The South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre is your center for science learning and fun. Our hands-on science center features more than 60 exhibits, including Discovery Town with the Growing Up Garden Center, Paws & Claws Vet Clinic, and the Rainbow Cafe; Soil is Life; Sun Earth Universe; and an indoor tree house. We are dedicated to empowering all Peoples of the Great Plains through hands-on experiences that inspire scientific thinking. The Discovery Center's May through August hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Our winter hours, September through April, are 1-5 p.m., Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday. Admission is $5 per person (2 and under are free).
Located along the Missouri River in Chamberlain, the South Dakota Hall of Fame was established in 1974 to recognize and honor those individuals championing a culture of excellence for all of South Dakota. As diverse as the landscape, individuals from all walks of life who have contributed in Agriculture, Arts & Entertainment, General, Historical, Professional and Sports are recognized at the Hall of Fame, including Laura Ingalls Wilder, Tom Brokaw, L. Frank Baum, Billy Mills and Bob Barker.
SOUTH DAKOTA MAGAZINE explores the state, looking for interesting people and places that define our culture, heritage, arts, nature and communities. The bi-monthly (6 per year) publication is written and headquartered at Yankton, the historic Missouri River city that was once the territorial capital. Our publishing headquarters encompasses three old brick buildings in downtown Yankton that were built in the 1870s by Territorial Governor John Pennington. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Explore the four large Missouri River lakes, including lakes Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case and Lewis and Clark and all the history, culture and recreation you can handle along the way. Our office is located inside the Oahe Dam Visitor Center on top of the Oahe Dam. The Visitor Center is located approximately six miles north of Pierre. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The South Dakota National Guard Museum covers the history of the South Dakota National Guard from 1861 to current day. The museum's mission is to acquire, preserve, protect, and display military equipment, records, relics, and memorabilia representing the heritage of the Dakota Militia and the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard. The museum also educates National Guard members and the general public about the heritage of the South Dakota National Guard both in peace and at war. Located in Pierre, not far from the Missouri River, the museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
At the South Dakota Outdoor Shop we will outfit you to be outside doing what you love. Stop in our owner-operated store in Custer and let our excellent staff of outdoor-enthusiasts help meet all your adventure needs. From outdoor apparel and hiking, biking & climbing gear, to camping supplies, water sport rentals and beer & snacks, we’ve got everything you need in one spot so you can “Gear Up and Get Out”! Our hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12-4 p.m., Sunday.
South Dakota Outfitters Unlimited welcomes you to our 20,000-square-foot, 5-star lodge in Geddes. Whether you're an avid hunter (pheasant, turkey, deer, and more), a passionate fisher (walleye, perch, and bass), or simply seeking an escape from the daily grind, our comfortable accommodations and expert guides are ready to make your next trip one you won’t forget. Our mission is to provide extraordinary outdoor experiences, utilizing our talents to admire and respect our remarkable natural resources. Our lodge is large enough to host: family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and other group engagements. We also have offsite facilities available if a little more privacy for your party is desired.
Pageant Hill in Custer is known as the spot where the annual 4th of July fireworks are displayed. But, it's a busy place the rest of the year, too. From sledding in the winter to disc golf and hiking year-round, Pageant Hill is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors. The area is mostly heavily wooded with some rocky outcroppings. The park is primitive and the disc golf course is ungroomed. There is a shelter and portable toilets, but no drinking water. For more information, contact the Custer Chamber of Commerce.
Is your family looking for an adventure they will never forget? If so, please visit our website to learn more about our dinosaur digging tours in western South Dakota. We offer families and small groups the chance to dig for real dinosaur fossils on private lands, under the close supervision of trained staff. Our trips are the real deal, this is not brushing sand off of plastic or planted bones. You join a real scientific expedition with all the positives and negatives of real paleontology.
Palisades State Park is one of the most unique areas in South Dakota. Split Rock Creek, which flows through the park, is lined with Sioux quartzite formations varying from shelves several feet above the water to 50-foot vertical cliffs. Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades a popular getaway. The park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers.
