The 7 Best Things to Do in South Dakota and Why You Should Visit Now
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JULY 2023 • 5 min read
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Immerse yourself in everything South Dakota has to offer. Often referred to as "the land of infinite variety,” you’ll want to explore the Black Hills and Badlands in the Western Region, head to the Northeast to experience the Glacial Lakes and everything outdoor adventure. South Dakota is rated 16th in size among the 50 states and is a part of both the Midwest and Great Plains, while boasting more miles of shoreline than Florida!
Along the way, you’ll follow the Missouri River as it flows down through central South Dakota, and discover the land of the southeast and its bustling cities, quiet country escapes and family attractions. There are endless things to do in South Dakota and adventures for all ages, especially the iconic landmarks of the Great 8 that put South Dakota on the map; Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Historic Deadwood, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and the Missouri River.
The Reptile Gardens
Did you know that Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota has one of the largest collections of reptile species and subspecies of any zoo or wild animal park in the world? The Reptile Gardens houses some of the world’s deadliest snakes and has been in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest Reptile Zoo.” Here you’ll have the rare opportunity to walk amongst free-roaming reptiles and birds.
Set in beautiful botanical gardens—acres of lush flowers and foliage create a glorious ambiance for you to experience the Reptile Garden’s exhibits. From Tortuga Falls to the Living Wall, the botanical gardens across the grounds at Reptile Gardens are truly a sight you won’t find anywhere else.
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota features the iconic 60-foot faces of four American presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. These four U.S. Presidents represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country.
Surrounded by American history, Mount Rushmore National Memorial represents not only the past, but also a promise for the future.
Butterfly House & Aquarium
Step into the jungle, where lush vegetation surrounds you and it’s always a balmy 80 degrees. Over 800 butterflies from every corner of the globe welcome you to their 3,600 square foot home in the Dakota’s only insectarium. Enjoy the serenity and awe-inspiring beauty that is the Butterfly House on your local tropical getaway.
The Aquarium Gallery at the Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota displays hundreds of different species of fishes and corals in over 10,000 gallons of aquariums. From coral reefs and anemones, to seahorses and tangs, the saltwater exhibits are home to marine life from the Indo-Pacific region to the Caribbean.
Badlands National Park
The 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 within Badlands National Park in Wall, South Dakota. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.
The rugged canyons, towering spires and colorful rock formations create an awe-inspiring landscape that is unlike anything else in the world—Offering an immersive experience of the natural beauty and geologic uniqueness of the region.
National Music Museum
Recognized by the New York Times as a “Musical Smithsonian…whose galleries teem with masterpieces,” the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota is one national museum not to be missed! The NMM is one of the great institutions of its kind in the world. Its renowned collections feature fine and historic instruments from many cultures and historical periods.
Source: National Music Museum
Spanning hundreds of years of culture, the NMM’s 15,000+ instruments range from priceless Italian violins to celebrity guitars, organs to orchestrion, harps to harpsichords, from Les Paul to Sgt. Pepper, from Stradivari to Elvis. The National Music Museum offers extensive archives of instrument-related materials, and the only graduate degree in musical instruments in North America, the museum has been an epicenter for musical-instrument exploration.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota is one of the most beloved and diverse parks in the United States, featuring breathtaking natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors to the Black Hills region won't want to miss this iconic destination. Get up close and personal with some of the most famous residents of the Black Hills, from herds of bison and pronghorn to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even burros.
Take a leisurely drive through the park on one of the many scenic routes, including the iconic Needles Highway or the Wildlife Loop Road. With miles of hiking trails, fishing spots, boating and kayaking opportunities, and rock climbing, Custer State Park offers something for everyone. Stay in a rustic cabin, a historic lodge, or camp under the stars at one of the park's campgrounds for an authentic Black Hills experience.
Falls Park
Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is comprised of over 128-acres and located just north of downtown Sioux Falls, along the Big Sioux River. An average of 7,400 gallons of water drop 100-feet over the course of the Falls each second. Enjoy the Falls from the many different viewing platforms, including the five-story observation tower. Falls Park is also home to a rich history that includes some of Sioux Falls' oldest buildings.
Source: Travel South Dakota
