Posted in South Dakota Road Trips May 25, 2022 by

The Ultimate South Dakota Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State

You have visited Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse more times than you can count and have hiked around Falls Park every season, so you may be looking for something new to see and do around South Dakota. Sound familiar? While we love all of the above, many SoDak residents and tourists alike miss out on some of the most amazing places in the state, which is why we are excited to take you on this ultimate South Dakota hidden gems road trip. Load up the car — adventures await!

Google Maps
The link to the interactive Google map can be found here.
1. Nicollet Tower (Sisseton)
Joseph N. Nicollet Tower Facebook
Welcome to the Nicollet Tower, where you can see not one, not two, but THREE states at once (SoDak, NoDak, and Minnesota)! Standing 75-feet-tall, Nicollet Tower is the perfect place to get out and stretch and take incredible aerial pictures of the landscape below. 
Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center, 45356 SD-10, Sisseton, SD 57262, USA
2. Ward's Store and Bakery (De Smet)
TripAdvisor/elwhaswan
Many folks have heard of the famous Ward's, but if you haven't, it is mandatory that you visit this charming shop with ties to Laura Ingalls Wilder! (In case you didn't know, her father once owned the building that now houses Ward's.) Ward's Store and Bakery might just be the best general store in South Dakota.
Ward's Store & Bakery, 127 Calumet Ave SE, De Smet, SD 57231, USA
3. Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum (Sioux Falls)
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum Facebook
You know all there is to know about the aforementioned Falls Park, but did you know that South Dakota's biggest city has even more natural wonders? Case in point: the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, which is part of the greater Sioux Falls Parks System and features lush wetlands and quiet gardens. When you're looking to reconnect with nature, the Mary Jo Wegner makes for an excellent day trip destination in South Dakota.
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historic Site, 1900 S Perry Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57110, USA
4. Chamberlain Information Center (Chamberlain)
Klemdy/Wikimedia Commons
A rest area is a rest area is a rest area ... right? Normally, we would agree, but in the case of the beautiful Chamberlain Information Center, it is anything but! Also known as the Lewis and Clark Information Center, the Chamberlain Information Center offers a clean and comfortable place to stretch, plus an on-site museum, picnic areas, walking paths, and the iconic Dignity (pictured). Learn more about what is easily considered the best rest stop in South Dakota.
Chamberlain Information Center, I-90, Chamberlain, SD 57325, USA
5. Grey Goose Store & Social Club (Pierre)
Grey Goose Store & Social Club Facebook
Now that we are more than halfway through our road trip, it is time to get both gas and a great meal, which you can do at the Grey Goose Store & Social Club in Pierre! While the outside of the Grey Goose may look like your average gas station, you may be surprised to learn that they also serve some of the best prime rib in South Dakota!
Grey Goose Store and Social Club, 28886 Merry Rd, Pierre, SD 57501, USA
6. South Dakota Air and Space Museum (Box Elder)
Jaydec/Wikimedia Commons
Do you want to stop somewhere that is both out-of-this-world and FREE? Then you have come to the right place, as the South Dakota Air and Space Museum - which is located on the Ellsworth Air Force Base - houses numerous exhibits, on-site spacecrafts, and other special events. When it comes to hidden gems in South Dakota, the Air and Space Museum definitely belongs on the list.
South Dakota Air and Space Museum, 2890 Davis Dr, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706, USA
7. Outdoor Campus West (Rapid City)
Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus-Rapid City Facebook
Do you want to check out one of my personal favorite hidden gems? If you can promise to keep a secret, we will tell you: It is the Outdoor Campus West, which offers everything from outdoor walking paths and fishing opportunities to educational classes, a South Dakota habitats and wildlife exhibit, and an impressive 4,600-gallon freshwater aquarium. If you're looking for fun things to do in South Dakota with the kids, the Outdoor Campus West is a great option.
The Outdoor Campus - West, Adventure Trail, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA

For even more unique SoDak road trip ideas, check out Sioux Falls To Spearfish, South Dakota, which is considered one of the best road trips in America. What are some of your favorite hidden gems in South Dakota? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

South Dakota hidden gems

May 30, 2022
Beth C.

What are some of the best road trips in South Dakota?

South Dakota is a vast state and driving through it is one of the best ways to experience all of the unique attractions that the Mount Rushmore State has to offer. If you're someone who appreciates learning about haunted destinations, we have the perfect itinerary in mind.

The ultimate terrifying road trip through South Dakota features destinations such as Hotel Alex Johnson, the Historic Fairmont Hotel, Scotty Phillip Cemetery, Gitchi Manitou, and Mount Marty College. Think you have what it takes to explore the most haunted destinations in South Dakota?

If it sounds a bit too intense, you might want to try the ultimate South Dakota waterfalls road trip. The Mount Rushmore State is brimming with gorgeous falls and this road trip itinerary will take you to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in South Dakota, including Bridal Veil Falls in Spearfish, Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Cascade Falls.

Finally, if you're looking for an adventure that you can complete on one tank of gas, we've got you covered. Some of these destinations include Queen City Bakery, Porter Sculpture Walk, the Corn Palace, the Back 40, South Dakota Hall of Fame, 1880 Town, Badlands National Park, Wall Drug, and Dinosaur Park. Learn more about some of the best road trips in South Dakota.