Mission Hill South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mission Hill, South Dakota.
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
PRESIDENTIAL ROCK MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an iconic monument showcasing presidential sculptures and the Avenue of Flags. Visitors can explore the 0.6-mile walking trail that offers different views of the presidents' faces carved into the granite mountain. The on-site museum features information about the monument's construction, including Gutzon Borglum's 1/12th scale model and two theaters showing short films about its history.
2. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Custer State Park is one of South Dakota's most iconic landmarks, stretching over 71,000 acres with granite peaks, rolling grasslands, and clear mountain waters. The park is home to abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and curious burros that visitors can observe while driving through the scenic 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping amidst the natural beauty of the Black Hills.
3. Crazy Horse Memorial
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Crazy Horse Memorial is dedicated to protecting and preserving the culture, tradition, and living heritage of North American Indians. This ongoing mountain sculpture, when completed, will be the world's largest sculpture at 563 feet high and 641 feet long. The memorial complex includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, and offers cultural programs throughout the year.
4. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC STRIPED LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park features a scenic loop road through a dramatic landscape with striped buttes and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy serene overlooks, hiking trails, and abundant photo opportunities throughout the 244,000-acre park. The park's unique formations were created through millions of years of deposition and erosion, creating one of the world's richest fossil beds.
5. NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center
PREMIER ARCHERY FACILITY
The NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center is a world-class archery facility offering both indoor and outdoor ranges for enthusiasts and competitors. The center hosts numerous national and international tournaments throughout the year and provides training programs for all skill levels. Visitors can try their hand at archery, take lessons from certified instructors, or watch competitions in this state-of-the-art facility.
6. Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica is a faithful reproduction of the original capitol building that served as the seat of government for Dakota Territory from 1862 to 1889. This historic structure houses exhibits detailing the territorial period and early statehood years of South Dakota. Visitors can explore period rooms and displays that showcase the political and social history of the region.
7. Mead Cultural Education Center
REGIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Mead Cultural Education Center is housed in the restored Mead Building, originally part of the South Dakota Human Services Center campus. The museum features extensive exhibits on regional history, including Native American culture, pioneer life, and the development of Yankton and surrounding areas. Interactive displays, artifacts, and educational programs provide visitors with an immersive experience into South Dakota's past.
8. Missouri National Recreational River
WILD AND SCENIC RIVER
The Missouri National Recreational River preserves two free-flowing stretches of the Missouri River, offering an experience similar to what Lewis and Clark encountered over two centuries ago. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching along the river's natural banks. The area features diverse ecosystems, including cottonwood forests, tall grass prairies, and river habitats that support numerous plant and animal species.
9. Museum At Black Hills Institute
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL COLLECTION
The Museum At Black Hills Institute houses over 1,300 fossils and more than 150 research-quality replicas in its compact but comprehensive facility. The museum is recognizable by the giant triceratops head in front of the steps, offering visitors a chance to understand the actual size of dinosaurs and touch real prehistoric bones. This educational attraction provides an in-depth look at paleontology and the prehistoric giants that once roamed the region.
10. Dahl's Chainsaw Art
UNIQUE WOODEN SCULPTURES
Dahl's Chainsaw Art features the world's largest Smoky the Bear sculpture and numerous other incredible wooden creations carved by the internationally known Dahl brothers. The artists create one-of-a-kind pieces from the ponderosa pines of the Black Hills, showcasing their award-winning carving skills. Visitors can watch demonstrations, purchase unique souvenirs, and appreciate the blend of art and regional character represented in these wooden sculptures.
11. Mammoth Site
ACTIVE PALEONTOLOGICAL DIG
The Mammoth Site is an interactive archaeological attraction featuring a live dig of ancient mammoths preserved in what was once a natural sinkhole. Visitors can take self-guided QR code tours and explore engaging exhibits that detail prehistoric life in the region. The site includes a comprehensive gift shop and offers educational programs that bring paleontology to life for guests of all ages.
12. Corn Palace
UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL ATTRACTION
The Corn Palace is a corn-themed arena with changing murals made from colorful cobs, surrounded by a kitschy atmosphere that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region. The facility features a unique gift shop and hosts a range of events throughout the year, including concerts, sports tournaments, and community gatherings. This one-of-a-kind attraction draws visitors from around the world to see the elaborate corn art that decorates both exterior and interior walls.
13. Mickelson Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile converted railway path that winds through the heart of the Black Hills, offering hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders a gentle grade and beautiful scenery. The trail passes through tunnels, over bridges, and near historic mining towns, providing access to some of the most picturesque landscapes in South Dakota. Visitors can rent bikes in Hill City to explore sections of the trail, with numerous trailheads and rest areas available along the route.
14. Mount Rushmore Resort & Lodge
RELAXATION IN NATURE
Mount Rushmore Resort & Lodge offers comfortable accommodations surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills. The resort provides various lodging options including cabins, RV sites, and glamping tents, catering to different preferences and budgets. Guests can enjoy on-site amenities such as swimming pools, hiking trails, and convenient access to major attractions in the area.
15. Spearfish Canyon
BREATHTAKING NATURAL WONDER
Spearfish Canyon is a stunning limestone gorge featuring spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and numerous waterfalls including Bridal Veil and Roughlock Falls. The canyon offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, fishing opportunities in Spearfish Creek, and one of the most scenic drives in the Black Hills along Highway 14A. During autumn, the canyon transforms into a colorful display as the birch, oak, and aspen trees change to brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds.