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 amazed 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:
Standing in Prehistoric Silence at The Mammoth Site
Walking into The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs felt like entering a dig site mid-discovery. Bones lay everywhere—massive tusks curled into the earth, rib cages fossilized in motion. I stood still, breath caught, and thought, "They haven’t just preserved this—they’ve kept it alive."
This active paleontological site is a sinkhole where over 60 mammoths and other Ice Age animals were trapped and fossilized. The building is literally built around the bones, so you’re walking beside the original excavation. I followed a tour, then wandered on my own, listening to the soft hum of scientists at work.
Afterward, I stopped for lunch at Daily Bread Bakery & Café in downtown Hot Springs. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich on homemade wheat and a warm cinnamon roll that could have qualified as a second course. It felt local and loved—like everything in this town.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Red Rock River Resort, a cozy boutique spot just minutes from the site. That night, curled up with a book on Ice Age creatures and a cup of chamomile, I thought, "Some places make the ancient feel close."
The Mammoth Site At a Glance
- Location: 1800 US-18 BYP, Hot Springs, SD 57747
- Vibe: Fascinating, quiet, scientifically rich
- Highlights: In-situ mammoth fossils, active dig site, guided tours
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for full programming and warm weather
- Cost: $12 adults, $9 kids (discounts for seniors and military)
- Hours: Daily 9am–5pm (hours may vary by season)
- Tip: Don’t skip the short video before the tour—it really sets the stage
Feeling Small and Moved at Crazy Horse Memorial
Driving up to the Crazy Horse Memorial, I caught my first glimpse of the mountain carving from the road—and it took my breath away. Even unfinished, the scale and spirit of it are overwhelming. As I stood in the visitor plaza looking up at Crazy Horse’s outstretched arm, I thought, "This isn’t just about stone—it’s about story."
The memorial is still in progress, carved from Thunderhead Mountain to honor Lakota warrior Crazy Horse and Native American heritage. Inside the Indian Museum of North America, I wandered through beadwork, headdresses, and photographs that felt deeply personal. The sculptor’s studio and the family’s ongoing involvement gave it a sense of legacy you could feel.
After the visit, I stopped at the onsite Laughing Water Restaurant for lunch and ordered the Native American taco on fry bread with buffalo meat. Hearty, flavorful, and rooted in the land—it was the perfect follow-up to a powerful morning.
Where I Stayed: I stayed in nearby Custer at Bavarian Inn, a charming lodge with wooded trails and a peaceful vibe. That evening, I sat on the porch under a canopy of stars and thought, "Some monuments are still growing, and so are we."
Crazy Horse Memorial At a Glance
- Location: 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730
- Vibe: Monumental, reflective, powerful
- Highlights: Mountain carving, Native American museum, cultural programs
- Best Time to Visit: Early summer or fall for fewer crowds and crisp views
- Cost: $12 per person or $30 per car
- Hours: Open daily, hours vary by season (typically 8am–7pm)
- Tip: Watch the orientation film—it gives great historical and emotional context
Rediscovering Childhood Magic at Storybook Island
Storybook Island in Rapid City made me feel like a kid again. As I walked through the gate and saw Humpty Dumpty sitting on his wall and Cinderella’s carriage gleaming under the sun, I laughed to myself and thought, "This is pure, unfiltered joy."
The park is a free, nonprofit wonderland with over 100 sets and characters from classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Families strolled by in strollers, toddlers pointed at pirate ships, and even the adults were smiling a little wider than usual. There’s a small train, puppet shows, and even a castle to explore. I walked slowly, camera in hand, soaking in the nostalgia.
Afterward, I headed to Harriet & Oak in downtown Rapid City for a cozy lunch. I had a grilled veggie wrap with a side of sweet potato chips and a lavender lemonade. It was fresh, mellow, and perfect after a morning spent skipping down memory lane.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Hotel Alex Johnson, a historic downtown hotel with old-world character and a rooftop bar. That night, with a view of the city lights and a smile that hadn’t left since Storybook Island, I thought, "Sometimes wonder is the best souvenir."
Storybook Island At a Glance
- Location: 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702
- Vibe: Whimsical, playful, full of charm
- Highlights: Fairy tale sets, children’s train, puppet shows
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon on weekdays
- Cost: Free (donations welcome); small fees for train ride and theater
- Hours: Daily 9am–7pm (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Tip: Bring a few dollars in cash for snacks and ride tokens—it’s worth it
Rolling Slowly Through Wild Moments at Bear Country USA
At Bear Country USA, I didn’t just spot wildlife—I became part of their world, if only for a little while. As I drove the loop, black bears wandered across the road like they owned it (they did), and elk, bison, and reindeer watched from the sidelines. I turned down the radio, rolled down the window, and thought, "This is the wild, on its own terms."
The drive-through safari near Rapid City is home to North American wildlife, all roaming freely across the open landscape. I moved slowly through the winding roads, heart thudding every time a bear ambled close enough to fog the windshield. After the drive, I explored Babyland—where young animals play in enclosures that let you see them up close without a car window in the way.
For lunch, I headed to The Mud Hole of the Black Hills—a quirky roadside diner with character and comfort food. I ordered a bison burger and sweet potato fries, still buzzing from the bear encounters.
Where I Stayed: I was still based in Hotel Alex Johnson, which gave me quick access to Rapid City attractions. That evening, looking through photos of sleepy cubs and majestic moose, I thought, "The best kind of zoo is one where you’re the one in the cage."
Bear Country USA At a Glance
- Location: 13820 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702
- Vibe: Adventurous, thrilling, close-to-nature
- Highlights: Drive-through animal park, black bears, Babyland
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for active animals
- Cost: $20 adults, $12 children
- Hours: Daily 9am–5pm (seasonal)
- Tip: Keep your windows up and drive slowly—this is their turf
Finding Botanical Peace at McCrory Gardens
McCrory Gardens in Brookings felt like a quiet exhale. As I wandered through its themed spaces—rose gardens, herb plots, butterfly havens—I slowed down without even realizing it. A breeze rustled the trees, and I thought, "This is what calm feels like."
Operated by South Dakota State University, this 70-acre garden and arboretum blends natural science with beauty. I especially loved the Prairie Garden, where native grasses swayed in rhythm, and the children’s garden, where curiosity bloomed just as brightly as the flowers. Every turn offered something new and quietly lovely.
Afterward, I had lunch at Cook’s Kitchen, a homey diner near downtown Brookings. I ordered a chicken pot pie with a buttery crust and a slice of rhubarb pie to finish—it felt just right after such a grounded morning.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Comfort Suites University, which was clean, convenient, and just a few minutes from the gardens. That night, wrapped in a warm blanket and looking out at the tree-lined street, I thought, "Even small towns grow beautiful things."
McCrory Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
- Vibe: Peaceful, colorful, educational
- Highlights: Themed garden areas, arboretum, native prairie section
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for blooms and butterflies
- Cost: $6 adults, free for SDSU students and children under 5
- Hours: Daily 8am–8pm (seasonal)
- Tip: Pick up a map—some of the best spots are tucked away
Stepping Back in Time at Prairie Homestead Historic Site
The Prairie Homestead Historic Site made history feel tangible, not textbook. I wandered through the original sod house built in 1909, its earthen walls still standing strong, and ran my fingers along the worn doorframe. Looking out over the open plains, I thought, "They carved a life out of this land with grit and hope."
The site preserves the daily life of homesteaders, with period furniture, a root cellar, and even old farming tools arranged as if someone had just set them down. I learned about Ed and Alice Brown, the couple who built and lived here, and imagined what it must’ve felt like to weather a winter on the South Dakota prairie. The silence was striking—the kind that made you listen closer.
Before heading out, I stopped at the small on-site shop and grabbed a jar of chokecherry jelly made from local fruit. Then I drove into nearby Wall and had a late lunch at Wall Drug Café. A buffalo burger and homemade donut felt just right after a morning steeped in frontier living.
Where I Stayed: I stayed in Wall at the Frontier Cabins Motel, with rustic log cabin vibes and prairie views out my window. That night, listening to the wind rustle the grass, I thought, "The stories out here are quiet—but they endure."
Prairie Homestead Historic Site At a Glance
- Location: 21070 SD-240, Philip, SD 57567
- Vibe: Historic, humble, powerful in its simplicity
- Highlights: Original sod house, interpretive exhibits, wide prairie views
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for mild weather and full access
- Cost: $7 adults, $4 children
- Hours: Daily 9am–6pm (seasonal)
- Tip: Bring water and sun protection—shade is limited, and the sun can be intense
Conclusion
South Dakota stitched itself into my memory with a mix of mammoths and murals, buffalo and botany. Every stop brought a new kind of wonder—some grand and sweeping, others quiet and rooted in the past. What I found wasn’t just beauty, but a sense of connection—to land, to legacy, and to the people who carved stories into both.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, to listen, and to look closer. And as I drove across open plains with sunlight slanting through the clouds, I thought, "This is the heartland—and it beats strong."
Jump to a Spot...
- • Standing in Prehistoric Silence at The Mammoth Site
- • Feeling Small and Moved at Crazy Horse Memorial
- • Rediscovering Childhood Magic at Storybook Island
- • Rolling Slowly Through Wild Moments at Bear Country USA
- • Finding Botanical Peace at McCrory Gardens
- • Stepping Back in Time at Prairie Homestead Historic Site