Sightseeing Sunday: Weird Things to Do in South Dakota
Looking for weird things to do in South Dakota? The state brings prairie oddities and tourist traps that somehow work — giant prairie dogs, corn palaces, and Wall Drug’s relentless billboard campaign.
Fun Facts About South Dakota
Mount Rushmore’s granite face was originally known simply as “the Mountain of Rock” before the carving began.
Pierre, South Dakota’s capital, is the only U.S. state capital that shares no letters with its state’s name.
The Corn Palace in Mitchell, on this list, gets a new exterior mural made entirely of corn and grains every year.
Jewel Cave in South Dakota’s Black Hills is the fourth-largest cave system in the world.
Some of these we’ve visited, others are still on our list. When we’ve been somewhere, the link takes you to our photo page with details and snark. Otherwise, you’ll head to their official site — assuming one exists, since sometimes that’s half the adventure.
Unique Attractions & Weird Things to Do in South Dakota
Weird Roadside & Oddities
Huron
World’s Largest Pheasant – Giant pheasant sculpture at 944 Jersey Ave NE.
Mitchell
World’s Only Corn Palace – Building exterior decorated with corn murals, 604 Main Street.
Phillip
6 Ton Prairie Dog – Giant prairie dog statue at Badlands Ranch Store.
Wall
World’s Largest Drug Store – Wall Drug – Legendary roadside attraction and shopping complex.
Plan Your South Dakota Road Trip
We’re always adding new weird things to do in South Dakota to this list, so check back for more roadside attractions, quirky museums, oversized oddities, and future road trip discoveries.
Where to next? Check out our North Dakota roadside attractions guide for more prairie weird, browse our complete roadside attractions by state guide, get tips for traveling with pets, or head back to the Right At The Light homepage.
Interactive Map: Weird Roadside Stops We’re Tracking
This map includes weird roadside attractions, big-rig friendly stops, and places still on our running road trip list across the country.