If you've lived your entire life in South Dakota, you might think you've seen and done everything the state has to offer. Here are 13 unique things to do in South Dakota you maybe haven't tried yet.
1. Climb Nicollet Tower for a stunning view of the surrounding countryside
Nicollet Tower is located in Sisseton, just west of I-29 near the South Dakota/North Dakota border. The tower is 80 feet tall and offers an incredible view.
Check out the Nicollet Tower in Sisseton, SD and enjoy the view from the top in this quick video:
2. See the most whimsical outdoor art at Porter Sculpture Park
Porter Sculpture Park near Montrose is filled with whimsical, unique sculptures. You'll find more than 50 works of art here - some as tall as 60 feet!
3. Take a drive on the Native American National And State Scenic Byway
This gorgeous byway is 478 miles long and goes from the northern border to the southern border of the state.
4. Take the plunge at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Swim at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs year-round. The spring-fed pool maintains a constant temperature of 87 degrees, so it's nice and warm, even in the winter months.
5. Hike to the Stratobowl
A super easy trail in the Black Hills takes you to the Stratobowl overlook. You can see the spot where record-breaking manned balloon flights were launched.
6. Search South Dakota's most haunted places to see if you can find a ghost
South Dakota has plenty of spots that are supposedly haunted. Visit some of them to see if you can spot a ghost for yourself - here are 10 haunted places in South Dakota to get you started.
It may look like an elegant historic hotel, but the Hotel Alex Johnson is said to be haunted especially Room 812. Take a tour of Hotel Alex Johnson in this video from Franko TV as he braves a night in this infamous room:
7. Visit one of South Dakota's most underrated year-round destinations
The Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon offers year-round recreation. You can hike, fish, play disc golf, and even snowmobile here.
8. Check out the classic cars at the Pioneer Auto Museum
This cool museum in South Dakota houses more than 275 vintage cars here and even has an authentic General Lee from the TV show "Dukes of Hazzard."
9. Learn about the history of the bison at Tatanka: Story of the Bison
The Tatanka Story of Bison museum in Deadwood has some great exhibits about South Dakota's bison and the Native Americans who once hunted them. The outdoor sculpture, "Lakota Bison Jump" by Peg Detmers is breathtaking.
10. Say hello to the World's Largest Pheasant
You'll find the World's Largest Pheasant in Huron. He stands 28 feet tall and measures more than 40 feet from the beak to the tip of the tail.
11. See beautiful wild horses running free
The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is located near Hot Springs, and it's home to around 600 wild mustangs. You'll love to watch this gorgeous animals in their natural surroundings.
12. Visit the Petrified Wood Park
You'll find Petrified Wood Park in the little town of Lemmon. Everything here is made from petrified wood - from buildings to around 100 conical-shaped statues.
13. Visit The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs
The Mammoth Site has the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the entire world, and you can see them up close. Watch staff excavating remains and learn more about these amazing, extinct creatures.
One of our favorite hidden gems in South Dakota is the Mammoth Site. Learn more about the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD in this video from The Path Beyond 9 to 5:
How many of these things have you already done? Share a few unique things to do in South Dakota that you have enjoyed with a comment. If you are planning a trip to South Dakota, how about staying at this charming log cabin near Deadwood and Lead with absolutely epic views of the Black Hills?
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