From awe-inspiring views to breathtaking gardens, South Dakota is loaded with nature and beautiful places to get lost in, as well as many intriguing museums to explore. The following list is what we consider to be some of the most wonderful places to see in South Dakota.

1. The view from the top of Black Elk Peak - Black Hills
Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA
flickr/sbmeaper1
As the highest natural point in South Dakota, Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, provides you with downright stunning views of the Black Hills National Forrest. This mildly rigorous hike requires no technical climbing skills, making it the perfect adventure for the whole family. Be sure to bring your camera.
2. McCrory Gardens - Brookings
McCrory Gardens Drive, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
McCrory Gardens / Facebook
Maintained and operated by South Dakota State University, this beautiful area consists of 25 acres of gorgeous display gardens and 35 acres of arboretum filled with hundreds of different grasses, shrubs, trees, and stunning flowers. It's easily the perfect setting for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
3. Chapel in the Hills - Rapid City
3788 Chapel Ln, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Holly Hayes / Flickr
Found in the Black Hills, this little chapel is built in the traditional Nordic style and receives nearly 24,000 visitors each year. Open to visitors May through September, it's an ideal place to get married or renew your vows.
4. The view of Falls Park from the observation tower - Sioux Falls
131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
Don Graham / Flickr
If you're in the Sioux Falls area, then you absolutely must visit the lovely Falls Park to see the spectacular waterfalls. A climb up the observation tower will give you a view to remember.
5. Sica Hallow State Park - Sisseton
Sica Hollow State Park, 44950 Park Road, Sisseton, SD 57260, USA
Michael Boer / Flickr
With plenty of eerie folklore surrounding this beautiful state park, Sica Hallow, meaning "bad" or "evil" in Dakota, is a truly breathtaking place to explore. You can hike the spectacular trails any time of the year.
6. Mount Rushmore - Keystone
Keystone, SD 57751, USA
Paul Thompson / Flickr
This may seem like a no brainer, but this massive sculpture is an absolute must-see. You can't live in "The Mount Rushmore State" without experiencing the beauty and awe of this national memorial.
7. Storybook Land - Aberdeen
Storybook Land, 2300 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA
Storybook Land, Aberdeen South Dakota / Facebook
This 210-acre park in Aberdeen is inspired by your favorite nursery rhymes. Featuring a miniature train, a fantastic castle, and many other larger-than-life exhibits, a visit here will make anyone feel like a kid again.
8. World’s Largest Petrified Wood Park - Lemmon
Petrified Wood Park & Museum, 500 Main Ave, Lemmon, SD 57638, USA
Matt Lemmon/ Flickr
You may have to go way off the beaten path to visit this massive, block-long park, but it's completely worth it. Meander around 100 towers, structures and various other formations located in the block-long park and marvel at unique, quirky statues that are up to 20 feet tall.

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9. South Dakota Air and Space Museum - Ellsworth
South Dakota Air and Space Museum, 2890 Davis Dr, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706, USA
flickr/loonyhiker
Visitors can spend all day peering at present aircraft technology and learn all about the fantastic possibilities to come to aviation. A trip to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum is certainly one you'll always remember.
10. Butterfly House & Aquarium - Sioux Falls
Butterfly House & Aquarium, South Oxbow Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Butterfly House & Aquarium / Flickr
Visit the marine cove and view hundreds of different species of fishes and corals. The cove is home to sea stars, sea urchins, seahorses, clown fish, anemones, stingrays, and even sharks. Visitors can then meander through the 80 degree tropical setting and see hundreds of butterflies.
11. Wind Cave National Park - Custer
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA
South Dakota / Flickr
Take a guided tour through Wind Cave National Park and explore the intriguing cave system that's one of the largest and most complex in the world.
12. The World’s Only Corn Palace - Mitchell
The World's Only Corn Palace, 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301, USA
flickr/Eric Friedebach
Close to the hearts of many South Dakotans, The Corn Palace hosts 500,000 tourists each year. View the incredible corn murals made out of 12 different colors of corn that's framed with native straw grasses and take a tour of the one and only palace.
13. The Mammoth Site - Hot Springs
The Mammoth Site, 1800 US-18 BYP, Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA
Jody Halsted / Flickr
You can view the remains of mammoths that died over 26,000 years ago at this fantastic exhibit. This active paleontological dig site is home to the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world.
14. The view from Pinnacles Overlook in the Badlands - Wall
Pinnacles Overlook, SD-240, Wall, SD 57790, USA
flickr/Sathish J
Visit the Badlands National Park and you'll essentially feel as though you're on another planet. The views are seriously that incredible!
15. The Annual Buffalo Round Up in Custer State Park - Custer
Custer State Park Spur, Custer, SD 57730, USA
South Dakota / Flickr
Almost 1,300 bison roam the gigantic Custer State Park. Held the last Friday in September, you can see the cowboys and cowgirls bring in the gigantic herd. This is a western experience you don't want to miss. Why not make this a weekend adventure and spend a few nights in this charming cabin VRBO rental?
16. Laura Ingalls Homestead - De Smet
Ingalls Homestead, 20812 Homestead Rd, De Smet, SD 57231, USA
flickr/designatednaphour
You'll find the Ingalls Homestead in the little town of De Smet. See the homestead the family lived on and partake in numerous activities, including washing laundry the old fashioned way and corn husk doll making.
17. Spearfish Canyon - Spearfish
Spearfish, SD, USA
Justin Meissen / Flickr
No matter the season, Spearfish Canyon is absolutely stunning! View the limestone palisades, gorgeous waterfalls, and beauty of the unique area that looks like a painting brought to life.

Can you think of any other places to see in South Dakota that should be included on this list? If so, please share them with us in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more fun hiking trails in South Dakota, visit AllTrails!

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places to see in south dakota

Jennifer Young | July 08, 2022

What are three bucket list places in South Dakota that are perfect for family day trips?

These are the best places for family day trips in South Dakota:

1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Located in Keystone, South Dakota is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Completed in 1941, this large sculpture features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. There's also a museum onsite.

2. McCrory Gardens. South Dakota's McCrory Gardens is located in Brookings on the South Dakota State University campus. It includes a 25-acre botanical garden and a 45-acre arboretum. There's no denying that McCrory Gardens is a beautiful place in South Dakota for a day trip or an afternoon stroll. Don't forget to bring along your camera.

3. Custer State Park. Both children and adults alike enjoy visiting Custer State Park. Even though this state park offers a variety of activities, its buffalo herd is why most people enjoy visiting. Custer State Park is where America's largest buffalo herding experience takes place. Each September, more than 1,500 bison are gathered at the park's annual Buffalo Roundup. Getting to see this large number of buffalo gathered up in one spot is definitely a sight to behold.

Most of us have a bucket list. If you don't, we highly recommend it because it'll motivate you to see and do everything you've always wanted. There are many bucket list places in South Dakota, including several that are great for visiting with the entire family. We've listed three of our favorite bucket list places in South Dakota above.

What are the most unique attractions in South Dakota?

The most unique attractions in South Dakota are:

 

Here at Only In Your State, South Dakota, we love to feature unique places. And like most other states, South Dakota is home to many unique attractions you won't find anywhere else. One attraction in particular that's only in South Dakota is The Mammoth Site. The Mammoth Site, which is located in Hot Springs, is a paleontological dig site that features the world's largest concentration of mammoth remains. For anyone interested in paleontology, a visit to The Mammoth Site is an absolute must!

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