These 10 Attractions In South Dakota Show Our Unique Side

Not only is South Dakota aesthetically pleasing and wonderful in every way, it’s also incredibly quirky. Of course, we wouldn’t have it any other way! From a huge dinosaur park to a gigantic auto show, there's always an exciting attraction to experience. Listed below are 10 unique things to do in South Dakota that show just how special we truly are.

1. Dinosaur Park - Rapid City

Open to tourists since 1936, this quirky attraction features larger-than-life dinosaurs that you can actually climb onto and take pictures with. The area overlooks Rapid City and offers spectacular views of the Badlands.

2. The Mammoth Site - Hot Springs

This active paleontological dig site is home to the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world. Embark on a tour for an educational and intriguing experience the whole family will enjoy.

3. The World’s Only Corn Palace - Mitchell

This ginormous corn-plastered building is redecorated annually to showcase a new exciting theme. You can take a free tour of this iconic South Dakota structure anytime between Memorial Day and August.

4. Pioneer Auto Show - Murdo

As one of the largest auto shows around, featuring more than 300 vintage cars, motorcycles, and trucks, The Pioneer Auto Show is a must-experience for those who cherish classic collections and odd historical items. They even have Elvis Presley’s motorcycle and the General Lee from Dukes of Hazards on display.

5. Sandford Lab Homestake Visitor Center - Lead

This impressive facility provides an overview of the history and future of gold mining. Here you'll get to view historic photos, videos, an intriguing 3-D model of the underground, and plenty of mining artifacts. The deck offers a fantastic view of the 1,000-foot-deep Open Cut. Admission is free!

6. Geographic Center of the Nation Monument - Belle Fourche

This is a unique engraved patio. When you stand here, you stand at the center of it all, as this very spot is the geographical center of the entire United States.

7. Mount Rushmore National Monument - Keystone

This one is a no brainer. No other state is home to a massive sculpture featuring the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

8. Mount Moriah Cemetery - Deadwood

The final resting place of Western legends, murderers, and madams, this cemetery is unlike any other. Give yourself at least one hour to listen to an informative video and view the various celebrity graves and plaques that detail the area’s history.

9. World’s Largest Pheasant - Huron

Erected in 1959, this gigantic 28-foot, 22-ton fiberglass and steel pheasant is definitely a head turner, as well as a quirky celebration of our South Dakota culture.

10. Custer State Park - Custer

A herd of bison and other various types of wildlife roam this unique state park. Loaded with granite peaks, waterfalls, streams, and lakes, there’s plenty of opportunity for unique adventure in this wildlife reserve.

What’s your favorite attraction or place in our state? South Dakotans really are a unique and interesting bunch. Check out these 12 Things People From South Dakota Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners.