Posted in South Dakota February 05, 2021 by

Here Are The 7 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In South Dakota

South Dakota is a state that embraces the weird. For proof of this, keep reading! From mind-bending museums that defy the laws of physics to a summer festival that celebrates all things tuber (complete with mashed-potato-mud wrestling) here are some of the absolute weirdest places you can possibly go in South Dakota:

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Cosmos Mystery Area - Rapid City.
Cosmos Mystery Area
Cosmos Mystery Area / Facebook
Ready to feel totally unstable to the point where you start to question gravity? And physics? (And life itself?) Hit up Cosmos Mystery Area in Rapid City. This unique attraction bends the laws of physics, and is best explored a la the guided Mystery Tour. This 40-minute long walking tour will take you through the eponymous Mystery Area, where water flows uphill and heights change on level surfaces, plus other optical illusions that can only be seen at the Cosmos! This only-in-South-Dakota attraction is open April through October.
2. Potato Days - Clark
Clark Chamber of Commerce / Facebook
Yes, this town event really is called Potato Days -- and it's everything you could ever hope for, and more. You see, the potato is king in Clark, South Dakota, where local farmers grow bushels of the tasty tuber. So each summer, the town throws a party in honor of its favorite over-used, under-appreciated starch. There's a potato parade and potato cooking contest. And, of course, a mashed potato wresting event. Because, in South Dakota, we like to keep it weird!
3. World's Largest Pheasant - Huron.
World's Largest Pheasant
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
This may be weird to people from outside of South Dakota, but those of us who call SD home know that this larger-than-life pheasant is just a celebration of the culture and wildlife we love. He's pretty cute, too!
4. 1880 Homestead Cabin - Badlands
Badlands 1880 Homestead Cabin
Badlands 1880 Homestead Cabin / Airbnb
Some might call this cabin 'rustic' -- but paying to stay in a place without electricity or running water in this day and age is just plain weird. If you are into that sort of thing, you can book a stay at this charming little cabin in the middle of nowhere on Airbnb.
5. Dinosaur Park - Rapid City.
Dinosaur Park
Heritage Documentation Programs, NPS / Facebook
Life-size dinosaurs scattered throughout a park that you can climb on and take photos with. Dinosaur Park is a must-visit roadside attraction in The Mount Rushmore State.
6. Stratobowl - Rapid City
Stratobowl
Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Event
Weird and yet beautiful, this compact expanse of treeless land is treasured by many. Each year, it is home to a Stratobowl, an epic hot air balloon festival. Getting to see a sky full of colorful balloons, set against the beautiful South Dakota scenery, is utterly sublime.
7. Porter Sculpture Park - Montrose
Porter Sculpture Park
Porter Sculpture Park / Facebook
Dozens of sculptures big and small are located in this park. From a 60 foot sculpture of a bull head to a fierce blue dragon, Porter Sculpture Park couldn't get any weirder or any more magical.

How many of these weird places in South Dakota have you been to? What super weird places did we miss? If you embrace the weird (like we all do here!), you’ll delight in these 8 unusual roadside attractions in South Dakota. Cheers to keepin’ it weird in The Mount Rushmore State!

Address: 24040 Cosmos Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Address: Clark, SD 57225, USA
Address: Huron, SD 57350, USA
Address: Scenic, SD 57780, USA
Address: 940 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
Address: 13600 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Address: 45160 257th St, Montrose, SD 57048, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Weirdest Places In South Dakota

February 10, 2021
Sarah

What are the most popular attractions in South Dakota?

South Dakota is best-known for Mount Rushmore, and this massive sculpture is truly a must-see. (You can’t live in Mount Rushmore State without experiencing the beauty and awe of this national memorial!) No matter the circumstance or weather, Mount Rushmore will forever be a beacon of hope, history, and patriotism in America. It’s absolutely stunning to experience in person. (And apropos of the above article, Mount Rushmore is also the OG of weirdest places in South Dakota — mountainside with 60-ft.-high granite faces protruding out of it? Weird! But wonderful.) Here are some other must-visit attractions in South Dakota.

Does South Dakota have any weird roadside attractions?

South Dakota welcomes the weird; for proof if this, one need only drive down Interstate 90, which has some of the weirdest roadside attractions in the state! Al’s Oasis is one of the coolest rest stops ever, and, of course, there’s the Corn Palace. For a free attraction that is unlike anything you have ever seen, you won’t want to miss the World’s Only Corn Palace. Built in 1892, the Mitchell Corn Palace is adorned with hundreds of thousands of ears of corn that are switched out every year for a new theme. It’s totally bizarre and also totally worth checking out.

What are some under-the-radar places to visit in South Dakota?

South Dakota is full of hidden gems, but for a truly unique, off-the-beaten path adventure, we recommend checking out the Lemmon Petrified Wood Park. This petrified wood park was constructed from 1930 to 1932, under the supervision of an architect named Ole. S. Quammen. Under his leadership, dozens of men gathered fossils and rocks from nearby areas and hauled them to Lemmon. Today, visitors can 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. Made out of petrified wood, the fossilized remains of trees trapped underground or underwater, these statues are no doubt a geologic wonder. It’s super cool, and also the largest petrified wood park in the world!

Address: 24040 Cosmos Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Address: Clark, SD 57225, USA
Address: Huron, SD 57350, USA
Address: Scenic, SD 57780, USA
Address: 940 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
Address: 13600 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Address: 45160 257th St, Montrose, SD 57048, USA