For anyone with the spirit of exploration coursing through their veins, there's only one question to be asked: Where do you want to go?
Welcome to the place with all of the answers.
Whether you're searching for iconic monuments or two of the longest caves in the world, wanting some hands-on experience with history, or ready to create family memories without breaking the bank account, this is the place to plan the perfect getaway in South Dakota. These are the places you mark on your map, look for on road signs, and count down the exits until your triumphant arrival—from mines and gold panning, drive-in movies and waterparks, to old West towns and archaeological marvels. Maybe they're places you've waited years to see or revisit. Maybe you didn't know they existed until this moment. No matter how familiar you are with South Dakota, these lists of attractions will place you in a world of discovery and help you create an unforgettable trip in South Dakota.
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This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.
America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country.
The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.
Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.
Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.
History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.
The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.
Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota, and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide opportunities to learn and explore.
Another adventure is always waiting just around the bend in South Dakota. Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences!
