South Dakota Roadside Attractions

Welcome to South Dakota, where the roadside attractions are as legendary as Mount Rushmore and as quirky as a giant prairie dog with a permanent grin. This is the state where larger-than-life oddities meet wild western charm, creating a road trip you won’t soon forget. Need a break from the open road? Pull over at Wall Drug, the most famous pit stop in the world, where free ice water and a life-size T. rex are just the tip of the touristy iceberg.

South Dakota doesn’t stop there. Take a detour to meet The Giant Prairie Dog, a towering critter that welcomes you to his patch of the plains like a prairie ambassador. Then head to Rapid City, also known as the City of Presidents, where life-size bronze sculptures of past U.S. leaders line the streets.

And of course, what’s a trip to South Dakota without a stop at the World’s Only Corn Palace? This marvel of maize-covered architecture is as corny as it gets—in the best way possible. It’s part event venue, part photo op, and entirely a-maize-ing (we had to!). So, buckle up and prepare for a roadside adventure through South Dakota, where the attractions are wacky, wonderful, and waiting for you!

Plan Your South Dakota Road Trip

South Dakota Roadside Attractions & Road Trip Planning

Ready to hit the open road and explore South Dakota in all its roadside glory? Explore more of the best South Dakota attractions that are the perfect pit stops to keep the fun rolling. From wacky wonders to iconic sights, they’ll make your travel itinerary as unforgettable as that last tank of gas you didn’t think would last!

Need some road trip inspiration? Explore our roadside attractions blog to find even more tips, tricks, and must-see spots to help plan the ultimate South Dakota adventure!

Ride the Jackalope at Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota

Browse All South Dakota Roadside Attractions

No Results Found

Attraction Type

Location

Search

Sort

Plan Your South Dakota Road Trip

Planning your South Dakota road trip is like preparing for a treasure hunt filled with surprises! Whether you’re charting a scenic route through rolling prairies or stopping in charming towns, this journey is all about soaking up the unique character of the state. Pack your sense of adventure, grab a good playlist, and get ready for a road trip filled with unforgettable discoveries!

Cosmos Mystery Area in Rapid City, South Dakota

Cosmos Mystery Area in Rapid City, South Dakota

Cosmos Mystery Area in Rapid City, South Dakota is a phenomenon of a place where gravity and the laws of nature go out the window. Watch water flow and balls roll up a ledge. Switch places with a friend and magically grow. Walk dizzily through a house not knowing up …

Read more

Concrete Outline of USS South Dakota in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota features a concrete outline of USS South Dakota. The USS South Dakota (BB-57) (AKA “Old Nameless” or “Battleship ,”) was a battleship built for the United States Navy in the 1930s. In its time, it was utilized in every …

Read more

Ride the Jackalope at Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota

The 15 Best South Dakota Roadside Attractions

Are you planning a South Dakota road trip and want to find all the best South Dakota roadside attractions along your route? Whether you’re driving across the state on I-90, taking a trip to Mount Rushmore, or traversing one of the state’s many scenic byways, you won’t want to miss …

Read more

Storybook Island in Rapid City, South Dakota

Storybook Island in Rapid City, South Dakota

Once upon a time a Silly American road tripper took a road trip to Mount Rushmore and found a fairy tale location along the way: Storybook Island in Rapid City, South Dakota. Built in 1959, Storybook Island Rapid City SD is a children’s play area and family theme park with …

Read more

Share this Post ⤵

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book - Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip! By Valerie Bromann

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

Silly America
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.