Dante South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dante, South Dakota.
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents - Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln - sculpted into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. Visitors can hike the Presidential Trail for up-close views, snap photos from the Grand Overlook, and visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to learn about the mountain's history. The memorial attracts millions of tourists annually and stands as one of America's most recognized landmarks.
2. Crazy Horse Memorial
MASSIVE MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture project honoring the Lakota leader, which once complete will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota and the world. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center that provide opportunities to learn about Native American culture. Work on this massive tribute began in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and continues today.
3. Wildlife Loop Road
SCENIC WILDLIFE DRIVE
Wildlife Loop Road is a popular 18-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park where visitors can observe free-roaming wildlife including bison, pronghorn, deer, elk, and the famous begging burros. The loop winds through rolling hills, open grasslands, and forested areas, offering spectacular views and photography opportunities throughout the seasons. Visitors are advised to remain in their vehicles when large animals are present and to maintain a safe distance at all times.
4. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC ERODED LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park features dramatically eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park protects 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires mixed with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and fossil exhibits while potentially spotting wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
5. Wind Cave National Park
UNIQUE CAVE FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations in one of America's oldest national parks. The cave system includes over 150 miles of mapped passageways beneath 33,851 acres of forest and prairie that create a sanctuary for wildlife. Above ground, visitors can enjoy hiking trails through mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest while potentially spotting bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
6. Jewel Cave National Monument
EXTENSIVE UNDERGROUND PASSAGEWAYS
Jewel Cave National Monument protects one of the world's longest cave systems, currently mapped at over 200 miles of passageways. The cave is named for its sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations that decorate the underground chambers. Visitors can choose from several guided tour options that showcase different sections of this remarkable underground wilderness.
7. Corn Palace
FOLK ART GRAIN MARVEL
The Corn Palace is a multi-purpose facility decorated annually with naturally colored corn and other grains, creating elaborate murals depicting scenes of local history and culture. The building has been rebuilt several times since its original construction, with each iteration becoming more elaborate and impressive, attracting visitors including Presidents Calvin Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Beyond being a historic landmark, the Corn Palace serves as a community center and event venue hosting concerts, sporting events, and cultural gatherings throughout the year.
8. Tatanka: Story of the Bison
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Tatanka: Story of the Bison is a Native American interpretive center dedicated to educating visitors about the history and culture of the Lakota people and the significance of bison in their way of life. The center features an authentic Lakota encampment complete with traditional tipis, staffed by Native American interpreters who give presentations throughout the day. Visitors can participate in various educational programs that provide insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Lakota people.
9. 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 through unique Pigtail Bridges and three granite tunnels framing perfect views of Mount Rushmore. The 17-mile roadway winds through towering Ponderosa pines, shimmering aspens, and iron-rich rock formations creating a captivating diverse landscape. Norbeck Overlook along the route offers magnificent views of Cathedral Spires, Black Elk Peak, and the Six Grandfathers—the original Lakota name for the Mount Rushmore site.
10. Akta Lakota Museum
NORTHERN PLAINS TRIBAL HERITAGE
Akta Lakota Museum is an educational outreach of St. Joseph's Indian School that preserves and promotes the arts and history of the Northern Plains Indian Tribes. The museum houses a collection of historic artifacts, contemporary Native American art, and educational displays that tell the story of the Lakota (Sioux) people. Visitors gain insights into traditional Lakota culture through exhibits covering topics from daily life and spirituality to the boarding school experience.
11. Fort Randall Dam
MISSOURI RIVER ENGINEERING
Fort Randall Dam is a major dam on the Missouri River that created Lake Francis Case, named after the former South Dakota Senator. The dam provides flood control, irrigation, recreation opportunities, and hydroelectric power generation for the region. Visitors can tour the powerhouse during scheduled times, enjoy fishing below the dam, or explore the Fort Randall Historic Site nearby.
12. Fort Randall Casino
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
Fort Randall Casino is a gaming and entertainment destination operated by the Yankton Sioux Tribe offering slot machines, table games, and bingo in a welcoming atmosphere. The facility includes dining options ranging from casual to upscale, featuring local specialties and traditional favorites. Beyond gaming, the venue hosts regular entertainment events including concerts, comedy shows, and cultural performances throughout the year.
13. Dante General Store
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN COMMERCE
The Dante General Store serves as both a community hub and a glimpse into rural South Dakota's commercial heritage in the small town of Dante. This family-owned establishment offers everyday essentials, local products, and sometimes serves as a gathering place for locals. Visitors passing through can experience authentic small-town charm while picking up supplies or chatting with friendly residents about the area's history.
14. Al's Oasis
ICONIC MISSOURI RIVER STOP
Al's Oasis is a popular roadside attraction and travel plaza offering a restaurant, grocery store, gift shop, and gas station along Interstate 90 near the Missouri River. The restaurant is known for its homestyle cooking, including their famous 5-cent coffee and hearty meals that have been serving travelers for generations. The Western-themed complex provides a welcome rest stop with its distinctive frontier-style architecture and comprehensive services for travelers exploring South Dakota.
15. Dignity of Earth and Sky
MONUMENTAL NATIVE AMERICAN SCULPTURE
Dignity of Earth and Sky is a stunning 50-foot stainless steel sculpture depicting a Native American woman in traditional Lakota dress holding a star quilt that stands as a tribute to the indigenous cultures of South Dakota. The impressive statue, created by artist Dale Lamphere, stands on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River at the Interstate 90 rest area near Chamberlain. At night, LED lights illuminate the quilt's diamond shapes in colors that change with the seasons, creating a mesmerizing display visible from the highway.