It is believed that these mammoths were stopped to dink springwaters from this place and fell into a sinkhole.
Also, you can visit the on-site Ice Age Exhibit Hall to see some exciting prehistoric fossils of ancient camels, coyotes, birds, llamas, wooly mammoths, shrub oxen, bears, wolves, and wolves that have found from this site.
Also, there’re full-sized mammoth replicas, baby mammoth mummies, and a mammoth bone hut.
For those who are interested in learning more about the fossils and excavation process, there are guided tours and Paleontology Classes for anyone.
So, if you are in South Dakota with your kids, The Mammoth Site should be your first destination for sure.
Address: 1800 US-18 BYP, Hot Springs, SD 57747, United States Phone: +1 605-745-6017
Official website: https://www.mammothsite.org/
Things to do in South Dakota
2. Things to do in South Dakota: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most famous stone sculptures in the world. Also, it is South Dakota’s most photographed place. Actually, it is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, SD.
Who did this?
The famous American sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln Borglum created this unique 60 feet high granite sculpture in 1941. The reports say that over 400,000 tons of rock were blasted to carve it.
What represents this sculpture?
Mount Rushmore National Memorial represents the faces of the former United States presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, who contributed to the country’s birth, growth, development, and preservation.
You can try its Presidential Trail with 0.6 miles to get close views of the monument.
Also, this site features a museum with interactive exhibits, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, an information center, a souvenir shop, and a cafe.
It creatively shows the rich history of the United States. That’s why South Dakota got a nickname of “The Mount Rushmore State.”
Since it is open for visitors every day of the year, you can visit there anytime. Also, the Black Hills offers you many other things to see and things to do. So, plan for camping near Mount Rushmore and discover all.
Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, United States Phone: +1 605-574-2523
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
Things to do in South Dakota
3. Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park contains dramatic landscapes with layered rock formations, towering spires, and steep canyons. Spreading for 242,756 acres of land, this national park offers you one of the most scenic views of South Dakota.
Starting from the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) till the end, it offers you breathtaking views of diverse landscapes. That’s why it is one of the most visited destinations in South Dakota.
These uniquely formed hills and pinnacles were believed formed from clay and sand erosions. So, it considers as a rich fossil bed as well.
You can see large herds of prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and bison roam freely in the sprawling grasslands of this national park.
And there are several programs and hiking trails for the visitors to explore the rugged beauty of Badlands. For example, the Junior Ranch program for children, Fossil Exhibit Trail, and many other hiking trails match any hiking levels.
Starting from the northwestern Pinnacles Entrance, Badlands Loop Road takes you through a scenic environment to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in the park. You can catch all the changing rugged rock formations along this route.
On the other hand, the Cedar Pass area features eight designated trails. For example, Notch Trails, Door Trail, and Window Trail are easy trails to reach scenic and challenging environments.
Aside from hiking, you can do biking, observing wildlife, horseback riding, biking, camping, and many other adventurous things.
It is better to visit the visitor center and get maps and other information before starting the journey.
Address: South Dakota, United States Phone: +1 605-433-5361
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
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4. Things to do in South Dakota: Custer State Park
Custer State Park is another wonderful state park and wildlife reserve located in Black Hills, South Dakota.
Also, it is the first and the largest park in the state. And the park is named after the famous commanding officer George Armstrong Custer in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars.
Spreading over 70,000 acres offers you many fun outdoor activities. Obviously, since it surrounds granite peaks, hills, lakes with clear mountain waters, streams, lush forests, and wildlife, there are plenty of things to do.
For example, you can experience birdwatching, observing wildlife, biking, boating, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, camping, and many other fun things.
Hikers should try Sylvan Lake Shore Trail, a waterfront route that runs around the rock-lined reservoir. Also, you can try the trailhead to the highest peak of South Dakota, Harney Peak, or Black Elk Peak, with a 2,208 m elevation.
There’s another scenic road on Custer State Park’s southeast corner called Wildlife Loop Road. Stretching for 18 miles, this road will lead you to catch a large herd of bison roaming here and there. Try to visit in the early mornings or late evenings.
To grab all of these experiences, camping in Custer State Park is the best option. But, for that, first, you have to reserve your campground at Custer State Park.
Since all the facilities are available (wi-fi, picnic pavilions, showers, drinking water, flushable toilets, etc.) on the campground, you can have a good time.
Cabins, tent sites, electrical campsites, swimmable beaches, a concession stand, and playgrounds are also available to have a memorable camping experience.
However, viewing the picturesque backdrop of Custer State Park is the most peaceful thing to do. You can surely take attractive Instagrammable photos.
Address: 13438 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730, United States Phone: +1 605-255-4515
For campgrounds: https://gfp.sd.gov/csp-campgrounds/
Things to do in South Dakota
5. Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial is another attractive mountain monument in the Black Hills in Custer County, SD. Its construction was started in 1947 and still ongoing. However, the already constructed parts show a Lakota war leader of the Oglala Lakota band in the 19th century named Crazy Horse.
He’s more famous for his June of 1876’s role in the Battle of Little Bighorn.
You can see the head and upper body portion of this Native American tribal leader carved into Thunderhead Mountain in the Black Hills. If you like to get close views of Crazy Horse, there are bus rides to the base area throughout the day.
Also, for those who like to know more about the memorial and the history of Native Americans, there’s a museum and a cultural visitor center on the ground.
Are you ready to discover more historical information?
Address: Crazy Horse, SD 57730, United States Phone: +1 605-673-4681
Official website: https://crazyhorsememorial.org/
Things to do in South Dakota
6. Things to do in South Dakota: National Music Museum
Are you a music lover? Get ready to see thousands of musical instruments that you have never seen before.
The National Music Museum or America’s Shrine to Music & Center for Study of the History of Musical Instruments is located in Vermillion, South Dakota. It is a musical instrument museum opened on the campus of the University of South Dakota in 1973.
This museum features thousands (over 15,000) of European, American, Asian, and other non-western musical instruments representing the whole world. Only modern instruments? Not at all. It covers both modern and historical instruments.
For example, you can see American electric guitars, German zithers, percussion, five Stradivarius string instruments, German wind instruments of the 17th and 18th-centuries, grand pianos of the 18th century Dutch woodwinds of the 17th and 18th-centuries, Flemish harpsichords of the 17th century, and many more.
Also, you can see the famous American singers’ instruments as well—Ex: Johnny Cash’s guitar, Elvis Presley’s instruments, and some instruments of Bob Dylan.
On the other hand, you get the chance to see the world’s oldest cello along with the world’s second-largest harmonica collection.
So, this is like paradise for any music lover.
Address: 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069, United States Phone: +1 605-658-3450
Official website: http://nmmusd.org/
Things to do in South Dakota
7. Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
Do you like to see wild mustangs running? Just Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in Hot Springs. If you are a horse lover surely one of the coolest things to do in South Dakota.
Spreading for over 11,000 acres, Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is home to 600 mustangs. Since there’s enough space, they roam freely and happily here and there.
Also, many horses in this sanctuary are rescued from abusive places, and now you can see they are enjoying their free lives.
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary offers you a bus tour through the rolling grasslands to see the natural habitat of these wild horses.
Are you ready to meet horses face to face?
Address: 12165 Highland Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747, United States Phone: +1 605-745-5955
Official website: https://www.wildmustangs.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
8. Things to do in South Dakota: Storybook Island
Looking for things to do in South Dakota with kids? Here’s the best place.
Storybook Island is an amusement park with a playground designed based on the locations and characters found in children’s storybooks. So, this place is just like a real fairy tale. And it offers you free entrance.
This is not a new place. It has been running for over 60 years now. But, the most special feature of this park is it allows visitors to be like their favorite storybook characters. Its playhouses and lovely statues help you with that. So, kids will love it.
For example, characters in Humpty Dumpty, The Cat in the Hat, and many other stories.
Apart from that, Storybook Island features a train ride all over the park, a carousel, a bounce house, a live performance theater, a gift shop, and a snack stand to have more fun with kids.
Let’s give your kid’s fairy tale life.
Address: 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States Phone: +1 605-342-6357
Official website: https://storybookisland.org/
Things to do in South Dakota
9. Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park is located in the southwestern corner of the state. (just north of Hot Springs)
It is famous for its large, karstic underground Wind Cave filled with many chambers. Discovered in 1881 by a hunter, it is considered one of the largest cave systems in the world. Also, the cave walls have unique calcite formations called boxwork. They are just like honeycombs. Boxwork is usually rare and only found in few other places in the world.
So, it is totally worth it to reserve a Park Ranger guided tour to explore this cave. There are several trails that you can choose according to your skill level. Most of the trails are lighted and cemented pathways so that anyone can try them throughout the year.
If you are not interested in underground tours, Wind Cave National Park’s above-ground area is also magnificent. Actually, it is home to elks, bison, and pronghorn antelopes on its scenic prairies and pine forests.
To grab all of these experiences of Wind Cave National Park, camping at the Elk Mountain Campground would be the best idea because it is a less crowded, facilitated campground in the area.
Address: South Dakota, United States Phone: +1 605-745-4600
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm
Things to do in South Dakota
10. Things to do in South Dakota: Butterfly House & Aquarium
Do you like to interact with hundreds of butterflies? Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is such a place.
Being the only saltwater aquarium in South Dakota, you can also see colorful sealife displays with a touch pool in this place. Seeing ocean life in SD (the middle of the country) is really a big deal. You can see colorful fish, corals, stingrays, a tide pool with marine creatures, and many other things.
In the case of butterflies, this house contains colorful, tropical, and unique butterfly varieties representing the whole globe.
Actually, butterflies and sea life is a unique combination. Therefore, Butterfly House & Aquarium attracts thousands of visitors annually.
If you are more interested in learning about butterflies and fish, this place offers educational and training programs for you. Just check their website for more information.
Address: 4320 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States Phone: +1 605-334-9466
Official website: https://butterflyhouseaquarium.org/
Things to do in South Dakota
11. Things to do in South Dakota: Deadwood City
Holding fame for its gold rush history, Deadwood is a historical city in South Dakota. So, this blast from the past destination offers plenty of things to do and things to see.
Surrounded by scenery hills, Deadwoods features Wild West origins throughout its down streets. Therefore, it was added to the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
The most highlighted tourist attractions in Deadwood are Historic Main Street, Broken Boot Gold Mine, Adams Museum, and Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Here you get the chance to know more about Deadwood legends. Ex: Poker Alice Tubbs, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane.
Other impressive things to see in Deadwood are the 1880 train, a historic gold mine, an 1876 mystery dinner, and a mining museum.
Apart from them, this historic city has some modern features as well. Yeah, it has casinos, shopping centers, breweries/wineries, and spas to have an entertaining holiday.
If you are interested in the history of gold mining, Cheyenne Crossing, history of prostitution, Historic Deadwood will show you more.
For hikers, there’s George S. Mickelson Trail that leads to the scenic Black Hills National Forest.
So, quickly add Deadwood City to your list.
Things to do in South Dakota
12. Bear Country USA
Bear Country USA is a family-owned seasonal drive-through wildlife park located in Rapid City, South Dakota.
It is home to over 20 diverse species of mammals.
For example, black bears, beavers, buffalo, arctic wolves, bobcats, sheep, badgers, reindeer, cougars, elk, mountain goats, and many other North American animals. Since you can see them face to face, kids will love it. Especially, seeing black bears is surely a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
The drive-through trail stretches for 3-miles through rolling meadows and pine trees in the park.
If you don’t like it, Bear Country USA offers Wildlife Walk tours to interact with this wildlife.
Finally, its souvenir shop offers you black bear souvenirs and novelties.
Address: 13820 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States Phone: +1 605-343-2290
Official website: https://www.bearcountryusa.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
13. Things to do in South Dakota: Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish is a nice city in Lawrence County, South Dakota. Spearfish Canyon is also a beautiful natural area in this city near the Black Hills. The geographical center of the United States is also located on the north of Spearfish.
Actually, Spearfish Canyon is a deep but narrow gorge carved by Spearfish Creek. So, it is like a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. There are various hiking trails, waterfalls, lush forests, and dramatic cliff walls.
The waterfall trails like Rough Lock Falls and Bridal Veil are more famous among hikers. Also, you can try the Little Crow Peak trail and Spearfish Peak trail that lead you to breathtaking views in the state.
Everything in Spearfish Canyon is particularly more beautiful in the fall when the environment turns in multiple colors. People like to drive along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway to get stunning views in the fall.
If you like camping, there are exciting campgrounds near Spearfish Canyon.
Address: US-14 ALT, Spearfish, SD 57783, United States Phone: +1 605-642-1325
Things to do in South Dakota
14. Good Earth State Park
Good Earth State Park is an exciting state park located along the Big Sioux River in Lincoln County, South Dakota. It is a culturally and historically important site in the state because it is a part of the Blood Run National Historic Landmark and once served as a gathering place, a trading center for the Oneota peoples.
So, this park considers one of the oldest areas that represent human history in the United States. And the park’s visitor center is ready to provide more information for history lovers.
That is about cultural and historically important. But, Good Earth State Park is an extreme natural beauty too.
Since the Big Sioux River river flows through the park, it offers plenty of watersports for adventure seekers. Swimming, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding are some of them.
On the other hand, you can try snowshoeing, hiking, birdwatching, and camping like other outdoor activities as well.
Actually, Good Earth State Park is rich with diverse wildlife, a sacred red clay called catlinite, and flood plains. So, this park is ideal for nature explorers.
For those who are looking for camping, there are facilitated campgrounds in the park. So, no need to worry about drinking water, showers, and toilets.
Also, Good Earth State Park hosts outdoor concerts for entertaining visitors throughout the year.
Address: 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, United States Phone: +1 605-213-1036
Official website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/good-earth-state-park/
Things to do in South Dakota
15. Things to do in South Dakota: McCrory Gardens
McCrory Gardens and South Dakota State Arboretum are famous botanic gardens among locals and tourists. Located on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings, SD, both are beautiful gardens.
Spreading for over 50 acres, these gardens are filled with shrubs, colorful floral gardens, and lush trees. Also, 1.5 miles of walking trail spread around the gardens. Since it is pet-friendly, you can walk with your pet.
Initially, these gardens were introduced as research gardens by professorMcCrory in the 1960s. Now, they are maintained by Uni students.
Its most highlighted gardens are shrub rose collection, mum garden, a children’s maze, herb garden, and butterfly garden. And there are more.
Each corner of these gardens is filled with something new and eye-catching natural things.
If you are interested in learning more about the fauna and floors in McCrory Gardens, there are workshops and lectures to join by anyone.
Address: 631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007, United States Phone: +1 605-688-6707
Things to do in South Dakota
16. Old Courthouse Museum, South Dakota
Old Courthouse Museum is a historical museum opened in 1890 at Main Avenue and 6th Street in Sioux Falls. Being one of the oldest buildings in Sioux Falls, it was the former county courthouse of Minnehaha County, South Dakota.
Due to its historical value, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Why should you visit this place?
Because it offers you a chance to go back to history, its exhibits represent the city’s ancient culture, history, information about Native Americans, life in the Prairie, and many other interesting topics.
Old Courthouse Museum’s galleries and displays tell you interesting stories about life in Sioux Falls during the 19th century.
On the other hand, its ancient Romanesque architecture style is also impressive. For example, stained glass windows, clock tower, tiled fireplaces, Roman archways, slate stairs, sixteen large murals are some attractive features of this building.
So, it is totally worth it touring around Old Courthouse Museum. Especially if you are looking for a budget-friendly place to visit in South Dakota, Old Courthouse Museum is a good option.
Address: 200 W 6th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States Phone: +1 605-367-4210
Official website: https://www.siouxlandmuseums.com/home-page/old-courthouse-museum-exhibits/
Things to do in South Dakota
17. Things to do in South Dakota: Ingalls Homestead
Ingalls Homestead is a unique gift shop in South Dakota.
But, it is not just a normal gift shop. Ingalls Homestead was the family home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the Little House on the Prairie series. And the story was totally based on her childhood memories in the area as a settler and pioneer family.
So, if you are a fan of those books or the television show, you’ll love to see the reality of your childhood imaginations.
Laura moved to the De Smet area in 1879 and lived in this house until her marriage in 1885.
So, Ingalls Homestead offers an excellent opportunity to have an idea about pioneer life. Especially, you can teach these things to your children. Actually, it is worth bringing children to these kinds of real places rather than artificial.
Children and adults also can do some fun activities here. For example, drive a covered wagon or pony cart, twist hay into sticks for fuel, wash clothes on a washboard, make a corn cob doll or a jump rope, and wash clothes on a washboard.
You can also see a one-room schoolhouse where you can participate in a 19th-century pioneer classroom wearing period clothing. Sounds fun? Just plan your visit to Ingalls Homestead now.
Address: 20812 Homestead Rd, De Smet, SD 57231, United States Phone: +1 800-776-3594
Official website: https://www.ingallshomestead.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
18. Porter Sculpture Park, South Dakota
Porter Sculpture Park is a sculpture museum in South Dakota. Located in Montrose, this park contains over 50 sculptures on 10 acres of land.
Made in various sizes, heights, and colors, these sculptures are unique and artistic. So, if you are looking for an artistic place to take selfies and photographs, Porter Sculpture Park is perfect.
Some of the most highlighted sculptures in this park are 60-foot-tall bullhead, a massive horse, a spider, a herd of cattle, stickmen, and a dragon.
Come along with your friends and family to take more fun photos.
Address: 45160 257th St, Montrose, SD 57048, United States Phone: +1 605-204-0370
Things to do in South Dakota
19. The World’s Only Corn Palace, South Dakota
The World’s Only Corn Palace or the Mitchell Corn Palace is a multi-purpose arena in South Dakota. Opened in 1921, this building has an impressive Moorish Revival architectural style.
The World’s Only Corn Palace has a capacity for 3,200 people at once. So, it usually hosts entertaining live shows throughout the year.
If you are looking for fun things to do in South Dakota tonight, drive to The World’s Only Corn Palace. You can surely catch live concerts, dances, sports games, stage shows, cheer competitions, and rodeo shows like thrilling things.
Address: 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301, United States Phone: +1 605-995-8430
Official website: https://cornpalace.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
20. Reptile Gardens, Rapid City
Reptile Gardens is an attractive animal park located on the road to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. But, it is not just an animal park. Reptile Gardens is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world.
Opened in 1937, Reptile Gardens has been a family-friendly tourist attraction from the beginning. Therefore, it has won some international awards as well.
This award-winning zoo features snakes, prairie dogs, birds, tortoises, lizards, crocodiles, and many other animal species. Since most of these animals are friendly, even your kids can interact with them.
On the other hand, Reptile Gardens features an indoor and outdoor garden filled with beautiful flora. While visiting around gardens, you can catch some animal shows too—for example, crocodiles, birds, and dogs.
There’s a fun playground for children as well. So, surely bring your kids to Reptile Gardens to interact with animals and have a fun time.
Address: 8955 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States Phone: +1 800-335-0275
Official website: https://www.reptilegardens.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
21. South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Being a part of the museum system of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, South Dakota Air and Space Museum is located just outside the main gate of Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Opened in 1983, South Dakota Air and Space Museum is a top tourist attraction that features many interactive exhibits. It contains a collection of more than 30 aircraft representing World War II to the present. Ex: a B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Bomber.
Also, it contains many other displays and galleries. Ex: an aviation hall of fame, aircraft, missiles, cockpits, and many more.
Just plan a two-hour visit to South Dakota Air and Space Museum with your kids.
They will enjoy more while seeing aircraft, sitting inside a cockpit, missile training, and going on a flight simulator like interactive things.
So, surely add it to your list.
Address: 2890 Davis Dr, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706, United States Phone: +1 605-385-5189
Things to do in South Dakota
22. Things to do in South Dakota: Termesphere Gallery
Termesphere Gallery is a unique art gallery in Spearfish, South Dakota. It features excellent spherical artworks designed by Dick Termes.
Dick Termes is a famous American artist who creates breathtaking paintings on large spheres called Termespheres. Therefore he has won several international awards for his talents.
So, if you are into art, do not miss this unique Termesphere Gallery in South Dakota.
This gallery is Dick’s workshop too. So, it is like a universe for painting beginners. Also, if your kids love painting, surely take them to Termesphere Gallery. They will learn a lot.
Further, the gallery hosts art workshops and video presentations for the learners. Just check for the upcoming workshops from their official website before the visit.
Address: 1920 Christensen Dr, Spearfish, SD 57783, United States Phone: +1 888-642-4805
Official website: https://termespheres.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
23. Things to do in South Dakota: Rushmore Cave
Rushmore Cave is a show cave located in Rush Mountain Adventure Park. It is the nearest show cave to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Black Hills of South Dakota.
Being the ninth longest cave in South Dakota with 3,652.6 feet, it is a subterranean cave.
How to visit Rushmore Cave?
First, you need to get admission to Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Then, the cave tour lasts for one hour. And, the visitors should capably climb up and down under low ceilings.
Finally, you can see beautiful limestone caves with attractive stalactites, flowstone, columns, stalagmites formations in many rooms.
Rushmore Cave was first discovered in 1876 by miners. Then, they created an entrance to the cave. Now, it is one of the top tourist attractions in South Dakota.
On the other hand, Rush Mountain Adventure Park is an amusement park that features roller coasters and other fun rides. So, after touring in caves, surely grab its thrilling roller coaster experiences too.
Address: 13622 US-40, Keystone, SD 57751, United States Phone: +1 605-255-4384
Official website: https://www.rushmtn.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
24. The National Presidential Wax Museum
The National Presidential Wax Museum is a famous wax museum that features life-sized wax replicas of all U.S. presidents and many other famous figures.
Located a short drive from Mount Rushmore, this interesting museum contains over 100 lifelike wax figures.
Especially, the presidential figures are set to represent iconic historical moments. A narration explains those historical moments for the visitors at every exhibit.
After getting more information about the history, you can learn the process of wax sculpting as well. The museum hosts a very informative video to show the whole process.
Are you interested? Just add it to your bucket list.
Address: 609 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751, United States Phone: +1 605-666-4455
Things to do in South Dakota
25. Things to do in South Dakota: Terry Peak Ski Area
Terry Peak Ski Area is an excellent snow sports resort in Lead, South Dakota (on the highest peak of the Northern Black Hills).
So, it attracts thousands of skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers annually. Founded in 1936, Terry Peak Ski Area now contains one traditional lift and three high-speed chair lifts.
Further, Terry Peak Ski Area’s 30 runs are ideal for beginners and experts. So, you can easily find snowboard rentals and skiing guides in this area.
Also, there are some cafes and restaurants that serve delicious food and beverages.
Come along with your kids as they can learn skiing safely in Terry Peak Ski Area.
Address: 21120 Stewart Slope Rd, Lead, SD 57754, United States Phone: +1 605-584-2165
Official website: https://terrypeak.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
26. Things to do in South Dakota: Petrified Wood Park & Museum
Located throughout an entire block in downtown Lemmon, Petrified Wood Park & Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in South Dakota.
It is an art museum that contains unique constructions made with stones, petrified wood, and fossils.
For example, you can see a wishing well, a castle, a waterfall, two museums entirely built with petrified wood, and many other amazing things.
Due to its architectural uniqueness, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
So, if you are into architecture, geology, and art, you should try Petrified Wood Park & Museum on your South Dakota tour.
Address: 500 Main Ave, Lemmon, SD 57638, United States Phone: +1 605-374-3964
Things to do in South Dakota
27. Big Thunder Gold Mine, Keystone
Big Thunder Gold Mine is a top tourist attraction in South Dakota that offers your whole family a fantastic gold mining experience.
Located in the Black Hills, this is really a gold mine. Not a joke. That means you are getting a real chance to mine for real gold. Since it has easy access, even kids and pets can join with mining.
And the important part is, if you find any gold, you can take them home. That’s why you should take your whole family to Big Thunder Gold Mine.
Big Thunder Gold Mine is ready to provide guided tours to teach you how to mine. So, get ready to be rich.
Aside from gold mining, Big Thunder Gold Mine contains a mining museum, an excellent replica of an 1895 gold mill. It shows a lot of artifacts that were found from three old mines in the Black Hills.
For example, a stamp mill, elevator equipment, old blacksmith equipment, and many other.
Now it is clear that Big Thunder Gold Mine is a place that teaches you A to Z about gold mining. Are you ready to learn?
Address: 604 Blair St, Keystone, SD 57751, United States Phone: +1 605-666-4847
Official website: https://www.bigthundermine.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
28. Things to do in South Dakota: Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls
Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls is a stunning combination of three waterfalls in Savoy, South Dakota. They are Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Whether you visit in the summer, fall, or autumn, these waterfalls contain water and offer you breathtaking views. Therefore, this is one of the top attractions in South Dakota among hikers.
Hiking to these three wonderful waterfalls will be your most memorable experience in South Dakota.
The most easily accessible waterfall is Bridal Veil Falls. So, if you are with kids, this is the ideal hike for you.
But, if you are into more adventurous things and wanting to explore nature, you should try Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls.
That’s why Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls are considered one of the gorgeous natural attractions in the state. So, don’t miss it.
Address: Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls, Savoy, SD 57754, United States.
Things to do in South Dakota
29. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, Hot Springs
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is a fun indoor water park in Hot Springs, South Dakota. It offers you warm natural spring water. Therefore, it attracts a lot of visitors annually.
Built over sparkling, natural mineral springs in the state, people believe that those springs have healing powers. (First, it was believed by the Native Americans)
Of course, before 2013’s water slides, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs were used for healing baths, body relaxing, and rejuvenation of visitors.
After 2013, Evans Plunge has added a fun recreation area too. So, now, visitors can enjoy both rejuvenation properties and recreation from this place.
If you are looking for a fun and relaxing day trip to visit with family, try Evans Plunge Mineral Springs.
Address: 1145 N River St, Hot Springs, SD 57747, United States Phone: +1 605-745-5165
Official website: http://www.evansplunge.com/
Things to do in South Dakota
30. Things to do in South Dakota: Falls Park
Falls Park is a stunning public park located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Surrounded by the gorgeous waterfalls of the city, Falls Park spreads for 123 acres in size. So, it is one of the best places to get scenic views of South Dakota’s nature.
There are amenities for visitors. Ex: an onsite observation tower, a visitor center, remains of an old mill, a cafe, and a restaurant.
Whether it is winter, summer, or fall, Falls Park always has its own colors and beauty.
Therefore, you can have a relaxing time in this park by taking selfies, talking with your loved ones, and sightseeing.
Visiting Falls Park is the best way to end your long South Dakota tour.
Address: 131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States Phone: +1 605-367-7430
Things to do in South Dakota
