Bizarre, Quirky And Totally Fun Adventures In South Dakota: Mount Rushmore State Marvels!
Time to create some memories! Add these bizarre, quirky and totally fun adventures to your South Dakota travel bucket list. 🚗🌍 #midwesttravel #quirkymidwest #familyfun
Pierre, SD – South Dakota, known as the Mount Rushmore State, is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a surprising array of quirky and captivating attractions. From the towering peaks of the Black Hills to the vast prairies of the Great Plains, South Dakota is filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. But beyond the famous faces of Mount Rushmore and the rugged landscapes of the Badlands lies a world of bizarre, fun, and utterly unforgettable experiences that will leave you amazed and amused.
Join us as we embark on a journey through eight of the most incredible and unusual adventures the Mount Rushmore State has to offer. Get ready to embrace your inner explorer and uncover the marvels and mysteries that make South Dakota truly one-of-a-kind.
1. The World’s Only Corn Palace (Mitchell, SD)
Feast your eyes on a palace fit for a kernel king at The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. This unique building, originally constructed in 1892, is entirely decorated with colorful murals and designs made from corn, grains, and native grasses.
Each year, the palace is stripped down and redecorated with a new theme, requiring over 500,000 ears of corn in 12 different colors. Step inside to marvel at the intricate corn murals, depicting scenes from South Dakota history, culture, and agriculture.
The Corn Palace is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for arts and crafts, agriculture, or just plain quirky Americana. It’s a place that will make you smile, learn, and appreciate the incredible creativity and resourcefulness of the South Dakota spirit.
2. Cosmos Mystery Area (Rapid City, SD)
The Cosmos Mystery Area is a family-friendly attraction that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The main highlight is the 40-minute cabin tour, which showcases the mysterious phenomena discovered in the area. After the tour, visitors can enjoy various activities, such as digging for treasures in the geode mine, cooling down with some ice cream, and browsing the extensive gift shop filled with souvenirs from the Cosmos Mystery Area and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The Cosmos Mystery Area was accidentally discovered in 1952 by two college boys who were searching for the perfect spot to build a summer cabin in the Black Hills. As they explored the area, they stumbled upon a mysterious world that defied explanation. Intrigued by their findings, the boys decided to camp out and investigate the odd phenomena further.
Upon realizing that their discovery would be of interest to the general public, the boys began to fix up the cabin, making it safe for visitors to experience the demonstrations that showcase the area’s peculiar characteristics. Today, the Cosmos Mystery Area stands as a testament to their curiosity and dedication, offering visitors a glimpse into the mysterious world they uncovered in the Black Hills. So what is the mystery? Visit and find out!
3. The Dinosaur Park (Rapid City, SD)
Step back in time to the age of the dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Park in Rapid City, South Dakota. This classic roadside attraction, built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration, features seven life-size concrete dinosaur sculptures perched atop a hill overlooking the city.
Climb up to the top of the hill to get up close and personal with the giant T-Rex, Triceratops, and other prehistoric beasts. Take in the breathtaking views of the Black Hills and the surrounding prairie, and learn about the fascinating history and geology of the region.
The Dinosaur Park is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for history, science, or just plain old-fashioned roadside kitsch. It’s a place that will awaken your inner child, spark your imagination, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the ancient wonders that once roamed the Earth.
4. The Mammoth Site (Hot Springs, SD)
Discover the hidden world of the Ice Age at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. This unique archaeological site, located on the site of a former sinkhole, is the world’s largest known concentration of mammoth remains.
Take a guided tour of the active dig site and watch as paleontologists uncover the bones of these ancient giants, perfectly preserved in the sinkhole’s layers of sediment. Learn about the incredible history and ecology of the mammoths, and even touch a real mammoth tooth or tusk.
The Mammoth Site is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for science, history, or just plain awe-inspiring natural wonders. It’s a place that will transport you back in time, challenge your understanding of the world, and leave you with a newfound respect for the incredible creatures that once walked the Earth.
5. The Geographic Center of the Nation Monument (Belle Fourche, SD)
The Geographic Center of the Nation Monument is a must-see attraction for tourists visiting western South Dakota. Located in the town of Belle Fourche, this monument celebrates the central point of the United States. Although the actual geographic center is situated on private property, the National Geodetic Survey designated Belle Fourche as the closest town, making it the perfect spot for this impressive monument.
Standing 21 feet in diameter, the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument is an imposing sight that attracts visitors from far and wide. Its location next to the Center of the Nation Visitor Center and the Tri-State Museum makes it easily accessible year-round, ensuring that tourists can visit this iconic landmark regardless of the season.
Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the monument as your backdrop! The Geographic Center of the Nation Monument provides a unique and memorable photo opportunity that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a geography enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun and interesting stop on your South Dakota adventure, this monument is sure to leave a lasting impression.
6. The Petrified Wood Park (Lemmon, SD)
Take a walk through a prehistoric forest at The Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon, South Dakota. This unique park, built in the 1930s by local rock enthusiast Ole S. Quammen, features over 100 structures made entirely out of petrified wood, including a castle, a wishing well, and even a petrified wood locomotive.
Wander through the park’s winding paths and marvel at the incredible colors and textures of the petrified wood, which dates back over 60 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. Learn about the fascinating process of petrification and the ancient history of the region.
The Petrified Wood Park is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for geology, history, or just plain natural beauty. It’s a place that will transport you to another time and place, awaken your sense of wonder, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the incredible treasures hidden beneath the Earth’s surface.
7. The Wall Drug Store (Wall, SD)
Step back in time to the heyday of the American road trip at The Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota. This iconic roadside attraction, founded in 1931, started as a small pharmacy offering free ice water to weary travelers and has since grown into a sprawling complex of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Explore the store’s many quirky and kitschy delights, from the giant jackalope statue to the animatronic T-Rex. Enjoy a famous Wall Drug doughnut or a 5-cent cup of coffee, and marvel at the incredible collection of Western art and memorabilia.
The Wall Drug Store is a must-see destination for anyone with a love for Americana, nostalgia, or just plain road trip fun. It’s a place that will transport you back to a simpler time, awaken your sense of adventure, and leave you with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
8. Chapel in the Hills (Rapid City, SD)
Chapel in the Hills is a stave church located near Rapid City, South Dakota, United States. The church is an exact replica of the Borgund stave church in Norway, which was built around the year 1150 and is considered the most completely preserved stave church still standing in Norway. The Norwegian Department of Antiquities provided blueprints of the Borgund church for the construction of the Chapel in the Hills, and the woodcarvings were created by Norwegian woodcarver Erik Fridstrøm and Rapid City resident Helge Christiansen.
The Chapel in the Hills was dedicated on July 6, 1969, as the home for the radio ministry of Lutheran Vespers, with hosts such as Richard A. Jensen broadcasting nationwide from this location in the Black Hills. The church is a special ministry of the South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Visitors to the Chapel in the Hills can also explore an authentic log cabin museum built in 1876 by Edward Nielsen, a Norwegian immigrant gold prospector from Hole, Ringerike, Norway. Additionally, there is a stabbur, a grass-roofed house, that serves as the visitor center and gift shop, adding to the unique Norwegian cultural experience for tourists visiting the site.
Conclusion
From the towering dinosaurs of The Dinosaur Park to the quirky charms of The Wall Drug Store, South Dakota’s bizarre and beautiful attractions offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history, diverse culture, and endlessly surprising spirit. These eight adventures are just a small taste of the many marvels and mysteries waiting to be discovered in the Mount Rushmore State.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, these unique experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for South Dakota’s one-of-a-kind character. So grab your sense of adventure, your camera, and your love for the unexpected, and set out to explore the weird and wonderful side of South Dakota. You never know what amazing discoveries await you in the heart of the Great Plains!
🗣 Which of these adventures sounds like the most fun to you? Have any hidden gems you’ve discovered that you’d like to share with the community? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
