Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For South Dakotans Who Are Obsessed With Nature

You know that the Mount Rushmore State has some pretty epic water parks, but did you know that we also have an all-natural waterpark of sorts? Located near Hot Springs, Cascade Falls is a refreshing swimming hole that comes complete with super smooth, slide-like rocks. Speaking of swimming holes...

...there is no SoDak swimming hole that is more beautiful and iconic than Sylvan Lake! Tucked away in the heart of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is a manmade dam surrounded by picturesque cliffs and Black Hills landscape, all of which make for a perfect summer day. 

Arguably the most famous waterfall in South Dakota, Sioux Falls is the centerpiece of the state's largest city and gushes some 7,400 gallons of water over a 100-foot cliff every second. Do you think that sounds intense? Wait until you see it with your own eyes! 

After you take a dip in the previously mentioned Cascade Falls, take a trip to the 6th-longest cave in the world! Spanning some 140 miles, the Wind Cave is also considered to be the densest cave on earth and is said to contain 95% of the world's discovered boxwork formations.

Located along the banks of the Mighty Missouri, the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is your one-stop-shop for all things outdoors, including swimming, hiking, boating and kayaking, biking, fishing, camping, and birdwatching. 

While this picture may look like it was taken on Mars, it was indeed snapped at the jaw-dropping 242,756-acre Badlands National Park. Created by deposition and erosion some 69 million years ago, the Badlands are a colorful sight to see, thanks to its red and orange (iron oxides), white (volcanic ash), purple, and yellow (shale), and gray and tan (gravel and sand).

If you love fragrant flowers and pristine landscape, get ready to go ga-ga for McCrory Gardens! Housed on the campus of South Dakota State University, McCrory is comprised of 70 acres of gardens and a 45-acre arboretum, making for an urban retreat that cannot be beaten.

For a near once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, take a drive through the unique Needles Eye: a narrow tunnel tucked between an interesting cluster of rock formations. 

Last but certainly not least on our all-natural bucket list is the second largest grassland in the country: Buffalo Gap. When you visit, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled, as not only will you discover 600,000 acres of pristine grassland and eco-systems, but also bison, deer, bighorn sheep, and jackrabbits.