Going on an adventure shouldn’t break the bank. In South Dakota, that’s not a problem!
Whether you’re looking for free ways to enjoy arts and culture, kid-friendly activities or the best hiking trails and nature walks, South Dakota offers something for everyone — even if you’re traveling on a budget. Here are 20 of our favorite free activities and experiences.
Originally published on About.com. This article has since been updated with current information.
1. Dignity: Of Earth & Sky
The Dignity sculpture is a stunning combination of art and history. Located next to the Lewis and Clark Welcome Center on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain, the stainless steel, 50-foot-tall statue was designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people.
2. Main Street Shootouts in Historic Deadwood
Historic Deadwood is a must-see for fans of the Old West. Head back to the time of ambitious gold-rush prospectors and unruly outlaws for a bit and enjoy live (and safe!) gunfights several times a day on Main Street. The battles are fought with blank bullets, but the fun is all real.
3. Adams Museum
W.E. Adams founded this free museum in Deadwood (donations are suggested) to preserve and display the history of the region. Now called the Adams Museum, it showcases some amazing Black Hills treasures. Visitors can explore the Legends Gallery, which honors the icons of Deadwood, including Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and others.
4. South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Visit the Ellsworth Air Force Base just outside Rapid City to learn about military and aerospace history at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. The museum comprises four aircraft alert hangars surrounded by vintage military aircraft, offering guests a close-up look at fighter jets and bombers. Admission is free and the exhibits are supersonic.
5. Termesphere® Gallery
Tucked away outside of Spearfish is a collection of unique works by a most unique man. South Dakota artist Dick Termes invented the Termesphere®, a 3D, inside-out view of the physical world captured in a sphere. Some paintings capture moments. Termespheres capture entire perspectives. Take a visit to the Termesphere® Gallery to explore this six-point perspective in action.
6. Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota
While South Dakota worked to preserve the country’s national resources during the financially difficult 1933-42 period, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) emerged. The goal was not only to preserve resources but to work with the thousands of young men who were contributing projects to Hill City and the surrounding areas. Visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum to explore their stories through photographs and artifacts.
7. Storybook Island
Home to more than eight acres of fairytale fun, Storybook Island in Rapid City is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This family-friendly theme park combines education and entertainment, with 50 playsets and interactive exhibits, a charming carousel and a train. Admission is free all summer long.
8. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
This massive sculpture of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln has become one of the most recognizable places in the United States. You can walk the trail and explore the extraordinary carving, museum and interactive exhibits. There is no admission charge to visit Mount Rushmore, but there is a parking charge in the lot.
9. Museum of Geology
The Museum of Geology, located in the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, explores paleontology and mineralogy through gems, fossils and skeletons. Visitors can learn more about South Dakota’s extensive natural history in the Hall of South Dakota Minerals. The museum also has a Kids Zone, so little geologists can explore Earth’s history with hands-on activities.
10. SculptureWalk
Sioux Falls is home to a thriving community of artists of all mediums. The SculptureWalk is an outdoor exhibit that displays more than 70 sculptures throughout downtown Sioux Falls, from the Eastbank to Uptown and the Steel District. Each sculpture remains for one year, at which time they are eligible for awards and purchase before the next group of sculptures is placed.
11. Rapid City’s Downtown Art
Rapid City offers some unique opportunities to view fantastic displays of art with Art Alley, the Sculpture Project and the City of Presidents. Being in downtown Rapid City feels like you’re strolling through an open-air museum. Be sure to leave plenty of time to walk around and explore.
12. Dinosaur Park
Looking for free family fun in South Dakota? Bring the whole family to Dinosaur Park in Rapid City to check out the Brontosaurus, T. rex and other giant creatures sculpted here. It’s worth the walk up the hill to check out some amazing South Dakota views.
13. D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives
The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives in Spearfish is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country focused on fish farming and conservation. The museum includes interactive exhibits describing the fish life cycle, tools of the trade and how to transport live fish. The surrounding grounds offer stunning views of the nearby pond and a walking/hiking trail.
14. Siouxland Heritage Museums
The Old Courthouse Museum, a Siouxland Heritage Museum, is a restored quartzite building from the 1800s, featuring three floors of exhibits from this region’s history. While you’re in Sioux Falls, explore the Pettigrew Home & Museum, the elegant 1880s Queen Anne-style home of South Dakota’s first United States Senator, which also offers free admission.
15. Wall Drug Store
You could probably spend a whole day at Wall Drug Store. Yes, there are things to buy in various stores, but there’s also a selection of restaurants, a traveler's chapel, a mining and panning experience, and plenty of places for the kids to climb and explore. It’s no wonder Wall Drug is one of the most popular roadside attractions in the country. Don’t leave without a donut.
16. Spearfish City Park
Nestled in the heart of Spearfish, Spearfish City Park offers free outdoor activities for visitors looking to spend time in nature. This city park has plenty to keep Spearfish residents and visitors busy, including a 10,000-square-foot skate park, a 5-mile recreation path, ball fields, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and more.
17. Roughlock Falls Nature Area
Nature lovers and photographers will love the breathtaking Roughlock Falls, part of Spearfish Canyon Nature Area. Walking paths and hiking trails lead to the falls, which splash into Spearfish Canyon. Enjoy birdwatching, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling in the winter months.
18. Black Hills National Forest
Over 1.2 million acres of forest and mountains make up the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, creating endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding and nature watching. You can discover streams, lakes, canyons and unique rock formations in South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest.
19. Jewel Cave National Monument
It’s the third-longest cave in the world and has more than 180 miles of mapped passages. Jewel Cave is a national monument you’ll definitely want to explore. There is no entrance fee to enter the monument or explore the visitor center, exhibits, gift shop and surface trails. However, all cave access is by ranger-led tour only, which requires purchasing a ticket. To learn more, see current Jewel Cave ticket prices.
20. Storybook Land and the Land of Oz
At Storybook Land and the Land of Oz in the northeast city of Aberdeen, step into whimsical play areas and rides inspired by classic nursery rhymes and beloved childhood stories. Follow the Yellow Brick Road through a full-scale recreation of Oz, complete with Dorothy’s house, Munchkin Land and the Wicked Witch’s castle.
Bonus: Free Entrance Days at National Parks
South Dakota’s national parks are some of the best in the country, from the moon-like landscapes of Badlands National Park to the underground wonderland of Wind Cave National Park. Each year, there are six days when all National Park Service sites offer free admission. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January)
- First Day of National Park Week (April)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June)
- Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day (August)
- National Public Lands Day (September)
- Veterans Day (November)
Be sure to check before you go to make sure entry policies haven’t changed, and make donations when you can. Military personnel and their families can also obtain a free lifetime Military Pass that grants access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests.
