Best Places to Visit in South Dakota
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in South Dakota with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore South Dakota sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in South Dakota that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in South Dakota whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Butterfly House & Aquarium
Sioux Falls , SD
Enjoy over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world in the tropical conservatory. View hundreds of vibrant marine fishes and corals in more than 20,000 gallons of aquariums, including the Pop-Up Dome Aquarium, Jellyfish, Shark & Stingray Touch Pool, and Pacific Tide Pool. Experience interactive learning and relaxation with tropical butterflies and marine life.
Reptile Gardens
Rapid City, SD
It all began in 1935, when 19 year old Earl Brockelsby discovered people’s innate interest in snakes. As a young tour guide at a local Rapid City attraction, this fearless snake enthusiast would often end his tours by removing his hat and revealing a live rattlesnake coiled on top of his head. They showcase and protect the rare, unusual, and beautiful. The collection features over 225 species and subspecies of reptiles and includes more of these cold-blooded creatures than any other zoo in the world.
Old Courthouse Museum
Sioux Falls, SD
Make time for history at the Old Courthouse Museum. This beautifully-restored 1800’s quartzite building has three floors of regional history exhibits. The Museum store includes unique and affordable Dakota-made gifts for the whole family.
Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
Rapid City , SD
Great Bear Recreational Park
Sioux Falls, SD
Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls is the #1 hotspot for winter sports in Eastern South Dakota. It’s a place your whole family can enjoy, with everything from downhill and cross country skiing to snowboarding, tubing and snow-shoeing. In short, they’re the place you want to be this winter, and they’re just three miles from Sioux Falls.
Wild Water West
Sioux Falls, SD
Wild Water West is a family friendly, medium-sized waterpark with a selection of waterslides and attractions. A large activity pool filled with water animals, lily pads, alligator walk, and log walk.
Dacotah Prairie Museum
Aberdeen, SD
Dacotah Prairie Museum, aims to facilitate conversation of the prairie and its people, cultivate insight, and curate its collections as a catalyst for inter-generational exchanges to inspire children, connect families, and build community through education, programming, exhibits, and its collections.
Thunder Road of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls Thunder Road, have two go-kart tracks, one is a road course and the other one is an oval slick track for more experienced drivers. Other attractions include an 18 hole adventure mini-golf course, batting cages, climbing wall, human foosball, Euro Bungy, and Water Wars. They will also be adding Laser Tag this year.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone, SD
Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.
The Journey Museum
Rapid CIty, SD
The Journey Museum brings together four major prehistoric and historic collections to tell the complete story of the Western Great Plains – from the perspective of the Lakota people and the pioneers who shaped its past, to the scientists who now study it. The Journey Museum takes you on an incredible trek through time, from the violent upheaval that formed the mystical Black Hills over 2.5 billion years ago to the continuing saga of the Western Frontier. When your journey is complete, you will fully understand the legacy of the land and its people.