11 Downright Iconic Places You Must Experience In South Dakota

South Dakota is a state packed full of adventures that are just waiting to be had and intriguing places that are just waiting to be explored. From the Badlands National Park to the National Music Museum, there's so many treasures to see and cross off your list. True to its slogan, South Dakota is full of great places; here are 11 of the more iconic.

1. Mount Rushmore

This National Memorial constructed during the years of 1927–1941 is the definition of iconic. Visited by nearly 3 million people each year, this monstrous feat will take your breath away.

2. Crazy Horse

Even though not yet completed, this masterpiece in the making is a must-see while in South Dakota. The displays paired with the educational sessions make for a fascinating journey through history.

3. National Music Museum

The National Music Museum is home to over 15,000 American, European, and non-western instruments from nearly every culture and historical period. For anyone who appreciates music, a stroll through this spectacular museum would be epic.

4. The Center of the Nation

That’s right, you can stand at the center of it all when you visit Belle Fourche South Dakota. The area features a walkway lined with state flags, an engraved patio, and a large stone compass noting Belle Fourche as the exact center.

5. Custer State Park

This gigantic state park boasts wildlife viewing opportunities, Black Elk Peak, the gorgeous Sylvan Lake, open ranges, spectacular granite peaks and Spearfish Canyon. The opportunities in this 71,000-acre area are basically endless.

6. The Badlands National Park

Visit the badlands, and you’ll feel as though you’re on another planet. The layered rock formations mixed with the abundant amount of ancient fossils are truly something else.

7. The Mammoth Site

Did you know that South Dakota is home to the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world? This active paleontological dig site also features full life sized replicas of mammoths. How cool is that?!

8. Wall Drug

Admit it; you probably have a picture like this laying around somewhere. Dating back to the Great Depression, Wall Drug is described as a Midwest Icon.

9. Jewel Cave National Monument

As the third longest cave in the world, this South Dakota gem easily makes the list. As if this cave wasn’t massive enough, researches are uncovering an average of 3 miles of new passageways every year.

10. Laura Ingalls Homestead

This landmark located in east-central South Dakota will take you back in time to the late 1800s. Visitors can spend the day touring the prairie and learning about the homestead that inspired the books.

11. St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Also known as Cathedral of the Prairie, this gorgeous cathedral draws visitors from not only all over the nation, but also from all over the world.

There you have it. A short list of some of South Dakota’s most iconic places. Let us know what we missed in the comment section below!