35 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in South Dakota - Atlas Obscura

Unusual
Attractions
in South Dakota

Custer, South Dakota

Crazy Horse Memorial

The world's largest mountain carving could fit all of Mount Rushmore inside it many times over.

Wall, South Dakota

Wall Drug

The granddaddy of all tourist traps, built on ice water and jackalopes.

Montrose, South Dakota

Porter Sculpture Park

A roadside collection of over-sized iron creations that are a bit more macabre than most.

Kevin OKeeffe

Added by Kevin OKeeffe

Rapid City, South Dakota

Hotel Alex Johnson

One of America’s oldest and spookiest hotels, thanks to the residency of ghosts, dead presidents, and Alfred Hitchcock.

Vicki Arkoff

Added by Vicki Arkoff

Keystone, South Dakota

Hall of Records in Mount Rushmore

Hidden behind Lincoln's head is a 70-foot-long chamber containing enamel plates documenting American history, sealed in a teakwood box in a titanium vault.

Dylan

Rapid City, South Dakota

Chapel In The Hills

This replica stave church looks like a piece of Norway was simply plopped down in South Dakota.

pammiela

Added by pammiela

Midland, South Dakota

Skeleton Man Walking Skeleton Dinosaur

Just a man taking his prehistoric pet for a stroll.

Added by solhermana

Rapid City, South Dakota

Cosmos Mystery Area

A place where the laws of nature seem to have gone completely berserk... but of course haven't.

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Unique
Food & Drink
in South Dakota

Snickers Salad

Gastro Obscura

Snickers Salad

Made of candy and Cool Whip, this “salad” is a mainstay at Midwestern potlucks.

Gastro Obscura

Ike Allen

Added by Ike Allen

Klub

Gastro Obscura

Klub

This stick-to-your-ribs Scandinavian dumpling is a favorite at Midwestern fundraisers.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

Chislic

Gastro Obscura

Chislic

A circle of South Dakota towns specializes in these fried meat cubes.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

Pheasant Salad Sandwich

Gastro Obscura

Pheasant Salad Sandwich

South Dakota's unique contribution to World War II soldiers.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

See all 5 things to eat in South Dakota See all 5 things to eat in South Dakota

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Stories
About South Dakota

Chuckwagons often carried heavy loads, including a water barrel.

The Company Building Chuck Wagons for Races and Cowboy Cookoffs

A South Dakota shop still builds the iconic wagons.