Mount Vernon South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Vernon, South Dakota.
1. Lake Mitchell Hiking and Biking Trails
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Mitchell Hiking and Biking Trails offer visitors miles of scenic pathways surrounding the beautiful Lake Mitchell. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy well-maintained trails perfect for hiking, jogging, and cycling while taking in stunning views of the water and surrounding nature. The trails provide access to various picnic areas and fishing spots, making it an ideal destination for a full day of outdoor activities.
2. Dakota Discovery Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Dakota Discovery Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dakota region through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections featuring Native American art, pioneer life, and the agricultural development that shaped the area's history. The museum offers an educational experience through interactive displays and regular special events that bring history to life.
3. George and Eleanor McGovern Library
POLITICAL LEGACY COLLECTION
The George and Eleanor McGovern Library houses an extensive collection of documents and memorabilia related to the life and career of Senator George McGovern. This modern facility serves as both an academic resource for researchers and a fascinating destination for visitors interested in American political history. The library regularly hosts educational programs and exhibits that highlight the McGoverns' contributions to national and international affairs.
4. Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is an active archaeological site where visitors can witness ongoing excavations of a 1,000-year-old Native American settlement. The Thomsen Center Archeodome allows year-round viewing of archaeologists at work uncovering artifacts and structures from this ancient community. The accompanying museum features interactive exhibits explaining the lifestyle, technology, and cultural practices of the indigenous people who once thrived in this region.
5. Corn Palace
UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL MONUMENT
The Corn Palace stands as Mitchell's most famous landmark, adorned with elaborate murals created entirely from locally grown corn and grains. Each year, these corn murals are redesigned around a new theme, making every visit a unique experience for tourists and returning visitors alike. Beyond its decorative exterior, the Corn Palace serves as a multi-purpose venue hosting concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings throughout the year.
6. Mount Vernon Historic Opera House
CULTURAL HERITAGE VENUE
The Mount Vernon Historic Opera House represents a preserved piece of the town's rich cultural heritage dating back to the early settlement period. This beautifully maintained venue occasionally hosts community performances, music events, and special cultural celebrations that bring the small town together. Visitors can appreciate the historic architecture and learn about the building's significance in the development of arts and entertainment in rural South Dakota.
7. Lake Hanson
PEACEFUL FISHING RETREAT
Lake Hanson offers a tranquil retreat for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers near Mount Vernon. The lake is known for its healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, and panfish, making it a favorite destination for local anglers. Surrounding the water are scenic picnic areas and shoreline spots perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the South Dakota landscape.
8. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the massive 60-foot faces of four American presidents carved into the granite of the Black Hills. This iconic national monument symbolizes American history and ingenuity through its depiction of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Visitors can explore the Presidential Trail, visit the sculptor's studio, and enjoy evening lighting ceremonies that bring the monumental carvings to life.
9. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC NATURAL LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park showcases a striking landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires amid the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park's geological formations contain one of the world's richest fossil beds, providing evidence of ancient mammals that once roamed the area. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs while potentially spotting wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
10. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL NATIVE TRIBUTE
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture project honoring the spirit and culture of North American Indigenous peoples. When completed, this massive carving will be the world's largest sculpture, depicting the Lakota leader Crazy Horse pointing toward his ancestral lands. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, offering visitors deep insights into Indigenous history, art, and traditions.
11. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS PARADISE
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of diverse terrain where nearly 1,300 bison roam freely alongside other wildlife including pronghorn antelope, elk, and mountain goats. The park features scenic drives such as the Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway, offering breathtaking views of granite spires and rolling prairies. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping in one of South Dakota's most beloved natural treasures.
12. Jewel Cave National Monument
SUBTERRANEAN WONDER WORLD
Jewel Cave National Monument protects the third-longest cave system in the world, featuring over 200 miles of mapped passages adorned with calcite crystals that sparkle like jewels. Visitors can choose from various guided tours that showcase the cave's unique formations, including boxwork, flowstone, and draperies. Above ground, the monument offers 1,279 acres of pine forest with nature trails for hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
13. Historic Deadwood
WILD WEST HERITAGE TOWN
Historic Deadwood preserves the authentic atmosphere of an 1870s gold rush town that was once home to legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. This National Historic Landmark offers visitors a chance to explore museums, historic sites, and restored buildings that tell the story of frontier life and western expansion. Modern Deadwood complements its rich history with entertainment options including casinos, dining establishments, and regular reenactments of famous historical events.
14. Wind Cave National Park
RARE CAVE FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park protects one of the world's oldest and most complex cave systems, featuring the largest concentration of rare boxwork formations. Above ground, the park preserves nearly 34,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest that provides habitat for diverse wildlife. Visitors can experience both worlds through cave tours that explore the mysterious underground labyrinth and hiking trails that wind through the scenic surface ecosystem.
15. Missouri River
HISTORIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Missouri River offers an abundance of recreational opportunities along its magnificent course through South Dakota. The river features four major reservoirs—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark Lake—each providing prime conditions for fishing, boating, and water sports. History enthusiasts can follow the Lewis and Clark Trail while outdoor adventurers enjoy camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the river's scenic shores.