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Fun Things to Do in South Dakota

Ishaan Govardhan
This great state’s dramatically stunning terrain is split in two by the mighty Missouri River. Steeped in a unique blend of cultures, South Dakota has not forgotten its strong Native American roots or its connection to the Old West era.

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Enjoy lively nights in Rapid City and untouched wilderness in South Dakota!

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Start your South Dakota adventure at Mount Rushmore in Keystone!

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Rushmore's adventure: Climb Olton's Shoulder, scale Falling Rock, Victoria's Canyon, or ice climb Spearfish Canyon!

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Big Sioux River roars over quartzite at Falls Park, Sioux Falls, with 7,400 gallons plunging 100 feet per second!
Visit Deadwood and step back in time to the era of the gunslinging outlaws of the Old West. This town has preserved its Wild West look, and you can also check out historically accurate reenactments of shootouts!

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Skate through South Dakota's parks for fun! Spearfish Skatepark has ramps for tricks!

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Fish year-round in South Dakota! Visit D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery for stocked ponds!

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Drive through the Black Hills on Needles Highway for stunning views and the narrow Needles Eye Tunnel!

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Drive through Bear Country USA! Spot wolves, bears, elk, and if lucky: mountain lions!

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No South Dakota roadtrip is over without a drive down the 18-mile Wildlife Loop of Custer State Park. Around these prairies, over 1,500 wild bison roam freely. If you drive up there in September, you'll be able to witness the annual herd roundup.

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Step out, wild awaits! Explore Cathedral Spires, Notch, or Riparian trails!
Explore the stunning Badlands National Park, spanning 242,756 acres with eroded pinnacles and buttes. Keep an eye out for fossils and beautiful agate rocks.
Back in the heart of South Dakotan civilisation, you should visit the town of Rapid City. There's a unique attraction in its Art Alley: a back alley where the buildings are covered in colorful graffiti and modern art. With the proper permit, you can spray your own art over its walls if you want to.
Downtown Rapid City boasts the City of Presidents Walk, featuring life-sized bronze statues of every US president—a captivating stroll through the nation's history.

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Dive into chocolate heaven at Hill City's Turtle Town! Grab their signature fudge!
Indulge at Hill City's Turtle Town for heavenly handmade chocolate fudge!

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Embrace winter's pure white slopes! Book your stay at South Dakota's ski resorts now!

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Discover 1,500+ miles of snowmobile trails in South Dakota! Zip through ponderosa pines!

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From December to March, try your hand at ice fishing on Enemy Swim, Waubay Lake, or Lake Thompson. See if you can reel in northern pikes, yellow perch, and walleyes!

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Don't miss the spectacular Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival every August!