If you're considering a visit to a U.S. State, South Dakota is an excellent choice. The state offers a vast amount of outdoor activities, wildlife, and rich historical sites to explore any time of year. Down below I’ll outline places you can visit while in South Dakota that are great for first time visitors.
Things To Do in South Dakota For First Time Visitors
Mount Rushmore
No visit to South Dakota is complete without paying homage to the monumental sculptures Mount Rushmore. A true testament to American history and ingenuity. As we approached the monument, the scale of the carved faces was absolutely breathtaking. It was a great opportunity for my daughter to learn about American history and the incredible craftsmanship behind the sculpture. Plus the stunning Black Hills scenery surrounding the monument is perfect for family photos.
Inside the park there are not many trails available, however the Presidential loop is great for all to explore. It's a short loop that provides different view points of the monument. It's a leisurely walk offering insights into the history and significance of Mount Rushmore.
Tips: If visiting during winter time, check temperature before visiting. If fog is present monument will not be visible.
Deadwood
Deadwood is steeped in history, known for its Wild West past, gold mining heritage, and connections to legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. It was a lot more interesting than we ever expected. Today Deadwood is well known for its casinos, bars, restaurants, hotels, museums and tons of preserved history. It is listed as a national history landmark! A full day is needed to explore this remarkable town. It's one of the best preserved historic Wild Wild West and Gold Rush Towns in the U.S. Although most of the towns entertainment begins in May, here are some things we enjoyed that are available year round.
Welcome Center: learn about the activities available in town. Very helpful and informative (free). This should be your first stop to plan your day.
Mount Moriah Cemetery: This is where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried (free during winter and small fee during summer months).
The Adams Museum: was such a family friendly, education, fun and hands on experience. We learned about the town's history, its well known past members and so much more.
Walk the town: Here you can see where legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok was shot and where his killer was captured. Plus do some shopping, grab a drink or bite.
The 1982 Historic Adams House: a Victorian mansion with original features.
Wind Caves National Park
We loved exploring one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Descending into the depths of the earth to marvel at its intricate caverns was such a fascinating experience. Exploring the 1st National cave inside the 8th National Park was a must for us and should be for you too. We took the Garden of Eden tour which is known for being the least physically demanding and lasting for one hour. The tours are all ranger led tours and the ranger kept it fun and engaging.
To see more tours head to this link
Tips
Make reservations up to 4 months ahead and reservations close 72 hours prior to tour or when at capacity.
Advanced reservations are HIGHLY encouraged. They do sell out.
All access is by a ranger guided tour and all tours leave from the Visitor Center.
No food, drinks, candy, gum, water, or bags of any kind allowed.
CAVE TOURS WILL BE TEMPORARILY BE SUSPENDED MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH FALL 2024 FOR ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT.
Badlands National Park
We enjoyed the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park. It left us in awe, with its striking rock formations and vast expanses of prairie. Here's what we did during our visit.
Scenic Drives: We started our visit with a scenic drive through the Badlands Loop Road, where we were treated to panoramic views of the park's rugged beauty. Along the way, we stopped at overlooks to take in the vast expanse of the Badlands formations
Notch Trail: The Notch Trail is a popular hiking trail that offered us stunning views of the Badlands. The trailhead is located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and is a moderate 1.5-mile round trip hike that lead us through a canyon, up a wooden ladder, and along a ledge to a breathtaking overlook. The Notch Trail provided us with a thrilling adventure. If you are scared of hights this is not recommended as the ladder is high and at some points you are walking on narrow areas right next to the mountain.
Wildlife Viewing:: Keep an eye out for wildlife during your visit to Badlands National Park. The park is home to a variety of animals, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and eagles. During our drive we spotted bighorn sheep, tons of prairie dogs and bison.
Tips: We visited in April and snow was still present. Always check National Park official website to see closure.
Presidents Walk in Rapid City
We took a stroll through the Presidential Walk, admiring the life-sized bronze statues of past U.S. presidents. Our family visit to the Presidents Walk in Rapid City, South Dakota, offered a unique and educational experience. Here's what you can expect during your visit.
History and Education: The Presidents Walk features life-size bronze statues of all 45 U.S. presidents. As we walk among the statues, we had the opportunity to learn about each president's contributions, achievements, and historical significance. Another great way to spark conversations with the kiddo about American history and the presidency.
Scenic Setting: The Presidents Walk is located in downtown Rapid City's City of Presidents area, which is beautifully landscaped and pedestrian-friendly. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the walkway, taking in the sights of the statues against the backdrop of historic downtown buildings.
Photo Opportunities: The bronze statues at the Presidents Walk are incredibly detailed and make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Interactive Experience: Many of the statues include informational plaques that provide interesting facts and anecdotes about each president. You can turn your visit into an interactive experience by reading these plaques aloud to your family members and discussing the significance of each president's term in office. It's a hands-on way to engage with history and make learning fun for everyone which is what we did.
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Memorial is a massive mountain carving located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It honors Crazy Horse, a respected Lakota leader who played a significant role in Native American resistance against the encroachment of settlers onto their lands. The sculpture depicts Crazy Horse mounted on his horse, pointing into the distance. It's a work in progress and, when completed, will be the largest sculpture in the world.
You can simply stop for a picture or check out the visitor complex which offers a range of educational and cultural experiences for visitors of all ages. You can start your visit at the Welcome Center, where you'll find exhibits detailing the history and significance of the memorial. From there, you can explore the Indian Museum of North America, which features artifacts, art, and exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Native American tribes from across the continent.
Tip: Entrance fee is required. You can purchase tickets at the door or in advance at crazyhorsememorial.org
Hotel Alex Johnson
This is known as one of the most haunted hotels in South Dakota. We read their book of hauntings located at the front desk where guest share their paranormal experiences. FYI you don’t need to be a guest to read it, just walk in and ask. Me being extremely curious convinced hubby to book a one night stay at the hotel even though we already had a room elsewhere. He was less than thrilled about this idea after reading the book and talking with some of the staff. Although spooky encounters have been reported, everything we read was just spooky fun no actual malicious activity.
The hotel was built in 1927 so it’s rich in history. However to my surprise the rooms are updated, hotel features an awesome rooftop bar, Irish pub, salon, and spa. We explored the hotel, hung out in the room but didn’t end up staying the full night. Reason: hubby didn’t want to transfer all our stuff from the other hotel just for one night…or so that was his excuse. Did we experience any paranormal activity or get any weird vibes? We actually didn’t! I personally would have loved to stay here during our whole stay. So if you’re considering a stay in South Dakota I’d say, stay here! It's perfectly situated right in the middle of everything there is to do, surrounded by restaurants, shops, not far from the airport and has a Starbucks inside the hotel. Just in case, don’t book room 812 which is said to be the most haunted place in the hotel . Even I wouldn’t do that! It’s blend of historic charm and modern comforts made this such a great visit.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a stunning natural oasis known for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Here's a look at some of the park's highlights, including Sylvan Lake, the Needles Eye Tunnel, and the Wildlife Loop Road:
Sylvan Lake- Sylvan Lake is often considered the crown jewel of Custer State Park. This picturesque lake is surrounded by towering granite rock formations and lush forests, creating a serene and scenic setting. The Sylvan Lake area also features hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, including the popular Sylvan Lake Shore Trail and the challenging Harney Peak Trail. Bathroom are available and during winter porter potties may be accessible.
Needles Eye Tunnel: Needles Eye Tunnel: The Needles Eye Tunnel is a famous landmark located along the Needles Highway, a scenic byway that winds its way through some of the park's most dramatic landscapes. The tunnel is carved through a narrow granite formation known as the Needles Eye, creating a unique and memorable passage for motorists. We drove through the tunnel and marveled at the stunning rock formations that surround it.
Wildlife Loop Road: The Wildlife Loop Road is a must-visit attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. This scenic drive took us through grasslands, forests, and open meadows, offering excellent opportunities to spot a variety of native wildlife species, including bison and deer. The park is home to one of the largest publicly-owned herds of bison in the world, and sightings of these iconic animals are common along the Wildlife Loop Road.
Tips:
Roads may be closed in the winter so always double check before driving to the area.
Bring binoculars and visit the loop early in the morning or much later in the day as that's when the animals are most active.
How To Save On Travel
Visit Allegiant Airlines to book your next affordable non stop flight to South Dakota. You can check destinations, dates and book your next travel here
In conclusion
Overall, our family’s journey through South Dakota surely left us with memories to treasure for years to come. A family visit to South Dakota delivered an unforgettable blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. From exploring iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial to immersing ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of places like Deadwood and Rapid City, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy.
If you enjoyed this list or would like to see another activity added to it, leave me a comment, save this post or share it with a friend or family member visiting soon.
Talk to you later!
