More about South Dakota
South Dakota offers the perfect mix of urban attractions, unforgettable rugged natural beauty, and deep-rooted history. Those looking for outdoor exploration are sure not to be disappointed with options from scenic hikes and mountain biking in the Black Hills or Good Earth State Park to simply enjoying the historic monuments that define the area, such as Mount Rushmore. For those adventurous enough, even Crazy Horse Memorial, which sits atop Thunderhead Mountain, is close by. The Native American heritage runs strongly throughout the state, and plenty can be learned about this unique culture with a visit to South Dakota. Although urban attractions are available, it’s hard not to take pleasure in South Dakota’s rugged nature and beautiful outdoors.
Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s most prominent tourist attraction. Carved in the mountaintop are four U.S Presidents – Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln & Roosevelt- whose faces represent a legacy that spans centuries of history and accomplishment. The monumental carving project began in 1927 under renowned sculptor Gutzon Borglum and was finished nearly sixty years later with over 400,000 tons of granite removed from the mountain! Visitors can explore Mount Rushmore further by taking part in its illuminating evening ceremony or walking along its 0.6 mile Presidential Trail to get up close to this amazing feat of human ingenuity!
Embrace the wildness of Badlands National Park, where striking hills and pinnacles sculpted by erosion tower above vast prairies dotted with free-roaming bison. Wind your way along the scenic Loop Road for a unique tour through one of South Dakota’s most popular sites as you admire remarkable vistas that blend strange beauty and inhospitality in equal measure. A visit to this remote corner may just leave an imprint on your memory – but don’t forget to take some photographs so you can relive it later!