Florence South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Florence, South Dakota.
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
AMERICA'S SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. Visitors can explore 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 offers interactive exhibits and a short film explaining why these four presidents were chosen to represent America.
2. Crazy Horse Memorial
WORLD'S LARGEST MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is a tribute to the Lakota leader that began construction in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. Once complete, this massive mountain carving will be the largest in South Dakota and the world. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, providing opportunities to learn about Native American culture and history.
3. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES AND WILDLIFE
Badlands National Park showcases a striking landscape of rugged terrain, colorful rock formations, and dramatic vistas that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. The park protects 244,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie where visitors can spot bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and other wildlife. Hiking trails of varying difficulties allow visitors to explore the unique geology and fossil beds that make the Badlands a natural wonder.
4. Jewel Cave National Monument
WORLD'S THIRD-LONGEST CAVE
Jewel Cave National Monument features the third-longest cave system in the world with over 200 miles of mapped passages. The cave offers a variety of guided tours showcasing its namesake calcite crystals that sparkle like jewels, unique boxwork formations, and delicate cave bacon formations. Above ground, the monument includes 1,279 acres with nature trails through ponderosa pine forest for visitors to enjoy.
5. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND SCENIC DRIVES
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of wilderness where nearly 1,300 bison roam freely alongside pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and a band of friendly burros. The park's Wildlife Loop Road offers one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in North America, while scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road feature tunnels, switchbacks, and breathtaking vistas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in mountain lakes, hiking through pine forests, or staying overnight in historic lodges built in the 1920s.
6. Historic Deadwood
LEGENDARY WILD WEST TOWN
Historic Deadwood is an 1870s gold rush town that became a National Historic Landmark in 1961, preserving the legacy of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Today, the town offers visitors a blend of history and entertainment with museums, historic sites, casinos, concerts, and regular reenactments of Wild West shootouts on Main Street. Visitors can try their luck at gambling, tour the Adams Museum, or visit Mount Moriah Cemetery where many frontier legends are buried.
7. Missouri River Recreation
MIGHTY MO OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
The Missouri River offers abundant recreation opportunities along its free-flowing sections and four major reservoirs—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark Lake. Visitors can enjoy premier walleye fishing, boating, kayaking, and water sports across hundreds of miles of shoreline. The river corridor also features numerous camping areas, hiking trails, and historic sites related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
8. Wind Cave National Park
UNIQUE BOXWORK FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park protects the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations in one of America's oldest national parks, established in 1903. Below ground, ranger-led tours take visitors through complex maze-like passages featuring boxwork, popcorn, and frostwork formations created over millions of years. Above ground, the park's 33,851 acres of mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest provide habitat for bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs.
9. Watertown Veterans Memorial
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Watertown Veterans Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to those who served in America's armed forces across all branches of military service. The memorial features granite panels, sculptures, and commemorative elements that tell the stories of local veterans and their sacrifices. Visitors can walk through the thoughtfully designed space, read the inscriptions, and reflect on the contributions of military personnel from the Watertown area.
10. Bramble Park Zoo
EDUCATIONAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Bramble Park Zoo houses over 500 animals representing 130 different species in a family-friendly environment designed for both education and entertainment. The zoo's exhibits include the Discovery Center, a children's zoo, prairie dog town, and specialized habitats featuring animals from around the world. Interactive programs, feeding demonstrations, and seasonal events enhance the visitor experience throughout the year.
11. Goss Opera House
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Goss Opera House is a beautifully restored 1889 historic theater that serves as a cultural cornerstone in downtown Watertown. The venue hosts a diverse calendar of performances including live music, theater productions, comedy shows, and community events in its elegant setting. Visitors can also enjoy the building's restaurant, bar, and event spaces that maintain the historic charm while providing modern amenities.
12. Five Star Massage
PREMIER RELAXATION DESTINATION
Five Star Massage offers professional therapeutic services designed to reduce stress and promote wellness for visitors and locals alike. Their skilled massage therapists provide a variety of techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and specialized treatments tailored to individual needs. The serene environment and attentive service make this an ideal stop for travelers looking to unwind after exploring South Dakota's attractions.
13. Vinyl Social Club
MUSIC AND COMMUNITY HUB
Vinyl Social Club combines the nostalgia of record collecting with the social atmosphere of a modern gathering space. Visitors can browse an extensive selection of vinyl records, enjoy craft beverages, and participate in music-themed events and listening parties. The venue regularly hosts local musicians, album release celebrations, and community gatherings centered around a shared love of music.
14. Windcross Spanish Mustang Preserve
HISTORIC HORSE CONSERVATION
Windcross Spanish Mustang Preserve works to protect and preserve the rare Spanish Mustang, one of North America's oldest and most historic horse breeds. Visitors can take guided tours to meet the mustangs, learn about their genetic significance, and understand the conservation efforts dedicated to maintaining this living piece of American heritage. The preserve offers educational programs about the role these horses played in Native American culture and Western expansion.
15. Bobkat's Purple Pie Place
FAMOUS HOMEMADE DESSERTS
Bobkat's Purple Pie Place is an iconic purple building in Custer serving homemade pies, ice cream, and comfort food that has become a beloved stop for Black Hills travelers. Their signature bumbleberry pie combines multiple berries in a sweet-tart filling that perfectly represents the flavors of the region. Beyond desserts, visitors can enjoy sandwiches and light meals in the whimsical setting that has made this bright purple establishment a local landmark.