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South Dakota is home to some of the US鈥檚 most notorious landmarks and landscapes. Often referred to as the 鈥渢he land of infinite variety鈥�, South Dakota provides countless vacation possibilities to get a taste of that infinite variety. Many of these destinations are not only rich in entertainment and beauty, but also with history of the state. If you are lucky enough to make a visit to South Dakota make sure to stop at one or more of these incredible vacation spots.

Wind Cave National Park

South Dakota is an outdoor enthusiast鈥檚 dream. Whether venturing the scenery from above ground or below, the state holds vast beauty. Wind Cave National Park is one of those beautiful sites. It is one of the longest and most complex caving systems in the US. The park offers cave tours ranging from easy to strenuous. With select tours, you can visit multiple levels of the cave. You can venture 654 feet deep into the cave with the Natural Entrance tour, and that distance just takes you to the middle level! Above ground, take the trails over 30 miles to view the prairies, forests, and wildlife. For more excitement, continue your visit to Wind Cave by camping in the park. They offer backcountry camping for visitors to really lose themselves in the wild.

Custer State Park

Another thrilling vacation spot in South Dakota is Custer State Park. Named after prospector George Armstrong Custer, who discovered gold within its boundaries, the park was declared a preserve in 1913 and six years later a state park. The park offers multiple activities ranging from hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing to fishing, kayaking, and swimming. A fire tower, Mount Coolidge, is located in the park, and at 6,023 feet, it is the highest point in the Central part of the park. The tower is still active, and visitors can hike the 1.2-mile path to the summit to take in the views of Crazy Horse, the Needles, and, on a clear day, the Badlands. The park is open year-round and provides camping amenities. This allows visitors to enjoy the park throughout the day and not have to leave it at night to get a good night鈥檚 sleep.

Badlands National Park

Another breathtaking spot you鈥檒l want to vacation in South Dakota should be the Badlands National Park. The geological formations contain fossil beds that are considered the most dominant in the 海角社区. You can view all the sites by hiking, horseback riding, or driving through the park. Created through erosion and deposition, the Badlands rocks were deposited nearly 75 million years ago. After spending a day admiring the natural creations, spend the night under the stars at either one of the sanctioned campsites, or for a bigger adventure, head out for some backcountry camping.

Black Hills

Black Hills is most famous for one of its giant looming landmarks. Carved on the side of a mountain, four presidents 鈥� faces stand 60 feet tall. Mount Rushmore consists of four presidents, each representing a different milestone in the US鈥檚 history. George Washington, the birth, Thomas Jefferson, the growth, Theodore Roosevelt, the development and Abraham Lincoln the preservation. Take the half-mile trail up close to these giant leaders. Custer State Park and Badlands National Park are also located in the Black Hills, so don鈥檛 miss out on anything this town has to offer. The Black Hills Forest, which stretches all the way into Wyoming, is comprised of 1.2 million acres of wooded hills and mountains, and is also available for exploration.

Jewel Cave National Monument

As of December 2018, 200 miles of trail have been mapped out in Jewel Cave, making it one of the longest caves in the 海角社区. So don鈥檛 miss out on the opportunity to explore some of these trails in this underground gem. Discovered by Frank and Albert Michaud, the park was named for the calcite crystals that shone like jewels in the light of their lanterns. The tours offered are all guided and have varying degrees of difficulty. Above ground, the national monument has hiking trails in and around the Black Hills Forest. The three available trails range from 录 mile to 5.3 miles and offer stunning views of Hell Canyon, Jewel Cave鈥檚 historic entrance, and variations on wildflowers.

Deadwood

One of the most historic towns in South Dakota, Deadwood is a past Wild West town that became heavily occupied during the Gold Rush. If you venture out to Deadwood, be sure to learn about the town鈥檚 history first so you can fully immerse yourself in all the activities it has to offer. Established in 1876, Deadwood was home to the Lakota people before being seized illegally during the Gold Rush. In the late 19th century, the town appeared to drop some due to a lack of gold, and they shifted their focus to tourism to keep people coming. In Deadwood, tour the Mount Moriah Cemetery, partake in one of the historical re-enactments, or visit one of the multiple museums, including the Adams Museum.

Corn Palace

Possibly One of South Dakota鈥檚 most unique and interesting attractions is Corn Palace. Located in Mitchell, it is currently the only Corn Palace in the 海角社区. But what exactly is a Corn Palace? In 1892, it was constructed as a gathering place for the town鈥檚 3,000 inhabitants, who celebrated the crop season and harvest. To this day, a festival is still held annually to commemorate the milestone. The palace is also host to dances, shows, meetings, banquets, and so much more. So, what should you expect to see on your vacation there? Check out the calendar of events to see what鈥檚 going on before you visit or stop in during their farmer鈥檚 market. The Corn Palace also depicts a new mural every year in its main building. No matter what your age, Corn Palace offers something for everyone.

Wall

You wouldn鈥檛 think a town with a population under 700 would be a bustling tourist place, but an estimated 2 million people visit this tiny oasis annually. And the biggest attraction in Wall? Wall Drug is a drug store that offers so much more. The establishment offers dining, gifts and souvenirs, activities, visitor information, and free ice cream. Wall, previously considered 鈥渢he geographical center of nowhere鈥�, became a hot spot due to their most popular offering. The free ice water! Although the drug store is the largest attraction in Wall, it鈥檚 not the only one, don鈥檛 forget to check out the National Grasslands Visitor Center and take to some of the trails of the 20 National Grasslands located there.

If you鈥檙e looking for a vacation spot that might be just a little more unique and different from the traditional options, put South Dakota on your radar. These activities may provide a slower pace for a more relaxing trip, and these eight stops all showcase something exceptional for visitors. From underground caves to Wild West reenactments, South Dakota gives variety to its multiple destinations. Known as The Mount Rushmore State, you will find that and so much more.