Here’s some highlights from our recent adventure through South Dakota. We share the places we enjoyed stopping by and exploring.
20+ Family Fun Places to See and Things to do in South Dakota
This post is sponsored by Kuhl clothing. We were thankful to try out some clothing from our friends at Kuhl during our trip. Also some of the companies in South Dakota worked with us. But all opinions are our own. This post also contains affiliate links where we might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Kayla enjoyed her Kuhl pants, they were durable and comfortable. She liked having a built in phone pocket on the leggings. The joggers were a great material which kept her cool during hiking.
I absolutely loved my convertible pants. As the days got hotter I was able to convert my pants into shorts. The pockets were also very handy for for securing my phone, wallet, and battery pack.
Check them out here if you are interested in good traveling / hiking clothes.
Here’s our list of our favorite things to do in South Dakota.
20. Corn Palace
We enjoyed stopping here because it’s FREE and fun! The artwork was interesting and unique. They use actual corn to decorate the building. They also did a good job displaying the history of the Corn Palace.
Check out our FB Reel showing highlights from the Corn Palace.
Before you leave get a snack for the road they have a great variety. We opted for some delicious popcorn.
Cost : FREE Location : Mitchell, South Dakota. More info : Official Site
19. Falls Park at Sioux Falls
Our first night in South Dakota we stayed in Sioux Falls. We figured with a name like that there must be some waterfalls around.
We found them at Falls Park and they are beautiful. Our boys loved climbing around on the rocks and viewing the falls.
There are also some historic landmarks and signs about the area within the park.
Check out our FB Reel showing highlights from the falls.
Cost: FREE Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota More Info: Official Site
18. 1880 Town
The 1880 Town is a collection of original historic buildings moved to one location in the layout of an old town.
This was a great family fun stop. We all loved being able to go inside many of the buildings and seeing how people lived back in 1800s.
They also have an amazing amount of movie props and sets from “Dances with Wolves”
Cost: Free – $14 per age. (Official prices on their website) Location: I90 – Murdo, South Dakota. More Info: Official Site
17. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center
The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center is a fun place to stop and learn about history of the many middles hidden in plain site.
They have a film and many hands on interactive exhibits.
Cost : FREE Location : Jackson Country, South Dakota. More info : Official Site
16. Wall Drug
If you have ever driven to South Dakota you have probably seen the many billboards along the highways leading to Wall, South Dakota.
Wall Drug is tourist attraction with photo ops, stores and much more.
Cost: FREE Location: Wall, South Dakota. More Info: Official Site
15. Explore Lead / Deadwood
Lead and Deadwood are unique towns worth a stop. They are filled with history.
Deadwood has historic buildings and many shops.
Lead has a FREE mine museum and views from of a huge mine.
Cost: Free / (Optional Tours and Attractions Available) Location: Lead, South Dakota and Deadwood, South Dakota. More Info: Official Site Deadwood / Official Site Lead
14. Hike Badlands National Park
Badlands has many wonderful hiking trails and many that are easy for families and young kids.
There are a few trails that are even wheelchair accessible. Our boys loved exploring the trails and learning about the area.
Cost: $30 for a 7 day vehicle entrance pass. Location: Badlands National Park More Info: Official Site
13. The Mammoth Site
The Mammoth Site is an amazing attraction in South Dakota. It is a legitimate mammoth dig site that has a building built around it.
They have detailed audio guides throughout the site, a informative film and hands on experiences.
Cost: 0- $14 (based on age) Location: Hot Springs, South Dakota More Info: Official Site
12. Fossil Finder Museum
We stumbled upon this Fossil Finder Museum in Hot Springs and were blown away with how impressive it was.
We got to meet the Fossil Finder himself Frank Garcia.
He gave us a tour and we were so happy to see the real fossils and artifacts he has and to hear his story.
Cost: Free up to $10 dollars per person (depending on age) Location: Hot Springs, South Dakota More Info: Official Site
11. Pactola Lake Scenic Views
Pactola Lake is a beautiful place to stop for some scenic views, for boating fishing or swimming.
We enjoyed stopping at a few points to take photos and enjoy the scenic views.
Cost: Free Location: Black Hills More Info: Official Site
10. Wind Cave National Park Cave Tour
Cost: 7$ and up depending tour and age. Location: South Eastern South Dakota, Visitor Center is near Hot Springs. More Info: Official Site
9.Wind Cave National Park Wildlife Viewing
We were amazed at the wildlife at Wind Cave National Park. We had Bison come pretty close to our car
Cost: Free Location: South Eastern South Dakota, Visitor Center is near Hot Springs . More Info: Official Site
8. This Bison Center at Custer State Park
The Bison Center is a fun place to safely see Bison up close and learn about them through interactive exhibits.
Cost: Free to get in Bison Center (But Custer State Park has an entrance fee of $20 per vehicle for a 7 day ticket.)
Location: In Custer State Park
More Info: Official Site
7. Lake Sylvan at Custer State Park
Lake Sylvan is a beautiful lake with a fun hiking trail. The trail takes you around the lake and beside many rock formations.
Cost: Custer State Park has an entrance fee of $20 per vehicle for a 7 day ticket. Location: Custer State Park More Info: Official Site
6. Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is one of the most popular attractions in South Dakota.
Its a must see when in the area. There is a nice trail, museum, gift shop and much more.
Cost: $10 to Park. Pass last for a full year. Location: Mount Rushmore National Park. More Info: Official Site
5. Stay at Black Forest Inn Bed & Breakfast
The Black Forest Inn Bed and Breakfast is the place to stay in South Dakota. It is in a great location, they have delicious breakfast and a wonderful property.
Cost: Varies by Season / Room Location: Black Hills South Dakota More Info: Check out our article all about Black Forest Inn here.
4. Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a must see. It is under construction and privately funded.
They have a museum explaining the history, many interesting artifacts and much more on site.
Cost: $15 per vehicle Location: Close to Hill City More Info: Official Site
3. Scenic Drive Badlands National Park
The Badlands are unlike many other national parks. The rock formations and colors are different than you will see in other National Parks.
The scenic drives provides many viewpoints for photos, you will see wildlife and get access to hiking trails.
Cost: $30 for a 7 day vehicle entrance pass. Location: Bad Lands National Park More Info: Official Site
2. Wildlife Loop Road Custer State Park
The amount of Wildlife we saw across Custer State Park was impressive. We got up close and personal views of Bison from our car.
Not only did we see Bison and Prarie dogs, but we also saw, antelope, burros, deer and more.
Cost: Custer State Park has an entrance fee of $20 per vehicle for a 7 day ticket. Location: Custer State Park More Info: Official Site
1. Needles Scenic Drive in Custer State Park
Needles Scenic Drive is one of the most popular attractions in South Dakota.
We enjoyed a sunset drive beside the rock formations, and through the many tunnels.
Cost: Custer State Park has an entrance fee of $20 per vehicle for a 7 day ticket. Location: Custer State Park More Info: Official Site
That wraps up our list of the Best Family Fun Things to do in South Dakota.
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