Quick Summary:

  • Why do people visit South Dakota?
    • Most visitors come to South Dakota to see the famous Mount Rushmore National Monument.
    • The state is also known for its stark beauty, including the Badlands and the towering Black Hills.
    • The South Dakota Gold Rush took place in the Black Hills, making the area historically significant.
  • What other attractions can be found in South Dakota?
    • South Dakota has excellent museums and interesting historic sites.
    • Visitors can explore pioneer villages and stay at great resorts.
    • The state also features many attractions focused on Native American heritage.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Mammoth Site ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mammoth Site | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Mammoth Site

2. Crazy Horse Memorial ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Crazy Horse Memorial | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Courtesy of Rex Wholster - Fotolia.com

3. Storybook Island

Romantic Islands
Storybook Island | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Storybook Island

4. Bear Country USA

Bear Country USA | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Bear Country USA

5. McCrory Gardens

Category: Activities
McCrory Gardens | Things to Do in South Dakota
© McCrory Gardens

6. Ingalls Homestead

Ingalls Homestead | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Ingalls Homestead

7. Prairie Homestead Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Prairie Homestead Historic Site | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Prairie Homestead Historic Site

8. Reptile Gardens

Category: Activities
Reptile Gardens | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Reptile Gardens

9. South Dakota Air and Space Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
South Dakota Air and Space Museum | Things to Do in South Dakota
© South Dakota Air and Space Museum

10. 1880 Town, South Dakota

1880 Town, South Dakota | Things to Do in South Dakota
© 1880 Town

11. Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

Category: Attractions
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

12. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site | Things to Do in South Dakota
© NPS Photo

13. Petrified Wood Park

Category: Activities
Petrified Wood Park | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Courtesy of wollertz - Fotolia

14. Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

Category: Attractions
Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

15. Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History

Category: Kids & Family
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History

16. National Music Museum

Category: Entertainment
National Music Museum | Things to Do in South Dakota
© National Music Museum

17. Prairie Edge Trading Company & Galleries

Category: Museums & Culture
Prairie Edge Trading Company & Galleries | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Prairie Edge Trading Company & Galleries

18. Butterfly House & Marine Cove

Category: Attractions
Butterfly House & Marine Cove | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Butterfly House & Marine Cove

19. Terry Peak Ski Area

Category: Activities
Terry Peak Ski Area | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Terry Peak Ski Area

20. Dinosaur Park

Category: Activities
Dinosaur Park | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Courtesy of julietrenee - Fotolia.com

21. Mitchell Corn Palace, SD

Mitchell Corn Palace, SD | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Mitchell Corn Palace, SD

22. Rushmore Cave

Rushmore Cave | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Rushmore Cave

23. Black Hills Central Railroad (1880s Train), South Dakota

Category: Kids & Family
Black Hills Central Railroad (1880s Train), South Dakota | Things to Do in South Dakota
© Courtesy of arturko - Fotolia.com

Map:


South Dakota Events & Festivals:

Sioux Falls events:
- Sioux Empire Fair - August 1-9, 2025
- Winter Wonderland at Falls Park
- Festival of Cultures - Every June

Rapid City events:
- Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo - January 31-February 8, 2025
- Rushmore Music Festival - Every July
- Central States Fair - January 31, 2025

Deadwood events:
- Deadwood Jam - Every September
- Days of ’76 Rodeo and Parade - July 25-26, 2025
- Kool Deadwood Nites - August 19-24, 2025
- Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon - May 3-June 1, 2025

Other annual SD Events:
- Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration - Keystone, July 3-4
- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Sturgis, August 1-10, 2025
- Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival - Custer State Park, Every September
- South Dakota State Fair - Huron, August 27-September 1, 2025
- Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival - Yankton, Every August
- Festifall & Candlelight Walk - Canton, October 5, 2024
- Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo - Mitchell, July 17-20, 2025
- Storybook Land Festival - Aberdeen, Every July

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