Some people have an image of South Dakota as a flat, endless expanse of wheat and corn fields, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Additionally, a lot of people struggle to name anything in South Dakota other than Mt. Rushmore and the capital, Pierre. That’s also a shame. In reality, there’s a lot to see and do in South Dakota, and the 20 in this article are just a start.
Petrified Wood Park and Museum
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Lemmon, in the northwestern part of the state just south of the North Dakota state line, is home to this site. It’s a roadside attraction featuring large sculptures built with petrified wood from the Mesozoic.
Geographical Center of the U.S.
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You’ll find this spot just off U.S. 85 between Redig and Belle Fourche. There’s a picnic area there so that you can do something other than just have your picture taken there.
Black Hills Passion Play
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The Black Hills region is the state’s most scenic, and there are several sites in this article. From 1939 through 2008, the Black Hills Passion Play entertained its audiences. Today, there’s a museum where you can learn about the history of the site.
Spearfish Canyon
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Spearfish Canyon is one of many scenic areas in the Black Hills, and most of it is on public land. Some of the activities popular there are hiking, fishing, camping, and rock climbing.
Sturgis
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For most of the year, Sturgis isn’t especially remarkable. The major exception is during the first couple weeks of August when a major motorcycle rally takes place, attracting riders from all over the country by the tens of thousands.
Deadwood
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Deadwood was a famous Old West town during the days of the Black Hills gold rush. Some of the most famous people of the Wild West lived here or passed through. Today, you can visit the historic town and learn about all the people and events that made this town a legend.
Harney Peak
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Harney Peak is the highest point in South Dakota. It’s located on national forest land, and you can hike a moderately strenuous trail to the top.
Mt. Rushmore
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Carved into the granite mountainside here are the gigantic visages of four U.S. Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. Whether or not you think doing this to the mountain was a good idea, you can’t help but be impressed by the enormity of it.
Crazy Horse Memorial
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Crazy Horse was a Lakota war leader who tried to defend his people and their way of life from encroaching white settlers. This memorial has been under construction on private land since 1948 and will be the world’s largest carved memorial. The face, completed in 1988, is already larger than the carvings at Mt. Rushmore.
Jewel Cave National Monument
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This national monument is near the Wyoming border and contains beautiful, unique features. Guided tours are available to the public.
Wind Cave National Park
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Not far from Jewel Cave is this national park. It, too, is defined by a unique, spectacular cave, but it also has meadows, ridges, and a good trail system.
Custer State Park
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There’s a lot to do here, the last Black Hills site in this article. Sylvan Lake is a popular spot. On the Wildlife Loop, you’ll see free-roaming bison. And don’t miss the Needles Highway, which features tight curves and narrow tunnels as it winds through granite spires between here and Mt. Rushmore.
Badlands National Park
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About an hour west of Rapid City, Badlands National Park features the most rugged and most colorful scenery in the state. Most people just drive through and make stops for pictures, but there are trails that go deeper into the formations and provide for a more intimate experience.
Wall Drug
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Right across from the western entrance of Badlands NP is this place you’ve been seeing signs for a long time if you’ve been driving on I-90. It’s a collection of stores and restaurants with an Old West theme. Many consider it a giant tourist trap, but it can still be fun.
Sitting Bull’s Grave and Sakakawea Monument
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These two sites are in the north-central part of the state near Mobridge. Sitting Bull was another Lakota leader who famously resisted the takeover of his people’s lands, most memorable at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Sakakawea, also written as Sacagawea and Sacajawea, was invaluable to the Lewis and Clark expedition as a guide and translator.
Lake Oahe
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Just north of Pierre, the Oahe Dam creates this lake and reservoir from the Missouri River. There are four state recreation areas along it that enable the public to enjoy the waters.
Fort Pierre
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Fort Pierre developed into a settlement of its own. However, it all started with a trading post and fort built in 1832 along the western bank of the Missouri.
West Bend State Recreation Area
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West Bend is another public area located along the Missouri, this time east of Pierre. Cool waters and stable levels make it an excellent spot for walleye and smallmouth bass fishing.
Sioux Falls
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Named for a series of rapids and short waterfalls along the Big Sioux River here, Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state. It’s a regional center for arts and culture.
Newton Hills State Park
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The region around Sioux Falls is characterized by rolling hills, and Newton Hills State Park is a good place to enjoy them. Open all year, the park is a popular place for hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and boating.
11 Iconic Tourist Spots That Left Visitors Feeling Underwhelmed
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Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, opening our eyes to new cultures, landscapes, and ways of life.
However, not every destination lives up to our expectations, and sometimes, places we’ve dreamt of visiting can end up being a disappointment. Here are some travel destinations that, according to some travelers’ opinions, didn’t quite meet their expectations:
11 Iconic Tourist Spots That Left Visitors Feeling Underwhelmed
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