Things To Do in South Dakota: Hidden Gems of the Black Hills

Sturgis-bound? Check out these things to do in South Dakota.

It's that time of the year: time for the 79th Annual Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™, and that means that an eventful week is right in front of us. The Sturgis bike rally is a week of riding headfirst into the motorcycle culture. It's a time to meet new people and make lifelong friends, along with potentially drinking a few too many at the Knuckle Saloon, Sturgis' iconic biker bar.

And while that's all good fun, let's not forget that the rally takes place in one of the most scenic and beautiful states in the nation. While there are tons of things to do in South Dakota, the state offers up roads to ride that you can only imagine in your dreams and sights that will make you fall in love with riding all over again. If you're headed to the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™ 2019, you can't miss out on some of these must-see sights and stops.

Yet again, we've done all the homework for you so that you can benefit from our research. Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Let us know and we'll add it!

Entertainment

Four Mile Old West Town

Custer, SD

Hope you've brushed up on your quick draw. Step back into the past and experience how the rough n' tumble Old West really looked in this historic pioneer village.

Homestake Opera House

Lead, SD

If you're a sucker for the finer things in life, get some art in your life at the Homestake Opera House. Here, you can attend concerts, plays, and dances at this historic performing arts venue built in 1914.

Rush Mountain Adventure Park

Keystone, SD

Sometimes you need a little adrenaline rush, you know? Rush Mountain Adventure Park is home to coasters, ziplines, guided cave tours, and more.

Fort Hays Old West Town

Rapid City, SD

Sometimes you need a little adrenaline rush, you know? Rush Mountain Adventure Park is home to coasters, ziplines, guided cave tours, and more.

1880 Train

Hill City, SD

Looking to experience the past? The Black Hills Central Railroad hosts a heritage site that stars a functioning 1880 steam train named Chug.

Wall Drug

Wall, SD

Missing something, anything, in your life? You can likely find it at Wall Drug. From its humble beginning in 1931, this "Drug Store" is a sprawling hive of shopping, eating, or people watching opportunity.

Cosmos Mystery Area

Rapid City, SD

Ready for something really different? This cabin is an interactive optical illusion experience that will blow your mind for the whole 40-minute tour.

Spokane Ghost Town

Hermosa, SD

This ghost town was established in 1890 during the gold rush, but all that remains of this bustling town are memories and abandoned structures. This place is a must-see for all history buffs.

Food & Drink

Loud American Roadhouse

Sturgis, SD

Known as the premier live music spot and home of the Legendary Steak Tip Dinner, the Loud American Roadhouse is a spot you cannot miss when visiting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2018. Grab a beer or two and hang out with your rally buddies at this South Dakota icon.

Lewie's Burgers & Brews

Lead, SD

As the name implies, this is the spot to grab a solid burger and take advantage of a great beer selection.

Bushnell Garage

Bushnell, SD

As the name implies, this is the spot to grab a solid burger and take advantage of a great beer selection.

Buffalo Trading Post

Colton, SD

Don't judge this book by its cover. The Buffalo Trading Post is a true diamond in the rough with a full menu and nightly specials.

The Icehouse

Yankton, SD

This quirky spot is always a good time. Drink an ice cold beer on a hot summer day, and smash your bottle against the loading dock. It's tradition.

The Gaslight

Rockerville, SD

The Gaslight is a small spot with food that you'll tell everyone about later. Try the bison burger and the fresh, never frozen, chicken fried steak.

The Brass Rail

Rapid City, SD

This family owned bar was established in 1934 and still remains a great, laid-back place to grab a beer.

The Pocket

Sioux Falls, SD

The Pocket is home to multiple beers on tap, dozens of signature drinks, billiards, volleyball leagues, and fun times to be had.

38 Roadhouse

Sioux Falls, SD

If you're looking for a cool spot that's off the beaten path, 38 Roadhouse is where it's at! There's no drama at the 38, just good company, cold brews, and fun times.

Top Hat

Sioux Falls, SD

We're all about awesome dives, and, according to the locals, this one is one of the best in the state. Kick back and enjoy a cold one in a laid back atmosphere and bartenders who are cool as hell.

The Knuckle Saloon, Sturgis

Sturgis, SD

While this iconic destination isn't so much a hidden gem, The Knuckle Saloon, Sturgis, is one of our favorite spots to grab a drink and some awesome food! Headed to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2018? Don't forget to check out their brewery and enjoy some of South Dakota's finest craft beer.

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Museum

The Journey Museum & Learning Center

Rapid City, SD

The Journey Museum & Learning Center takes you through the enriching history of the Black Hills and Native American culture by means of four different area collections: Geology and Paleontology, Archaeology, Native American Culture, and Pioneer History.

The South Dakota Air & Space Museum

Box Elder, SD

Experience the fascinating past, take a look at present aircraft technology, and learn about the great possibilities to come in aviation and space exploration.

Black Hills Mining Museum

Lead, SD

Feeling lucky? Pan for gold that you can keep for yourself at this museum dedicated to the heritage preservation of the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Days of '76

Deadwood, SD

If history is your thing, the Days of '76 is something you can't miss. Experience exhibits, a historic parade, and an award-winning PRCA rodeo dedicated to Deadwood's first pioneers.

Tatanka: Story of the Bison

Deadwood, SD

Founded by Kevin Costner, Tatanka is a unique spot that features bison and Native American history exhibits.

The Mammoth Site

Hot Springs, SD

The Mammoth Site is home to the largest mammoth research facility, and is a working paleontological dig site. Get your history on; it's crazy to think these things once roamed the earth.

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Lead, SD

The Mammoth Site is home to the largest mammoth research facility, and is a working paleontological dig site. Get your history on; it's crazy to think these things once roamed the earth.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse, SD

The Crazy Horse Memorial is the largest mountain carving: a solemn monument for all Native American tribes.

Porter Sculpture Park

Montrose, SD

In the middle of the South Dakota Drift Prairie is a strange sculpture park that exhibits some bizarre, and sometimes macabre, sculpture art.

Nature

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

Spearfish, SD

Not a lot of people can brag about seeing this kind of stuff. This spot is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management.

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