Top-rated places to visit in South Dakota, United States

4.5 Mount Rushmore National Memorial (11.8k reviews)
- Amazing evening show and monument in person is very memorable
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours National Parks • Monuments & Statues

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created this famous mountainside carving of the visages of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. See more..
5.0 Custer State Park (6.139 reviews)
- Beautiful state park with lots of wildlife
Spent < 1 hour State Parks

One of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks, this park stands out for its granite peaks, rolling grasslands, and clear mountain waters. Stretching over 71,000 acres, Custer is home to abundant wildlife like bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and more. Drive down Wildlife Loop Road to spot the begging burros (they approach vehicles for food), hike the Little Devils Tower Trail for a bird’s eye view of the area, and go swimming or boating in one of its five lakes. With warm days and cool nights, summer is an ideal time to visit Custer. Don't miss out on exploring the rest of the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Crazy Horse Memorial (5.378 reviews)
- Amazing light show!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Monuments & Statues

The mission of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of the North American Indians. The Foundation demonstrates its commitment to this endeavor by continuing the progress on the world's largest sculptural undertaking by carving a memorial of Lakota leader Crazy Horse; by providing educational and cultural programming; by acting as a repository for American Indian artifacts, arts and crafts through the INDIAN MUSEUM OF NORTH AMERICA(R) and the NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER(R); and by establishing and operating the INDIAN UNIVERSITY OF NORTH AMERICA(R) and, when practical, a medical training center for American Indians. See more..
3.5 Wall 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. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Bear Country USA (4.180 reviews)
- seeing the active and cute little bears is the highlight
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 28, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Enjoy a leisurely 2-mile drive through this unique North American Wildlife park in the the Black Hills of South Dakota. From the comfort of your vehicle view black bears, wolves, elk, buffalo and other wildlife! After your drive-through tour, walk around wildlife loop where young and smaller animals frolic in the outdoors. Don't miss the Baby Bears! Dine at the Cub Grub Snack Shack or shop in the Bear's Den Gift Shop. Open May through November, weather permitting. Our daily closing time is only when the front gate closes, the rest of the park remains open until your visit is complete. See more..
4.5 Falls Park (3.379 reviews)
- Gem of the City
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Parks

Park with waterfalls where the river flows over many tiers of Sioux quartzite. See more..
4.5 Wildlife Loop Road (2.745 reviews)
- Buffalo round up
Scenic Drives

An 18-mile scenic drive in Custer State Park. See more..
3.5 Corn 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..
4.5 Downtown Rapid City (2.329 reviews)
- Great Walkable Downtown Area
Neighborhoods

Escape for the weekend to Downtown Rapid City and experience numerous art galleries, fashionable boutiques, a variety of fine cuisine, the City of President statues and great entertainment from music to theatre and various events. Explore the fountains at Main Street Square, a place to make fun-filled memories for the whole family. With plenty of hotel rooms, over 70 shops and 33 restaurants, head Downtown, year round. See more..
4.5 Reptile Gardens (2.305 reviews)
- Great attraction
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

World-renowned adventure park, Reptile Gardens is a must-see family attraction no matter what your age. We maintain the finest collection of tropical plants, colorful flowers, and exotic reptiles anywhere - we have more species and subspecies of venomous reptiles than any other zoo or park in the world! See more..
5.0 Sylvan Lake (1.985 reviews)
- beautiful lake
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

This lake, situated within the rolling green hills of Custer State Park, is a great spot for a fun day out. The cool waters of the lake are perfect for kayaking, paddle boating, and swimming, and if you're looking for an adventure, you can go on a hike or climb the rocks surrounding the lake. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm, and the park is in full swing. The lake is typically a stop on a tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Loop Road (1.978 reviews)
- So beautiful I drove through on my way back, too
Scenic Drives

Main route through Badlands National Park. See more..
4.5 Mount Moriah Cemetery (1.844 reviews)
- Wild Bill and Calamity
Cemeteries

Small cemetery dating back to the time of cowboys, deputies and the old West. See more..
4.5 The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs (1.758 reviews)
- Wonderful exhibit and museum
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums

America's International Treasure. This National Natural Landmark is an internationally renowned indoor working paleontological site/museum. More than 60 mammoths have been unearthed, as well as over 85 other species of associated Ice Age fauna. Hands-on activities for children and an educational experience for the entire family. One of the top fossil interpretive sites in North America. Open year-round. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. See more..
5.0 Needles Eye (1.731 reviews)
- Omg A Must See Scenic Drive on the way to Sylvan Lake!
Geologic Formations

A geological formation located in Custer State Park. See more..
5.0 Iron Mountain Road (1.716 reviews)
- Fun Drive with Great Views of Rushmore
Scenic Drives

Whether you are driving or simply riding, this is a fun drive with awesome views and fun, unique road features like corkscrew pigtails and one lane tunnels. Our group really enjoyed this as we made our way from Lake Sylvan to Mount Rushmore. It starts with a Meadow as you drive towards Keystone where you get your first glimpse of Rushmore. You then wind up to the top of Iron Mountain where there is a parking lot and observation area. You then start to descend passing a series of tunnels in the granite outcroppings with line up perfectly with the carvings on Rushmore. The final descent is accomplished by a couple of corkscrew bridges that allow you to drop elevation in a small space. It is a beautiful drive through the Black Hills that has some of the best views of Rushmore. You have to somehow reach Rushmore so be sure to take this route. See more..
4.0 1880 Train/Black Hills Central Railroad (1.616 reviews)
- Days gone by are brought to life on the 1880
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Scenic Railroads

An 1880 Train ride is a two-hour, narrated 20-mile round trip between Hill City snd Keystone South Dakota in the beautiful Black Hills. Passengers view vistas of Harney Peak, mining encampments and participate in good old-fashioned fun. Trains follow the original route of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad laid down in the late 1880s to service the mines and mills between Hill City and Keystone. The Black Hills Central Railroad is the oldest continuously operating tour railroad in the nation and operates four steam and two diesel engines throughout the season. See more..
4.5 Rushmore Tramway Adventures (1.577 reviews)
- Amazing zip line adventure
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Rushmore Tramway Adventures offers a little bit of something for everyone. From action-packed adventurers to enjoying the beautiful Black Hills with breath-taking views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, people of all ages and abilities can find their inspiration. You just can't seem to go wrong with this family getaway during your summer vacation! See more..
4.5 Presidential Trail (1.465 reviews)
- THE PRESIDENTIAL TRAIL IS A MUST WHEN VISITING MOUNT RUSHMORE
Hiking Trails

Hiking trail at Mount Rushmore. See more..
4.5 Jewel Cave National Monument (1.415 reviews)
- A Must for Cave Lovers!
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Caverns & Caves

Jewel Cave National Monument is home to one of the longest caves in the world. Offering an assortment of cave formations and recreational opportunities, many visitors are truly amazed by this underground wilderness. Most impressive is the fact that exploration and discovery continue to take place at this significant natural resource. Please be advised that during the off-season (2020-2021), the visitor center, Park Store, surface trails, and picnic areas are open Thursdays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT. However, cave tours are suspended, due to an elevator construction project. For those visiting the monument, a one-way flow path is set up inside the visitor center, with directional signage for visitor awareness. Park rangers are on-site to answer questions and to assist with the ever-popular Junior Ranger and Pee Wee Ranger Programs. For specific questions and/or assistance, do not hesitate to contact the monument by phone or email in advance. See more..
5.0 Badlands Wall (1.316 reviews)
- Wow!!!
Geologic Formations

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. See more..
4.5 Big Thunder Gold Mine (1.251 reviews)
- Family Fun!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mines

Big Thunder Gold Mine has an original tour which lasts 45-55 minutes and was founded in 1892. You see the largest display of mining equipment in the Black Hills and learn the history of the gold rush in 1876. We have two forms of panning: one is our commercial panning right on site. Guides will demonstrate theskill of panning, no time limit and we guarentee you will find gold. We also have claim panning where you will pan directly our of the creek 4 miles down the road on Forest Service property. Those exist in 4 hour trips. See more..
4.0 Historic Old Town (1.205 reviews)
- Snitches steaks were the best we've ever had!
Historic Walking Areas

It was a bit difficult finding parking in Deadwood on our first visit. One public parking said closed, but it had cars in it, some didn’t seem to say anything and we weren’t sure where we’d have dinner. We ended up parking further away than we wanted, but it was a public parking where we could figure out how to pay for the parking. We went into one of the first casino/hotels that we found and were going to have dinner there, but they couldn’t get us in until 9 pm (2 hours later) and the same with the buffet. In spectacular news, we got reservations at Snitches on OpenTable! We walked to Tin Lizzie’s, had an amazing meal, and rolled ourselves back to our car. Snitches is our new high expectations for what a steak should be and the price was awesome. We probably should have taken the $1/person shuttle to Tin Lizzie’s, but it was a good walk and we got to play tourist a little. There were many Pokemon Go stops/gyms along the main drag. See more..
4.0 Dinosaur 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..
5.0 Badlands National Park (1.045 reviews)
- Incredible views!
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

I was a little surprised to find that it was $25 to drive a motorcycle through the loop road, but it was worth every dollar. The views are incredible. The Badlands is such a unique place and worth the time. If driving I-90 take the extra time to go through. See more..
4.5 Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (956 reviews)
- Beautiful drive after staying in Deadwood
Scenic Drives

We missed the Spearfish Scenic Byway on our last trip west, but were so glad we experienced it this time around. Take 14a out of Spearfish to Hwy. 85. We stopped often to enjoy the scenery and flip a fishing line in the water. There are several waterfalls along the way too. We wished we had left enough time to hike the Devil's Bathtub Trail. However, since Devil's Bathtub is near private property, parking for the trail is near the hydroelectric plant and there are creek crossings which would likely take extra time. We left ourselves a reason to go back. We also hoped to have an Indian taco in Cheyenne Crossings, but the wait was 2 hours at noon. We grabbed a picnic lunch out of our cooler and were on our way. I wouldn't drive far out of the way to take this scenic byway, but it's a beautiful option if you're in the area. See more..
5.0 Black Hills Helicopters (954 reviews)
- Friendly staff, beautiful waiting area, impressive tour!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Helicopter Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Air Tours

This place was amazing! First of all, we had to be re-booked due to a thunderstorm during our initial booking time and the woman on the phone was very accommodating and kind about it. When we arrived the following morning for our tour we were impressed with the inside of the building. It was all very chic-western and had a small cafe where you could order coffee or snacks. All the staff we interacted with were beyond kind and friendly. One of the pilots even gave our two small children each their own little helicopter toy which they loved. While we waited our turn for a helicopter we could go outside to the balcony to see the other helicopters land and take off. The pilot during our flight was also very friendly and explained everything we were seeing out the window. We would highly recommend this is place to anyone looking to take a helicopter tour of the Black Hills! See more..
4.5 South Dakota Air and Space Museum (941 reviews)
- Great museum with great history
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Aircraft that have been flown throughout the eras are on display at South Dakota's premiere free aviation museum! The museum has two major static display venues: First, a outdoor air park filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and present day aircraft lets you get close to & touch history. This includes the currently flown B-1B Lancer. Secondly, four historical hangars showcase military history & technology,space tech & EROS, SD aviation, and EAFB local military history in a fresh and immersive walk-through. Mid-May through Mid-September bus tours of nearby Ellsworth AFB and the Minuteman II missile training silo are offered at a nominal fee. You will be able to go inside the silo and on base for a 50 minute guided tour of the only MMII silo open to the public. Make sure you bring your ID or Passport (Non-US) to enjoy the tour! See more..
5.0 Black Hills National Forest (909 reviews)
- Black Elk Peak
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

This empty expanse where Native Americans once roamed is now a national forest. See more..
5.0 Badlands National Park (908 reviews)
- The Badlands
Spent 1-2 hours National Parks

We drove from Rapid City on hwy 90 and started from the west from a town named Wall. We stopped at the Ranger entrance and the cost was $30 or you can buy a one year pass for senior citizens for all parks for $20. The loop 240 road trip was wonderful. We stopped on all view sites. We enjoyed going there. See more..
4.5 Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (850 reviews)
- Very Interesting
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • National Parks • History Museums

The Cold War was the defining historical event of the last half of the 20th century. It led to fear, panic, and distrust symbolized by a nuclear arms race between the United States and Soviet Union. The Minuteman Missile is an iconic weapon in the American nuclear arsenal. Minuteman Missile National Historic site consists of three sites along a fifteen mile stretch of Interstate 90 in Western South Dakota. The Visitor Center is located immediately north of I-90, exit 131. The Launch Control Facility Delta-01 is located four miles west (tickets required for entry) and the Delta-09 missile silo is fifteen miles west of the visitor center. See more..
5.0 Spearfish Canyon (818 reviews)
- Truly Breathtakingly Beautiful Scenery
Canyons

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. See more..
4.5 Storybook Island (818 reviews)
- A fun little park that will bring you back!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

We are a non profit childrens park. 8 1/2 acres of outdoor fun! We have a train, carousel and Bippity Boppity Bounce, the cost is $2 per person for each of these. We have concessions on site as well as a gift shop. We are free admission in the summer, a $1 per person donation is recommended. We DO NOT allow outside food, drink or pets. We open for the summer season on Memorial Weekend and Close on Labor Day. See more..
4.5 Adams Museum (717 reviews)
- What a place!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The Adams Museum is the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. In 1930 pioneer businessman W.E. Adams founded the Adams Museum in downtown Deadwood with the purpose of preserving and displaying the history of the Black Hills. The Adams Museum is home to some of the Black Hills’ greatest treasures including Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, beloved American illustrator N.C. Wyeth’s pencil sketch drawing of Western legend Wild Bill Hickok, the mysterious Thoen Stone record of the Ezra Kind party’s discovery of gold in the Hills in the 1830s and a one-of-a-kind plesiosaur (marine reptile). In addition to exhibits on all three levels, the Adams General Store is located on the main floor. See more..
4.5 Wind Cave National Park (713 reviews)
- Intricate Formations
Spent 1-2 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Caverns & Caves

We took the Natural Entrance tour. Our tour guide Abby was excellent! This tour takes you down through the caves to view the various formations including the popcorn, frost and box cut which was very intricate and different from anything else I have seen in other caves. The gallery is interesting and worth the walk through before the tour. I would recommend buying your tickets on line ahead of time if you don’t want to spend a lot of time waiting around. We arrived at 9:20 (on a Weekday) and the first available of any tour was 11:30. After purchasing our tour tickets, we were able to drive around the rest of the park and enjoy the views-including several bison! Enjoyable and worth the ride. See more..
4.5 Rush Mountain Adventure Park (707 reviews)
- Sawyer and Keilana Rock!
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

At Rush Mountain Adventure Park, you will find fun on all levels! Rush Mountain is the home of famous Rushmore Cave. Come and explore the stalactite-filled caverns of this amazing natural wonder on a fun and educational cave tour. Spend the day enjoying great amusement rides. You can soar through the sky on the Soaring Eagle Zipline Ride or try your skill at the Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride. Feel the rush as speed down the hill on the area's only coaster, the Rushmore Mountain Coaster. Climb on the Wingwalker Challenge Course, or the Sky Tykes Challenge Course is perfect for the younger adventurer. You are sure to have a great time, full of affordable family fun. It's a total must-do attraction for anyone coming to the Black Hills. Cave and attractions are open daily May-October and weekends in March and April. Check website for hours and admission prices. See more..
4.5 Chapel in the Hills (665 reviews)
- Have you seen a Norwegian stave church in US ?
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 1, 2023 Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Celebrating 50 years in 2019! Replica of the 850-year-old Borgund Church in Norway and has unique architecture and woodcarvings. See more..
4.5 Mount Rushmore Tours (635 reviews)
- Family Fun at Mount Rushmore and more
Sightseeing Tours

When you first arrive at Fort Hayes you are treated to a yummy pancake breakfast. Arrive early so you have time to walk around to the different experiences including the black smith, the metal forge and the rope maker. Very informative and captured the interest of my teens. Our bus driver was Ken and he was a hoot. He gave us ample time to explore our stops which included Mount Rushmorw, Custer State Park, and the Iron Hills road. At Custer State Park he made sure we saw bison and were able to safely snap as many photos as we wanted. Now. If you have never taken the Iron Highway let me tell you the tunnels will make you sweat. Ken was so entertaining as he drove the 8 foot wide bus through these 8 foot tunnels. Because our group was small we did not have the evening dinner and show, which was fine with my family as we really felt that we had a fun filled day of adventure. See more..
4.5 Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries (562 reviews)
- Great place to shop and see local and native american items for sale and display
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

To some, we are a Native American art gallery; to others, we are a trading post reminiscent of days gone by. On the corner of 6th Street and Main in downtown Rapid City, Prairie Edge stands two stories high and stretches out for half a block as a brick, wood, and glass storefront that has been restored to its original 19th century glory. Inside, the hardwood floors and polished cabinetry bring to mind the spirit of the Old West, while the distinct smell of sweetgrass and soft sound of a Lakota flute evoke the mystique of the Plains Indian culture. See more..
4.5 Prairie Berry Winery (561 reviews)
- Unique flavors and lots of fruity or sweet wines. Dry wine lovers beware!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Experience award-winning wines in a fun and relaxed setting in the heart of the Black Hills. We’re Hill City’s only working winery and Sandi Vojta, our fifth generation winemaker, handcrafts each wine, often using old family recipes, just a few steps from our Tasting Room. To provide our guests with the best possible wine tasting experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now requiring reservations for all free wine tastings. Visit https://prairieberry.com/visit/wine-tasting-reservations/ to learn more or to make your reservation. We will do our best to accommodate walk-in guests who wish to do a free wine tasting, but we cannot guarantee availability. Our Kitchen offers housemade menu items including gluten-free, vegetarian and kids’ options. These seasonal menu selections pair perfectly with our wines and use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Enjoy a meal on our patio with our beautiful views of Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). See more..
4.0 South Dakota's Original 1880 Town (556 reviews)
- Interesting old town
Historic Sites

This old town looked quite authentic. It is located behind a 14 sided red barn. Price was $20 a person. Inside the barn is an antique store and gift store and upstairs are props from “Dances With Wolves”. All the town buildings were dusty and seemed a little run down. The best one was the saloon and its bar and tables with all the old clothes in back. It looks like they could be tried on with photos taken during the summer season. There are also old trains on the property and a train diner when in season. See more..
4.5 SculptureWalk & Arc of Dreams Monument (556 reviews)
- Pleasing Downtown Surprises!
Hiking Trails

Nice Surprise Indeed! My wife and I were passing through Sioux Falls and we were looking for a place to eat downtown. The surprise... the Downtown Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk! After having lunch, we decided to spend some time walking around downtown before the 4hr+ drive back to Grand Forks. If your plan is to blow by each sculpture without a chance to appreciate them, then this is not for you. If you have some time to really take a look at each sculpture and truly try to appreciate what the artist was trying to do, I think you’d really enjoy the Sculpture Walk. Since our time was limited, we were unable to see all the sculptures. This is a good reason for us to come back to Sioux Falls. I know we missed out on many other works of art. With lots of great places to eat downtown, and sculptures scattered around downtown as well, it was time well spent for us! Merci Beaucoup! (3/21) See more..
4.5 Ben Reifel Visitor Center (556 reviews)
- Great Visitor Center
Visitor Centers

Visitor center with exhibits as well as nearby shop and restaurant facilities. See more..
3.5 WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort (545 reviews)
- Good Clean Fun!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

Newly renovated as of May 2022, WaTiki Indoor Waterpark is a totally tubular place for birthday parties, family reunions, or a splashin' good time. Grab your friends and family and come "slide in" to WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort! Guests and visitors are invited to enjoy over 30,000 square feet of pools and water-slides. The waterpark is open year-round and is conveniently located right off I-90 on Elk Vale Road at Exit 61. WaTiki is connected to Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott, and Home 2 Suites by Hilton which means we can accommodate every one in your pool party! We have an arcade, Starbucks, Sliders Bar and Grill, and Perkin's Restaurant all connected indoors to our waterpark! See you guys soon! See more..
4.5 Butterfly House & Aquarium (516 reviews)
- If you've never been to a butterfly house, this one might be good
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums

Enjoy over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world in the tropical conservatory. View vibrant marine fishes, jellies, and corals in twelve aquarium habitats, including the Pop-Up Dome Aquarium and Pacific Tide Pool. Experience interactive learning and relaxation with tropical butterflies and marine life in our land-locked state. A year round tropical destination! The Butterfly House & Aquarium is a nonprofit organization, funded entirely by admissions, memberships, gift shop sales, and donations. Thank you for visiting and supporting our mission of inspiring conservation of the vital building blocks of sea, sky, and land! See more..
4.5 Adams House (505 reviews)
- Wonderful Look at the Past
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

The Historic Adams House was built in 1892 by Deadwood pioneers Harris and Anna Franklin. Local contemporary press described the home as "the grandest house west of the Mississippi." The elegant Queen Anne-style house heralded a wealthy and socially prominent new age for Deadwood, a former rough and tumble gold mining town. Harris and Anna Franklin’s son Nathan bought the house for $1 in 1905. In 1920, Nathan Franklin sold the house to W.E. and Alice Adams for $8,500. Adams' second wife Mary closed up the house in 1936, two years after W.E.'s death, leaving the contents and furnishings intact. See more..
4.5 Tatanka: 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..
4.0 Evans Plunge Mineral Springs (446 reviews)
- Really neat historical swimming site
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Playgrounds • Hot Springs & Geysers

The world's largest natural warm water indoor swimming pool. *NOT A HOT WATER SPRING* Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is consistently 87 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, the Lakota called it "Minnekahta" meaning "warm water." 5,000 gallons of water flow from the mineral springs every hour, completely refreshing the water in the pool numerous times every day. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs opened in 1890 and is the oldest attraction in the Black Hills. Currently owned & operated by the City of Hot Springs, Evans Plunge is proud to be open year round and offers both an indoor and an outdoor pool, plus a health club, which is included with admission! See more..
5.0 Akta Lakota Museum (445 reviews)
- Great Museum For Those Interested In Native American Culure/History
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery (433 reviews)
- worth to take a look
History Museums

It's one of the attraction in Spearfish, the admission is free, there are volunteer staff greet you on the bridge, telling you that you can buy fish food to feed the fish. there are different pack size, minimum is $1 for a small bag. we bought one for the kids to feed the fish. There is a underwater viewing area, historic fish runs, old railcar, a boat, etc. however, due to COVID, many indoor places are closed, e.g. can't go into the Booth House, can't enter the Von Bayer museum, even the railcar, you can't get on it to take a look, quite disappointed, so you can just see those outdoor exhibit, there is 1-2 trails you can walk, but not much to see. Anyway, it's a good place for family with young kids. See more..