Some of South Dakota’s attractions are so incredible that they garner a lot national attention. Everyone knows all about Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. But here’s a little secret: the tourists are missing some of the best stuff! Here are 9 hidden places that only locals know about.
- Good Earth State Park at Blood Run: The Little Known Natural Oasis You’re Sure To Love
605Kathy1/TripAdvisor You can’t help but love exploring the 588 acres of lush forest at this state park, and the Big Sioux River runs right through it. Take a hike to see the forest, river and the Blood Run Site, which has been occupied for more than 8,500 years. For more information, read our full article here.
- McCrory Gardens: The Hidden Park That’s South Dakota’s Best Kept Secret
McCrory Gardens/Facebook This pretty botanical garden is maintained by South Dakota State University, and it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Wander through the arboretum and the 25 acres of gardens to see a large variety of plants. For more information, read our full article here.
- Hidden Hill Lodge: The Remote Resort That’s The Perfect Place To Get Away From It All
Hidden Hill Lodge/Facebook Hidden Hill Lodge is not far from Roslyn, but once you’re here you’ll feel as though you’ve found your own retreat. Surrounded on three sides by glacial lakes, this resort will pamper you and feed you well. For more information, read our full article here.
- Sage Creek Wilderness Area: The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In South Dakota
Kevin Wolff/TripAdvisor The Remote Footprints Project lists every state’s most remote, isolated spot, and the Sage Creek Wilderness Area is South Dakota’s. It’s part of Badlands National Park and is full of natural beauty. For more information, read our full article here.
- The Minuteman Missile Historical Site: An Unexpected Piece Of History Hiding Underground
LA_Dweller/TripAdvisor During the Cold War, this place was top secret; now it’s a historical site where visitors can learn about the Minuteman Missile program and the history of the Cold War. You can even see a real Minuteman Missile! For more information, read our full article here.
- PaleoAdventures: A Unique Tour Most People Don’t Know About
CorkyMc62/TripAdvisor The tour starts in Belle Fourche, and your guide is Walter W. Stein, a noted paleontologist who will take you to a dig site where you’ll get to dig for real dinosaur bones. For more information, read our full article here.
- Terrace Park: A Little Known, Unique Park
605Kathy1/TripAdvisor The Japanese Gardens in Terrace Park are truly breathtaking. The park is right in Sioux Falls, but when you wander through here, you’ll enjoy some peace and quiet and feel as though you’re far from the city. For more information, read our full article here.
- Little Elk Cottage: A Little Known Place To Stay
Little Elk Cottage/TripAdvisor Vanocker Canyon is the setting for this gorgeous little cabin in the woods. Just 30 minutes from Rapid City, this little paradise feels remote…and you might see elk in the yard! For more information, read our full article here.
- Palisades State Park: South Dakota’s Underrated State Park That’s The Most Beautiful
Jerry/flickr The unique rock formations at this underrated state park are magnificent, and you can explore them by hiking, boating and camping. Split Rock Creek meanders through this pretty place, adding to the scenery. For more information, read our full article here.
To see more of South Dakota’s amazing sights, take a look at these 8 natural wonders hiding in plain sight – no hiking required!
605Kathy1/TripAdvisor
You can’t help but love exploring the 588 acres of lush forest at this state park, and the Big Sioux River runs right through it. Take a hike to see the forest, river and the Blood Run Site, which has been occupied for more than 8,500 years. For more information, read our full article here.
McCrory Gardens/Facebook
This pretty botanical garden is maintained by South Dakota State University, and it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Wander through the arboretum and the 25 acres of gardens to see a large variety of plants. For more information, read our full article here.
Hidden Hill Lodge/Facebook
Hidden Hill Lodge is not far from Roslyn, but once you’re here you’ll feel as though you’ve found your own retreat. Surrounded on three sides by glacial lakes, this resort will pamper you and feed you well. For more information, read our full article here.
Kevin Wolff/TripAdvisor
The Remote Footprints Project lists every state’s most remote, isolated spot, and the Sage Creek Wilderness Area is South Dakota’s. It’s part of Badlands National Park and is full of natural beauty. For more information, read our full article here.
LA_Dweller/TripAdvisor
During the Cold War, this place was top secret; now it’s a historical site where visitors can learn about the Minuteman Missile program and the history of the Cold War. You can even see a real Minuteman Missile! For more information, read our full article here.
CorkyMc62/TripAdvisor
The tour starts in Belle Fourche, and your guide is Walter W. Stein, a noted paleontologist who will take you to a dig site where you’ll get to dig for real dinosaur bones. For more information, read our full article here.
The Japanese Gardens in Terrace Park are truly breathtaking. The park is right in Sioux Falls, but when you wander through here, you’ll enjoy some peace and quiet and feel as though you’re far from the city. For more information, read our full article here.
Little Elk Cottage/TripAdvisor
Vanocker Canyon is the setting for this gorgeous little cabin in the woods. Just 30 minutes from Rapid City, this little paradise feels remote…and you might see elk in the yard! For more information, read our full article here.
Jerry/flickr
The unique rock formations at this underrated state park are magnificent, and you can explore them by hiking, boating and camping. Split Rock Creek meanders through this pretty place, adding to the scenery. For more information, read our full article here.
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