Things to see and do in South Dakota

Attractions in South Dakota

Badlands National Park

Marvel at the scenery of Badlands National Park (www.nps.gov/badl), 98,785 hectares (244,000 acres) of striking rock formations including steep canyons, jagged spires, bands of colourful rocks and mixed-grass prairies. Camping grounds and cabins are available to visitors.

Black Hills

Discover the natural beauty of the Black Hills and Wind Cave National Park, then see the annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park (www.sdgfp.info), when cowboys bring in a thundering herd of 1,500 bison.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial (www.crazyhorse.org) in the Black Hills, the largest mountain carving in the world. It has been a work in progress since 1948, and is a memorial to the spirit of Lakota chief Crazy Horse.

Fort Pierre

Discover the real Wild West across the Missouri River in Fort Pierre (www.fortpierre.com), South Dakota's capital. Follow the trail of explorers Lewis and Clark, see rodeo riders in action, visit the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center or go hunting and fishing.

Get soaked

Dip in the waters of Evans Plunge Indoor Water Park, soaking in the hot springs once jealously guarded by Indians of the Black Hills.

Jewel Cave National Monument

Explore Jewel Cave National Monument near Custer, the second-longest cave in the world with 226km (141 miles) of tunnels. Lantern tours are offered in summer (www.nps.gov/jeca).

Mount Rushmore

Gaze up in awe at four former presidents carved into the face of Mount Rushmore. Work began on this massive 'Shrine of Democracy' in 1927 and took 14 years to complete (website: www.nps.gov/moru).

Sioux Falls

Visit Sioux Falls (website: www.siouxfalls.com) and see the same waterfalls that drew buffalo hunters and early fur traders. Catch up on history at various museums and historical sites, including the Center for Western Studies, the Old Courthouse Museum, St Joseph's Cathedral and the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science.

Tour an active dig

Visit the Mammoth Site (www.mammothsite.com), and tour an active dig to see bones and fossils of Woolly Mammoths and other Ice Age creatures.

Woolly Mammoths and hot springs

Dip in the waters of Evans Plunge Indoor Water Park, soaking in the hot springs once jealously guarded by Indians of the Black Hills. Visit the Mammoth Site (www.mammothsite.com), and tour an active dig to see bones and fossils of Woolly Mammoths and other Ice Age creatures.

Tourist offices

Rocky Mountain International Tourism UK

South Dakota Tourism