The 11 Places You Absolutely Must Visit In South Dakota This Spring

Springtime in South Dakota is a must-see, as cherry blossoms abound, warm and gentle breezes begin to blow, and the state morphs into a series of new colors. Where does one go to get the most out of this beautiful time of year? We recommend checking out one or all of these 11 places you absolutely must visit in South Dakota this spring:

1. Spokane Ghost Town

For a South Dakota hike that is as beautiful as it is historic, there is no better place to be than Spokane; a once profitable mining town that was virtually deserted by the 1940s. While you will not come across any residents during your hike, you will find lots of well-preserved houses and buildings, plus a ton of other unexpected surprises! (Spokane can be found by taking Iron Mountain Road to Forest Service Rd 330, turning north, and looking for the marked Forest Service trail located shortly after the turn.)

Explore the Spokane Ghost Town in South Dakota on a Black Hills road trip with Colorado Martini:

2. Badlands National Park

The Badlands are a no-brainer any time of year, but they really come to life during the spring, as the ground sprouts colorful wildflowers that must be seen (and smelled!) to be believed. Pro tip: Pack your camera, hiking shoes, and a picnic... you're going to need them all!

3. Chapel in the Hills (Rapid City)

If you are craving a little more peace and tranquility in your life, you NEED Chapel in the Hills, which houses not only the iconic church, but a charming museum, prayer walk, and Scandinavian-inspired gift shop as well.

4. Black Hills Maze (Rapid City)

Note: Unfortunately the Black Hills Maze has permanently closed.

Need something else to do while you're visiting Rapid? Get lost! No, seriously: get lost in the Black Hills Maze, which consists of 1.2 miles of unpredictable twists, turns, bridges, and stairs.

5. McCrory Gardens (Brookings)

Springtime and beautiful blooms go hand and hand, which is where the hidden McCrory Gardens come in! Managed by South Dakota State University, the gardens house 25 acres of vibrant gorgeousness, the most famous of which are the pictured tulips!

Enjoy the McCrory Gardens in this video showing some of the wonderful flowers you'll find in the gardens:

6. Candyland (Rapid City)

Since Candyland is pretty much the biggest candy store you'll find in South Dakota, you have our permission to splurge on their hundreds of different kinds of candies. You're welcome. You can always burn off your sugar rush by playing a round of mini golf on its Sweet Greens course.

7. Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour (Custer)

Do you want an up-close look at some of our native wildlife? You have come to the right place! Departing daily, the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour takes its guests through Custer State Park, where they will see countless bighorn sheep, burros, and - you guessed it - buffalo.

8. '50s Train Diner (Midland)

Beginning Memorial Day, you can once again dine at the 1880 Town's '50s Train Diner; a vintage 1950 Santa Fe Train-turned-restaurant that serves up the best hot breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches! (Psst... save room for dessert, as they serve homemade pie as good as grandma's.)

9. Mitchell Corn Palace (Mitchell)

If you haven't seen the Mitchell Corn Palace, each year is a different theme, so you can come back again and again to see how it changes each time.

10. Rushmore Tramway Adventures (Keystone)

Do you need a little more adventure in your life? The aptly named Rushmore Tramway Adventures has just that, with such attractions as an alpine slide, aerial park, ziplines, and more!

11. Ingalls Homestead (De Smet)

What better way to end this list than by mentioning South Dakota's most beloved attraction: the Ingalls Homestead! Located in the same spot as Ingalls' home, the Homestead (or "Laura's Living Prairie") offers such unique activities as covered wagon rides, jump rope and doll making, and class in an old one-room schoolhouse.

Let's go on an adventure to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota in this video from Tommy Travels:

There is always an adventure to be had in South Dakota. What is on your South Dakota bucket list? Share some of your favorite places to go and see in SD with a comment.

Do you know what else is happening this spring? Millions of monarch butterflies are headed straight for South Dakota!