10 Hidden Gems Things to do in South Dakota That You Shouldn't Miss

September 14, 2021 Chanda Heide

South Dakota has good golf courses, skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking, and biking among rolling prairies, pine forests, and granite mountain peaks like Mount Rushmore. Glacial lakes and Missouri River reservoir lakes provide great fishing, boating, canoeing, water skiing, and windsurfing. The whole family will enjoy this prairie land where grain growing begat roadside attractions like the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Everything made from corn, even the popcorn, tastes better here. Where buffalo roam, roadside diners serve up buffalo and luscious homemade fruit pies. Shop for good deals on cowboy boots on the same Black Hills and Badland Main Streets where cowboys and cowgirls outfit themselves. Be near the eroded buttes, spires, and prairie grasslands of Badlands National Park in Lead, Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Hill City, Custer, and other nearby towns. The whole family will enjoy watching for big game like bison, bighorn sheep, antelope, eagles, and hawks. Drive the one-hour Hwy 240 loop road, with a side-trip to Robert's Prairie Dog Town. Learn about the Oglala Sioux Tribe at the White River Visitor Center, which is near Wounded Knee. Tour the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site's Cold War nuclear silos, just outside the Park's boundaries. About 90 minutes west of Badlands National Park is Mount Rushmore. Lead, Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Hill City, Whitetail Springs, and Custer are also very near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument. View Mount Rushmore from the aerial tramway in Keystone, which also houses the Borglum Historical Center celebrating the artist behind the sculpting of Rushmore. Take the kids to the Dinosaur Park in Rapid City. Attend Custer State Park’s Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. Bedazzle the whole family with sparkling calcite crystals in 151-mile long Jewel Cave. Bison, pronghorn, and elk graze the grasslands of Wind Cave National Park. Central South Dakota has the state capitol, Pierre, in addition to numerous lakes along the Missouri River. Go fishing and boating in the rivers and lakes. Take the kids to the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium in Pierre to see the state’s native fish. Drop by the Dacotah Prairie Museum along the James River in Aberdeen in the northeast to learn prairie history and natural history. Swing by Sioux Falls to see the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial and special exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum. Choose from among 10 golf courses in Sioux Falls.
Restaurants in South Dakota

1. Custer State Park

13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730-8351 +1 605-255-4515 http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/default.aspx
Excellent
85%
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12%
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5.0 based on 5,886 reviews

Custer State Park

A 73,000-acre wilderness that draws comparisons to Yellowstone National Park when it comes to spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.

Reviewed By sharonn874 - Saint Paul, United States

We spent a wonderful day here - hiking - walking around the lakes - driving the wildlife loop - having a picnic - we were here years ago and it made us remember how much we loved it back then!! Make sure to visit this park !!

2. Sylvan Lake

Custer, SD +1 970-328-2021 http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 1,902 reviews

Sylvan Lake

Popular lake in Custer State Park.

Reviewed By spookie5150 - Jefferson City, United States

Sylvan lake is one of several lakes in Custer State Park and probably the prettiest. There is lots to do in this area, several great hiking trailheads accessible from the parking lot, a nice easy trail around the lake, a general store, picnic areas, etc. The rocks on the far side of the lake are a scrambling/climbing paradise for kids (or adults) who may not be up for the longer trails nearby. If you're passing through and don't have a ton of time, I think this is probably the best "bang for your buck" quick stop in the park. Get there early for some solitude. Not to be missed!

3. Badlands Wall

Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
Excellent
84%
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5.0 based on 1,304 reviews

Badlands Wall

A ridge that goes through the park, and is the site of incredible rock formations, which are being eroded, and therefore slowly change over time.

Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States

We met a man along I-90 going to Jasper to experience the Solar Eclipse. He was going to by-pass the Badlands. We convinced him to travel through as it is a unique National Park. The rugged and aired landscape is awe inspiring. We traveled from Sioux Falls and the ride took four hours. Driving through route 240 through the Badlands took us another two hours. We still had time to make it to the iconic tourist trap of Wall Drugs and an hour later to Rapid City. We were able to hike on two well-formed trails, stop at several over-looks, see the Prairie Dogs, and stop at the Ben Reifel Visitors Center and Cedar Pass Lodge. The only regret was not spending time at the Paleontology Lab at the Ben Reifel Visitors Center. Ancient bones have been found from the rhino, horse and saber-tooth-tiger that date back 33 million years ago. The word “Badlands” is a Lakota Indian origin, “Mako Sica.” There were a number of American Native Indians living here before the Lakota’s, an estimated 11,000 years ago. About forty-five miles south is the “last historic Indian battle, 1890,” known as Wounded Knee. Driving in North Dakota, we came by “Badlands” too in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. There was a tad more vegetation and wild horses and bison were roaming around. If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.

4. Needles Highway

Custer State Park, SD +1 605-255-4515 http://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/black-hills-cruising/needles-highway#.VhU09v-FPDc
Excellent
86%
Good
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5.0 based on 883 reviews

Needles Highway

This scenic drive passes by tall rock formations and through tunnels.

Reviewed By kdlew - Smyrna, United States

The needles Highway was a beautiful drive, and a great way to see the Black Hills of South Dakota. Winding road with narrow tunnels and spires all around. Give yourself about an hour and a half and have your camera ready! There a plenty of places to get out and explore, so you may want more time.

5. Spearfish Canyon

Spearfish, SD +1 605-642-4622 http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5063002
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 775 reviews

Spearfish Canyon

This scenic 19-mile drive in the Black Hills that passes cliffs, waterfalls and the Spearfish Creek gives one the feeling they are in the rainforest.

Reviewed By yowsah1 - Lansing, United States

This drive had it all: Tree-covered mountains, picturesque waterfalls and streams, dramatic rock formations, wildlife sightings, the works! It seemed like there was something breathtaking around each bend. There were many spots where you could pull off the road - great for shutterbugs or those wishing to get a closer view of things. A rubberneckers delight!

6. Loop Road

Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 http://www.nps.gov/badl
Excellent
87%
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5.0 based on 1,930 reviews

Loop Road

Main route through Badlands National Park.

Reviewed By leob276 - Lyndonville, United States

We have spent the last three days in Badlands National Park and have made several passes on the Loop Road. It is truly amazing in our travels we have seen a Buffalo cross the road in front of us, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, big horned sheep, mule deer and coyotes. The scenery changes as the sun light changes! A must see for all!!!

7. Needles Eye

Custer, SD http://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/black-hills-cruising/needles-highway
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 1,688 reviews

Needles Eye

A geological formation located in Custer State Park.

Reviewed By NancyG202 - Boyne City, United States

The Needles Eye is part of the Needles Highway drive in Custer State Park. With unusual rock formations, including a tunnel less than 8 feet wide and the Needle Eye, it also offers wonderful views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for a short hike or rock climbing.

8. Black Hills National Forest

Custer, SD 57730 +1 800-732-5682 http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 885 reviews

Black Hills National Forest

This empty expanse where Native Americans once roamed is now a national forest.

Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, United States

The Black Hills Forest covers a vast area of western South Dakota - more than 1.25 million acres! It's an excellent vacation destination because of the wide variety of attractions and recreation opportunities. One could easily spend a week exploring this beautiful area; we were there for four days and did not do everything, we could have easily filled two more days. We explored the historic main street at Deadwood, visited the DC Booth Fish Hatchery at Spearfish, drove through Spearfish Canyon and were enchanted by three waterfalls, learned about mining at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, gawked at the enormous carved faces of four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, drove the scenic Needles Highway through imposing stone pinnacles, navigated the unique pigtail bridges and stone tunnels of Iron Mountain Road (Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), took a peaceful morning hike around Sylvan Lake, spotted wildlife like deer, prairie dogs, bison and pronghorns at Custer State Park, marveled at the fossilized bones of extinct animals at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, visited Wind Cave National Park, and took a ride on the vintage 1880 steam train between Hill City and Keystone. We didn't visit the Crazy Horse Memorial or Jewel Cave National Monument this trip. (The above attractions all have separate Tripadvisor pages.) The Black Hills Forest hosts numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, plus there are lakes and streams for fishing, swimming and kayaking. There are many hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, and also the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Rail-Trail for walking or biking. For those who like a more thrilling adventure, there are zip-lines, water parks, horse stables, and helicopter rides available. Food and lodging are available at the towns of Deadwood, Lead, Keystone, Hill City, Custer and Hot Springs. There is no charge to enter the forest, but some of the above attractions charge a parking or admission fee. Some roads, services, and attractions may be closed in winter.

9. Akta Lakota Museum

1301 N Main St St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57325-1656 +1 605-234-3452 [email protected] http://aktalakota.stjo.org/
Excellent
89%
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5.0 based on 392 reviews

Akta Lakota Museum

Visit the Akta Lakota Museum to experience a living lesson on the Native American way of life, past and present. Each year we receive thousands of visitors from all over the globe that want to deepen their appreciation of Lakota culture. As an outreach program of St. Joseph's Indian School we pride ourselves on not just providing that experience but creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and healing into the hearts of our students as well as our visitors. What makes our museum such a wonderful experience is our focus. We have an outstanding collection of cultural, historical and artistic works that relate specifically to the Northern Plains Indian Tribes, the ancestry of the students served at St. Joseph's. Our historical collection honors the past while our contemporary collection represents the creative spirit of today's world. We work closely with Indian artist and artisans to present contemporary artwork that builds on cultural traditions while expressing itself in new ways. What you take away from your visit is the understanding that Lakota culture is not just a thing of the past. It's alive and thriving today.

Reviewed By ricardorA521SG

We stopped on a fluke. Learned so much about the boarding school and about the Sioux peoples. It’s a beautiful facility and it’s free. BUT please make a donation!

10. Iron Mountain Road

Custer State Park, Custer, SD 5555555555 http://ironmountainroad.com
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
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5.0 based on 1,646 reviews

Iron Mountain Road

Reviewed By Jake48009 - Detroit, United States

You need to do it twice one-way then reverse to get Mount Rushmore framed in the tunnels as you pass through -- Absolutely spectacular! Fantastic ride between Custer State Park and Keystone with amazing views of Mount Rushmore as you pass through several cool tunnels and fun twisty roads. Make sure you sound the horn before entering the tunnels! Bring a jacket and some binoculars. Ride the road during the week. If you are visiting the Custer State Park area, Iron Mountain 16A is absolutely a "must see"... This road has to be one of the most scenic highways in America!

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