South Dakota is a north Midwestern state known for its endless prairies, rolling meadows, and blue skies. One of the state’s greatest attractions is Black Hills National Forest, which is home to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse memorial. The Black Hills has state parks, freshwater lakes, innumerable campsites, trail rides, hiking trails, and rock climbing opportunities. History and science merge in South Dakota to reveal fossils and bones from the Prehistoric Era and Ice Age, as well as artifacts of Native American history. Visitors will enjoy learning about early pioneer days and the tribes of the northern Great Plains. Here are the top 25 things to do with kids in South Dakota.
Visit the Akta Lakota Museum
Originally opened in 1991, the Akta Lakota Museum and cultural center is located within the old St. Joseph’s Indian School, in the town of Chamberlain. “Akta Lakota,” means “to honor the people”. The museum’s mission is to share the stories and life of the Lakota culture, and to pay tribute to the history of the Sioux nation.
Enjoy Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park sprawls across 244,000 acres of gorgeously rugged, grass prairie. Bison, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs can still be found roaming the grassland today.
Explore Black Hills Caverns
Black Hills Caverns has been guiding cave tours since 1939. Guests journey into a subterranean world of mystery, as they learn about the cave’s unique geological structures and ecosystem.
Visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
Established in 1988 by Oregonian rancher, Dayton O. Hyde, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary sprawls over 11,000 acres of private land in the southern Black Hills.
Take the kids to the Bramble Park Zoo
Located in Watertown, the Bramble Park Zoo, is home to an extensive list of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and arthropods.
Admire the Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial features a monument blasted and carved into a monstrous rock formation.
Hike in Custer State Park
Custer State Park stretches itself across 71,000 acres in the Black Hills.
Dacotah Prairie Museum
Established in 1969, The Dacotah Prairie Museum features a number of different galleries which host a variety of permanent exhibits, as well as several on rotation. Various exhibits featuring culture, art, photography, history, natural science and engineering are represented among its offerings.
Four Mile Old West Town
Tucked away between Custer and Jewel cave, the self-proclaimed “Friendliest Little Ghost Town in Dakota Territory” gives visitors a peek into the past. The family-owned-and-operated ghost town is known for its enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.
Guests may wander freely through the old town’s abandoned buildings, or choose a guided tour of the Four Mile Old West Town to learn more about the history of the area.
Grand River Museum
The Grand River Museum offers a unique blend of prehistoric history, as well as Native American and early pioneer history.
High Plains Western Heritage Center
Founded in 1970, High Plains Western Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the high plains.
Historic Adams House
Built in 1892, The Historic Adams House features Queen Anne-style architectural design.
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is a fully operational archaeological dig site in South Dakota.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens is a free-flowing animal park surrounded by exquisite botanical gardens that feature lush flowers and foliage from around the world.
Rushmore Cave at Rush Mountain Adventure Park
Rushmore Cave at Rush Mountain Adventure Park is jam-packed with exciting thrills for the whole family.
The Mammoth Site and Museum
The The Mammoth Site and Museum is the world’s largest concentration of mammoths.
Wind Cave National Park
At Wind Cave National Park, visitors are taken to another world beneath the Earth’s surface, as they descend in the cave elevator, leaving grass prairies behind.
