Anyone who says that South Dakota is just a flyover state is incredibly mistaken. In reality there’s so much to see and experience, especially if you’re willing to take the roads off the beaten path to discover the various treasures hidden out there. Here’s a short list of some of the incredible places just waiting for you to road trip to.

Feel free to click on the title, as it will direct you to the original article for all the information you need.

1. This epic mountain will drop your jaw.

Bear Butte, also known as Bear Mountain, reaches 4,425 feet and gives you a 360-degree view of the beautiful area, allowing you to see 4 states. Can you even get any more epic than that?

2. Enjoy a stay at this hidden resort.

Located near Roslyn, Hidden Hill Lodge is a fantastic place to go for a few days to escape your busy schedule and simply relax in a serene setting. With plenty of fishing and hunting opportunities nearby and excellent home cooked food provided by the lodge, you’re sure to have a memorable stay.

3. Enjoy a meal at this fantastic restaurant in the middle of nowhere.

You may have to go a way out of your way to arrive at the Hitchrail Bar & Restaurant, but we promise that you won’t regret it; their burgers and steaks will make your mouth water, and they’ve been serving up tasty food for half a century!

4. Explore this canyon and get ready to be blown away by its beauty.

Spearfish Canyon is so stunningly beautiful that you’ll feel as though you’re in a dream. You can take US highway 14A for spectacular views or explore the area’s trails to see the waterfalls up close!

5. Conquer this stomach dropping canopy walk.

Visit Aerial Adventure Park and choose between their 8 challenge courses among the ponderosa pines. If you enjoy fantastic views of the Black Hills as well as fantastic obstacles courses that might make your stomach drop, then you’ll have a ball here.

6.

">Escape the winter and visit the Butterfly House & Marine Cove.

You can reach out and touch sharks, stingrays and other marine animals before meandering through the Tropical environment to see flittering butterflies from all over the world.

7. Explore this terrifying ghost town.

Founded in 1908, Capa is now virtually soulless, aside from one resident named Philip O’Connor. He’s always friendly and usually happy to let you explore all of the abandoned buildings, just please remember to be courteous and receive his blessing before embarking on your adventure!

8. Visit South Dakota’s top attraction.

Reptile Gardens holds the Guinness Book of World Records title of the World’s Largest Reptile Zoo, so you can be assured that your time exploring this huge garden will be memorable. You can hold a baby alligator and see snakes, lizards, turtles, and so much more.

9. Explore the unexpected piece of history hiding underground.

The Minuteman Missile Historical Site located in southwest South Dakota was placed to protect the country during the Cold War and deter potential nuclear attacks. Today, this former top secret site is now available for you to tour and see for yourself.

10. Spend the night at this haunted hotel.

Hotel Alex Johnson is a beloved hotel in Rapid City, but it’s also notoriously haunted, so don’t stay here if you’re faint of heart. The ghost of the man who founded the hotel, Alex Johnson, as well as a murdered bride-to-be supposedly haunt the halls.

11. Visit this little-known state park.

This state park may be new, but it’s a beautiful place that’s loaded with unique history. It used to be a gathering ground for trading and ceremonies for indigenous tribes as far back as 1300 AD. Featuring 588 acres of dense forest and fantastic views of the Big Sioux, Good Earth State Park at Blood Run is a South Dakota jewel.

Have you ever taken any trips to see any of the amazing places on this list? Which one was your favorite? We love hearing from our readers in the comment section below!