South Dakota: Top 10 best things to do
1 Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is undoubtedly one of the most recognised memorials in South Dakota and in the US. Each year, more than 3 million visitors come face-to-face with the likeness of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can walk the Presidential Trail to get up close and personal with the mountain sculpture and perhaps glimpse some of the area wildlife. Other stops include the Sculptor’s Studio, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, gift shop and dining hall.
2 Badlands National Park
Located 75 miles east of Rapid City, SD, Badlands National Park spans across 244,000 acres (97,600 ha) of prairie grassland, and boasts beautiful landscape views of unique and rugged geologic formations. Visitors from around the world visit the Badlands to camp, hike and view wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep and black-footed ferrets roaming throughout the park
3 Crazy Horse Memorial
A short distance from Mount Rushmore is Crazy Horse Memorial…the world’s largest mountain carving. It stands as a tribute to Crazy Horse, a Lakota warrior and one of the most important Native American tribal leaders. Construction on the memorial began in 1948, and has been in progress since. Once complete, it will stand 563 feet tall. Other attractions located at Crazy Horse Memorial include the Indian Museum of North America, a cultural centre, restaurant and gift shop which showcase the culture, tradition and heritage of North American Indians. Visitors can can also take a bus tour to the base of the mountain.
4 Custer State Park
Seventy-one thousand acres of breathtakingly beautiful scenery awaits the outdoorsy and adventurous at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and wildlife viewing, the park offers a little bit of everything for everyone. In addition the park also has three scenic byways, one being Needles Highway that features tunnels, hairpin curves and slender granite pinnacles that stretch up towards the sky.
5 The Corn Palace
Opened in 1921, The Corn Palace, the world’s only palace decorated entirely out of corn and grains, is a popular attraction visited by more than 500,000 people each year. Some visitors return to see the new theme of the mural on the outside of the palace, which changes annually. In addition to being a tourist attraction, the palace is used for a variety of events, including exhibits, performances and the annual Corn Palace Festival.
6 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Get ready to hit the pavement at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world. Welcoming more than 400,000 bikers and biking enthusiasts each year, the 7-day rally takes place the 1st week of August in Sturgis and includes scenic drives, concerts, races and more.
7 Falls Park
The Falls of the Big Sioux River have been a focus of life in Sioux Falls throughout history. Native American peoples were the first to visit the falls and bring stories of them to European explorers. They have been the centre of recreation and industry since the founding of the city in 1856. Today the park covers 123 acres. An average of 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the course of the Falls each second.
8 Native American Culture
There are nine Native American Tribes that call South Dakota home, and each of them has a unique story to tell. Visitors can learn more about the South Dakota Native American Culture at Powwow celebrations almost every weekend throughout the summer months across the state. Visitors can also take in the arts and crafts of the Native American culture at trading posts and Native American stores throughout the state.
9 Outdoor Activities in Black Hills
With outdoor activities available year-round, the opportunities in South Dakota are endless. Enjoy summer-specific activities such as boating and jet skiing. Travellers can also experience nature like never before by exploring the back country on horseback or by hiking the region’s tallest points. To gain a bird’s eye view try rock climbing some majestic rock formations in the Black Hills and Badlands. If winter fun is more your style, downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and sledding are a few of the great winter activities that South Dakota offers.
10 Old West Culture
Once home to Wild West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock, Deadwood was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Located in the northern Black Hills, visitors can experience the rich history of the Wild West at familyfriendly museums and attractions, or test their luck gambling at one of the casinos. During the summer months, visitors can watch as reenactments of famous shootouts take place on historic Main Street or within famous Saloon #10.