Discover South Dakota: Top Attractions and Natural Wonders

South Dakota, nestled in the heart of the United States, is a blend of urban attractions and untamed natural beauty. The state is renowned for its Black Hills, which offer a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and its rich history, showcased by iconic monuments like Mount Rushmore.

Explore the best of South Dakota with our guide to the state's top attractions.

1. Mount Rushmore National Monument

Mount Rushmore, featuring the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt, is a symbol of American heritage. The monument, illuminated at night, offers a visitor center and the Presidential Trail for closer views. While a half-day visit is typical, the surrounding Black Hills warrant a longer stay.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/moru/planyourvisit/index.htm

2. Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a striking landscape of eroded hills and pinnacles, home to a roaming bison herd. The Badlands Loop Road offers scenic views, while the Cedar Pass area provides hiking trails to explore the rugged terrain.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

3. Custer State Park

Custer State Park is a wildlife haven with scenic drives like the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Trails for hiking and horseback riding abound, including the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail and the path to Black Elk Peak.

Official site: http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/

4. Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial honors the Lakota leader and features the Indian Museum of North America. Visitors can take bus rides to the base of the memorial for an up-close view.

Official site: https://crazyhorsememorial.org/

5. Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is famous for its complex cave system and unique "boxwork" formations. Ranger-guided tours offer a glimpse into the underground world, while the park's surface features rolling prairies and bison.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm

6. Mammoth Site

The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs displays a significant collection of Columbian mammoth bones. Guided tours and paleontology classes offer an educational experience.

Official site: https://www.mammothsite.org/

7. Deadwood

Deadwood, a town with Wild West roots, offers historical attractions like the Adams Museum and the Broken Boot Gold Mine. Mount Moriah Cemetery is the resting place of Wild Bill Hickok and other notable figures.

8. Spearfish Canyon

Spearfish Canyon is a natural wonder with waterfalls and towering cliffs. The area is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color.

Official site: https://visitspearfish.com/things-to-do/spearfish-canyon

9. National Music Museum

The National Music Museum in Vermillion houses a vast collection of instruments from various cultures and historical periods.

Official site: http://orgs.usd.edu/nmm/identity.html

10. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run

Good Earth State Park, part of the Blood Run National Historic Landmark, offers a glimpse into the history of the Oneota peoples with a modern visitor center and interpretive trails.

Official site: http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/good-earth/

11. Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove

The Sertoma Butterfly House in Sioux Falls features hundreds of butterflies and marine life exhibits, including touch pools.

Official site: https://sertomabutterflyhouseandmarinecove.org

12. Old Courthouse Museum

The Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls is a historic building with exhibits on South Dakota's past. Admission is free.

Official site: http://www.siouxlandmuseums.com/home-page/old-courthouse-museum-exhibits/

More Places to Visit in South Dakota: From the cultural hubs of Sioux Falls and Rapid City to the serene campgrounds throughout the state, South Dakota offers a diverse array of attractions for every traveler.