There is no end to the places you can explore in South Dakota. If this warm spring weather has you itching for an adventure, these are the places you must visit. With 8 places on the list located throughout South Dakota, this list of adventures should last you all summer!
- Gitchi Manitou
Vorasine Vince Phrommany / Facebook
Photon Imagery / Facebook Located on the South Dakota and Iowa border, this Natural Preserve is the stuff adventures are made of. In 1973, four Sioux Falls teens were murdered while camping at Gitchi Manitou. This park also used to be an American Indian burial ground. The park is technically closed after dark, but the brave still visit.
- Harney Peak
Black Hills Aerial Adventures / Facebook The hike to the top of Harney Peak is a committed adventure for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest point in the US East of the Rocky Mountains. It is located just a few miles Southwest of Mt. Rushmore, where you can begin your hike to the summit. You can also start the hike from Lake Sylvan among other locations. With mountain goats, porcupines and other wildlife calling this area home, you are guaranteed to see amazing sights and have the adventure of a lifetime.
- Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park / Facebook In the southeast corner of the state is this unique and stunning park known as Palisades. The quartzite cliffs that line the river provide beautiful views day or night. This park is perfect for rock climbing, swimming, hiking, camping, fishing and so much more. There is truly an adventure for everyone at Palisades State Park.
- Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park / Facebook
Wind Cave National Park / Facebook You can’t get a better adventure than traveling to a secret world beneath the ground. Wind Cave National Park is home to wildlife galore as well as an underground wonderland. Known for the unique boxwork formations found inside, this cave is named after the winds caused by the change in barometric pressure at the entrance. Aren’t you just itching to explore this cave?
- Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon / Facebook Spearfish Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in all of South Dakota. People travel here to swim, fish, picnic and hike. Accessible from many trails, making your way down to the water is an adventure in itself.
- Sylvan Lake
David Wynia / Flickr This lake is jaw-dropping. The adventure you can find here is just as unbelievable as the stunning views. Rock climbing, cliff jumping, fishing, hiking and hunting. You can really do it all at Sylvan Lake.
- Gavin’s Point Dam
US Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District / Flickr Drive just west of Yankton to visit Gavin’s Point Dam on the Missouri River. Take a tour of the dam and the fish hatchery near by. If you aren’t already in awe of the 8700 foot wide dam, you can find even more to marvel at by spending time out on Lewis & Clark Lake.
- Badlands 1880 Homestead
Badlands 1880 Homestead / Airbnb This Airbnb adventure is not for the faint of heart. Staying at this homestead means no electricity, no running water and definitely no internet. This homestead is an adventure you absolutely must experience. Find out more here.
With all these adventures to get in on, you’d better start now. What are your favorite adventurous places to go in South Dakota?
Vorasine Vince Phrommany / Facebook
Photon Imagery / Facebook
Located on the South Dakota and Iowa border, this Natural Preserve is the stuff adventures are made of. In 1973, four Sioux Falls teens were murdered while camping at Gitchi Manitou. This park also used to be an American Indian burial ground. The park is technically closed after dark, but the brave still visit.
Black Hills Aerial Adventures / Facebook
The hike to the top of Harney Peak is a committed adventure for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest point in the US East of the Rocky Mountains. It is located just a few miles Southwest of Mt. Rushmore, where you can begin your hike to the summit. You can also start the hike from Lake Sylvan among other locations. With mountain goats, porcupines and other wildlife calling this area home, you are guaranteed to see amazing sights and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Palisades State Park / Facebook
In the southeast corner of the state is this unique and stunning park known as Palisades. The quartzite cliffs that line the river provide beautiful views day or night. This park is perfect for rock climbing, swimming, hiking, camping, fishing and so much more. There is truly an adventure for everyone at Palisades State Park.
Wind Cave National Park / Facebook
You can’t get a better adventure than traveling to a secret world beneath the ground. Wind Cave National Park is home to wildlife galore as well as an underground wonderland. Known for the unique boxwork formations found inside, this cave is named after the winds caused by the change in barometric pressure at the entrance. Aren’t you just itching to explore this cave?
Spearfish Canyon / Facebook
Spearfish Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in all of South Dakota. People travel here to swim, fish, picnic and hike. Accessible from many trails, making your way down to the water is an adventure in itself.
David Wynia / Flickr
This lake is jaw-dropping. The adventure you can find here is just as unbelievable as the stunning views. Rock climbing, cliff jumping, fishing, hiking and hunting. You can really do it all at Sylvan Lake.
US Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District / Flickr
Drive just west of Yankton to visit Gavin’s Point Dam on the Missouri River. Take a tour of the dam and the fish hatchery near by. If you aren’t already in awe of the 8700 foot wide dam, you can find even more to marvel at by spending time out on Lewis & Clark Lake.
Badlands 1880 Homestead / Airbnb
This Airbnb adventure is not for the faint of heart. Staying at this homestead means no electricity, no running water and definitely no internet. This homestead is an adventure you absolutely must experience. Find out more here.
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