Top 10 Attractions in South Dakota

From outdoors activities and zoos, to museums and thrill rides, here are the Top 10 South Dakota attractions.

1. Mount Rushmore
   13000 Highway 244
   Keyston, SD   57751
   

   You've heard of it. We all have. It's been the subject of so many movies and the origin of so many other titles. But what exactly is "Mount Rushmore"? Mount Rushmore is an epic sculpture carved into a massive South Dakotan mountainside, featuring the faces of four exalted American presidents: George Washington peers out from the mountainside, and Theodore Roosevelt squints beside him. Thomas Jefferson strikes a proud facial pose, and Abraham Lincoln watches over all with a cautious eye. Witness four of the greatest men of history displayed in what is possibly the most famous statue in the world.

2. Crazy Horse Memorial
   12151 Avenue of the Chiefs
   Crazy Horse, SD   57730
   

   One of the most massive testaments to the Native American culture lays in South Dakota, and goes by the name of "Crazy Horse Memorial." There's a rich history to this monument: In 1939, Indian Chief Henry Standing Bear wrote to sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, urging the sculptor's aid in furthering his claim that "the red man has great heroes, too." Fifty-five years later, Ziolkowski and his family continue this great mountainside dream.

3. Rapid City
   Rapid City is a host of wonderful things to do in the state of South Dakota. Serving as its prime city, there's no shortage of culture to reflect that fact. Enjoy world-class theatre at venues throughout the city, or capitalize on a booming nightlife which reflects the sentiments of the population of this thriving city. A variety of museums and other attractions make this a definite layover on your vacation to South Dakotas.
   
   
4. Adams Museum
   54 Sherman Street
   Deadwood, SD   57732
   605-578-1714
   

   This interesting history museum will acquaint you with the world of the South Dakotan settlers. Get up-close and personal with these great bodies, minds and souls and find out the brazen stories behind the blazing of this beautiful state. Artwork and photographs will dispel the visual myths; while a host of fascinating historical artifacts bring to vivid life the times past which propelled South Dakota into the future.

5. Boothill Tours
   11 Jackson St
   Deadwood, SD   57732
   605-578-3758
   

   Take a bus tour through beautiful Deadwood and you'll quickly find yourself becoming acquainted with the history of this historical town. Enjoy the expert narrations of the tour guide you'll have at your disposal, and trust that you'll become familiar with some of the most historical, albeit the most fascinating, points in the city of Deadwood. From famous graves to historic districts and interesting glimpses into the area's cultural history, utilize Boothill Tours to your advantage.

6. Falls Park
   309 E. Falls Park
   Sioux Falls, SD   57104
   605-367-7430
   

   This stunning park in the city of Sioux Falls is actually where the city itself derives its name. As such, it's certainly the area's most distinctive attraction, if not one of the most in South Dakota. Whether you're a huge fan of nature or prefer the cemented ways of the city life, you're bound to appreciate Falls Park, which is named for the plummeting waterfalls which beautifully grace its grounds.

7. Dacotah Prairie Museum
   21 South Main Street
   Aberdeen, SD   57402
   605-626-7117
   

   The idea for a community museum in Aberdeen can find its origins to almost 70 years ago, when a couple of fertile minds came up with the idea. We're not clear as to who came up with the funds, but the result is rich in history and valuable as an educational experience. It's also bound to enchant you with details about the lives of the settlers of South Dakota, some of the most important figures in the history's state.

8. Storybook Land
   Wylie Park
   Aberdeen, SD  
   605-626-7015
   

   Crowned as Aberdeen's magical theme park, Storybook Land is where you'll find all of the characters from your magically-inclined past brought to vivid life before your eyes. Meet Dorothy, Toto and the gang, or hand-feed the animals from Old McDonald's farm. Experience the Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe's spacious domicile, or just take the carousel for a whirl.

9. Mitchell's Corn Palace
   604 N. Main Street
   Mitchell, SD   57301
   605-995-8430
   

   This amazing locale provides a unique setting for all things corn. From miniature artwork deriving from this starchy vegetable to entire wall-spanning murals made purely from corn, these people take the name "Corn Palace" seriously, and beg you to too. The venue has been around since 1882, and has become one of South Dakota's most popular - and most intriguing - tourist destinations.

10. Enchanted World Doll Museum
    615 N. Main Street
    Mitchell, SD   57301
    605-996-9896
    

    Anyone with a mind for dolls will want to stop into the Enchanted World Doll Museum, where throngs of your miniature favorites await your arrival. This is truly the king - or, more appropriately, princess - of doll collections, with over 5,000 shrunken versions of the real thing on display. Masculine characters are advised not to stray - the collection has something for everyone, including a collection of premier Star Wars dolls.

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