The pioneer spirit and Western culture of the United States are alive and well in South Dakota, a state home to natural wonders, outdoor adventure and fun for everyone.
There’s a reason South Dakota calls itself the “Great Faces, Great Places” state. It is home to a large number of outdoor wonders, unforgettable adventures, charming views, unique restaurants and friendly people.
Hiking the Black Hills (credit South Dakota Department of Tourism)
Travellers around the world can take in the untamed spirit of the American West as they explore sweeping prairies, dense forests and breathtaking mountain scenery in pursuit of history and adventure. Trace the journey of two famed American explorers searching for the elusive Northwest Passage as you follow the Lewis & Clark Trail up the Missouri National Recreational River. Experience an authentic military fort at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park or learn about frontier prairie life in DeSmet, home of Little House on the Prairie’s Laura Ingalls Wilder. Have some good old-fashioned family fun at a South Dakota rodeo or step into the Wild West at Historic Deadwood, a Gold Rush-era town where cards continue to be dealt at gaming tables to this day.
South Dakota is proud of its Native American heritage. That’s why the new 50-foot-tall Dignity statue looks proudly over the Missouri River near Chamberlain only a few miles from the Akta Lakota Museum.
Visitors can also experience an authentic Native American powwow at one of South Dakota’s nine Indian reservations.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Mount Rushmore (credit South Dakota Department of Tourism)
Ready for some outdoor adventure? South Dakota is home to 77,000 square miles of scenic vistas perfect for camping, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and more. Head to Custer State Park and follow the trails to the top of Black Elk Peak for panoramic views from the highest natural point east of the Rockies. Pitch a tent and stroll around the otherworldly landscape of Badlands National Park. Swim, fish or float in the mighty Missouri River or take a subterranean adventure at Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, two of the longest caves in the world.
Of course, you can’t visit the land of “Great Faces, Great Places” without experiencing Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Open year-round, the memorial’s 60-foot-high faces of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln amaze travellers with their size and detail. Only a few miles away is the Crazy Horse Memorial. Currently under construction but open for public viewing, the monument will be the largest mountain carving in the world once completed and is the perfect place to see history in the making.
SOUTH DAKOTA ROUNDUP
Mount Rushmore National Memorial/ Crazy Horse Memorial
Experience the legendary Mount Rushmore up close, then visit the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial to witness the progress being made on this statue honoring the Native American warrior. Learn more here: www.nps.gov/moru www.crazyhorsememorial.org
Dignity
View this 50-foot, stainless steel statue erected in 2016 to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. Learn more here: www.travelsouthdakota.com/explore-with-us/spotlights/dignity-earth-sky
Badlands
Take in 244,000 acres of unique and colorful landscapes unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Be prepared to see a variety of wildlife while you explore. Learn more here: www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
Falls Park: Travel to the center of Sioux Falls to marvel at the waterfalls in this picturesque park, which also boasts an observation tower, café and more. Learn more here: www.visitsiouxfalls.com/things-to-do/ falls-park/
Custer State Park: Witness the unforgettable site of hundreds of free-roaming buffalo thundering across the prairie at this popular state park. Learn more here: www.gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/
To learn more South Dakota visit: www.TravelSouthDakota.com
