Hazel South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hazel, South Dakota.
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of four American presidents on a massive granite mountain. Visitors can enjoy the Presidential Trail, evening lighting ceremonies, and the museum to learn about the monument's creation and significance. The memorial stands as one of America's most recognizable landmarks and attracts millions of tourists each year.
2. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC ERODED LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park showcases striking geologic formations with colorful layered rock, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park preserves one of the world's richest fossil beds, where ancient mammals like the rhino and saber-toothed cat once roamed. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the 244,000-acre wilderness.
3. Crazy Horse Memorial
TRIBUTE TO LAKOTA LEADER
Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain carving in progress that will be the largest sculpture in the world when completed. The memorial, which began in 1948, honors the Lakota leader and celebrates Native American culture and heritage. Visitors can explore the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center on site.
4. Wind Cave National Park
RARE CAVE FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations within its extensive cave system. The park offers ranger-guided tours allowing visitors to see calcite crystals, stalactites, and intricate formations like 'cave bacon'. Above ground, the park encompasses nearly 34,000 acres of forest and prairie that serve as a wildlife sanctuary.
5. Sylvan Lake
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
Sylvan Lake is a stunning mountain lake nestled among granite formations in Custer State Park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and boat rentals during the warmer months. The picturesque setting has made it a popular filming location and wedding venue in the Black Hills region.
6. Needles Highway
DRAMATIC GRANITE SPIRES
Needles Highway is a spectacular 14-mile scenic drive winding through towering granite spires in the Black Hills. The road features narrow tunnels carved into the rock and unique pigtail bridges that offer breathtaking views at every turn. Travelers can experience dramatic landscapes with numerous viewpoints for photography and appreciation of the natural beauty.
7. Iron Mountain Road
ENGINEERING MARVEL DRIVE
Iron Mountain Road is an engineering marvel featuring tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore in the distance. The 17-mile route includes pigtail bridges, hairpin curves, and stunning views of the Black Hills landscape. Drivers can experience one of America's most scenic and uniquely designed roadways when traveling between Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
8. Wall Drug
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Wall Drug is a famous roadside attraction that began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and grew into a 76,000-square-foot shopping mall. Visitors are drawn to its free ice water, 5-cent coffee, animated displays, western art gallery, and quirky photo opportunities. The sprawling complex now includes multiple restaurants, gift shops, and themed areas that attract over two million visitors annually.
9. Jewel Cave National Monument
SPECTACULAR UNDERGROUND WORLD
Jewel Cave National Monument protects one of the world's longest cave systems, currently mapped at over 200 miles. The cave is named for its sparkling calcite crystals that glitter like jewels when illuminated. Ranger-guided tours take visitors through chambers filled with unique formations including boxwork, flowstone, and delicate cave popcorn.
10. Watertown Veterans Memorial
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
Watertown Veterans Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to those who served in the United States armed forces. The memorial features impressive monuments and statues commemorating veterans from different conflicts. Visitors can reflect on the sacrifices made by service members while exploring the thoughtfully designed grounds.
11. Bramble Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Bramble Park Zoo houses over 500 animals representing more than 130 species in natural habitat exhibits. The zoo offers interactive experiences including a children's zoo, discovery center, and seasonal programming for all ages. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with wildlife while learning about conservation efforts in a family-friendly environment.
12. Goss Opera House
HISTORIC CULTURAL VENUE
The Goss Opera House is a beautifully restored historic theater dating back to 1889 that now hosts performances, events, and cultural activities. The venue combines Victorian architecture with modern amenities to create a unique entertainment experience in downtown Watertown. Visitors can enjoy concerts, theatrical productions, and special events while appreciating the building's rich history and elegant atmosphere.
13. Five Star Massage
RELAXING WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
Five Star Massage offers professional therapeutic massage services in a tranquil setting in Watertown. The facility provides various massage modalities designed to reduce stress, alleviate pain, and promote overall wellness. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the skilled practitioners and relaxing atmosphere for rejuvenation during their travels.
14. Wanda's Kitchen
HOMESTYLE LOCAL DINING
Wanda's Kitchen serves authentic homestyle cooking with an emphasis on local ingredients and traditional recipes. The restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy hearty breakfasts, freshly baked goods, and comfort food favorites. Patrons appreciate the friendly service and genuine taste of South Dakota cuisine that reflects the region's culinary heritage.
15. Dinosaur Museum
PREHISTORIC LEARNING ADVENTURE
The Dinosaur Museum houses an impressive collection of prehistoric fossils, skeletal reconstructions, and educational exhibits spanning millions of years of Earth's history. Visitors can view authentic dinosaur remains, participate in hands-on paleontological activities, and learn about the ancient creatures that once roamed the region. The museum provides an engaging experience for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages with interactive displays and knowledgeable staff.