South Dakota is a state rich in culture, history, and urban legends, the latter of which go as far back as the 1700s. While some of these legends are just plain silly, other are terrifying enough to haunt your dreams, including these 8 best South Dakota urban legends that will keep you awake at night.
Gitchi Manitou is one of the places you always hear about but can never bring yourself to visit, at least not at night. While it is technically located in Iowa, the whispers of legends run rampant through Eastern South Dakota as well. In 1973, four Sioux Falls teens were murdered while camping at Gitchi Manitou. If that isn’t enough reason to be wary of hauntings, add the fact that this park used to be an American Indian burial grounds. The park is technically closed after dark, but the brave still visit in hopes to prove the legends true.
Address: 52141 Adams Avenue, Larchwood, IA 51241
The Orpheum Theatre in Sioux Falls is said to be haunted by a ghost named Larry. Legend has it that Larry is a man who danced with a woman whose husband was away fighting in a war. When the husband returned, it is said that he killed Larry, thus the ghost of Larry exists in the theatre to this day. Hearing Larry whistling "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" is considered a good luck charm on opening night of performances at the theatre (and - apparently - not a reason to completely flip out).
Address: 315 North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
The 1880 Train that runs through Hill City is rumored to be another one of the most haunted places in South Dakota. While some of the train cars are used at the current tourist attraction, many remain abandoned. Some employees have specifically mentioned seeing a main standing in the back of the eating car, only to disappear seconds later.
Address: 222 Railroad Avenue, Hill City, SD 57745
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4. The Legend of the "Little Devils" of Spirit Mound
Spirit Mound, located near Vermillion, has long been awed by Native Americans. It is said that when you try to hike up the mound, "little devils" with arrows will attack you. This legend was not documented until 1804 but seems to have existed since long before then.
Address: 31148 SD-19, Vermillion, SD 57069
One of South Dakota’s more famous urban legends, Devil’s Gulch is said to be the place where Jesse James and his horse jumped over a ravine that is 60 feet deep and 20 feet wide. You truly have to stand at the bottom of this chasm and look up at where Jesse jumped to understand the magnitude of a jump that this legend claims.
Address: Garretson, SD 57030
A hotel so surely haunted, they actually advertise it right on their website. Come take a tour or stay at this haunted mansion. One of the main ghosts claimed to be seen here is the hotel’s namesake, Alex Johnson himself. It is said that he comes around to make sure the hotel is still running well. (If you want to experience one of these creepy South Dakota stories for yourself, book the Hotel Alex Johnson's Ghost Package, and keep your eyes and ears peeled.)
Address: 523 6th Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Originally a hunting grounds for the Dakota Sioux Native Americans, Sica Hollow literally has evil in its name. The name "Sica" was assigned to the area by the first Native Americans to visit the location and sica means ‘bad’ or ‘evil’. It is thought that a "big foot" type man inhabits the woods, corroborated by the fact that, in the 1970s, some people went missing from the area. It exists as a reserve area today because historically, people have been to afraid to live in the area.
Address: 44950 Park Road, Sisseton, SD 57260
The debate on which "Spook Road" is the real Spook Road has carried on for years, though there is much evidence that Spook Road exists near Brandon, South Dakota. There are many theories about the road including one that claims if you drive away from town and count the number of turns, and then drive back and count them, you will end up with different numbers. As if this wasn't weird enough, many cars have also wrecked on this road, which often leaves drivers with an unsettled feeling. While some people believe Spook Road is mere folklore, others will defend it to the end (with some die-hard believers even creating a Facebook group about the spooky road).
Address: Brandon, SD 57005
These terrifying urban legends are just a few of the many we uncovered in South Dakota. From unbelievable to unbearably frightening, they are some of the best stories around. Have you visited any of these spooky areas? Are the legends true? Let us know your take in the comments. If you want to experience even more South Dakota haunts, be sure to take The Ultimate Terrifying South Dakota Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It.
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Best South Dakota Urban Legends
Annie Sandmeier |May 16, 2019
What are the most haunted places in South Dakota? As you just read, South Dakota is chock full of haunts and legends, so it is hard to narrow it down to just a few. If we had to, however, it would have to be the Orpheum Theater (I mean, how else can you explain the sound of somebody whistling "Twinkle, Twinkle?"), Sica Hollow (I believe in Big Foot... do you?), and Spook Road (complete with its disappearing bridges).
What are creepiest abandoned places in South Dakota? Every abandoned place has a sense of eeriness to it, but we happen to think that the creepiest place of all is Bedrock City, which used to house hundreds of happy visitors each day, but is now nothing more than decaying rides and buildings. In terms of actual haunted places in South Dakota, we recommend visiting the old Scotty Phillip Cemetery, which is guaranteed to leave you feeling uneasy.
What is the most famous ghost story from South Dakota? This one is easy: it's the legend of Sica Hollow! As most of these South Dakota myths go, it is a bit far-fetched, but could actually explain just what happened to those people who went missing in the 1970s. Could it be that Big Foot really does exist or is this merely another legend?
