Astoria South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Astoria, South Dakota.
1. Jambonz Grill & Pub
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
Jambonz Grill & Pub offers a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors in Astoria. The restaurant serves hearty American fare alongside a selection of craft beers and cocktails. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating options depending on the season.
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents in granite. Visitors can hike the Presidential Trail for up-close views and snap photos from the Grand Overlook. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits about the monument's creation and the significance of the four presidents chosen.
3. Crazy Horse Memorial
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBUTE
Crazy Horse Memorial honors one of the most important historical figures in South Dakota history. The ongoing mountain carving project, when completed, will be the world's largest sculpture. Visitors can explore the Indian Museum of North America and learn about Native American culture and history.
4. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND SCENIC BEAUTY
Custer State Park offers visitors the chance to see wildlife at incredibly close proximity. The park features scenic drives including the famous Wildlife Loop Road where bison, elk, and other animals roam freely. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping among the beautiful Black Hills landscape.
5. Grille 26 by Minervas
UPSCALE CASUAL DINING
Grille 26 by Minervas offers a sophisticated dining experience with a diverse menu of American cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on using quality ingredients and providing excellent service in an inviting atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy specialty cocktails alongside their meals in this popular South Dakota establishment.
6. Triangle Ranch Bed & Breakfast
HISTORIC RURAL RETREAT
Triangle Ranch Bed & Breakfast provides guests with an authentic South Dakota ranch experience in a historic setting. The property offers comfortable accommodations with home-cooked meals and stunning prairie views. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful countryside atmosphere while learning about the region's ranching heritage.
7. Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen
ARTISANAL SANDWICH SHOP
Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen specializes in creative, gourmet sandwiches made with locally-sourced ingredients. The casual eatery offers a rotating menu of seasonal specials alongside their signature sandwiches. Their commitment to quality and flavor has made them a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
8. Iron Mountain Road
ENGINEERING MARVEL SCENIC DRIVE
Iron Mountain Road is a masterpiece of scenic engineering designed to showcase the beauty of the Black Hills. The road features unique Pigtail Bridges and three granite tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore. Travelers can stop at Norbeck Overlook for breathtaking views of Cathedral Spires, Black Elk Peak, and the surrounding landscape.
9. Mount Moriah Cemetery
HISTORIC WILD WEST GRAVES
Mount Moriah Cemetery serves as the final resting place for numerous Wild West legends including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The historic cemetery provides visitors with a glimpse into the region's frontier past through its tombstones and grave markers. From its hillside location, the cemetery also offers panoramic views of the town of Deadwood below.
10. Keystone Chamber of Commerce
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
The Keystone Chamber of Commerce provides essential information for visitors exploring the Black Hills region. Their knowledgeable staff offers recommendations on local attractions, dining options, and accommodation choices. Tourists can pick up maps, brochures, and insider tips to enhance their South Dakota experience.
11. Black Hills Gold Mining History
GOLD RUSH HERITAGE
The Black Hills Gold Mining History can be explored through various attractions in the historic mining town of Lead. Visitors can tour former mines, try their hand at gold panning, and learn about the 1870s gold rush that shaped the region. The area's mining heritage is preserved through museums and historical sites that tell the story of fortune-seekers who flocked to the Black Hills.
12. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC RUGGED LANDSCAPE
Badlands National Park features a stunning landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires amidst the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park contains one of the world's richest fossil beds, where ancient mammals like the rhino and saber-toothed cat once roamed. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and spot wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
13. Wall Drug
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Wall Drug began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and has evolved into a sprawling 76,000-square-foot roadside attraction drawing over two million visitors annually. The unique shopping complex features themed dining areas, western wear shops, a backyard with activities for children, and their famous free ice water and 5-cent coffee. Travelers can spend hours exploring the eclectic mix of souvenirs, artwork, and quirky photo opportunities throughout this South Dakota landmark.
14. Needles Highway
DRAMATIC GRANITE FORMATIONS
Needles Highway winds through dramatic granite formations with needle-like spires that give the road its name. The 14-mile scenic byway includes narrow tunnels carved through solid rock and hairpin turns offering spectacular views of the Black Hills. Drivers and passengers alike marvel at the engineering feat of this road constructed in 1922 that was designed to be impossible to build but too beautiful not to try.
15. Jewel Cave National Monument
VAST UNDERGROUND WONDER
Jewel Cave National Monument protects the third-longest cave system in the world with over 200 miles of mapped passages. The cave earned its name from the calcite crystals that line its walls, creating a sparkling, jewel-like appearance when illuminated. Visitors can choose from several guided tour options to explore the cave's stunning formations including box work, flowstone, and draperies.