Most reviewed Points of Interest & Landmarks in South Dakota
3.5Wall Drug(4.193 reviews) - Pretend it's Vegas and roll with it Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
Once a humble small-town drugstore that offered free iced water to weary travelers, Wall Drug is now a buzzing 76,000-square-foot roadside attraction that draws travelers to this small city in South Dakota. Here, you can shop for Western-themed apparel at the shopping mall, snap a photo with an 80-foot brontosaurus in the kids' area, and grab a 5-cent coffee and one of the best donuts in the U.S. at the restaurant. And don't leave without getting the iconic Wall Drug bumper sticker—it's free! Wall Drug is a great stop along a tour of the Badlands National Park. – TripadvisorSee more..
3.5Corn Palace(2.380 reviews) - Stay & Play... Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
This ornate auditorium has served as a meeting place and performing venue for more than 75 years.See more..
4.0Dinosaur Park(1.136 reviews) - Fun for a 5 year old Points of Interest & Landmarks
I went here when I was about 4 or 5 so it was fun to return 20 years later! It is old and not very exciting for adults, but the 5 year old had a great time with the dinosaurs. There are a ton of steps and on a hot day it can be very miserable but the gift shop is nice and not outrageously priced. The park is also free which is a huge bonus!See more..
4.5Tatanka: Story of the Bison(449 reviews) - Amazing Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
We stopped at Tatanka, Story of the Bison and found it very impressive. We watched the short film and found it interesting. The fact that when the railroads came to the west, people shot them from the trains and almost made them extinct in a short period of time. Very sad , so I’m glad this story was told and how they have come back with the help of concerned Americans. They are truly majestic . There was a lady at the museum who talked about how the Indian used every part of the bison to live. The fee to get in is not much . They do have a senior fee. Kevin Costner receives no money and much of it goes for the upkeep of the museum and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation which is extremely poor. We could not get to the reservation due to COVID. Drive through Custer State Park and the Badlands and enjoy the beauty of these amazing animals. Also admire the awesome sculptures in the back. Well worth the money and trip.See more..
5.0Ingalls Homestead - Laura's Living Prairie(423 reviews) - Got kids? Go to this place! Kid at heart? Ditto Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
Do this! It’s FABULOUS! We went on a Sunday in mid-September. The weather was perfect, and this place will easily transport you to the times of the days when Charles and Caroline lived on their 1/4 section here. Laura lived here from age 13-18, she and Manly courted on this prairie, under the cottonwood trees, and were married in the town of DeSmet 2.5 miles away. Love sustained them as the models were Charles and Caroline. Laura lived 90 years, Manly lived 92. The gift shop has many great items. I collect bells and they had them. All the books Laura wrote are available to buy. The ride in the covered wagon pulled by two beautiful draft horses was unique. Pony rides (on pony cart or in a saddle) are but one of many “living history” activities.See more..
5.0Dignity(360 reviews) - AMAZING WORK OF ART Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
I was traveling east on Interstate 90 and decided to make a quick stop at the South Dakota Rest Area on the east side of the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota. In addition to having all the typical rest stop amenities, like clear rest rooms, picnic area and vending machines. In addition to having a small museum dedicated to the Lewis and Clark Exposition, the center piece of this rest area is the amazing Dignity Statue. While the statue is visible from Interstate 90, I highly recommend that you take time to stop and view this amazing work of art close up. In talking to a member of the rest area staff, I found out that this impressive work of art is relatively new having been dedicated in 2016. It stands 50 feet tall and is 32 feet wide. Be sure to visit the small museum inside the rest area and take time to enjoy the views of the Missouri River. This is a great place to stop and stretch your legs.See more..
4.0Art Alley(283 reviews) - Interesting Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Art Alley includes a variety of graffiti. Some of it is very interesting, impressive, and beautiful, but some not so much. It's definitely worth a visit. There was some ongoing construction when we visited in late June 2022, so we had to enter from both ends to see it all. Enjoy.See more..
4.0Center of the Nation Monument(266 reviews) - Truly “Middle” America Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Scenic Walking Areas
The monument behind the visitor center is open 24/7. It is in a park setting and always available for viewing and photos. The Center of the Nation Visitor Center's summer hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.See more..
4.5Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes(230 reviews) - Another site crossed off my list Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
We invite you to visit the historic homes of famous author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Have a fun filled day visiting the Surveyors’ House from By the Shores of Silver Lake. Attend class in the First School of De Smet, the original school that Laura and Carrie attended and visit the home that “Pa” built in 1887. Visit the Discovery Center for Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes pioneer activities! Try to sew on a treadle sewing machine, dress like a pioneer, and learn to read Braille. Each summer a new exhibit is on display of original belongings of Laura and her family. A must for all Laura fans.See more..
4.5Mt Roosevelt Monument(198 reviews) - Theodore Roosevelt Friendship Tower Memorial Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
This was called the Roosevelt Friendship Tower. It was built by a gentleman in honor of his 35-year friendship with Theodore Roosevelt just after Roosevelt's death. It may seem simple to some, but we thoroughly enjoyed seeing it. There's a short, easy hike to get to the tower and behind the tower is a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. We even climbed the small, winding staircase to stand atop of the tower for additional views. It's in beautiful condition. A nice stop over on your way to or from the Town of Deadwood.See more..
4.5Berlin Wall Exhibit(179 reviews) - Moving tribute to those who suffered and those who fled or fought for freedom! Points of Interest & Landmarks
This was a must see while here on family vacation. It was also timely in educating my kids about the history of this wall. My daughter just finished US history and we have talked about world history so this was a great exhibit! It is located downtown in the Memorial Park area and is free! This is a great exhibit and it has great details about it!See more..
5.0Pinnacles Overlook(135 reviews) - The eroded cliffs seem whiter Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
This is one of the most visited overlooks in the park and absolutely worth the visit, at least one time during the day. it changes dramatically depending on the time of the day it is. There are several overlooks here as well as the chance to walk a short trail out to another viewpoint. The eroded cliffs seem whiter, and there’s a lot more plant life here as well. Those trees are Junipers, which provide an important refuge for the park’s bird population.See more..
My wife and I have seen Brule' four times, Hill City, Indianapolis, Mesa, Arizona, New Buffalo, Michigan. Always put on an excellent show. The native dancers are amazing. The energy they display is inspiring. The colors and designs of the costumes are wonderful to see. We will go again! Thanks you so much for such excellent entertainment. My personal favorite number is Nicole's "Neon Sun". A must see!See more..
4.5Deadwood Model Train(85 reviews) - Amazing display Points of Interest & Landmarks
The craftsmanship in this display is fantastic. Very detailed scenery, buildings and accessories. It is an HO display that is much larger than many we have seen. There are numerous trains throughout the layout; For only $1 - you can activate the trains for ten minutes.See more..
5.0Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway(80 reviews) - Engineering marvel of a road Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives • Geologic Formations
This scenic drive along 16A is a marvel of early 20th century engineering. A very winding road, it provides vistas and numerous areas to pull over and enjoy the scenery. The LOW and NARROW tunnels are quite the treat. Forget going to see Mount Rushmore at the park. This route includes an overlook that provides a FREE, commanding view from across the valley of the monument. The winding drive up to this overlook is its own adventure (especially the LOW and NARROW tunnels). Once at the overlook, the info placards and trails and rock scrambling and free parking are added bonuses that make this location a great opportunity.See more..
We made the steep, narrow, curvy, gravelly drive up to the Mount Coolidge fire tower (at just over 6,000 feet elevation). The views are incredible in all directions. Be sure to look toward the Crazy Horse Memorial with binoculars--the carved face of the great Lakota leader will be looking right at you! I highly recommend a visit.See more..
4.0The Gordon Stockade(56 reviews) - Stockade Points of Interest & Landmarks
Nice signs to read walking up to the stockade. Original cabins are fenced off (grass was 14” tall around them. The other side had recreations of the cabins. Small, fireplace, no information on animals or food.See more..
This was an amazing experience. Super chilly I would recommend a coat and a warm hat and gloves this time of year. However the scenery was beautiful nice park with view of the water. Great place for a date or a stroll. Lovely spot. See more..
4.0Keystone Historical Museum(42 reviews) - Local History on Display Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
*Closing for 2022 season on October 1st.* The museum is located in the old Keystone School. The school was built in 1899. Keystone is home to Carrie Ingalls Swazney. Carrie is Laura Ingalls Wilder's little sister. The museum has many artifacts from the Ingalls family. The museum also has local, mining, and Mount Rushmore history. Upstairs there are two classrooms for the children as well as adults to experience what school was like many, many years ago. The museum is free, but we do take "milk money" donations.See more..
4.0Iron Horse Saloon(37 reviews) - Great Sturgis Bar/Eats/Music/Viewing! Rockin' Music! Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
We invite you to join the BADDEST block party in the Black Hills. Our Sturgis, South Dakota location is more than 25,000 sprawling square feet of raucous, indoor, air-conditioned entertainment space with multiple dining options sure to please any size appetite.See more..
4.5Dahl Arts Center(36 reviews) - Wonderful Museum Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
We loved the art work that we saw, but most striking was the amazing mural that went 360 around one of the rooms. WOW!See more..
5.0Needle Eye Tunnel(27 reviews) - Take the time to go Points of Interest & Landmarks
VERY cool tunnel! was riding in a dually truck and made it thru with about 2 inches to spare on each side - bring your side mirrors in! There are signs giving dimensions so if you drive a larger vehicle, knowing your measurements is crucial. Fun FUN riding the road and this was a cool extra spot! Several tunnels on the ride - Mt. Rushmore framed in one of them!See more..
3.5Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center(15 reviews) - I can see for miles and miles Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
Here you can climb to the top of Nicollet Tower (96 steps or 80 feet high) for an amazing view of three states. The observation tower honors Joseph N. Nicollet, the French mapmaker who explored the Coteau Des Prairies in the 1830's. Unfortunately we arrived after the interpretive center was closed, but we were still able to climb the tower. It was a beautiful day and we were the only ones there - so it was really quite breathtaking. Yet another great FREE attraction. See more..
4.5Brookings Summer Arts Festival(14 reviews) - Local arts. Local eats. Points of Interest & Landmarks You gotta go. It's huge with an array of musical guests and tastes, greasy ethnic food, and local artists. It's the ONE big event that everyone in SD will go to. A great venue for families, and those looking for that special piece to put above the fireplace.See more..
5.0Arc of Dreams(12 reviews) - Beautiful piece of art Points of Interest & Landmarks
To all the dreamers! This is a great spot downtown. Parking is available around the area either on the street or in some visitor parking areas. It’s a lovely stroll along the river. Take the time to do the walk or just enjoy the arc. Very picturesque and quintessential Sioux Falls. We enjoyed it!See more..
4.5Wild Bill(12 reviews) - Wild Bill Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Great location for the legend to watch over Deadwood. Take your picture here to remember your trip it will work for your Wild Bill me.See more..
5.0Iron Creek Tunnel(10 reviews) - Tunnel Vision Points of Interest & Landmarks
Iron Creek Tunnel is one of three tunnels on the awesome Iron Mountain Road. As you approach the tunnel from the south and look carefully through it, you will see Mount Rushmore perfectly framed. It's very cool. There is a small parking area on the south side if you want to take some photos.See more..
5.0Pine Ridge Indian Reservation(9 reviews) - A moving visit Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
I was able to visit this reservation of the Lakota Indians - and having a wonderful local guide found the whole visit a truly moving experience. Gus Yellowhair was our guide' along with his daughter, and he was so honest and genuine in explaining their past history. I live in the UK, and what I saw, heard and experienced is still with me, and I count it a privilege to have visited this place. Gus took us to the college which had a cultural centre where we were able to listen to an audio talk, accompanied by pictures on the wall - so informative. The highlight was, of course, a trip the site of the Wounded Knee massacre back in the 1890's. You couldn't help but stand there, stare at the empty field and look at the mass grave, and listen to the silent cries of those once proud people massacred - men, women and children. A very educational visit for me, and it is good to hear the story from the Indian point of view. Very moving, thank you to all who showed me around.See more..
4.5South Dakota Hall of Fame(8 reviews) - Impressive Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Our mission is to champion a culture of excellence in South Dakota. Excellence exists in many forms and is identified through the success stories of those inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. South Dakota has many individuals and organizations embracing excellence as a core value. Visit the South Dakota Hall of Fame and immerse yourself in our featured videos and exhibits. You will not only learn much about South Dakota, but you will also walk away inspired! Follow their examples - Chase your Dream - Be a Champion!See more..
What a wonderful gift this place is. Absolutely enjoyed the sanctuary. Thank you for sharing the beautiful land.See more..
4.5Lakota Lake Picnic Area(6 reviews) - Peaceful spot. Please do not tell your friends. Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
I asked for a water feature of the beaten path without tourists. Lakota Lake is the perfect place. Crawfish, turtles, fish, and other wildlife to watch. Beautiful rock features and an easy path to walk around. Less than ten other people at the lake. Great spit if you are wanting a place of contemplation. See more..
4.5Scovel Johnson Tunnel(6 reviews) - Another Great Attractions on the Iron Mountain Rod Points of Interest & Landmarks
Driving in the Black Hills toward Keystone on the Iron Mountain Road, this is the first tunnel you will come to. It is not much of a tunnel, but after passing through the tunnel, you will see a tunnel of trees cut to line up with the Presidential carvings on Mount Rushmore. It is one of the attractions that makes this road so fun to travel. Personally, I liked the Doane Robinson tunnel best as it lines up Rushmore while you ar in the tunnel. However, this is a cool effect with the trees.See more..
5.0Outlaw Square(6 reviews) - Great Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Great addition to Deadwood. Love the live music and other events they have there. Or if you just need a place to sit and people wstchSee more..
5.0Lead Deadwood Arts Center(5 reviews) - Amazing Art!!!! Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
The highlight of my trip was my visit to the Lead Deadwood Arts Center! The gallery manager Karen was so friendly & kind. Their collection of art is amazing. Many local & national artists work are on display. Some pieces were especially interesting where the artist incorporated some mica & other natural objects found in the Black Hills. Don't miss stopping in to this gallery!See more..
4.5Arlington Beach Resort(3 reviews) - Nice memorial Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
Arlington Beach Resort has rental cabins and an Event Center to hold private events.See more..
4.5Carousel Rides(3 reviews) - Carousel city Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks We had a very lucky opportunity to ride on the Carousel as Bill Becker was waiting for some school children to come for their end of term treat. It was fun to ride the carousel and also that Bill opened the Historical Society Museum specially for us so that I could find out more about my G.G. Uncle who settled in Faulkton. It made for a wonderful unforgettable day. Thank you Bill See more..
4.0Beaver Creek Bridge(3 reviews) - Iconic Beaver Creek Bridge Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
Just a short two miles from the visitor center the pullout is easy to miss. The iconic bridge is synonymous with the wind cave scenic drive on US-87. Built in 1929.A bucket list item for photos.See more..
3.5Homestake Mansion(3 reviews) - What a pleasant surprise. Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks While traveling, my husband and I pulled into the parking lot of the roundhouse just to check our GPS and set a new destination. While there I notice the building and I told my husband I would like to go in for a minute. The beauty and elegance that was inside was a great surprise. Unfortunately we had already eaten, but I wanted to go in and sit for a moment. We asked the waitress if we could sit for a cup of coffee. She asked, "Sure, would you mind sitting in a railroad car?" It was really lovely. Next time we are eating there. This was on a Sunday and they were serving a wonderful brunch.See more..
5.0Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel(3 reviews) - Stately chapel on the hill Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals Beautiful and peaceful place of prayer. Located on the Mount Marty College campus. Definitely worth stopping for a quiet visit See more..
This spot is the only place to take a break between Newell and Faith. The view is always incredible. It’s the perfect place to walk around a bit and maybe relax at one of the tables. Travel safe.See more..
5.0Scenic Ghost Town(2 reviews) - A Real Abandoned Ghost Town Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Finally found a real ghost town. Scenic SD, home of the Longhorn Saloon. Has been abandoned for over a century. I liked the combo church-jail building with the cells right out on the street.See more..
4.0Faulk County Couthouse(2 reviews) - Family history research Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks Sally Snow was fantastic at helping me find out about G.G. Uncle to staked a claim in Faulkton she went through the records and found his Patton Claim and his wife’s will. It was wonderful to meet such a warm welcoming person who took time from her daily tasks to help a visitor from Scotland. See more..
4.0Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica(2 reviews) - Very good piece of Dakota Territory history, although replica. Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
The open tour hours vary, so check when the better time to go would be. The park and riverfront are a great place to tke the family for outing or picnic.See more..
4.5Downtown Clock Tower(2 reviews) - Neat little area downtown with a number of cute restaurants, dessert shops and coffee shops very close Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers The clock is right beside the Visitor's Center for the area, but beware, it is closed for lunch, which is when we came. They do, however, have a box for free brochures and maps of the area, which we took and it really was all we needed. There is a nice bench, which we sat on in the area. Quaint little downtown spotSee more..
4.0Indian Springs(2 reviews) - Stop by to relax Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
Indian Springs is a part of the Spearfish City Park. It has well maintained grounds, a small water fall and a gazebo. We considered getting married under the gazebo as the space is so beautiful. I always make a point to walk through this area when I go to the City Park.See more..
4.0Spearfish Canyon(1 review) - Easy to See Why They Chose This Spot Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
If you continue up the dirt road from the Roughlock Falls Recreation Area for a mile or two you will come to a place in the canyon the was used to film Dances with Wolves, the final scene. Granted we saw in late summer with the creek flowing but the movie shows in winter with snow. It is easy to see why they choose this site as the canyon here is also beautiful. just another thing for you to do and see in Spearfish Canyon.See more..
3.0Geographical Center Of Entire United States(1 review) - Actual location of the center Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks The actual location of the Geographical Center of Entire United States is just a bit off of Old US Hwy 85 north of Belle Fourche. There is a sign on Hwy 85 north of Belle Fourche, SD that points to the Old US Hwy 85, and the actual location is about 8 miles N on this road. Not much is there, but there is a plaque in the field showing the location. It is on private land and you can walk to the point. Should be respectful of the private property. There is nothing around but fields, but still interesting to stand at this point. There is an interpretive site in Belle Fourche, with more details and this might be a more active and interesting place to visit, but we enjoyed finding the actual location.See more..
4.0Coughlin Campanile(1 review) - Great view of the area Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks The Campanile is a historic feature of the SDSU Campus. Stop in the Alumni Center to get a key to the door. The walk up is relatively easy. The view from near the top of the tower is very good. Do not miss going up in the tower, if you are on or near campus and have an extra hour.See more..
5.0Native American National And State Scenic Byway(1 review) - Stop at Roam Free Park Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives The road in general is one you will enjoy driving. Lots of good views. A must stop is a small park at the top of the bluff overlooking the river and towns, Roam Free Park. See more..
