Things to Do in South Dakota
South Dakota is a sparsely populated, expansive state in the midwestern U.S. Atop its granite peaks, this sparsely populated state is home to the Black Hills National Forest. This vast nature reserve is the setting for two historical monuments, one of which honors four revered U.S. presidents and the other honoring a legendary Native American tribal leader. Whether you’re interested in history or wildlife, you’ll find plenty to do in this state.
Wind Cave National Park
When you visit Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, you’ll find yourself in awe of the box work formations and vast underground cave. The park is also home to bison, elk, and pronghorn antelopes. Visitors can hike or bike on Rankin Ridge to take in the stunning views of the Black Hills and wind cave. And when you’re done exploring the cave, you can relax with a nice meal at a local restaurant.
Wind Cave National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota, about 10 miles or 16 kilometers from Rapid City. It’s the seventh national park established by President Theodore Roosevelt and the first cave national park in the world. The cave is famous for its boxwork formations, also known as frostwork and boxwork, with 95 percent of all known boxwork formations in the world being found here. The cave is also the world’s densest, with the greatest passage volume per cubic mile.
The cave’s unique boxwork formations have been a source of fascination for humans and nature for centuries. Discovered initially by Lakota Indians, the cave is home to 95% of the world’s boxwork formations. The cave was considered sacred by the Lakota people, who revered the site. In 1881, Charlie Crary became the first person to enter it. In 1891, J.D. McDonald and his son Alvin led an exploration of the cave.
Jewel Cave
The third longest cave in the world is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and it is located 13 miles west of the town of Custer. The cave is famous for its 200.3-mile-long mapped passageways and was declared a national monument in 1908.
The name of the monument comes from the crystals that line its walls. The cave itself is actually much larger than the name suggests, with over 250 kilometers of underground passageways. It is home to nine species of bats and five permanent residents. It is also home to a ponderosa pine forest. If you visit Jewel Cave, you’ll have a chance to see some beautiful rock formations and marvel at the natural beauty.
The National Speleological Society published a book about the cave in 1977 and it is now available online. It contains the recipe for spelunkers’ bread and cave songs written by Jan Conn. Visitors can also listen to interpretive podcasts on the park’s YouTube channel. During the summer, you can visit Jewel Cave National Monument. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Historic Area. For those who are worried about getting wet, the museum also offers a spelunking tour for children.
The third longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave in South Dakota, is a must for any visitor to the state. The cave has over 200 miles of mapped passageways and glimpses of brilliant color. Its scientific value is also significant. The cave is a National Park Service resource but requires special clothing and footwear for entry. Visitors are also encouraged to follow strict guidelines when entering the cave to avoid spreading the disease of White Nose Syndrome.
Black Hills National Forest
The black hills national forest straddles the border between South Dakota and Wyoming. You’ll find waterfalls such as Roughlock Falls, which tumble into the narrow gorge of Spearfish Canyon. You’ll also see Mount Rushmore and roaming elk while driving along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Cathedral Spires rocks are found near Black Elk Peak and overlook the Black Elk Wilderness.
Among the many things to do in South Dakota, Black Hills National Park, try helicopter tours. Black Hills Helicopters offers tours of the area’s scenic views from the air. The park’s highlights include Black Elk Peak, Grizzly Bear Creek, Horsethief Lake, Ingersoll Peak, Iron Mountain, and many others. Tours take anywhere from eight minutes to eight hours, depending on the length of your stay. If you don’t want to fly, take a scenic drive through the black hills and enjoy the view.
There are a variety of things to do in South Dakota, Black Hills National Forrest. The Black Hills are home to several major tourist attractions including Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park. Some of the most popular attractions include Mount Rushmore, the world-famous memorial to four presidents. There are 11 reservoirs and several beaches where you can swim in the freshwater lakes. You’ll also find two scenic byways that wind through the forest. In addition to the many attractions in this forest, you’ll be able to hike over 450 miles of trails.
Dinosaur Park
The Brontosaurus, a massive statue at the Dinosaur Park in South Dakota, was the country’s first large-scale skeletal dinosaur reconstruction. At about 80 feet long and 28 feet high, this dinosaur stands on top of the park’s highest ridge. The sculpture was first made of gray iron pipe and wire mesh, but it was later painted green to make it stand out. These dinosaurs have survived since the 1930s, and are a free public park. Sadly, Sullivan was not the only one who discovered dinosaurs and the park’s names. A few of the dinosaurs have been incorrectly painted, with rounded edges or a regular paint job.
The Rapid City Dinosaur Park is a must-see for visitors of Rapid City. A hilltop playground, it’s a reminder that dinosaurs once ruled this area. While the park’s cheesy sculptures are a fun way to keep the children entertained, there’s also an outdoor trail that leads to a replica of the Jurassic period, with a 1.2-mile loop that’s moderately challenging.
Since it opened in 1936, Dinosaur Park in Rapid City has undergone several improvements. Its dinosaur staircase has become deteriorated over the years, and concessioners are constantly fielding questions about its accessibility. Sadly, the park is not yet fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. However, construction is set to begin late spring and be completed by Memorial Day 2023. And that is just the beginning.
Petrified Wood Park & Museum
A trip to Lemmon Petrified Park consists of a museum and a park. Located off U.S. 12, this site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Visitors can marvel at the wood’s pristine state and marvel at the wonders of the geological process that formed it. If you have time to spend, plan a day trip to Lemmon to see the park and its petrified wood collection.
There are a variety of exhibits in the park, including dinosaurs and taxidermy. You can even find a conductor’s wand and a photograph of a Clown Band in the museum’s gift shop. Admission to the museum is $25 per vehicle. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are other South Dakota activities and attractions nearby, so plan accordingly.
While visiting Lemmon, you can also check out the Petrified Wood Park & Museum, the world’s largest petrified wood park. The park contains several eerie sculptures of petrified wood and other geological specimens. There is also a free museum in the park. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Once you are done sightseeing in Lemmon, you can relax by relaxing in the park’s scenic grounds.
While visiting Petrified Wood Park & Museum, you may also want to spend some time at the Termesphere Gallery. Located in the town of Lemmon, this art gallery features spheric art, paintings, and optical illusions. The museum also features a Termesphere Gallery, named after a local artist Dick Termes. There are workshops and instructional programs hosted here, and souvenirs are available.
Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction in Custer County, South Dakota. The monument is slated to feature an Oglala Lakota warrior named Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing to the tribe’s tribal land. A dedication to Crazy Horse has been long overdue. It will honor the man who stood up for the Lakota people and fought for their rights. The monument will be a reminder of the many battles these indigenous people fought against white settlers.
If you are planning to visit the monument, plan to pay a small fee for parking. The monument is open 365 days a year, and admission to the museum is around $30 per car if there are three or more people in the vehicle. The cost is $15 per vehicle for single visitors, and $7 for bicycles. There is no entrance fee for children under 12, though. Parking is free for those who plan to bring a picnic lunch.
The Crazy Horse Memorial’s sculptor, Frank Ziolkowski, believed that the project would take 30 years. He worked with Gutzon Borglum on the carving of Mount Rushmore but left it due to a disagreement with Borglum’s son. Ziolkowski’s widow, Ruth, took on the project after he died in 1982. She decided to focus on the head first, thinking that tourists would flock to the monument if she finished it first.
Best Sightseeing in South Dakota
If you have never been to South Dakota before, here are some ideas for sightseeing in the sparsely populated midwestern U.S. The state is home to the Black Hills National Forest, where you can see 2 historical monuments carved into granite peaks. Mount Rushmore, which represents the four U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial, which honors a storied Native American tribe leader. Read on to learn more about these two must-sees, and start planning your trip.
Mount Rushmore
One of the most famous landmarks in South Dakota is Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It’s a massive sculpture designed by Gutzon Borglum and completed in 1941. There’s a museum and interactive exhibits here, as well. The museum gives you the inside scoop on the sculptures. And if you’re feeling cultural, Mount Rushmore is a great choice for South Dakota sightseeing.
There’s a lot to see on Mount Rushmore, but the sculptors were extremely careful to make each carving as accurate as possible. The carvings themselves are a sight to behold, but the best way to experience them is by hiking the Presidential Trail. It provides unparalleled views of the sculptors’ work and allows for quiet solitude. While hiking, you can also pass the studio of Gutzon Borglum, who sculpted the carvings.
The sculptures on Mount Rushmore represent freedom, democracy, and the American dream. The four 60-foot granite faces attract nearly three million visitors a year. In addition to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is home to Badlands National Park, which the Lakota call makos sica. You can also visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture in progress. Custer State Park has a roaming buffalo population and four mountain lakes.
If you’re planning to spend a week or more in South Dakota, you should definitely take in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Its 60-foot-tall granite faces of four presidents are an iconic American symbol and attract more than three million visitors annually. The park also has an interactive museum, which is worth visiting. There’s something to be learned about the history of the American people in this park.
Spearfish Creek
If you are looking for a scenic spot, the beautiful waters of Spearfish Creek can be the perfect choice. It is not only picturesque, but also accessible to people with disabilities. Whether you are hiking or biking, Spearfish Creek is the perfect location for your next vacation. There are many activities to choose from and historic places to visit. This is the perfect place to spend your vacation if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city.
One of the most popular attractions in Spearfish is Spearfish Canyon, a deep, narrow gorge that has been carved by Spearfish Creek over millennia. It is located near the Black Hills National Forest and is open to the public. Trails throughout the forest can be climbed to explore the area. The Big Hill Trails network is located south of Spearfish. Visitors can hike up Crow Peak, a 3.7-mile trail. Nearby scenic attractions include Spearfish Canyon, Cheyenne Crossing, and Roughlock Falls.
The scenery of the Canyon is breathtaking at any time of year, but fall brings the most color. The change in leaves peaks during the first week of October. The canyon is nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, and the weather can vary quite a bit. It is the perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The Ruddell Gallery in Spearfish is a great place to visit for those looking for something a little more educational.
Roughlock Falls
The area surrounding Roughlock Falls is a haven for nature lovers. This park features a nature trail with a two-mile round trip. The falls are surrounded by a dense forest and clear mountain creek. You can stop for a picnic and enjoy the quiet ambiance of the park. If you wish to see wildlife, the area is home to several species of birds, including the rare American Dipper.
Roughlock Falls is located along a small creek that flows over the eastern edge of the Black Hills. Visitors will find the water to be a gorgeous blue color, making it a scenic stopping point. The waterfall is especially scenic in the spring and summer, when the snow has melted and the water has cascaded over the edge. It is also accessible to wheelchair users and those with physical limitations.
The Badlands are situated on the western edge of the state, which has been a hub of industry and recreation for many years. A walk through the park offers a view of the landscape and pieces of history that can be found around the bends of the roads. Make sure to check for Pandemic-related restrictions and closures before you go. This scenic area is a must-see for nature lovers.
Crazy Horse Memorial
If you’re looking for the best South Dakota sightseeing, then a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial may be right for you. This mountain monument is under construction in Custer County and will feature an image of the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse on a horse, pointing to his tribal land. While this mountain monument is currently under construction, you can already see the monument’s overall design and plan ahead of time.
While you’re at the Crazy Horse Memorial, make sure to check out the Legends in Light laser show, which is performed on a daily basis throughout the summer. This spectacular light show is projected onto the carving of Crazy Horse, and gives a fascinating glimpse into the history of Native Americans. For those with limited time, you can check out the Museum, see the sculpture from the viewing veranda, and take one of the two guided tours offered at the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you’re staying in the area, plan to visit in the evening for the laser show.
If you don’t have the time to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial in person, consider taking a tour of the monument on a bus. This will take about 30 minutes, allowing you to get up close to the sculpture. Tickets for this tour can be purchased at the Welcome Center. You can also take a scenic bus ride to the monument’s base. There are also optional van rides to the arm and bottom of the mountain.
Lewis and Clark Expedition National Historical Park
Visiting the state of South Dakota is a great way to see the area’s history. A walking trail runs along the outbound and inbound route of the famous explorers’ journey. It connects sixteen states and passes through numerous tribal lands. Historic markers, interpretive centers, monuments, and artifacts from the expedition’s journey can be seen. Best of all, you can spend the entire day touring the park, which is staffed with interpretive staff.
This historical trail follows the route taken by the legendary 1804-1806 expedition led by Meriwether Lewis. The trail stretches over 4,900 miles and links 16 states. A hike along the trail will better appreciate the men and the land they traversed. You can also see a cave that is 175 miles long, and you can get a guided tour from a ranger.
One of the park’s highlights is the site where Lewis and Clark first met the native people of the region. The city of Omaha, for example, was named after the tribe of Omaha Indians. In 1854, they were told to watch out for a burning bluff, but they did not encounter any. Nonetheless, the tribe ceded most of its territory to the United States.
Deadwood
Deadwood, South Dakota, has a rich history dating back to the gold rush era. Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery to see the graves of Wild West figures. Visit the Adams Museum, which has a gold nugget and a plesiosaur fossil, and the historic Adams House, a Victorian mansion with original features. You can hike through the Black Hills National Forest on the George S. Mickelson Trail, which is part of the Black Hills National Forest.
Deadwood welcome centers give visitors information about the city and its various attractions. A visit to the Deadwood Model Trains gallery may include some incredibly detailed dioramas or model trains. Deadwood’s downtown area has numerous attractions and museums, and you can take your pick from a wide range of experiences. If you’re a fan of the old west, Deadwood will be the ideal sightseeing destination in South Dakota.
The Tatanka Story of Bison is an iconic landmark in Deadwood, and features colossal bronze sculptures depicting the symbiotic relationship between the Lakota Nation and the Plains Bison. The exhibition features the world’s 3rd largest bronze sculpture, and the Lakota people perform the exhibition in traditional movie attire. The largest mountain carving in progress, the Crazy Horse Memorial, is another must-see.
Top 5 Places to Visit in South Dakota
The state of South Dakota is a sparsely-populated, sprawling region in the midwestern U.S. It is also home to the Black Hills National Forest, where you can see 2 historic monuments carved into granite peaks. Mt. Rushmore is a tribute to four U.S. presidents; the Crazy Horse Memorial is dedicated to a storied Native American leader. While there, you can also tour the historic Crazy Horse Homestead.
Badlands National Park
When to visit: April to September are the best months to visit Badlands National Park. You can enjoy the park’s incredible emptiness during this time. Summers are hot and humid, but you’ll also find motorcycles here during Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Winters bring snow, which makes the landscape even more beautiful. If you’re planning to go to Badlands National Park, consider making your reservations early to avoid the crowds and heat of midday. The park also has two official campgrounds in the north and south units, which can accommodate RVs, tents, and tents.
When visiting Badlands National Park, plan to fly into Rapid City Regional Airport, the nearest airport. The airport is a two-hour drive from the park, and there are no public transit options. It’s best to rent a car or take a tour bus. Make sure to go to the Big Badlands Overlook for a spectacular sunrise view. You can also find this overlook near the eastern park entrance.
The north unit of Badlands National Park contains a two-lane road that winds through the park. The road passes the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and has several scenic overlooks. On the other hand, the southern part of the park is a dirt road with a few hiking trails. The latter is open seasonally. If you are a photographer, you’ll want to take advantage of the park’s nighttime and sunrise views.
Wind Cave National Park
When planning a vacation to South Dakota, a place you’ll want to visit is Wind Cave National Park, which is in the southwest. This vast underground cave features boxwork formations and is home to elk, bison, and pronghorn antelopes. You can also take a walk on the Rankin Ridge trail for panoramic views of the Black Hills and caves.
Before heading into the cave, visitors should consider wearing appropriate footwear. Some cave tours involve walking on wet, uneven surfaces. Visitors should avoid wearing cleats or sandals and are advised to wear sturdy shoes. A light jacket is also recommended. The temperature is only 53 degrees Fahrenheit, making cave tours difficult for some people. It’s best to plan ahead and check weather conditions before going. If you’re unsure, take a road trip a few days before your trip and make a reservation for the Wind Cave National Park.
The park features a large mixed-grass prairie and rivals Yellowstone National Park for wildlife viewing. Its name, “Wind Cave,” comes from the Lakota language, which spoke of a spirit lodge under the earth, before the demiurge created the world. The cave played an important role in Lakota culture. The first human to emerge from the cave, Tokahe, is an important part of Lakota history and heavily influences their origin story.
Sylvan Lake
The Black Hills of South Dakota has a natural attraction called Sylvan Lake. Founded in 1891, Sylvan Lake was created by Theodore Reder’s dam. It offers rock climbing, picnic areas, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking trails. You can always rent a small boat and paddle around the lake if you’re not into rock climbing. For those who prefer a slower pace, there are many mountain biking, hiking, and walking trails.
A scenic spot, Sylvan Lake is located within Custer State Park. Nestled between massive rock formations, Sylvan Lake looks as if it is holding back the water. Many people come here for a day or weekend, but you can spend a full day enjoying the lake and surrounding area. The area is well-known for its fishing, hiking, and paddle-boarding. For those who want to stay overnight, there is a lodge nearby for lodging.
The scenery of Custer State Park is breathtaking. You can take a scenic drive around the landscape or take a guided hike. For kids, the begging burros may be the highlight of the trip. The burros were originally used to transport tourists to Custer State Park. They were later released into the wild. This is a popular destination in South Dakota, and the Burros are often a major draw.
Petrified Wood Park & Museum
If you love fossils and are looking for an interesting way to learn about them, visit the Lemmon Petrified Park & Museum in South Dakota. The park is located just off U.S. 12 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1977, the park was a recognized landmark and was restored and expanded to include a museum. The park is open to the public every day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm.
If you’re traveling with children, you should consider visiting the Grand River Museum. Located on Highway 12, it features displays about paleontology and native American culture, Old West cowboys, immigrants, and more. There are even picnic shelters and a new veterans memorial. During the holiday season, the park is decorated with Christmas lights. A photo of this building is required for the Grand River Museum’s Facebook page.
A one-block-long Petrified Wood Park and Museum in Lemmon, SD, has plenty of displays and information on petrified wood. A local amateur geologist named Ole S. Quammen came up with the idea for the park and had local men scavenge rocks and haul fossils back to Lemmon. Hundreds of pile sculptures are at this park, including a castle.
Custer State Park
To explore the Black Hills, you must visit Custer State Park. This wildlife reserve and state park is located in the heart of the Black Hills. The park was named for Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who led an expedition to defeat the Sioux tribe in 1876. It is home to a diverse population of wildlife, including a number of deer and moose.
A visit to Custer State Park isn’t complete without a visit to the Peter Norbeck Center, a National Register of Historic Places building located near the state’s eastern entrance. The Center has exhibits that focus on the cultural and natural history of Custer National Monument, including a CCC bunkhouse and wildlife dioramas. The building is also home to a museum dedicated to former South Dakota Senator and Governor Peter Norbeck. Many park naturalist programs start at this center.
Whether you plan on camping or staying in a resort, Custer State Park has something for everyone. There are campgrounds, resort cabins, and motels, but if you plan on staying overnight, you’ll want to consider staying in one of the park’s cabins. Camping costs range between $13 and 18 per unit, and there are many options for accommodations. There are also several historic lodges and motels within the park, which will help you get the most out of your visit.
Rapid City
This city in south-central South Dakota is a gateway to Mt. Rushmore, a massive sculpture of four U.S. presidents. Explore the city’s famous statues of presidents, and visit the Journey Museum & Learning Center to learn about the city’s history. You can also visit the Reptile Gardens zoo and see some snakes for something a little different! Regardless of your interests, Rapid City is sure to delight.
While in Rapid City, don’t miss the Museum of Geology, a teaching and research facility part of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. You can view a variety of fossils, including mammalian fossils and pegmatite minerals. Admission is free, and children of all ages are welcome. In addition to regular exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of annual events, including a spring and fall festival and summer field camps for high school students.
In the summer, Rapid City experiences a hot, mostly dry climate. High temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit on average during July. Only five days experience highs over 100 degrees during the same period. However, thanks to its elevation and arid climate, low temperatures rarely reach 50 degrees or more. During August, you can expect to see a small amount of rainfall, with only 1.56 inches recorded. In the winter, Rapid City has a much more moderate climate.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain, South Dakota is a city located in Brule County. It is located on the Missouri River’s eastern bank, at the Lake Francis Case’s dammed section. This town is easy to access from Interstate 90. There are several things to do in Chamberlain. This article will discuss a few of those options. To start, you might want to consider a road trip. Interstate 90 is located nearby.
As of 2019, Chamberlain, SD has a population of 2.57k. The median age is 38.3 and the median household income is $54,833. The median household income is less than the US national median of $65,712 – US$60,450 – than in some other states, like California. The median household income is also lower than the average for neighboring states. However, if you can afford a car in Chamberlain, SD, it might be worth investing in a new one.
According to census data, the median age for residents of Chamberlain, SD is 38.4. This percentage is lower than the national average of 68.7%. It’s interesting to note that the median age for residents of Chamberlain is less than the national average, at 49.7%. And despite the low median age for residents, Chamberlain, SD has many Vietnam veterans. There is also a high percentage of residents who are not US citizens.
