Most people come to South Dakota to visit Mount Rushmore National Monument and to view the stark beauty of the Badlands or the towering Black Hills, where the South Dakota Gold Rush took place. When I visited, I was blown away by how much there was to explore. The state has excellent museums, interesting historic sites and pioneer villages, great resorts, and many attractions that focus on South Dakota’s Native American heritage.
Best Things to Do in South Dakota:
Step Into Prehistoric Times at the Mammoth Site -
Witness a Monument in the Making at Crazy Horse Memorial -
If You Love Fairy Tales, Explore Storybook Island -
Drive Through Wildlife Adventures at Bear Country USA -
Wander Through Blossoming Beauty at McCrory Gardens -
Experience Pioneer Life at Ingalls Homestead -
If You Crave Prairie History, Visit the Prairie Homestead Historic Site -
Get Up Close with Exotic Creatures at Reptile Gardens -
Discover Aviation History at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum -
Travel Back in Time at 1880 Town, South Dakota -
South Dakota Events & Festivals:
Sioux Falls events:
- Sioux Empire Fair -
- Winter Wonderland at Falls Park
- Festival of Cultures - Every June
Rapid City events:
- Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo
- Rushmore Music Festival - Every July
- Central States Fair
Deadwood events:
- Deadwood Jam - Every September
- Days of ’76 Rodeo and Parade
- Kool Deadwood Nites
- Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon
Other annual SD Events:
- Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration - Keystone, July 3-4
- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Sturgis
- Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival - Custer State Park, Every September
- South Dakota State Fair - Huron
- Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival - Yankton, Every August
- Festifall & Candlelight Walk - Canton
- Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo - Mitchell
- Storybook Land Festival - Aberdeen, Every July
Map:
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)