Lights, Camera, Action: You Never Knew These Movies Were Filmed In South Dakota
🎬 You won’t believe which Hollywood blockbusters were secretly filmed in South Dakota! Discover the stunning locations that stole the show. 🍿 #SouthDakota #SouthDakotaNews #EntertainmentNews
SIOUX FALLS, SD – South Dakota may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Hollywood blockbusters, but this stunning state has served as a breathtaking backdrop for numerous films.
From the rugged beauty of the Badlands to the iconic Mount Rushmore, South Dakota has quietly made its mark on the silver screen. Let’s take a closer look at nine movies that showcase the state’s natural wonders, presented in alphabetical order.
🌋 Armageddon
The 1998 sci-fi classic “Armageddon” may be known for its star-studded cast and high-stakes plot, but did you know that some of its most striking scenes were filmed in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park? The otherworldly landscape of the Badlands adds an extra layer of authenticity to this thrilling tale of asteroid-induced apocalypse.
🏞️ The Call of the Wild
“The Call of the Wild,” a documentary companion to the film “Into the Wild,” follows the real-life story of a young man’s journey across America. A portion of this true story takes place in Carthage, South Dakota, where the protagonist works at a grain elevator. The authentic South Dakota setting adds a layer of realism to this poignant tale of adventure and self-discovery.
🐺 Dances with Wolves
“Dances with Wolves,” the 1990 epic Western, is perhaps the most famous movie to be filmed in South Dakota. The film’s sweeping vistas and powerful story of a Union Army lieutenant’s journey of self-discovery among the Lakota people have made it a cinematic classic. Today, visitors can still tour the film’s set and immerse themselves in the world of this unforgettable movie.
🎭 Head of State
The 2003 comedy “Head of State” may be known for its satirical take on American politics, but it also features a memorable appearance by South Dakota’s own Mount Rushmore National Highway in Keystone. This iconic location serves as a fitting backdrop for a film that explores the heights of political ambition.
🦬 How the West Was Won
“How the West Was Won,” a classic Western epic, showcases the stunning beauty of South Dakota’s Custer State Park. The film’s producers went to great lengths to capture the park’s natural wonders, even enlisting the help of locals to dig up and replant trees to achieve the perfect shot. The film’s herds of South Dakota buffalo add an extra layer of authenticity to this sweeping tale of America’s frontier days.
🗺️ National Treasure: Book of Secrets
The 2007 adventure film “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” features the striking beauty of South Dakota’s Badlands. This rugged, otherworldly landscape adds a sense of mystery and wonder to the film’s thrilling treasure hunt.
🌽 Nebraska
The 2013 comedy-drama “Nebraska” features several shots of South Dakota, most notably the iconic Mount Rushmore. This national treasure serves as a fitting symbol of the state’s enduring beauty and significance.
📚 The Neverending Story III
The third installment of “The Neverending Story” franchise, released in 1994, also showcases the beauty of South Dakota. The film features several shots of the iconic Mount Rushmore, adding a sense of grandeur to this fantastical tale.
🚀 Starship Troopers
The 1997 sci-fi action movie “Starship Troopers” may be set in a distant future, but it features several shots of South Dakota’s Badlands. This rugged landscape serves as a fitting stand-in for the film’s alien battlegrounds.
Don’t miss: Did You Know Some Of Your Favorite Movies Were Filmed in the Midwest?!
🌟 South Dakota: A Star in Its Own Right
From the rugged beauty of the Badlands to the timeless elegance of Mount Rushmore, South Dakota has proven itself to be a star in its own right when it comes to the world of cinema. These movies showcase the state’s natural wonders and serve as a reminder of its enduring appeal to filmmakers and audiences alike.
So the next time you watch one of these films, take a moment to appreciate the stunning South Dakota landscapes that serve as their backdrop. Who knows? You might just be inspired to plan your own South Dakota adventure and discover the state’s hidden gems for yourself. Happy travels!
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🗣 How many of these South Dakota movies have you seen? Are there any more we should add to this list? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
