36 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.

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.

Montrose, South Dakota

Porter Sculpture Park

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

Midland, South Dakota

Skeleton Man Walking Skeleton Dinosaur

Just a man taking his prehistoric pet for a stroll.

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.

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.

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.

See All 36 Things to Do in South Dakota See All 36 Places

Unique Food & Drink in South Dakota

Snickers Salad

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

Klub

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

Chislic

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

Pheasant Salad Sandwich

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

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

Bison help engineer the spring regrowth with their grazing patterns.

Understanding How Bison Might Help Shape the Future of the Badlands

New lessons from resurgent herds.

by Isaac Schultz

November 18, 2019

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.