Parkston South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parkston, South Dakota.
1. Parkston High School
EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Parkston High School serves as a central educational institution in the community. The school hosts various sports events and community activities throughout the year. Visitors can explore the campus grounds and potentially attend public events depending on the schedule.
2. Avera St Benedict Hospital
HEALTHCARE FACILITY
Avera St Benedict Hospital provides essential healthcare services to Parkston and surrounding communities. The facility offers a range of medical treatments and emergency care options for residents and visitors. Its presence represents an important cornerstone of community health infrastructure in the region.
3. Sacred Heart Catholic Church
HISTORIC PLACE OF WORSHIP
Sacred Heart Catholic Church stands as a prominent religious landmark in Parkston. The church features traditional architecture and serves as an important spiritual center for the local community. Visitors can appreciate both its historical significance and peaceful atmosphere.
4. Dimock Dairy
LOCAL CHEESE PRODUCER
Dimock Dairy is a beloved local institution known for its artisanal cheese production. Visitors can tour the facilities and purchase freshly made cheese products directly from the source. The dairy has earned a 4.5 rating from travelers, making it a must-visit attraction near Parkston.
5. Blarneys Sports Bar & Grill
LOCAL FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Blarneys Sports Bar & Grill offers casual dining and entertainment options in Parkston. The establishment serves classic American fare alongside a selection of beverages in a sports-themed environment. Visitors can enjoy watching games, socializing with locals, and experiencing authentic small-town hospitality.
6. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
AMERICA'S SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the iconic 60-foot faces of four great American presidents carved into the mountain. The monument represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States through its depictions of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Visitors from around the world come to witness this extraordinary feat of artistry and engineering that has become a symbol of American democracy.
7. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture project that began in 1948 as a tribute to the Lakota leader. Once completed, it will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota and the world, showcasing the rich Native American heritage. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, offering visitors comprehensive cultural experiences.
8. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of pristine wilderness where nearly 1,300 bison roam freely alongside pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and burros. The park offers visitors the chance to experience one of the few truly wild places remaining in the country. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and camping in this magnificent natural setting.
9. Historic Deadwood
GOLD RUSH ERA TOWN
Historic Deadwood allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock in this authentic 1870s gold rush town. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961, Deadwood now offers a blend of historical experiences and modern entertainment. Visitors can explore museums, historic sites, casinos, attend concerts, enjoy spa services, and witness parades throughout the year.
10. Jewel Cave National Monument
SUBTERRANEAN WONDER
Jewel Cave National Monument protects the third-longest cave system in the world, featuring spectacular calcite formations and diverse underground passages. Visitors can choose from various guided tours that showcase the cave's unique features and geological wonders. Above ground, the 1,279-acre park offers nature trails for hiking and wildlife observation in the beautiful Black Hills environment.
11. Wind Cave National Park
RARE CAVE FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park was the first cave to be designated as a national park and contains the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations. The park encompasses 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for diverse wildlife species. Visitors can explore both the fascinating underground cave system through guided tours and the scenic aboveground landscapes through hiking trails.
12. Missouri River Recreation
MIGHTY MO ADVENTURE
The Missouri River offers abundant recreational 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 fishing, boating, and water activities against a backdrop of scenic beauty and historical significance. The river corridor combines outdoor adventure with rich cultural heritage, making it a multifaceted destination for travelers.
13. Wall Drug
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Wall Drug began as a small town pharmacy in 1931 and has evolved into a world-famous roadside attraction drawing millions of visitors annually. The sprawling complex now features numerous shops, restaurants, and quirky attractions including a giant dinosaur, western art gallery, and animated displays. Travelers can still enjoy the free ice water that originally made the store famous, along with their renowned donuts and 5-cent coffee.
14. Spearfish Canyon
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Spearfish Canyon offers breathtaking natural beauty with its limestone palisades towering alongside a crystal-clear creek. The canyon features stunning waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls, accessible through well-maintained hiking trails. Visitors can drive the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which winds through the heart of this natural wonder, providing spectacular views in all seasons.
15. Cabela's
OUTDOOR RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Cabela's in Mitchell provides an immersive shopping experience for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike. The store features impressive wildlife displays, aquariums, and mountain recreations alongside its extensive selection of outdoor gear and clothing. Visitors have rated this location 4.1 stars, appreciating both its retail offerings and museum-like atmosphere that celebrates South Dakota's outdoor heritage.