12 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In South Dakota
South Dakota, located in the heart of the Midwest, is a state defined by vast prairies, rugged landscapes, and a deep-rooted cultural heritage. It is also home to many cherished tourist attractions. Whether you are marveling at the grand scale of Mount Rushmore or discovering the dramatic rock formations of Badlands National Park, South Dakota invites visitors to experience the beauty of its natural and man-made wonders. These attractions, along with others like Custer State Park, draw people from around the world and are the most loved by tourists and locals alike.
Black Hills National Forest
Named for the dense forest of Ponderosa pines that cover the hills, the Black Hills are sacred to the Lakota Sioux and have rich cultural and natural histories. The forest has many outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Popular trails lead to viewpoints like Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak), the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains.
The Black Hills are also home to significant landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Scenic drives like the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and Spearfish Canyon lead to views of forests, rock formations, and waterfalls.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, in the Black Hills region, is one of the most recognized landmarks in the United States. This colossal sculpture features the faces of four US presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—carved into the granite cliffs. The memorial symbolizes the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the country.
Begun in 1927 under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the project took 14 years to complete. Each face on the mountain is about 60 feet tall, requiring intricate drilling, blasting, and shaping to create realistic likenesses. Exhibits in the area tell the story of the monument’s creation and its impact on American history and culture.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a landscape of layered rock formations, steep canyons, towering spires, and grasslands in southwestern South Dakota. The park covers approximately 244,000 acres and contains one of the largest protected mixed-grass prairies in the United States. The unique formations seen here were created over millions of years through the deposition and erosion of various sediments, resulting in colorful bands of rock that reflect different geological eras.
Besides its views, the Badlands are rich in fossil history. They give paleontologists crucial insights into ancient species such as the saber-toothed cat and the three-toed horse. The park is also home to wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. Hiking trails, such as the popular Door Trail, overlooks, and wildlife viewing opportunities make Badlands National Park a favorite.
Custer State Park
Situated in the southeastern corner of the Black Hills region, Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the US. It is home to everything from granite peaks to open prairies and forests. A main attraction here is the park's large herd of approximately 1,300 free-roaming bison, which visitors can see up close along the Wildlife Loop Road.
The park also has scenic drives, such as the Needles Highway, which winds through narrow tunnels and alongside towering granite spires. Sylvan Lake, a picturesque body of water surrounded by rock formations, has boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. With plenty of trails, such as the popular Black Elk Peak Trail, Custer State Park appeals to hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a sculpture in the Black Hills of South Dakota, dedicated to honoring the Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse. Unlike Mount Rushmore, this project is still under construction and, when finished, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world. The project was initiated in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, at the request of Lakota leaders who wanted to commemorate their hero and preserve Native American culture. Crazy Horse, a fierce leader who fought to protect his people and their land, is depicted sitting on horseback, pointing into the distance.
The memorial is more than just the mountain carving; it includes a visitor center, a Native American museum, and a cultural center that celebrates Native American history and traditions. Visitors can see the progress of the sculpture, explore exhibits, and attend educational programs.
Wind Cave National Park
Only 20 miles south of the Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. It has rare boxwork formations, a type of honeycomb-shaped calcite structure found in very few places around the globe. The cave was discovered by settlers in 1881 when wind could be felt blowing out of a small hole in the ground, hence its name.
Today, the park has guided cave tours for visitors to explore its labyrinthine passageways, formations, and underground cave system. Above ground, the park also protects a vast area of prairie and ponderosa forest, home to bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
Jewel Cave National Monument
A mere 30 miles away from Wind Cave, Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-longest cave in the world, with over 200 miles of mapped passageways. It gets its name from the sparkling calcite crystals that line many of its walls, resembling jewels when illuminated by light. Discovered in 1900 by two brothers, the cave has since become a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can take guided tours through different sections of the cave to see features like flowstone formations, draperies, and large chambers. The park surrounding the cave has hiking trails for visitors to experience the surface's natural beauty, as well.
Deadwood
In the northern Black Hills region, Deadwood, South Dakota, is a historic town best known for its Wild West history. Established in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush, Deadwood attracted fortune seekers, outlaws, and iconic figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The town quickly became known for its lawlessness, gunfights, and saloons; it was a magnet for adventurers and gamblers.
Today, Deadwood has preserved much of its Wild West character, with restored historic buildings, museums, and reenactments of famous gunfights. The town is also home to Mount Moriah Cemetery, where notable figures like Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. In addition to its historical significance, Deadwood has modern attractions like casinos, entertainment venues, and fine dining, blending the old with the new.
Spearfish Canyon
Not far from Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon was carved by Spearfish Creek over millions of years. The canyon has limestone cliffs, forests, and crystal-clear waterfalls. The scenic byway that runs through the canyon is a top route for visitors, thanks to its views and easy access to hiking trails. Popular spots along the byway include Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls, both of which have photo opportunities and picnic areas. The canyon is especially popular in the fall when the changing colors of the trees create a vibrant landscape. Wildlife, such as deer, mountain goats, and bald eagles, can also be spotted in the area.
The Mammoth Site
The Mammoth Site is one of the world’s most significant paleontological discoveries. It is an active excavation site where over 60 mammoths, mostly the Columbian species, have been unearthed. These mammoths were trapped in a prehistoric sinkhole around 26,000 years ago and died, leaving behind a treasure trove of fossils. The site was discovered in 1974 during a construction project and has since become a center for scientific research and public education. When visiting, be sure to tour the indoor excavation area, which is protected by a climate-controlled building, and see bones still embedded in the ground as they were discovered.
The Corn Palace
Venture outside of the Black Hills region and explore eastern South Dakota at the Corn Palace, a quirky attraction in Mitchell. This multi-purpose venue has exterior murals made entirely from corn and other grains. Each year, the Corn Palace is redecorated with a new theme, using thousands of bushels of corn in different colors to create intricate designs. The building is a community center and hosts events ranging from concerts to sporting competitions. It also celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage, showing off the importance of corn to South Dakota's economy and culture. Make sure you tour the palace and learn about its history through exhibits. Or, attend the Corn Palace Festival, held annually. This lively event includes rides, food stalls, and entertainment.
Falls Park
Falls Park is a city park in Sioux Falls, centered around the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River. The falls themselves drop about 100 feet over a series of rock formations. Falls Park has walking trails, picnic areas, and an observation tower with panoramic views of the city and the waterfalls. The park also hosts the remains of the Queen Bee Mill, an old flour mill that was operational in the late 19th century. The Visitor Information Center is located nearby, where visitors can learn about the history of the park and the city of Sioux Falls. The park is especially popular in the summer and fall, and it’s a great spot for relaxation and photography.
For travelers, South Dakota has a variety of memorable attractions, from the famous Black Hills region to the serene plains of the east. Its iconic attractions, such as the cave system of Jewel Cave or the historic Gold Rush town of Deadwood, each tell a story. They are a reminder that South Dakota is a place where nature and history blend seamlessly into one unforgettable adventure.
