South Dakota is full of incredible things to see and do. But having a South Dakota bucket list before you go will help you plan and make sure you see and do the things that are most important to you.
In this article, we will share our South Dakota bucket list, which is full of ideas to choose from. If you have extra time, you can choose some of these ideas to explore in the state.
Badlands National Park
The Badlands of South Dakota are striking to see. They have a rugged and otherworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. Badlands National Park is home to one of the richest fossil beds in the world, and fossils of both ancient horses and ancient rhinos have been found here. Additionally, a huge amount of wildlife calls this park home, and wildlife sightings are frequent.
Jewel Cave National Monument
South Dakota is home to the third-largest cave in the world. Jewel Cave features over 208 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, and the fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color found within are beautiful. This is a little-known NPS site worth exploring.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Most of us know the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to walk in the footsteps of these historic explorers and learn more about their expedition.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
A huge number of nuclear missiles were placed in the Great Plains and kept on constant alert during the Cold War. These missiles sat hidden in plain sight for years, and hundreds of them remain to this day. They hold the power to destroy all of civilization but are meant to maintain peace and prevent war. Visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site to learn more.
Missouri National Recreational River
The Missouri River is an iconic river, and the Missouri National Recreational River NPS site is the perfect place to view it. The park encompasses a 100-mile stretch of the Missouri and gives guests the chance to get outdoors and explore the river and the land surrounding it.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Almost all Americans have seen photos of Mount Rushmore, but it’s worth seeing this sculpture in person. See George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—all carved into the side of a mountain—and learn about the history behind this work of art at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park has one of the country’s oldest caves, which is also one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. It sits hidden below the rolling grasslands of the park, just waiting to be explored by visitors.
Visit Mammoth Site
A museum and ongoing paleontological dig site, Mammoth Site is the perfect place to learn about paleontology. See the fossil remains of a wooly mammoth, and learn about how they were found and retrieved. You’ll also learn about the huge number of other fossils found at the site and see several of these finds for yourself.
View Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse was a war leader of the Oglala Lakota people. He is best known for his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, but he also did many other amazing things in his lifetime. Because of these accomplishments, the man was chosen as the face of a memorial built into the side of Thunderhead Mountain to honor the Indians of North America. See the Crazy Horse Memorial and visit the museum to learn more about this work of art.
Be Enchanted at Storybook Island
An adorable little theme park, Storybook Island has a mission to inspire imagination in young children. The attraction does not charge an admission fee and features a variety of fun storybook-themed sets, statues, and playhouses. The park is also home to a handful of rides, including a gorgeous carousel and a cute miniature railroad.
Experience Bear Country USA
At Bear Country USA, you view bears and other animals from the safety of your car. Drive through a 3-mile trail as you view buffalo, bears, reindeer, and even arctic wolves. The park also features a walk-through area where playful bear cubs can be viewed.
Stroll McCrory Gardens
It’s always fun to find beautiful gardens on your travels. If you’re looking for a lovely garden in South Dakota, McCrory Gardens is the place for you. The gardens are on the campus of South Dakota State University and is run and maintained by the horticultural department at the university. The gardens feature 25 acres of formal gardens and a 45-acre arboretum.
Time Travel at Ingalls Homestead
At Ingalls Homestead, guests can step back in time and experience what it might be like to live in the late 1800s. See the place where Laura Ingalls of “Little House on the Prairie” fame and her family lived for many years. Wash laundry like Ma would have, learn to make rope, ride a covered wagon to the school house, and more. This is the ultimate immersive history lesson!
Step Back in Time at Prairie Homestead Historic Site
Prairie Homestead Historic Site features a house built using sod in 1909. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of this historic home. Check out the barn, outhouse, and chicken coop while you’re there, and don’t forget to visit the onsite museum.
Check Out Reptile Gardens
Located in Rapid City, Reptile Gardens is the largest reptile zoo in the world. This garden is full of crocodiles, alligators, lizards, snakes, and more. The indoor jungle is especially cool, and the replica of the largest tortoise fossil ever found is mind-blowing. Of course, the shows are also worth seeing while you’re there.
Blast Off at South Dakota Air and Space Museum
A free attraction located near Rapid City, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum is the perfect place to see some planes and learn something new. The museum has over 30 planes as well as interactive displays and interesting information on the history of aviation.
See History at 1880 Town
1880 Town is an open-air museum that features a collection of more than 30 historic buildings. These include a blacksmith shop, a saloon, a schoolhouse, a jail, a post office, and more. The grounds also feature a museum about world champion rodeo cowboy Casey Tibbs. A main building that holds dozens of props from the film Dances With Wolves.
Learn at Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is the ideal place to learn about the history of the local Native American tribes. This is a working archeological dig site where the only reliably dated remains of the Woodland Mississippian cultures from 1,100 years ago have been found. Visitors can watch the dig process and learn about the people and how they lived.
Explore Petrified Wood Park
The Petrified Wood Park was built entirely out of petrified wood and is very creative. Be sure to check out both of the museums to see dinosaur footprints, fossilized bird tracks, fossilized snakes, and much more.
Wander Through Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center
Another fantastic place to learn about area Native American culture, the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center is a museum which educates visitors on the lives of Northern Plains Indians. The museum uses art, movies, exhibits, and displays to present information in an engaging and memorable way.
Have Fun at Great Plains Zoo
The Great Plains Zoo is well-kept and is home to a number of interesting animals. The petting zoo is perfect for little ones, and both the camel ride and carousel offer memorable experiences.
Learn at the National Music Museum
The National Music Museum has a collection of around 15,000 instruments from around the world. These include five Stradivarius stringed instruments, 17th- and 18th-century Dutch woodwinds, 17th- and 18th-century German wind instruments, and more. Additionally, you’ll see Johnny Cash’s guitar, instruments belonging to Bob Dylan, and the second-largest harmonica collection on earth.
Connect With Animals at Butterfly House & Aquarium
At Butterfly House and Aquarium, you can tour well-thought-out, fascinating exhibits. See more than 800 species of butterflies in a 3,600-square-foot indoor tropical garden. At the aquarium, you can check out hundreds of sea creatures and pet stingrays and sharks.
Discover Adams Museum
Set in a gorgeous historic home, the Adams Museum features three floors of exhibits where you can learn about gold mining in the Black Hills. See Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, check out a sketch of Wild Bill Hickok, and learn about Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, Deadwood Dick, and more.
Try Skiing at Terry Peak Ski Area
If you want to try your hand at skiing during your South Dakota visit, head to Terry Peak Ski Area, where you can rent gear, take lessons, and try 30 different runs.
Take Photos at Dinosaur Park
A fun and kitschy attraction, Dinosaur Park doesn’t charge an admission fee. It features five dinosaur sculptures that were created in the 1930s using black iron pipe, wire mesh, concrete, and paint. They are a representation of what people thought dinosaurs might have looked like in the 30s and are fun to check out and take photos of.
And Snap a Shot at Corn Palace
The World’s Only Corn Palace is another fun, kitschy attraction in South Dakota. It’s a building completely covered in mosaics made using corn and other grains. The original Corn Palace was built in 1892 to show off South Dakota’s fine soil and what it could produce. That building didn’t last forever though, and the current building was created in 1921. It’s now used for events, but free guided tours are available during the summer months.
Get Your Thrills at Rush Mountain Adventure Park
If you’re looking for thrills, try a visit to Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Ride a variety of roller coasters and other rides. When you’re finished riding, be sure to go on the Rushmore Cave tour to see beautiful limestone caves that feature tons of fascinating formations.
Take in the Sights on Black Hills Central Railroad
The oldest continuously operated tourist train out there, the Black Hills Central Railroad provides the perfect opportunity to see the beauty of western South Dakota. This ride aboard an 1880s train is 20 miles long and lasts a full two hours, with steep climbs and sharp curves along the line. The journey takes you through forests, meadows, and canyons, and you’ll often see wildlife along the way.
South Dakota is a great place to vacation, but trying to do it all can be challenging if you’re moving all of your stuff from one hotel to another. A South Dakota RV rental allows you to move around easily and to sleep in the same comfortable bed each night.
Download the Top 10 Bucket List Destinations in South Dakota
