South Dakota Patriotic Monuments Worth Exploring

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Next year, the United States turns 250, and one way to celebrate is by visiting a state steeped in history and patriotism. Enter: South Dakota. While it may not be at the top of your travel list when it comes to learning about America’s revolutionary history, it should be. The state offers attractions for the whole family, from the iconic Mount Rushmore to educational experiences for kids. Below, discover 11 historic, patriotic and fun things to do in South Dakota that let you take in breathtaking scenery, explore the state’s unique character and learn about America’s rich past—perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer Midwest adventure.

This trip was hosted. All opinions are my own.

Celebrating America’s 250th in South Dakota

I’ve always wanted to visit South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore in person (and not just on a postcard) and figured there was no better time than right now since the country is about to celebrate its 250th birthday. Like most people, I knew the state had some patriotic significance because of the national presidential monument but there’s a lot more to see and explore than you could imagine.

SheBuysTravel Tip: When visiting Mount Rushmore, be sure to try Founding Father Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla ice cream as it’s delicious and truly one of a kind.

1. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

sunset photo of people walking down the avenue of flags with different flags hanging up on each side in front of Mount Rushmore. — Sunset shot of the Avenue of Flags at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: Two hours

Head over to Mount Rushmore National Memorial to see this monument in all of its glory with presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln carved into the top. Take photos and then watch a short film about the monument, which is both fascinating and insightful. Be sure to stay for the lighting ceremony at night, which provides background on the creation of Mount Rushmore and ends with a heartfelt tribute to those who have served the country.

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Did you know that Mount Rushmore is the most famous monument in South Dakota?

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

2. Go To Crazy Horse Memorial

carving of a man on the side of a mountain in south dakota next to a yellow crane. — Side profile of Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota. Photo credit: Casey Clark via courtesy of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

How long you’ll need: 1 hour

Crazy Horse Memorial was created to honor all of the indigenous people across America. It’s a unique monument in South Dakota and is the largest mountain carving that is currently in process. It’s a half-day activity and a great place to teach kids about some Native American history.

SheBuysTravel Tip: There is a short bus tour you can take from the visitor center to get up closer to the monument for $5 per person.

3. Take a Trip to Reptile Gardens

large turtle walking on grass in the sunlight in south dakota at reptile gardens. — Turtle walking around at Reptile Gardens in South Dakota for guests to look at and touch. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 2 hours

If you have small kids, then you’ll want to make a pit stop over to Reptile Gardens. It’s a small attraction where you can get up close and personal with animals such as turtles, bald eagles, snakes and crocodiles. There’s even the opportunity to pet some of these creatures and an on-site show to learn about the animals.

4. Visit The Berlin Wall

two pieces of the berlin wall next to plaques inside of a park with people walking by in south dakota — The Berlin Wall display located at Rapid City’s Memorial Park. Photo credit: Visit Rapid City

How long you’ll need: 10 minutes

Kids might not be as interested in the Berlin Wall as the adults but it’s still a popular sight to see while in South Dakota. This display features two pieces of the Berlin Wall bordered by tank traps. Take some time out of your trip to visit this location and read the nearby plaques that tell a deeper story.

5. Hike at Badlands National Park

red and orange rock formations across the span of miles at Badlands National Park. — Rock formations at Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 2 hours

For those fans of the great outdoors, a trip to South Dakota isn’t complete without making a visit to Badlands National Park. Here you can take in the sights of and stop by the visitor center to see fossils up close and personal. This is a great activity for kids who are fascinated by fossils and rocks or adults who like to hike.

Did you know that this national park used to be occupied by Native Americans who used it as a hunting ground?

6. Take A Trolley Tour

red and green trolley with geometric windows in a parking lot in south dakota. — The City View Trolley tour bus sitting in the parking lot at The Rushmore Hotel ahead of pickup time. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 2 hours

Head on over to Rapid City and sign up for a trolley tour of the area. The two-hour City View Trolley Tour includes a stop at Chapel in the Hills and it’s perfect for families with kids who don’t want to walk on foot while still getting to see the beautiful city with a knowledgeable driver and guide. Pickup and drop-off occur outside The Rushmore Hotel, so you’ll want to plan that accordingly.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Ask your guide for some recommendations on what to eat in Rapid City, as they are a wealth of knowledge and many of them were born and raised in the area.

7. Go to Chapel In The Hills

Wooden Norwegian inspired church with three roofs and oval shaped tiles infront of trees in South Dakota. — Replica of replica of Norway’s Borgund Stavkirke at Chapel in the Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 30 minutes

If you take the above-mentioned trolley tour, then you’ll have time to stop at Chapel in the Hills. Even if you don’t, you’ll want to make a pit stop at this replica of Norway’s Borgund Stavkirke as it’s a breathtaking piece of architecture found right in Rapid City. It’s free to visit and is the perfect spot for pictures and there’s even a small museum and a souvenir shop to browse.

8. Walk The City of Presidents Trail

Bronze life-size statue of John F. Kennedy next to a small child on the corner outside of a hotel. — Bronze statue of John F. Kennedy on the corner of a street in downtown Rapid City outside of The Rushmore. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 1-2 hours

If your kids are at that age where they are fascinated by presidents or perhaps learning about them in school, you can’t miss the City of Presidents Trail in Rapid City. On nearly every corner in the downtown area, you’ll come across life-size statues of former presidents. Don’t forget to pick up the map from the visitor center and check out the most recent statue of the current president that’s housed there.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Upon completion of the trail, kids can get a small gift from the visitor center to take home with them as a souvenir.

9. Visit the Museum of Geology

dinosaur skeleton inside a glass exhibit on top of a bed of sand in south dakota. — The skeletal remains of a dinosaur on exhibit at the Museum of Geology in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 1 hour

For the kiddos who love dinosaurs and rocks, a trip to the Museum of Geology at the South Dakota School of Mines is a must-do. This museum provides an up-close look at dinosaur bones, gems, minerals and crystals and there are opportunities for hands-on experiences for adults and children to immerse themselves in the exhibits.

10. Go to Hotel Alex Johnson

wooden lobby with photo of Andrew Johnson on wall next to a fireplace and taxidermy buffalos at Hotel Andrew Johnson in South Dakota. — Lobby area at Hotel Andrew Johnson in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 30 minutes

South Dakota is home to one of the nation’s most historic (and haunted) hotels — Hotel Alex Johnson. This property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was featured on “Ghost Hunters” on the SyFy Channel. It’s a great place to stop by if you’re interested in ghosts or want to grab a drink at the Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Take a look at the pictures on the wall and ask the concierge to explain a bit about the hotel’s haunted history if you’re interested in learning more.

11. Explore Downtown Rapid City

Colorful green, blue and yellow rapid city mural on a gray wall in downtown Rapid City. — Greetings from Rapid City, South Dakota mural on a wall in the downtown area. Photo credit: Casey Clark

How long you’ll need: 2 hours

If you’re staying in Rapid City, then you’ll want to take some time out to explore, aside from completing the president walk. There are lots of small shops to pick up souvenirs from local businesses such as Prairie Edge and Celtic Connection. While you walk around, you’ll definitely build up an appetite so you’ll want to stop in Tandoor Bocado or The Sour for a quick bite.