You may think that because you have lived your whole life in South Dakota, you know all there is to know. But these 8 hidden gems just might prove you wrong. There is so much to experience and be proud of in our state. How many of these hidden gems in South Dakota have you visited?
- World’s Largest Pheasant
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Our list of hidden gems in South Dakota begins with the World’s Largest Pheasant. Located in Huron, the World’s Largest Pheasant is truly a sight to see. Coming in at 28 feet tall and weighing over 22 tons, there is nothing in the world like it.
- Big Sioux Recreation Area
Big Sioux Recreation Area / Facebook
Big Sioux Recreation Area / Facebook Big Sioux Recreation is located just on the edge of Brandon, SD and is a beautiful, lesser-known camping and recreation park. You can walk through the park, along the river, and camp here in a cabin, tent or camper. Learn more about the beautiful Big Sioux Recreation Area.
- South Dakota Air and Space Museum
St. Mary’s Catholic School, Livingston, MT / Facebook The perfect place for adults and chidlren alike to learn about air and space is located right here in South Dakota. With vintage military aircraft and missiles on display, you do not want to miss this hidden gem. Visit the South Dakota Air and Space Museum in Box Elder, SD.
- Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area / Facebook
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area / Facebook Due west of Sioux Falls is Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. Perfect for fishing, boating and weekend getaways, if you haven’t already visited this park, you need to. Learn more about the stunning Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
- Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge
USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr
USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr Made up of eight different counties in South Dakota, this area is absolutely breathtaking. Especially during the spring through fall months, it is a must-see. Drive through the refuge near daybreak or dusk for a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Without a doubt, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best-kept secrets in South Dakota.
- Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park / Facebook
Wind Cave National Park / Facebook The park itself covers more than 33,000 acres. The cave is named for the rush of air caused by barometric pressure at the cave entrance. Besides this unique cave, the park is home to buffalo and other rare species. Learn more about why Wind Cave National Park belongs on your outdoor bucket list.
- Queen City Bakery
Queen City Bakery / Facebook
Queen City Bakery / Facebook Those who know about this charming local bakery will all tell you it is the shining gem of Sioux Falls. From quiche to bostock to thumbprint cookies, every item hand-made here is absolutely delectable. What puts this hidden gem over the top is the outstanding customer service. Who knew that the best bakeshop in America was right here in South Dakota?
- 1880 Train
1880 Train, Black Hills Central Railroad / Facebook Your chance to experience the past is right here in South Dakota. Hop on the 1880 train and ride a round trip of 20 miles over the course of 2 hours. The train travels from Hill City to Keystone and is the perfect family-friendly attraction. For some of the best views in South Dakota, you can’t go wrong with a trip on the 1880 train.
How many of these hidden gems in South Dakota have you seen in real life? Which hidden gems did we miss?
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Our list of hidden gems in South Dakota begins with the World’s Largest Pheasant. Located in Huron, the World’s Largest Pheasant is truly a sight to see. Coming in at 28 feet tall and weighing over 22 tons, there is nothing in the world like it.
Big Sioux Recreation Area / Facebook
Big Sioux Recreation is located just on the edge of Brandon, SD and is a beautiful, lesser-known camping and recreation park. You can walk through the park, along the river, and camp here in a cabin, tent or camper. Learn more about the beautiful Big Sioux Recreation Area.
St. Mary’s Catholic School, Livingston, MT / Facebook
The perfect place for adults and chidlren alike to learn about air and space is located right here in South Dakota. With vintage military aircraft and missiles on display, you do not want to miss this hidden gem. Visit the South Dakota Air and Space Museum in Box Elder, SD.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area / Facebook
Due west of Sioux Falls is Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. Perfect for fishing, boating and weekend getaways, if you haven’t already visited this park, you need to. Learn more about the stunning Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr
Made up of eight different counties in South Dakota, this area is absolutely breathtaking. Especially during the spring through fall months, it is a must-see. Drive through the refuge near daybreak or dusk for a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Without a doubt, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best-kept secrets in South Dakota.
Wind Cave National Park / Facebook
The park itself covers more than 33,000 acres. The cave is named for the rush of air caused by barometric pressure at the cave entrance. Besides this unique cave, the park is home to buffalo and other rare species. Learn more about why Wind Cave National Park belongs on your outdoor bucket list.
Queen City Bakery / Facebook
Those who know about this charming local bakery will all tell you it is the shining gem of Sioux Falls. From quiche to bostock to thumbprint cookies, every item hand-made here is absolutely delectable. What puts this hidden gem over the top is the outstanding customer service. Who knew that the best bakeshop in America was right here in South Dakota?
1880 Train, Black Hills Central Railroad / Facebook
Your chance to experience the past is right here in South Dakota. Hop on the 1880 train and ride a round trip of 20 miles over the course of 2 hours. The train travels from Hill City to Keystone and is the perfect family-friendly attraction. For some of the best views in South Dakota, you can’t go wrong with a trip on the 1880 train.
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Address: World’s Largest Pheasant, Huron, SD 57350, USAAddress: Big Sioux State Recreation Area, 410 W Park St, Brandon, SD 57005, USAAddress: South Dakota Air and Space Museum, 2890 Davis Dr, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706, USAAddress: Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area, 26140 451st Ave, Canistota, SD 57012, USAAddress: Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 39650 Sand Lake Dr, Columbia, SD 57433, USAAddress: Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USAAddress: Queen City Bakery, 324 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, USAAddress: 1880 Train - Hill City Depot, 222 Railroad Ave, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in South Dakota July 06, 2021 Beth C. What are some little-known places in South Dakota? As you likely gathered from the above article outlining the best hidden gems in South Dakota, this state is filled with so many little-known places. Some of them include the Nicollet Tower in Sisseton, Colonial House Restaurant and Bar in Rapid City, Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, the Giant Pheasant in Huron, McCrory Gardens in Brookings, Pease Creek Recreation Area in Geddes, Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries in Rapid City, Spokane Ghost Town, Everest Cuisine in Rapid City, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie in Vermillion, Devil’s Gulch in Garretson, Brant Lake, and Splash Central Waterpark in Huron. Does South Dakota have any hidden parks? One of the most unique and hidden parks in South Dakota is the Petrified Wood Park and Museum in Lemmon. Meandering through the park, you’ll discover one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the country. There’s also a small museum on the property that’s crafted out of petrified wood. It’s a fascinating South Dakota destination that definitely belongs on your radar. Are there any hidden caves in South Dakota? Rushmore Cave is one of the most fascinating hidden caves in South Dakota. Located in Keystone, this massive cavern is covered in otherworldly rock formations. Tours of the cave are available and will take you through the cavern system in the most unforgettable way. Staircases and walkways ensure that you can travel through safely, all the while admiring the vast collection of stalactites and stalagmites.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in South Dakota
July 06, 2021
Beth C.
What are some little-known places in South Dakota? As you likely gathered from the above article outlining the best hidden gems in South Dakota, this state is filled with so many little-known places. Some of them include the Nicollet Tower in Sisseton, Colonial House Restaurant and Bar in Rapid City, Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, the Giant Pheasant in Huron, McCrory Gardens in Brookings, Pease Creek Recreation Area in Geddes, Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries in Rapid City, Spokane Ghost Town, Everest Cuisine in Rapid City, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie in Vermillion, Devil’s Gulch in Garretson, Brant Lake, and Splash Central Waterpark in Huron. Does South Dakota have any hidden parks? One of the most unique and hidden parks in South Dakota is the Petrified Wood Park and Museum in Lemmon. Meandering through the park, you’ll discover one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the country. There’s also a small museum on the property that’s crafted out of petrified wood. It’s a fascinating South Dakota destination that definitely belongs on your radar. Are there any hidden caves in South Dakota? Rushmore Cave is one of the most fascinating hidden caves in South Dakota. Located in Keystone, this massive cavern is covered in otherworldly rock formations. Tours of the cave are available and will take you through the cavern system in the most unforgettable way. Staircases and walkways ensure that you can travel through safely, all the while admiring the vast collection of stalactites and stalagmites.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you likely gathered from the above article outlining the best hidden gems in South Dakota, this state is filled with so many little-known places. Some of them include the Nicollet Tower in Sisseton, Colonial House Restaurant and Bar in Rapid City, Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, the Giant Pheasant in Huron, McCrory Gardens in Brookings, Pease Creek Recreation Area in Geddes, Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries in Rapid City, Spokane Ghost Town, Everest Cuisine in Rapid City, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie in Vermillion, Devil’s Gulch in Garretson, Brant Lake, and Splash Central Waterpark in Huron.
Does South Dakota have any hidden parks?
One of the most unique and hidden parks in South Dakota is the Petrified Wood Park and Museum in Lemmon. Meandering through the park, you’ll discover one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the country. There’s also a small museum on the property that’s crafted out of petrified wood. It’s a fascinating South Dakota destination that definitely belongs on your radar.
Are there any hidden caves in South Dakota?
Rushmore Cave is one of the most fascinating hidden caves in South Dakota. Located in Keystone, this massive cavern is covered in otherworldly rock formations. Tours of the cave are available and will take you through the cavern system in the most unforgettable way. Staircases and walkways ensure that you can travel through safely, all the while admiring the vast collection of stalactites and stalagmites.
