Things To Do In South Dakota For Everyone

Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park encompasses over 240,000 acres of striking terrain characterized by its dramatic peaks, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations.

Hike through otherworldly landscapes of eroded buttes, canyons, and pinnacles. Be sure to keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and other wildlife. On clear nights, visitors can witness the brilliance of the Milky Way stretching across the sky, along with countless stars, planets, and celestial phenomena.

Things to see South Dakota include sighting the iconic faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills. Take time to appreciate the sheer scale and artistry of the carvings.

Explore the museum to delve deeper into the lives and legacies of the four presidents. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and historical artifacts bring their stories to life. Peak season is June-August, so consider visiting during shoulder seasons (May-September & October) for smaller crowds.

This museum explores the culture, traditions, and art of the Lakota people. Through its exhibits, educational programs, and outreach efforts, the museum aims to promote respect for Native American cultures and inspire dialogue about their past, present, and future.

One of the highlights of the museum's collection is its display of traditional Lakota art and crafts, including beadwork, quillwork, and ledger art. These intricate and beautiful creations provide insights into the artistic traditions of the Lakota people.

Camping in South Dakota is a great way to experience the state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. With over 60 state parks and recreation areas, there are campgrounds to suit all tastes and budgets, from rustic campsites with no amenities to RV parks with full hookups.

The Black Hills are a popular camping destination, but there are also campgrounds in the Badlands, the prairies, and the lakes region. Some are located near hiking trails, lakes, or fishing spots. Others are more isolated and offer a more peaceful camping experience.

Spelunking, or cave exploration, in Wind Cave National Park, offers a fascinating journey into one of the world's most complex and beautiful cave systems. This spot offers a variety of guided spelunking tours suitable for different experience levels. 

These activities or attractions of South Dakota traverse through a series of narrow passageways, crawl spaces, and expansive chambers adorned with unique cave formations. The cave's distinctive boxwork formations, composed of thin blades of calcite that intersect at various angles, are a highlight of the spelunking experience.

Nestled on the University of South Dakota's campus in Vermillion, the National Music Museum isn't your average museum. It's more like a musical wonderland, housing a staggering 15,000 instruments from across the globe and throughout history.

Embark on a musical journey through time and cultures. Encounter European masterpieces like Stradivari violins and Baroque lutes, alongside traditional instruments from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Dive deeper with special exhibitions that explore specific themes like "The Power of Percussion" or "Music and Medicine."

An affordable place to travel, the Needles Highway's winding road takes you through the Black Hills, offering stunning views of the scenery. Some scenic highlights include Needles Eye, Cathedral Spires, and Tunnel Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the highway, including bison, deer, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.

The Needles Highway passes by Sylvan Lake, a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by pine forests. Many visitors stop here to take a break, go for a hike, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear waters.

Open to the public year-round, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum offers free admission, making it a great option for budget-friendly vacations. Climb aboard mockups of F-106 and B-1B cockpits, experiencing the thrill of piloting a fighter jet or bomber firsthand. 

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring through the skies with the museum's F-16 combat flight simulator. Watch captivating documentaries and historical footage that bring the stories of aviation and space exploration to life.

Whether it's chasing trophy walleye on a reservoir, fly fishing for trout in a mountain stream, or enjoying the peaceful solitude of ice fishing on a frozen lake, fishing is a fun stuff to do in South Dakota.

The state is home to a variety of fish, including walleye, trout, and bass. Some lakes to go fishing include Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Big Stone Lake. For river fishing head to the Missouri River, Cheyenne River, and James River.

The WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort is a great destination for families and groups looking for a fun and memorable vacation in South Dakota. The water park is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer season.

Take a plunge down one of the three giant waterslides: Ka Ka Slide, KoKo's Kompetition, or the Tornado. Relax in the lazy river and soak up the tropical atmosphere. Let the little ones loose in KoKo's Kingdom, a splash pad designed just for kids.

Skiing or snowboarding offers an exhilarating winter experience in the beautiful Black Hills, one of the most beautiful places in the world. With three interconnected peaks—Terry Peak, Stewart Slopes, and Deer Mountain—there's something for everyone, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs.

Terry Peak typically receives abundant snowfall throughout the winter season, thanks to its location. It features a modern lift system, including chairlifts and surface lifts, providing efficient access to the slopes.

The 1880 Train, chugging its way through the heart of the Black Hills in South Dakota, is more than just a scenic railway - it's a journey back in time. Your adventure begins at either Hill City or Keystone.

Choose the classic coach seats for a social atmosphere, or upgrade to first-class for plush armchairs and extra legroom. Lush forests, rugged canyons, and rolling hills unfurl before you. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead.

This massive sculpture of Lakota chief Crazy Horse is still under construction, but it is already an impressive sight. It aims to depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse mounted on horseback, pointing towards the horizon.

The sculpture, once completed, will be the largest in the world. When completed, it will stand 641 feet (195 meters) long and 563 feet (172 meters) tall. Crazy Horse's head alone will be 87 feet (27 meters) tall, making it taller than the heads of the presidents at Mount Rushmore.

Go for a scenic drive, hike to Sylvan Lake, or take a Jeep tour through Wildlife Loop to see bison, burros, and other animals. Birdwatchers delight in the diverse avian population, including bald eagles, hawks, owls, and colorful songbirds.

Numerous trails cater to all levels of hikers and bikers, offering scenic routes through forests, meadows, and past lakes. Take a refreshing dip in Sylvan Lake or Stockade Lake. Explore historical sites like the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and the Black Hills Playhouse.

Stretching approximately 20 miles from the town of Spearfish to the historic mining town of Lead, Spearfish Canyon offers visitors a stunning display of towering limestone cliffs, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and meandering streams.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, natural beauty, or a peaceful retreat into the wilderness, Spearfish Canyon offers tons of things to in South Dakota. During the fall months, the canyon comes alive with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold as the leaves of the canyon's hardwood trees change color.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an iconic event, drawing hundreds of thousands of bikers from all over the world to the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, and the surrounding Black Hills.

Held annually for 10 days during the first week of August, it's more than just a motorcycle gathering; it's a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in American history and biker tradition. The atmosphere is electric, with the town overflowing with motorcycles, leather-clad riders, and live music filling the air.

The Corn Palace, located in Mitchell, South Dakota, is a unique and iconic structure that serves as both a community center and a testament to the agricultural heritage of the region. 

The exterior is adorned with murals made entirely from corn. These murals are redesigned and replaced annually, making each visit to the Corn Palace a fresh experience. The murals themselves are created by local artists who design intricate patterns and images using various colors and types of corn, including yellow, red, blue, and white.

The Black Hills offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Some popular trails include the Black Elk Peak Trail, the Centennial Trail, the Spearfish Canyon Trail, the Cathedral Spires Trail, the Sunday Gulch Trail, and the Trail of Whispering Pines.

The weather in the Black Hills can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before you go. There are many unmarked trails in the Black Hills, so staying on the marked trails is important to avoid getting lost.

Wondering what are some things to do South Dakota with kids? The South Dakota Discovery Center, located in Pierre is a great place for kids to learn about science. The outdoor learning space includes nature trails, observation decks, and interactive installations.

Inside the Discovery Center, visitors encounter a dynamic array of interactive exhibits and displays that cover various scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, astronomy, geology, and ecology.

Must see things in South Dakota, Falls Park is a crown jewel of Sioux Falls. It offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and engaging activities. The centerpiece of the park is undoubtedly the namesake falls, plunging 100 feet with an average flow of 7,400 gallons per second.

Climb the five-story tower for panoramic views of the falls, the city skyline, and the surrounding landscape. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the park by following scenic trails that wind alongside the river and offer close-up views of the falls.