2021-12-16 05:49:22
EXPLORE SOUTH DAKOTA’S REGIONS Wide open grasslands, dramatic rock formations, historic mining towns that nod to Wild West days, panoramic overlooks along the Missouri River — there’s an adventure to be found in every region of South Dakota. In the west, explore the Black Hills & Badlands Region. To the northeast, discover the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region. In central South Dakota, experience the history of Lewis and Clark in the Missouri River Region, and bring the whole family to the Southeast Region for unforgettable attractions. Great Places Await Black Hills & Badlands With one of the largest concentrations of national parks, monuments and caves in the Midwest, this region is packed with natural beauty and family-friendly adventure. Highlights PARKS & MONUMENTS: See a massive sculpture of four U.S. presidents at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, awe-inspiring rock formations at Badlands National Park in Interior, the third-longest cave in the world at Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, boxwork formations at Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, a sculpture of the famous Oglala Lakota warrior at Crazy Horse Memorial® in Crazy Horse and a 1,400- bison herd at Custer State Park in Custer. QUIRKY SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS: Dating back to 1931, the landmark Wall Drug Store used to lure in road-weary travelers with its free ice water. Today, the draw is 5-cent coffee, handmade donuts and plenty of photo ops. At Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in Philip, view a Cold War-era nuclear missile silo. Time travel to Old West days when you watch an outlaw reenactment on Main Street in Historic Deadwood. READY TO RIDE: Mountain bike along the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail; go off-roading on more than 600 miles of ATV, UTV and OHV trails within the Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail System; or ride your motorcycle within the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Custer, Deadwood, Hill City, Hot Springs, Keystone, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Wall Glacial Lakes & Prairies MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Aberdeen, Brookings, De Smet, Huron, Faulkton, Redfield, Sisseton, Watertown, Webster In this region in northeastern South Dakota, discover glacier-carved lakes scattered across vast grasslands, as well as authentic frontier history and vibrant Native American culture. Highlights HISTORIC SITES: Relive frontier days when you stroll the grounds of the 1864 military fort at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in Lake City or when you ride in a covered wagon across the prairie to a one-room schoolhouse at the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, where Laura Ingalls Wilder once lived. Then, snap a picture of the eccentric “pink castle" — the late 1800s Pickler Mansion in Faulkton and home of South Dakota’s first congressman. CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS & MUSEUMS: In Brookings, peruse artwork at the South Dakota Art Museum and historic exhibits at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Delve into the life of artist Terry Redlin at The Redlin Art Center in Watertown, showcasing more than 150 of his oil paintings. Westbound on Highway 212, keep an eye out for the Faulkton Grain Elevator Mural by Guido van Helten. FAMILY FUN: See approximately 800 animals at Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, experience imaginative rides and play areas at the nursery rhyme-themed Storybook Land and the Land of Oz in Aberdeen, zoom down water slides at Splash Central Waterpark in Huron and explore hands-on exhibits at the Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings. Missouri River REGION MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Chamberlain, Fort Pierre, Mobridge, Oacoma, Pierre, Winner More than 440 miles of waterways beckon for endless fun in the sun. Retrace the footsteps of legendary explorers Lewis and Clark, experience Native American heritage and visit the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre. Highlights FUN ON THE WATER: Paddle in a kayak along the Missouri River — the longest river in the U.S. — or launch a larger watercraft into the 80-mile Lake Sharpe. SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE: Reel in walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish and salmon on the Missouri River and the 231-mile Lake Oahe — the largest of four Missouri River reservoirs. Revel in renowned pheasant and waterfowl hunting, as well as big game hunting. Numerous rodeos throughout the year showcase the skill, stamina and competitive spirit of cowboys and cowgirls. TRIBAL CULTURE: Learn about South Dakota’s earliest inhabitants at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. In Chamberlain, shop authentic handmade Native American crafts at the Dakota Plains Gallery & Gift Shop, and delve into the lives of the Lakota people at the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. Along I-90 near Chamberlain, stop at the Dignity: of Earth & Sky statue, a 50-foot Native American woman holding an outstretched quilt of 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes. Southeast REGION Bustling cities infuse this region with arts, culture and history, while the Missouri River and pristine state parks offer peaceful moments and scenic views just minutes from the action. Highlights ALL-AGES FUN: Stroll through Sioux Falls to see numerous attractions: Falls Park on the Big Sioux River, 60 sculptures on the SculptureWalk and the stainless steel Arc of Dreams. In Vermillion, explore an incredible collection of instruments — and the new Lillibridge Wing — at the National Music Museum. For summer fun, enjoy carnival rides and concerts at Sioux Empire Fair at W.H Lyons Fairgrounds, or watch a parade and fireworks at Yankton Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival. HISTORY LESSONS: Time travel at the Historic Prairie Village in Madison to see 40 antique-filled buildings and a steam-powered carousel. At the Dakota Discovery Museum in Mitchell, uncover stories of the past, from railroading to ranching days. Then, peek inside historic homes such as the 1886 Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home in Yankton or the 1892 Charles Murtha House in Elk Point, home to the Union County Historical Society Museum. SCENIC ADVENTURES: Get outdoors for biking along the Sioux River Red Rock Trail in Dell Rapids, summer hiking and winter skiing at Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls, golfing on the 9-hole course overlooking the Missouri River at Springfield Recreation Area in Bon Homme County, kayaking Split Rock Creek in Garretson and birding at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City. MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Sioux Falls, Madison, Mitchell, North Sioux City, Vermillion, Yankton
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