37 Best Things To Do in South Dakota This Summer 

The "Mount Rushmore State" offers endless opportunities for adventure, from exploring awe-inspiring caves and parks to admiring breathtaking waterfall views – and it doesn’t stop there!  

Here are the top 37 things to do in South Dakota. 

The Best Things To Do in South Dakota

Four famous faces are carved into the granite mountainside: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.  This iconic landmark draws over two million visitors annually who come to marvel at its sheer size and majesty. 

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial

This extraordinary monument honors one of the most revered Native American leaders and warriors in history. When completed, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world, standing 641 feet long and 563 feet tall. 

Self-Guided Tours

In addition to admiring this impressive work of art from afar, you can explore the on-site Indian Museum of North America to get a deeper understanding of Native American culture and history. 

The Mammoth Site of Hot Spring

The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs offers a unique angle into history and paleontology. The site boasts the world’s largest concentration of mammoth remains, giving you an unparalleled glimpse into life during the Ice Age. 

Self-Guided Tours

As an active paleontological excavation site, you can witness firsthand how scientists work to uncover and study fossils. Guided tours provide insight into how these remarkable specimens are found and what they teach us about prehistoric times. 

Find out the rest of the best things to do in South Dakota this summer!

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