South Dakota Attractions

Wilderness adventures can be costly. South Dakota attractions are affordable, enjoyable and available year round. Six South Dakota State Parks provide year round accommodations in lodges that offer outdoor activities for young and old alike. If you want a great family time, a South Dakota family vacation is definitely worth considering.

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The Black Hills National Forest featuring impressive and breath taking views from the top of granite peaks is close to many other family activities. This forest has miles of hiking trails, fishing spots and campsite locations. Many are free but some require a permit to stay. Check before you go to make sure that they are open to the public.

Once you have visited the Black Hills you might want to visit the Corn Palace. The exterior of this unique structure is covered in a mosaic of corn and other local grains. It is refurbished every spring. The current building is the third since it was originally built in 1892.

A visit to South Dakota should include a visit to Mount Rushmore. This sculpture carved from the granite mountain took decades to complete. The four United States presidents look down into the valley. As more and more visitors come to see this amazing work additional lodging, restaurants and camp grounds are built nearby.

Also located in the Black Hills will be a sculpture dedicated to Crazy Horse, an Oglala Sioux warrior. Visitors can observe the progress while taking part in the festivals and activities that start in May. Presented by local Native Americans, these festivals highlight the indigenous people that lived and continue to live in this area.

Safari lovers will want to visit Bear Country USA. Self-guided tours allow visitors to set their own pace. Special programming areas like Babyland allow guests to get close to the young ones that live in the park. Keep in mind that babies get cranky and sometimes this feature is not available.

If you are visiting South Dakota, you may want to stop at the best tourist traps in the US. Wall Drugs started out offering ice water to travelers. Over the years it developed unique displays and attractions that earned it the top tourist trap rating in South Dakota. Travelers can take pictures with the Jack-O-lope or relax with a scoop of ice cream. Pan for gold or chase a dinosaur in a wild-west atmosphere.

With rolling hills where deer and antelope invite you to play with them, South Dakota attractions promises fun for you and your family.

South Dakota Attractions make this state one of our Best Family Vacation Destinations