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MINUTEMAN MISSILE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE This park hosts the once top-secret and only remaining components of the expansive nuclear missile field that was once located in southwestern South Dakota. The visitor center, Delta-09 missile silo, and tours of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility provide a rare glimpse into the Cold War era. NEARBY CITIES Wall and Kadoka JEWEL & WIND CAVES Travel into an underground oasis at Jewel Cave, the thirdlongest cave in the world, and Wind Cave, the sixth-longest cave in the world. With tours ranging from nature walks to wild caving adventures, Jewel Cave National Monument and nearby Wind Cave National Park feature rare subterranean specimens like unusual box work, frostwork, and popcorn formations, and stalactites, stalagmites and calcite crystals. NEARBY CITIES Custer and Hot Springs MISSOURI RIVER Bisecting South Dakota north to south, the Missouri River was a primary waterway on which early explorers, fur trappers and steamboats traversed the state. Today, tamed by giant dams, the Missouri is favored by fishermen, recreational boaters, sail boaters and jet skiers. Explore the Lewis and Clark Information Center at Chamberlain for details on the explorers’ journey through the state. NEARBY CITIES Mobridge, Pierre, Chamberlain and Yankton MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL Known as “America’s Shrine of Democracy,” the 60-foot (18 m) tall faces of four great American Presidents is a tribute to the creation, expansion, preservation and development of the nation. Explore the monument in the Black Hills and visit the museum and Sculptor’s Studio to learn about the achievements and moments in history made by these four men. Explore the Presidential Trail and take in the popular evening lighting ceremony. NEARBY CITIES Keystone, Hill City and Rapid City BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK With its lunar-like landscape and 244,000 acres (97,600 ha) of ragged ridgelines and sawtooth spires, this fossil-rich preserve is a world away from your regular day. Bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and prairie dogs inhabit the landscape, while clean air and remoteness make this a popular place for stargazing. The park’s beauty is accessible along the popular scenic drive, Badlands Loop Road, Hwy 240. NEARBY CITIES Wall and Kadoka DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT Just across the border in Wyoming, the striking beauty and sacred history of America’s first national monument draws thousands of visitors for horseback riding, exploration, and rock-climbing adventures that stretch 1,267 feet (386 m) high above the surrounding plains. Visit the Devils Tower Visitor Center to learn about the legacy of the monument and why it remains sacred to the indigenous people. NEARBY CITIES Spearfish and Belle Fourche
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