The Black Hills National Forest is undoubtedly one of South Dakota’s most precious gems, and Badlands National Park also gets tons of attention. But you’ll find plenty of hidden gems in the eastern part of the state. We’ve featured several of these awesome spots in the last few months; here’s a sampling of just a few. At the end of each description, you’ll find a link to our full article, where you can see more photos and get more information.
- Hartford Beach State Park, Corona
Hartford Beach State Park/Facebook Hartford Beach State Park is nestled on the shores of Big Stone Lake, which provides plenty of recreation opportunities. Take one of the five hiking trails to explore, and watch for wildlife. Click here to read our article.
- Wild Water West Waterpark, Sioux Falls
Wild Water West Waterpark/Facebook Wild Water West Waterpark isn’t exactly “hidden,” but it’s definitely a place you shouldn’t miss this summer. Enjoy the lazy river, zero-entry wave pool and waterslides. Click here to read our article.
- Empire Pizza, Watertown
Empire Pizza South Dakota has plenty of great places to grab a pizza, but the tiny, unassuming little Empire Pizza in Watertown just might be the best. Click here to read our article.
- Falls Park Farmers Market, Sioux Falls
Falls Park Farmers Market/Facebook You really shouldn’t miss South Dakota’s biggest farmers market this summer. Held every Saturday, this market sells fresh produce, hand-crafted items, honey and more. Click here to read our article.
- Nicolett Tower, Sisseton
U.S. Department of Agriculture/flickr You’ll find Nicolett Tower in the far northeastern corner of the state. Climb the 80 stairs to the top, where you’ll have a killer view that includes three states: South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Click here to read our article.
- Richmond Lake Recreation Area, Aberdeen
Richmond Lake Recreation Area Richmond Lake Recreation Area has a beautiful campground and several hiking trails. And, of course…Richmond Lake offers 829 acres of swimming, boating and fishing. Click here to read our article.
- Queen Bee Mill Ruins, Sioux Falls
Craig Bennet/flickr Visit Falls Park in Sioux Falls to see the ruins of the Queen Bee Mill. This mill had quite the history - and some controversy, too. Click here to read our article.
- Ward’s Store and Bakery, De Smet
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr The pioneer heritage is alive and well in De Smet, and this little general store is a great reminder of the past. This store carries fun, local merchandise and makes tasty lunch and bakery items, too. Click here to read our article.
- Minerva’s, Sioux Falls
Minervas Downtown/Facebook This neighborhood icon is the perfect place to go for a special occasion. The steaks are delicious, and the patio dining is perfect during summer months. Click here to read our article.
- Sertoma Butterfly House, Sioux Falls
HealthyButTasty/Tripadvisor The 3,600-square-foot garden at Sertoma Butterfly House is full of butterflies - as many as 800 for you to visit. This beautiful spot is kept at a balmy 80 degrees, and its full of tropical flowers. Click here to read our article.
- Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, Near Humboldt
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area/Facebook The Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is just 27 miles west of Sioux Falls, near Humboldt. It’s the perfect place to spend the day boating, fishing, hiking and making memories. Click here to read our article.
- Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, Sioux Falls
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum/Facebook The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is a hidden little oasis where you can escape everyday life and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Spend an afternoon exploring the 115 acres here. Click here to read our article.
- Splash Central Waterpark, Huron
Splash Central Waterpark/Facebook On a hot summer day, cool off at Splash Central Waterpark in Huron. In addition to waterslides and a lazy river, this park offers an obstacle course, kids play areas and cabanas. Click here to read our article.
What other East River spots do you think we should feature? Let us know in the comments!
Hartford Beach State Park/Facebook
Hartford Beach State Park is nestled on the shores of Big Stone Lake, which provides plenty of recreation opportunities. Take one of the five hiking trails to explore, and watch for wildlife. Click here to read our article.
Wild Water West Waterpark/Facebook
Wild Water West Waterpark isn’t exactly “hidden,” but it’s definitely a place you shouldn’t miss this summer. Enjoy the lazy river, zero-entry wave pool and waterslides. Click here to read our article.
Empire Pizza
South Dakota has plenty of great places to grab a pizza, but the tiny, unassuming little Empire Pizza in Watertown just might be the best. Click here to read our article.
Falls Park Farmers Market/Facebook
You really shouldn’t miss South Dakota’s biggest farmers market this summer. Held every Saturday, this market sells fresh produce, hand-crafted items, honey and more. Click here to read our article.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/flickr
You’ll find Nicolett Tower in the far northeastern corner of the state. Climb the 80 stairs to the top, where you’ll have a killer view that includes three states: South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Click here to read our article.
Richmond Lake Recreation Area
Richmond Lake Recreation Area has a beautiful campground and several hiking trails. And, of course…Richmond Lake offers 829 acres of swimming, boating and fishing. Click here to read our article.
Craig Bennet/flickr
Visit Falls Park in Sioux Falls to see the ruins of the Queen Bee Mill. This mill had quite the history - and some controversy, too. Click here to read our article.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
The pioneer heritage is alive and well in De Smet, and this little general store is a great reminder of the past. This store carries fun, local merchandise and makes tasty lunch and bakery items, too. Click here to read our article.
Minervas Downtown/Facebook
This neighborhood icon is the perfect place to go for a special occasion. The steaks are delicious, and the patio dining is perfect during summer months. Click here to read our article.
HealthyButTasty/Tripadvisor
The 3,600-square-foot garden at Sertoma Butterfly House is full of butterflies - as many as 800 for you to visit. This beautiful spot is kept at a balmy 80 degrees, and its full of tropical flowers. Click here to read our article.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area/Facebook
The Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is just 27 miles west of Sioux Falls, near Humboldt. It’s the perfect place to spend the day boating, fishing, hiking and making memories. Click here to read our article.
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum/Facebook
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is a hidden little oasis where you can escape everyday life and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Spend an afternoon exploring the 115 acres here. Click here to read our article.
Splash Central Waterpark/Facebook
On a hot summer day, cool off at Splash Central Waterpark in Huron. In addition to waterslides and a lazy river, this park offers an obstacle course, kids play areas and cabanas. Click here to read our article.
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