Places to Visit in South Dakota

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South Dakota

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Q: What types of experiences can visitors have in South Dakota?
A: Visitors to South Dakota can enjoy a back-to-nature experience in fascinating surroundings, explore great museums and cultural attractions, or delve into America’s Wild West legacy.
Q: What natural attractions can be found in South Dakota?
A: Visitors can see amazing rock formations in Badlands National Park or enjoy natural hot springs.
Q: What iconic landmark can be visited in South Dakota?
A: You can visit the famous Mount Rushmore.
Q: What can art and history enthusiasts do in South Dakota?
A: Art and history enthusiasts can enjoy museums and art galleries in Sioux Falls.

Best Time to Visit South Dakota

May to October – Warm and sunny, ideal for national parks, hiking, and scenic drives.
June to August – Peak season with festivals, family travel, and Mount Rushmore tourism in full swing.
April & November – Shoulder season with fewer crowds and changing landscapes from blooms to fall color.
December to March – Cold and snowy, great for winter sports and off-season solitude in nature.
Late September – A perfect time for fall foliage, mild temps, and fewer tourists at major sights.

⮕ Sioux Falls

See cascading waterfalls or explore downtown sights on a quick trip.

Sioux Falls

What are the best places to visit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota?
- Falls Park in Sioux Falls is one of the best places to visit in South Dakota, offering visitors an attractive combination of outdoor fun and cultural attractions. Falls Park surrounds the beautiful waterfalls on Big Sioux River in the heart of the city and has over nineteen miles of trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts.
Are there other recreational areas in Sioux Falls?
- Other good recreational areas include Terrace Park and Great Bear Recreational Park, where you can ski in winter. You'll have a choice of great restaurants all around.
What are some must-visit historical and cultural attractions?
- History enthusiasts should visit the Pettigrew Home and Museum and the USS South Dakota Battleship Museum.
- Art lovers can tour the Washington Pavilion of Arts to admire both visual arts and attend the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and other cultural performances.
Where can families take children for entertainment?
- Children will enjoy the Great Plains Zoo.

⮕ Badlands National Park

Hike dramatic landscapes or admire rugged views on an exciting adventure.

Badlands National Park

What is special about Badlands National Park?
- Badlands National Park sustains and protects a rugged environment of striking geologic formations that house some of the richest fossil beds on the continent.
What activities can visitors enjoy in the park?
- The principal activity in the park is hiking, and there are designated trails to suit all levels of fitness. You can get maps and all the info you need at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, where children can have fun with some educational exhibits.
Are there trails for experienced hikers?
- Intrepid hikers can immerse themselves in the amazing landscape by backpacking along backcountry trails that were once the haunt of the saber-toothed cat and today support bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and abundant other wildlife species.
Are there programs for children?
- Children can enroll in Junior Ranger Programs, offering fun learning activities about nature and conservation.
Can families camp in the park?
- Nothing beats family camping and star-gazing in the heart of the Badlands.
Where can I see prairie dogs in action?
- Watch this adorable video of Prairie Dogs in Badlands National Park.

⮕ Mount Rushmore National Monument

Look at iconic carvings or explore nearby trails on a family outing.

Mount Rushmore National Monument

What makes Mount Rushmore National Monument unique?
- Mount Rushmore National Monument is probably one of the most unique sites in the world, attracting over three million visitors every year.
Where can visitors learn about the history of Mount Rushmore?
- Although the monument is an American icon, most visitors know very little about how it was created. You can learn all about the history of the site at the Lincoln Borglum Visitors Center, just below the Grand View Terrace. Here, you can watch a short explanatory film and visit the Sculptor’s Studio.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Mount Rushmore?
- After standing in awe viewing the enormous sculptures of the country’s early presidents, you can explore the remainder of the monument on a ranger-led program, learn about early American Indian tribes, or walk the Presidential Trail to see the sculptures up close.

⮕ Rapid City

Discover presidential statues or enjoy local eats during a weekend escape.

Rapid City

What makes Rapid City a great destination?
- Rapid City is the gateway to some of South Dakota’s most famous attractions such as Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. The city also offers a variety of local attractions to suit all tastes.
How can visitors get an overview of the city?
- You can get a great overview during a narrated tour on the City View Trolley before setting off to explore the historic districts and wonderful visual arts at the Dahl Arts Center, APEX Gallery, and the fabulously eclectic Art Alley.
What can visitors see in the City of Presidents?
- In the City of Presidents in Downtown Rapid City, you will find a series of life-size bronze statues of the nation’s former leaders, which are part of the Rapid City Historic District Tour.
What family-friendly attractions are in Rapid City?
- There is an endless list of family attractions, including indoor and outdoor water parks, Dinosaur Park, the Journey Museum, splash pads, and Storybook Island.

⮕ Aberdeen

Visit Storybook Land or explore parks with the kids.

Aberdeen

What makes Aberdeen a great place to visit?
- Aberdeen beckons visitors with small-town Mid-Western charm and a variety of interesting activities for all ages.
What family-friendly attractions are available in Aberdeen?
- If you are visiting with children, you can take them to have hours of fun at Wylie Park, which is home to Storybook Land and the Land of Oz.
- The Aberdeen Aquatic Center features water slides and rides for all ages.
Where can visitors learn about the history of South Dakota in Aberdeen?
- History lovers should visit the Hagerty and Lloyd Historic District, the Dacotah Prairie Museum, and the Highlands Historic District.
- The unique Red Cross Pheasant Canteen is also a must-see for those interested in historical landmarks.
Where can nature lovers explore in Aberdeen?
- Nature lovers can spend time at the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge or go hiking and biking along twenty miles of trails.

⮕ Pierre

Tour the state capitol or walk along the Missouri River on a relaxing trip.

Pierre

How did Pierre become the capital of South Dakota?
- The famous 1880s gold rush brought a flood of prospectors to South Dakota, some of whom established the little town of Pierre, which subsequently became the capital of South Dakota.
What historic sites can visitors see in Pierre?
- Visitors can see several historic buildings, including the impressive State Capitol, and learn about the early history of Pierre at the Cultural Heritage Center.
- Other notable landmarks include the Upper Pierre Historic District, the Flaming Fountain Memorial, and the National Guard Museum.
Where can visitors enjoy outdoor activities in Pierre?
- For a change of pace, visitors can explore LaFramboise Island and Oahe Dam, where they can enjoy hiking and biking trails, have a picnic, or go fishing.
What attractions are great for families in Pierre?
- Families should make a point to visit the SD Discovery Center and Aquarium, which offers interactive exhibits and aquatic displays for all ages.

⮕ Mitchell

See the Corn Palace or enjoy quirky sights on an unusual detour.

Mitchell

What makes the Corn Palace a unique attraction?
- If you want to see something really different and uniquely American, you will find it at the world’s only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. The Corn Palace pays tribute to the corn farmers and artists of the area and is a must-see attraction during your visit.
Where can visitors learn about the history of Mitchell?
- You can learn all about the early days in Mitchell by visiting the Dakota Discovery Museum, the McGovern Legacy Museum, and the Prehistoric Indian Village, where Native Americans were growing corn as far back as 1,100 years ago.
What activities can visitors enjoy in downtown Mitchell?
- You can enjoy strolling down Mitchell’s Historic Main Street area to discover unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Where can visitors enjoy outdoor recreation in Mitchell?
- Visitors can go swimming, walking, or picnicking in Hitchcock Park.

⮕ Deadwood

Explore Wild West history or try your luck on a fun weekend.

Deadwood

What makes Deadwood a unique destination?
- In Deadwood, you can step back in time to the infamous Wild West gold-rush days when a poker face and a quick draw were life-saving essentials. Rest assured, there is nothing dead about Deadwood, and you will find a long list of fascinating activities to keep you busy.
What historic experiences can visitors enjoy in Deadwood?
- You can walk in the footsteps of characters like Calamity Jane as you tour the restored historic buildings and watch a Shoot Out as part of a Main Street Historic Street Show.
Can visitors try gold panning in Deadwood?
- Yes! You can pan for gold in the Broken Boot Gold Mine and experience the thrill of prospecting like early miners.
What entertainment options are available in Deadwood?
- Visitors can try their luck at one of the many casinos and gaming halls, offering an authentic Wild West gambling experience.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Deadwood?
- You can get out and active on miles of hiking, biking (or in winter, snowshoeing and snowmobiling) trails.

⮕ Yankton

Relax by the lake or walk scenic trails on a cheap getaway.

Yankton

What makes Yankton a great place to visit?
- Yankton is a historic town nestled along the banks of the Missouri River in South Dakota. One of the best ways to enjoy its small-town charm is to explore Historic Downtown Yankton, where unique architecture blends with modern restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.
Are there historic sites to explore in Yankton?
- The town has several historic homes you can see on a self-guided tour either on foot or by car – a map is available at the Visitor’s Center.
- You can take a walk or cycle across the Meridian Bridge, a landmark since 1924.
What cultural attractions can visitors enjoy in Yankton?
- Visitors can tour some wineries, visit the Dakota Territorial Museum, or watch a summer concert in the Riverpark Amphitheatre.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Yankton?
- Outdoor pursuits include sailing, canoeing, or kayaking along the Missouri River or exploring some of the many hiking and biking trails.

⮕ Custer State Park

Spot roaming bison or drive winding roads on a summer adventure.

Custer State Park

What makes Custer State Park a must-visit destination?
- Custer State Park in the Black Hills beckons adventure seekers to explore 71,000 acres of spectacular landscape bristling with wildlife and recreational activities for all ages.
Where can visitors learn about the history of Custer State Park?
- You can learn about the history of the park by stopping in at the Peter Norbeck Visitor’s Center.
- Visitors can also walk in Custer’s footsteps along the banks of French Creek, where gold was discovered in 1874.
What activities can visitors enjoy in Custer State Park?
- There is a long list of activities to enjoy, including scenic and wildlife drives where you may come across the resident 1,300-strong herd of buffalo.
- Visitors can go hiking, biking, or horseback riding along miles of trails.
- You can go trout fishing on several lakes.
Are there camping opportunities in Custer State Park?
- Families can have a great camping experience in one of the many campgrounds.