Everyone in South Dakota knows about our most popular gems. You’ve visited Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and Falls Park in Sioux Falls. Here are some lesser-known gems throughout the state that you should definitely have on your bucket list. Take a look!
- Laframboise Island Nature Area, Pierre
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Lewis and Clark visited this island in 1804, and named it “Bad Humor Island” because of a tense conflict with native peoples. When you visit, you’ll likely be in a much better mood - with its large cottonwood trees and pretty views of the Missouri, this nature area is a picture perfect spot to visit in the autumn months.
- Bear Butte, near Sturgis
Josh Wolf/flickr Bear Butte stands proudly 1,253 feet above the plains. It’s a sacred spot for many tribes of the plains, so when you visit, please be respectful. Leave prayer cloths and other offerings alone, and enjoy the sacred nature of this majestic place. When you reach the top and silently take in the view, you’ll get it.
- McCrory Gardens, Brookings
McCrory Gardens/Facebook Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, these vibrant gardens are a true gem. Wander through 25 acres of formal gardens, and enjoy fall foliage this time of year.
- Lake Louise Recreation Area, near Miller
Lake Louise Recreation Area/Facebook Lake Louise covers 164 acres and is more than just a pretty place to spend the day. It’s popular for anglers, duck hunter and pheasant hunters, as well as a sweet spot for boating and water sports.
- Petrified Wood Park, Lemmon
Keith Ewing/flickr The Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon definitely deserves a spot on this list. Sure, it’s kind of quirky, but the structures made of petrified wood are really unique and intriguing. It’s located in the small town of Lemmon, which has a population of around 1,200 people.
- Big Sioux Recreation Area, Brandon
South Dakota/flickr Big Sioux Recreation Area is the perfect spot to spend a fall afternoon, but it has plenty to offer year-round. Enjoy everything from fishing and boating in the summer, to snowmobiling in the winter.
- Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Brown County
USFWS Prairie Mountain/flickr Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge covers 21,000 acres. With its freshwater lake and ponds, this refuge is a place for thousands of nesting birds every year. Visit for the vast expanse of gorgeous grasslands, photography and even pheasant hunting.
- Mammoth Site, Hot Springs
Gouldy99/flickr This site has the largest number of mammoth remains in the entire world. More than 60 mammoths have already been unearthed here, and you’ll see many during your 30 minute tour.
- Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, Sioux Falls
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum/Facebook The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is part of the Sioux Falls Parks System and includes wetlands and formal gardens. It’s a peaceful, quiet little oasis that feels far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Devil’s Gulch, Garretson
rosiee1205/Tripadvisor The legend surrounding Devil’s Gulch is that Jesse James jumped it on his horse while evading a posse of lawmen. Whether it’s true or not, this gulch is stunning. Its red quartzite cliffs and lush greenery make this a jaw-dropping oasis.
- Nicollet Tower, Sisseton
C H/Tripadvisor The view from Nicollet Tower is well worth the climb. Ascend 96 stairs to the top, where you’ll have a view of some quintessential South Dakota landscape.
Remember to be respectful when you visit these hidden gems so that others may enjoy them, too. Pack out everything you bring in, clean up after pets and remember to treasure these gems and keep them pristine.
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks
Lewis and Clark visited this island in 1804, and named it “Bad Humor Island” because of a tense conflict with native peoples. When you visit, you’ll likely be in a much better mood - with its large cottonwood trees and pretty views of the Missouri, this nature area is a picture perfect spot to visit in the autumn months.
Josh Wolf/flickr
Bear Butte stands proudly 1,253 feet above the plains. It’s a sacred spot for many tribes of the plains, so when you visit, please be respectful. Leave prayer cloths and other offerings alone, and enjoy the sacred nature of this majestic place. When you reach the top and silently take in the view, you’ll get it.
McCrory Gardens/Facebook
Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, these vibrant gardens are a true gem. Wander through 25 acres of formal gardens, and enjoy fall foliage this time of year.
Lake Louise Recreation Area/Facebook
Lake Louise covers 164 acres and is more than just a pretty place to spend the day. It’s popular for anglers, duck hunter and pheasant hunters, as well as a sweet spot for boating and water sports.
Keith Ewing/flickr
The Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon definitely deserves a spot on this list. Sure, it’s kind of quirky, but the structures made of petrified wood are really unique and intriguing. It’s located in the small town of Lemmon, which has a population of around 1,200 people.
South Dakota/flickr
Big Sioux Recreation Area is the perfect spot to spend a fall afternoon, but it has plenty to offer year-round. Enjoy everything from fishing and boating in the summer, to snowmobiling in the winter.
USFWS Prairie Mountain/flickr
Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge covers 21,000 acres. With its freshwater lake and ponds, this refuge is a place for thousands of nesting birds every year. Visit for the vast expanse of gorgeous grasslands, photography and even pheasant hunting.
Gouldy99/flickr
This site has the largest number of mammoth remains in the entire world. More than 60 mammoths have already been unearthed here, and you’ll see many during your 30 minute tour.
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum/Facebook
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is part of the Sioux Falls Parks System and includes wetlands and formal gardens. It’s a peaceful, quiet little oasis that feels far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
rosiee1205/Tripadvisor
The legend surrounding Devil’s Gulch is that Jesse James jumped it on his horse while evading a posse of lawmen. Whether it’s true or not, this gulch is stunning. Its red quartzite cliffs and lush greenery make this a jaw-dropping oasis.
C H/Tripadvisor
The view from Nicollet Tower is well worth the climb. Ascend 96 stairs to the top, where you’ll have a view of some quintessential South Dakota landscape.
Which of these have you already visited? What other gems would you add to our list?
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