Fun things to do in South Dakota
Most people think of Mount Rushmore when they plan a trip to South Dakota. And, why not! This massive sculpture of four of the most beloved presidents has become one the most iconic symbols in the country and is visited by about 3 million tourists each year.
Mount Rushmore is just one in a long list of fun things to do in South Dakota, a state rich in the history of the Old West, the American Indian culture, and many spectacular natural wonders. South Dakota has something for every member of the family to enjoy, from museums and national parks, to the Main Street Shootout in Deadwood, to experiencing the outdoors hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking the Black Hills National Forest.
South Dakota has nice weather during the months between May and October. Summer days are pleasantly warm, in the mid-80’s, perfect for enjoying the outdoor recreational activities that South Dakota has to offer. Winters in the Black Hills are generally mild, but with the occasional heavy snowfall.
Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation with the family or a long weekend, there is plenty to see and do in South Dakota. You can expect to find family fun happening every weekend during the summer months. Enjoy jazz and blues in Sioux Falls, Wild West festivals in Deadwood, or a buffalo roundup in Custer State Park. Visiting South Dakota is all about making memories.
Year round fun
South Dakota is home to some of the best national parks in the U.S. Visit Badlands National Park, 380 square miles of jagged red pinnacles and buttes and windswept prairie. Enjoy one of the most spectacular and colorful sunsets. Jewel Cave, the world’s third longest cave, is a national monument with more than 180 miles of mapped passages to explore.
The Black Hills are home to over 1.2 million acres of forest and mountains and provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. A trip to the Black Hills wouldn’t be complete without visits to Mount Rushmore National Memorial to take in its rich history and Custer State Park, best known for its herd of roaming buffalo and other wildlife. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture still in progress and dedicated to one of the greatest leaders of the Sioux Nation.
If the history of the Wild West is your thing, plan a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery, the final resting spot for Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Head into the city of Deadwood for some good old-fashioned family fun.
Fun things to do in South Dakota aren’t just limited to the summer months. Winter is a great time to enjoy cross country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the Black Hills National Forest. In the fall, the colorful foliage makes for a spectacular drive through Spearfish Canyon.
Staying safe
If you’re traveling in South Dakota, you want to have lots of fun, but you want to be safe as well. If you find yourself involved in an accident and need the help of a personal injury attorney, call the Law Office of Gregory Yates, Rapid City car accident law firm, with the knowledge and experience necessary when it comes to litigating cases in which the parties involved and witnesses may not be residents of South Dakota.