7 Quirky South Dakota Roadside Attractions That Are Worthy Of A Pilgrimage

When you think of forests, what comes to mind? Lots of trees? Cute little woodland creatures? Long hikes? If you didn't answer a huge formation of pre-historic tree stumps, you have obviously never visited the Petrified Wood Forest, which is home to a block's worth of petrified wood sculptures.

Nothing says roadside attraction quite like something completely misleading, which is where Huron's world's largest pheasant comes in! While it is indeed a pheasant, it is not living, but rather a 20-foot-tall, 22-ton fiberglass and steel sculpture.

Located in Montrose is the incredible Porter Sculpture Park; a "South Dakota Adventure" that consists of 60 intricate sculptures that you can not only walk up to and photograph, but touch as well! (Please note: Unlike our first two attractions, Porter Sculpture Park does charge admission, so plan to pay $8 for adults and $4 for children 13 to 17.)

What are you looking at? Don't you walk your skeleton dinosaur, too? This guy sure does and can be seen on the westbound side of I-90, just before exit 170 near Midland.

Unlike the World's Largest Pheasant, the Philip, South Dakota prairie dog is not the biggest, but is another man-made creation! When you check out this 12-foot-tall, 6-ton varmint, stop in to its neighboring Badlands Ranch Store for a snack or SoDak souvenir.

Your eyes do not deceive you; those are indeed life-size dinosaurs atop that hill! Dedicated in 1936, Dinosaur Park is one of Rapid City's best free attractions, thanks to both its history and unique photo opportunities.

...because if you live in or visit South Dakota and don't get a picture with the gigantic Jackalope Jackrabbit, were you even really there?