3 Star Places To Visit in South Dakota, United States (45)

1. 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..
   
2. 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..
   
3. 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. 3.5 Wounded Knee Massacre Monument (269 reviews)
   - Thought provoking
   Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
   
   
   A small monument to the natives killed in the Wounded Knee massacre. See more..
   
5. 3.5 Silverado (210 reviews)
   - I wish
   Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos
   
   
   Gaming tables featuring Black Jack, Let It Ride and Three Card Poker, plus 225 slot machines and cutting-edge interactive games keep risk-takers fully entertained. See more..
   
6. 3.5 Four Mile Old West Town (141 reviews)
   - When in the Custer region, this is a must- do!
   Historic Sites • Ghost Towns
   
   
   The very nice lady at the reception alone is worth the $ 7.50 income! She tells you the brief history of the "town". When you enter this open air museum, you could be dissapointed at first site. The buildings are not maintained very well. But I think that's part of the charm. The wonderful thing is, that you can actually enter in every building and the have short, funny educational stories on the door post of every building. I enjoyed it very much! See more..
   
7. 3.5 Dinosaur Museum (101 reviews)
   - Good stop if you are interested in dinosaurs
   Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
   
   
   Dinosaur Museum is located at 8973 S Hwy 16, next to Reptile Gardens, on the way to Mt. Rushmore. The museum is open every day in the summer. Hours are 9 am - 8 pm, 7 Days a week. Hours may vary in the spring, fall, and late season. Usually hours are 10 am - 5 pm Thurs - Mon in these seasons with slower traffic. Mini Golf, Mirror Maze, & Theater are all free with Admission. Come see the most realistic, life-like dinosaur replicas in the world. We have dinosaurs of all sizes, from tiny micro-raptors to a full size T-Rex. Inside the Dinosaur Museum, you will see over 98 ancient reptiles from more than 65 species, learn more in our educational Movies Theater, while little ones play in the adjacent Fossil Dig. have the opportunity to make your way through our famous Mirror Maze, and even try your putting skills at our Mini Golf Course! Please be aware that Dinosaur Museum will temporarily close for three months each winter, typically closed for the season from Dec. 15th - March 15. See more..
   
8. 3.5 Dakota Sioux Casino (50 reviews)
   - Nice Small Casino in South Dakota
   Casinos
   Good little casino. Spent 3 hrs there. Liked the old games you can't find in big casinos. They have newer games too. If you're traveling west, this is the last CITY for Hours. Good stopping point. See more..
   
9. 3.5 Royal River Casino (39 reviews)
   - Nice Hotel-restaurant
   Casinos
   
   
   We had a very nice overnight stay at this very clean and tidy hotel. The staff are very pleasant and smile. The walls have some of the most beautiful art work I have ever seen in a hotel/casino. The restaurant buffet was delicious and very well stocked. The wait staff in there are also very pleasant and smile. Prices reasonable and very clean. Quite large for a small hotel-casino. See more..
   
10. 3.5 Nicollet 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..
    
11. 3.5 Mead Cultural Education Center (15 reviews)
    - Worth the stop
    Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums • History Museums
    
    
    The Mead Cultural Education Center is home to the Dakota Territorial Museum and Children's Transportation Museum. It features permanent and traveling exhibits. See more..
    
12. 3.5 Walnut Tavern AKA The Dead Animal Bar (10 reviews)
    - Fun times in Yankton SD
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Dead animals yes. And Leinenkugle Shandy on tap. All key football games. All is good. Love this place. See more..
    
13. 3.0 Splash Zone Waterpark (10 reviews)
    - Good winter fun in a snowy town
    Water Parks
    
    
    My child and I go to Splash Zone a lot as it provides my child alot of inside exercise and fun in what is typically a very snowy town to live in the winter months. Splash zone has a large pool with 2 slides, a large rectangle hot tub that could fit about 20 people in, a flat fountain area for the small toddlers that has numerous fountains, small slides, and sprayers etc. and finally it has the lazy river that has tubes and water buckets placed all around you waiting to dump on you. You can order food from the restaurant across the hall or get quick pool snacks from their own concession area. They will let you order outside pizza but frown on bringing your other snacks in. It costs $6 for non-hotel residents to swim and there is no time-limit, you can stay all day if you want. This is a great option to get good recreational fun in while the cold and snow is outside. See more..
    
14. 3.0 Hunters Pointe Sporting Clays (8 reviews)
    - Great Couples activity
    Spent 2-3 hours Shooting Ranges
    
    
    My husband and I frequent out here not only for the course, ranges but also for the guided hunts we took multiple times this pheasant season. The owner and his wife are friendly, knowledgeable and treat us just like family!!! We bought the membership for the year for $100 so its less expensive when we come out as much as we do. Also they have ammunition on site so we do not have to worry about making a stop on the way out. Chris and his wife Brenda are amazing and their son who helps out is very great help as well with letting us know the safety of the course. would recommend this place and do to everyone!!! See more..
    
15. 3.0 Buffalo Interpretive Center (8 reviews)
    - Small place on past Native American life with very nice arts and crafts shop
    Speciality Museums
    This museum basically consits of one large room with the history of Lakota life on display - centered around the bison and how Lakota used almost any part of this animal. We were guided by a native Lakota. This center is located in the Lower Brule indian reservation. Luckily, outside we saw one of the Lower Brule bison herds close by. There is a small shop with beautiful silver arts and crafts. See more..
    
16. 3.0 Watertown Mall (8 reviews)
    - Not bad for a little town
    Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls
    The Watertown Mall located on US Highway 212, just west of Interstate 29. Anchored by Herberger's, JC Penney, and Dunham's Sports, we offer an excellent variety of nationally know merchants as well as many specialty stores and boutiques. There are 3 full service restaurants, Odyssey 5 theater, Coca Cola Children's Playtime Corral, and Free WiFi. Something for the whole family! See more..
    
17. 3.0 Charly's Restaurant SD (7 reviews)
    - Swam today, Eaten tonight
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Came here after day 1 on the water. This place graciously cooks your catch and gives you salad bar and potato for $10. Can't beat the price. And they put a picture of your days catch in their hall of fame in their entryway to boot. Salad was cold, crisp and had great accompaniments including peppers, cheese, macaronu salad and a reallt thick, tasty bleu cheese dressing. The breading on the walleye was very light and not overbearing. And the cold leftover fish we didn't finish was delicious for lunch out in the boat today. We're heading back tonight for more of the same. See more..
    
18. 3.5 Waddy's Bar & Grill (6 reviews)
    - We just had to stop by for bloodies!
    Bars & Clubs
    Swung by on our "Stacation". Awesome apps and even better bloody mary's! Worth the 45 minute drive! Clean place and friendly staff! Buy some Bloody mary Mix to take home! See more..
    
19. 3.5 Waubay Lake Guide Service (6 reviews)
    - Great Ice Fishing Trip
    Fishing Charters & Tours
    
    
    The first morning out on the ice with Cory, started out with a bang. Cory was going to set us up fishing first, and then go check on the other guides he had out on the lake. He set me up first, and before he had my fishing partner set up, I had 3 jumbo perch on the ice. Cory never had a chance to leave. The 2 of us put 30 jumbo perch and 1 walley on the ice in a hour. Wow We went in, and he cleaned the fish, and told us he would drop us off at the motel and come back at 3:00 PM, to go walley fishing. Cory picked us up, and we went to different lake, and by Sun set, we filled our limit of of walleys. Do I have to say anymore. See more..
    
20. 3.0 Badlands Motor Speedway (5 reviews)
    - Love badlands motor speedway
    Spent More than 3 hours Auto Racing Tracks
    
    
    Badlands Motor Speedway features a newly renovated 3/8 mile dirt track hosting fast action racing on Saturday and Sundays from May thru September. The top sprint car drivers from across the U.S. will converge to claim their share of the industry's most generous purse. National concerts and special events will showcase the track's diverse appeal. See more..
    
21. 3.0 Prairie Wind Casino And Hotel (5 reviews)
    - Sorry to say but don't bother
    Casinos
    Saw the billboard for this casino and thought we would check it out. Well it was over an hour to get there from Rapid City. It was way too much of a drive. I called and was given directions. It was an Indian Casino and unfortunately a very poor one. We have been to several. It's not very clean. I know it isn't easy to keep them immaculate but this was worse than most. Staff not very friendly. And the machines were really tight. I had one man ask if a voucher that was next to a machine that I was playing was mine. It only had a few pennies on it and when I told him no he snatched it up and went looking for more. See more..
    
22. 3.5 Lake Mitchell Hiking and Biking Trails (5 reviews)
    - Us locals are so happy with our trails..you can't even tell your at the local lake
    Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
    
    
    12 miles of hiking and biking trails around Lake Mitchell See more..
    
23. 3.5 Long Branch (4 reviews)
    - Really Good Lunch!
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Looks like a great place for evening entertainment - pool tables and more!! For lunch it was a great place for a ruben sandwich!! Service was great! Kinda wished I was in town for another night to go see the nightlife here...... See more..
    
24. 3.0 Lead Country Club (4 reviews)
    - What a GREAT Day!
    Golf Courses
    We golfed this little 9 hole gem in the morning and couldn't get enough. We literally went around 3 times and golfed 27 holes in one day. The course is in good shape, has plenty of challenges for the good golfer, and is wide open enough for the novice. Wildlife on the course is not a rarity, and the pond at hole 7 is so clear you can watch the fish swim and see their shadows along the bottom of the pond. The gentleman running the place could not have been more accommodating. What a great course. The clubhouse could use some updating, but the food was good and they had a good beer special while we were there, so no complaints about the decor. See more..
    
25. 3.5 World's Smallest Biker Bar (3 reviews)
    - We were excited
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    We were so excited to locate this one of a kind establishment. We were looking for braggin' rights for the unusual. Sadly, they were not open. See more..
    
26. 3.5 D&K ATV Rentals (3 reviews)
    - Amazing experience!
    Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
    
    
    The people who rented us the atv were awesome! We ran a little late and they still kept my spot reserved. They were so friendly and courteous. They helped us with the trail map and even suggested some cool trails to ride. I can honestly say it was one of the funnest days I've had in a long time. It is definitely worth the drive and money! I recommend this place to anybody who is looking to hit the trails with friends and family! See more..
    
27. 3.5 Norbys (3 reviews)
    - Great pizza
    Bars & Clubs
    Beer is beer but this place has great pizza. Eat in or carry out. A couple bucks more than chains but well worth it. BBQ chicken and cheeseburger pizzas are the best. See more..
    
28. 3.5 Valley Side Farm Cheese (3 reviews)
    - well thought out cheese options, excellent choice of cheese.
    Spent 1-2 hours Farms
    I love her cheese selection, It is always interesting and never boring. The taste, is spot on. There is a cheese for everyone. See more..
    
29. 3.5 Willie's Bar & Grill (3 reviews)
    - Great food! Great service! Get in before it gets too busy though.
    Bars & Clubs
    We have been to Willies for a while now. Love going here as their food is always great. We don't have too many options to pick from here in Miller area so this is a good 'go-to' place for us. As mentioned, because we are low on places to eat, this place gets swamped during the busy times. So if you want quick and efficient service, shoot for a bit earlier of a supper. See more..
    
30. 3.5 Blarneys Sports Bar & Grill (3 reviews)
    - Late lunch
    Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
    
    
    We ordered the jalapeño corn fitters and Caribbean pizza which was both fantastic! The service was good and will recommend to others. See more..
    
31. 3.5 Homestake 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..
    
32. 3.5 Oahe Downstream Recreation Area (3 reviews)
    - Nice area
    State Parks
    
    
    This is a nice camping area with RV hook ups. Good fishing for good size cat fish and bass. Sits below oahe lake and dam. See more..
    
33. 3.0 Ancient Hunters Overlook (3 reviews)
    - Great Place for viewing wildlife
    National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    On top of grassy butte near this pull over, we saw several female sheep and their young eating grass in the late day sun. We had already seen groups of males but these flocks were totally females with young. Just showing that there is so much to do in Badlands NP. It is well more that dry clay formations There is also a significant amount of wildlife in this park be sure to take the opportunity ot capture photos of the park widlife See more..
    
34. 3.5 Central Valley Golf Course (2 reviews)
    - Lovely Course
    Golf Courses
    
    
    Hours: January – February Closed March Monday – Sunday: 9am – Sunset April Monday – Sunday: 8am - Sunset May Monday – Friday: 7am – Sunset Saturday – Sunday: 6:30am – Sunset June - August Monday – Friday: 6:30am – Sunset Saturday – Sunday: 6am – Sunset September Monday – Sunday: 7am – Sunset October Monday – Sunday: 8am – Sunset November – December Closed Central Valley Golf Club is one of southeast South Dakota’s finest 18-hole rural golf courses. We offer a combination that can’t be beat: superb playing conditions, exceptional small-town service and a convenient low-traffic location, just minutes from Sioux Falls, off State Highway 38 in Hartford, SD. Make Central Valley your local golfing destination today! Duffer’s Bar and Grill located at Central Valley is open to the public all year long featuring specials seven days a week. The Duffer’s menu features traditional clubhouse favorites like appetizers, pizza and sandwiches, and hot and savory entrees including broasted chicken and walleye dinners – enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. We also offer catering for your special event or golf tournament. Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11am – 10pm See more..
    
35. 3.0 Sturgis Tours-Day Trips (2 reviews)
    - Ride with the locals bike run
    Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    
    
    Myself and my wife did the ride with the locals bike run on the first day. First off in my opinion they are not experienced riders, also it was very unorganized. They had us all meet in terms court parking lot, and people were constantly getting left behind because the leaders would blow through lights when the lights were yellow instead of stopping which in turn caused some who were in rear to catch the red light,,then instead of them pulling over they just kept going. They would switch lanes and go around other cars and bikes, it's like hello you do have other bikes that are on the run here. Then they did not keep to the original route, they took us to this bar that they knew the owners which was not on the route , I think they did that to make them money off us and to kiss up to them. Then they had us back tracking on the same road we already were on all because they wanted to stop at the bar there friends owned unreal. Then at the end we were all supposed to meet at a park down town which no one knew where it was at, so unorganized. People got lost because again the leader would blow through lights and others would get stuck at the red light. I have been riding for 30 years and this was by far the worst , unorganized, run I was ever on. What a waste of my time and money. See more..
    
36. 3.0 Living Map Theater (2 reviews)
    - Time well spent
    Theaters
    The Living Map Theater is a one of a kind introduction to Black Hills and Dakota Territory presented in an intimate theater on a 28X24 ft. 3 dimensional color map with over 1000 colored lights and robo lights that take you from place to place. A 10 X 12 ft. screen displays the activites at each location, complete with surround sound offering original music, narration, character voices, and sound affects. It brings to life the exciting history of the Black Hills. This special and educational program is a wonderful experience for all ages. See more..
    
37. 3.5 Keystone Cemetery (2 reviews)
    - Should be a great view in winter…
    Cemeteries
    
    
    Just a short trip from downtown Keystone. The view of Mt Rushmore is obscured due to the leaves on the trees. The view we took pictures from is behind the flag stand at the end of the road in the cemetery. See more..
    
38. 3.0 Gibby's Corner Bar (1 review)
    - the Corner Bar
    Bars & Clubs
    Gibby's is literally located on the corner of Main Street. You can order burgers and other items off the menu - burger nights feature burgers for a $1.50. It is a typical small town bar See more..
    
39. 3.0 New Effington Information Center (1 review)
    - Great Place To Stop
    Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers
    We stopped at this South Dakota information center as we traveled south and left North Dakota. This information center is staffed during the day and the people there are very helpful. A great place to look at the weather radar - which was great on the day we were traveling and racing to avoid storms. Clean restrooms, vending machines, brochures, etc. are all available. They also sell South Dakota t-shirts, and other souvenirs. This is a nice place to stop and take a break from the road. No need to worry about losing time on the road - the speed limit on I-29, in South Dakota, is 80 MPH. See more..
    
40. 3.0 Dakota Rose (1 review)
    - Way too smokey & terrible air filters.
    Bars & Clubs
    Unless you are a smoker or like to breath in thick 2ND hand smoke...stay away. We coughed for hours after leaving the bar. They need a better filtering system. The place is dirty, needs a good cleaning. See more..
    
41. 3.0 Sturgis T-shirts and Gifts (1 review)
    - Different than I thought
    Speciality & Gift Shops
    We were surprised, that not that many shops were open in Sturgis. The town was not what I expected at all, clean, small and pretty green (bc of all the rain they have had). This store was one of just a few that were open, Mostly Harley items and t-shirts, not much else. See more..
    
42. 3.0 Geographical 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..
    
43. 3.0 Devil's Falls (1 review)
    - can take a look if you are nearby
    Waterfalls
    
    
    The Devil's falls is located in the Devil's falls, you can walk the trail to view it, but it's quite far away, so you have to use a camera with zoom to view the falls and take picture of it. the Trail leading to the falls is not very harsh, 5 years old boy can walk it and it's not too long, can finish in 1 hour, there are some photo-taking opportunity besides the falls, the rock formation is also worth to see, and there is bridges can walk through. It's free admission as well. See more..
    
44. 3.0 South Wall Trail (1 review)
    - can take a look if you have time
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    There are 4 trails in the Palisades state park and this is one of the trail, it's not long, at the trail head, there is information board, you can see the information about it. We drive through a bridge after walking the King & Queen trail, then can reach the trail head. you can have the opportunity to take picture of the good view, see the rocks, the river, the bridge, etc. See more..
    
45. 3.0 Split Rock Creek Trail (1 review)
    - can walk part of it if no time to walk through all
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    There are 4 trails in the Palisades state park, as I remember, this is the longest trail in the park among the 4 trails, but you may no need to walk all the trail, you can just walk part of it , to see the view. This trail is walk along the river, you can see the rock formation along the river, there are some points with split rocks, but it also gives you a good photo opportunity See more..