All Other Destinations and Attractions in South Dakota

Mobridge (pop. 3,600) is located on the former site of Arikara and Sioux Indian villages. The town was founded in 1906, when a bridge was being built across the Missouri River.

Wall (pop. 800) is the northern gateway to the Badlands National Park, which is surrounded by the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Wall was established as a railroad station on the C&NW Railroad in the summer of 1907. The town name comes from "The Wall", a rugged strip a half mile to three miles wide and nine miles long with a succession of tinted spires, ridges and twisted gullies that serves as a barrier. The town is famous for its huge drugstore.

Volga (pop. 1,400) in eastern South Dakota was founded by the Western Town Lot Company in 1879. The town, originally known as "Bandy Town," was later renamed Volga after the Volga River in Russia, a name which means "great river."

Madison (pop. 6,500) was once a Dakota Sioux camp that survived hardship and is now a popular spot for walleye fishing. The town is bordered by Lakes Brandt, Herman and Madison.

Huron (pop. 12,000) is well known for its fall pheasant- hunting season. To honor the bird, the town has a 22-ton, 400ft/120m high statue near Memorial Park.

Father Pierre Jean De Smet was a Belgian Jesuit Priest, known as "The Apostle of the Indians". He was honored by the use of his name when De Smet (pop. 1,200) was settled in 1880. De Smet was also the final home of the Ingalls family - the town was immortalized in Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books.

Brookings (pop. 18,500) was named for WW Brookings who came to this isolated region in 1857. He helped settle the area by supporting the construction of the railroad which brought trade and prosperity to the town. Brookings is the home of South Dakota State University.

Aberdeen (pop. 25,000) features more than 120 lakes and is located in the central migration flyway. The first settlers, in this northeastern corner of the state, were the Arikara Indians followed by pioneers.

The Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon contains buildings, pyramids, and towers constructed from petrified trees and grasses over 50 million years old. The museum is a circular shaped building constructed of petrified logs. It features pioneer relics.

French map-maker, Joseph N Nicollet spent 1838 and 1839 creating the first accurate map of the area between the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers. It is still considered one of the most important contributions to U.S. geography. The Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center near Sisseton is dedicated to him. Other exhibits include the original works of art by John S Wilson, a nationally recognized wildlife artist.

The Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo is home to more than 250 antique and classic cars. Some of the featured vehicles include the 1948 Tucker used in the movie "Tucker", one of the General Lee's used in the Dukes of Hazard, the world's largest car, and Elvis Presley's motorcycle. Within 39 onsite buildings are antique tractors, farm machines, dishes and glassware, as well as antique toys and music boxes.

Vermillion (pop. 9,800) was founded in 1859 and was named after the red clay that lines the river of the same name. Vermillion derived its title from the Sioux name, WASE WAKPALA (wa sa wak pa'la) meaning "red stream." The present site of Vermillion was first visited by French fur traders; today it is the home of industry, education and agriculture.

This 1880 town has more than 30 buildings furnished with thousands of relics. The complex includes a livery, jail, saloon, bank, barbershop, town hall, post office, church and hotel. Many of the props that were used in filming the movie "Dances with Wolves" are on display.

The Dakota Sunset Museum features area history, artifacts and memorabilia. The highlight is Medicine Rock, considered sacred by the Lakota people. The 40-ton boulder has imprints of human footprints, a handprint and animal footprints. A barbershop, a pioneer kitchen and an archive of photos are also on display.

Construction of the Fort Randall Dam in Pickstown began in 1946. Observation points show views of the dam and reservoir. The ruins of Fort Randall Chapel are located below the dam on the south side of the river. Guided tours of the powerhouse are offered daily.

The Spink County Historical Memorial Museum in Redfield is home to the Hindersman collection of 260 mounted or stuffed birds and more than 760 mounted butterflies and moths from around the world. Sioux Indian artifacts, old farm machinery, household items and clothing are also on display.

"A nesting place for birds" is the literal translation of the Sioux word "Waubay". The refuge includes 4,650 acres of lakes, marshlands, grasslands, and woodlands that support abundant wildlife. Hiking trails feature wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Museum of Wildlife, Science and Industry in Webster is a village with 24 buildings including a jail, blacksmith shop, post office, railroad depot, church, and country store. Exhibits include antique tractors and automobiles, clothing and shoes representing 100 years of fashion and late 19th C furnishings.

The Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a habitat for migrating waterbirds including snow geese and other wildlife. A 100ft/30m observation tower offers an excellent view of the refuge.

The Eureka Pioneer Museum showcases the area's German-Russian heritage through exhibits such as military memorabilia, furniture, domestic items and antique farm machinery.

The Pickler Mansion is known as the 'Pink Castle' and was built from 1882 to 1894. The 19th C Victorian mansion was the home of US Congressman John Pickler. The 20 rooms include period furnishings and a secret room for shelter.

Palisades State Park in Garretson is popular with campers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers. Outcroppings range from shelves and pinnacles to vertical cliffs 50ft/15m high.

The Badlands Petrified Gardens features petrified trees and logs with indoor displays that include prehistoric Badlands fossils, fluorescent minerals, agates and crystals.

Fort Sisseton was built during the Sioux uprisings of the 1860s and the well-preserved stone structure still remains. The Fort Sisseton State Historic Park has a campground, boat ramp, and a picnic area.

Displays at the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in Lake Norden commemorate the history of amateur baseball and honor more than 100 great South Dakota players.

Cheryl's Doll Museum houses modern porcelain dolls, with over 350 dolls on display in a restored 1905 house. Displays also include four fully furnished miniature houses.

The International Vinegar Museum in Roslyn features displays showing the many different ways vinegar is made around the world. Other displays show how vinegar is used and enjoyed, and there is a display of paper made from vinegar.

The Custer National Forest is scattered across Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. The area is mostly pine hills and grassland used for forage and recreation.