As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

Imagine the largest survival community in South Dakota, an ultimate safe space engineered to weather worse-case scenarios including natural disasters, catastrophes, the cosmos, or severe acts of violence inflicted by man. Now, what if I told you that the largest community of this type is located right here in Mount Rushmore State? That’s right, this massive complex with underground bunkers in South Dakota is located in the Black Hills, and is the largest survival community on earth.

Let’s take a look!

You’ll find the Vivos survival community, Vivos xPoint, just south of Edgemont in what is considered one of the safest areas on the continent in part to mild weather, well inland from all large bodies of water, and an ideal altitude. It is also one of the weirdest places in South Dakota.
terravivos.com
This 18-square-mile former military base, utilized from 1942 to 1967, was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers to store military ammunition and weapons. It has sat empty for more than half a century.
terravivos.com
Now, the Vivos survival community is home to 575 off-grid, hardened concrete military bunkers. The massive site has the potential to house around 5,000 underground residents and shelter them from nearly any catastrophic event that may occur. Withstanding a 500,000-pound internal blast (7 bars of pressure), folks are sure to feel safe here. Other features include concrete and steel doors sealed to prevent the infiltration of air, gas, and water.
All shelters are well-stocked with supplies, equipment, food, and fuel needed for long-term, underground survival. Water will be pumped from two water wells, and each bunker will have a distribution system installed.
terravivos.com

Related Stories

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through South Dakota Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through South Dakota Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

 18 Best Hikes In South Dakota: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2024

18 Best Hikes In South Dakota: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2024

 This Speakeasy Hidden Underground In South Dakota Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden Underground In South Dakota Is Perfect For A Date Night
While the lengths of the bunkers vary between 60 feet and 80 feet, all are 26.5-feet wide. Leasers can choose to personalize and furnish their bunkers in any way they desire, such as adding full kitchens, living areas, multiple bedrooms, and bathrooms. All bunkers come ready for plumbing, electrical wiring, air filtration, exhaust, and power generation systems.
terravivos.com
Water is pumped from two water wells and each bunker will have a distribution system installed. This is a shared, 16-person bunker floor plan, completely furnished with one year of food and supplies.
Try a little more luxury with this choice, offering simulated LED screens with a changing panoramic video of an outdoor scene so you don’t feel as if you’re actually underground.
terravivos.com (screenshot)
Your off-grid bunker will be accessible by car, as there are over 100 miles of private roads on site that only availble to members.
terravivos.com (screenshot)
Some other items leasers will have access to include an onsite general store, gym, hot tub spa, restaurant and bar, chapel, and a medical clinic.

Check out some of the pricing listed on the website. Vivos XPoint holds up to 24 people for $45,000 per bunker with no per-person charge. Interested folks can apply for membership. Did you have any idea that South Dakota is now home to the largest survival community on earth? Would you ever consider leasing a bunker, or do you think the whole premise is absurd? Feel free to share all your thoughts in the comment section below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Most People Don’t Know That South Dakota Is Home To The Largest Survival Community On Earth

Carolyn Harmon | August 12, 2022

Where is another one of the quirkiest buildings in South Dakota?

The Cosmos Mystery Area in Rapid City offers a Mystery House, Goede mine, gift shop, and ice cream all in one place. This unusual space gives you a feeling you entered the twilight zone because all laws of physics and nature don't apply here. Tall people appear shorter, water flows uphill, you can walk up a wall, and be pulled sideways while hanging from a rafter. This is one of the most unique things to do outside in South Dakota that is perfect for all ages.

What is another unique thing to do outside in South Dakota?

In the same city, Rapid City, go visit Dinosaur Park, where free fun is available. This vintage tourist attraction has been open to the public since 1936 sitting on a hilltop overlooking the city. Enjoy a walk through this unusual park to see seven life-size sculptures of dinosaurs. Afterward, grab a hot dog, some ice cream, or a snack at the Dinosaur Park Visitor's Center. This must-see attraction in South Dakota offers a memorable experience for the entire family.

Where is one of the best restaurants in Rapid City, South Dakota?

Guests who stay at the Hotel Alex Johnson can visit the rooftop and enjoy food and a favorite beverage at Vertex Sky Bar. Begin with some fabulous Oysters Rockefeller, with spinach, bacon, and parmesan; or panko-breaded and deep-fried walleye fingers. If you are in the mood for a heavy meal, the Bison Osso Bucco is a must have, with a braised buffalo shank and six-bean cassoulet. If you visit on Tuesday-Thursday, your experience comes with a live vinyl DJ.

Related Articles