Trent South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Trent, South Dakota.
1. The Little Village Farm
HISTORIC BARN COLLECTION
The Little Village Farm is a unique museum showcasing eleven historic barns filled with rural artifacts from South Dakota's past. Each barn houses its own collection, including tractors, toys, farm equipment, and an impressive display of nearly 7,200 seed corn hats forming a colorful circle inside two entire barns. Visitors can explore this extraordinary preservation of rural heritage created by collector Jim Lacey in the small town of Trent.
2. Dell Rapids Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Dell Rapids Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich historical past through carefully curated exhibits. The museum showcases local artifacts, photographs, and documentation that tell the story of Dell Rapids and surrounding communities including Trent. History enthusiasts will appreciate the preservation efforts that keep the region's heritage alive for future generations.
3. Royal River Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Royal River Casino provides visitors with exciting gaming options just a short drive from Trent. The casino features slot machines, table games, and regular entertainment events for guests looking for nightlife activities. Visitors can also enjoy dining options and occasionally special promotions or tournaments throughout the year.
4. Corn Palace
UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL LANDMARK
The Corn Palace is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction and historic landmark first built in 1892 to showcase the region's rich agricultural heritage. This extraordinary building features murals and designs made entirely from corn and other grains, which are replaced annually with new themes. Visitors can marvel at this unique celebration of South Dakota's farming culture that has become an iconic symbol of the state.
5. Mount Rushmore
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln—on the granite face of the mountain. The monumental sculpture stands as a symbol of American democracy and achievement, attracting visitors from around the world. Visitors can enjoy the Grand View Terrace, Presidential Trail, and evening lighting ceremony that highlights this impressive national landmark.
6. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE FORMATIONS
Badlands National Park showcases a striking landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park's 244,000 acres protect an extraordinary display of geologic deposits containing one of the world's richest fossil beds. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
7. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest mountain sculpture in progress, honoring the culture, tradition, and living heritage of North American Indians. The memorial, which began in 1948, will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land when completed. Visitors can tour the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, and watch the ongoing carving work at this impressive site.
8. Wall Drug
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Wall Drug began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and transformed into a famous roadside attraction by offering free ice water to tired travelers. Today, this sprawling 76,000-square-foot complex features shopping, dining, and quirky attractions including a giant jackalope, animated T-Rex, and western art gallery. Visitors from around the world stop to experience this unique South Dakota landmark known for its 5-cent coffee, homemade donuts, and western memorabilia.
9. Falls Park
NATURAL URBAN WATERFALL
Falls Park showcases the natural beauty of the Big Sioux River as it drops an average of 7,400 gallons of water per second over the city's namesake falls. The 123-acre park features walking trails, historic buildings, and an observation tower providing panoramic views of the cascading water and surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy the falls illuminated at night, dine at the Falls Overlook Café housed in a restored 1908 hydroelectric plant, or explore the Farmer's Market during summer months.
10. Spearfish Canyon
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Spearfish Canyon is a breathtaking limestone gorge carved by Spearfish Creek featuring towering limestone walls and cascading waterfalls. The 19-mile scenic byway winds through the canyon, offering access to hiking trails leading to Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy stunning views in all seasons, with autumn's vibrant foliage creating an especially magnificent display of color against the canyon walls.
11. Iron Mountain Road
ENGINEERING MARVEL DRIVE
Iron Mountain Road is an engineering marvel featuring pigtail bridges, granite tunnels, and spectacular views of Mount Rushmore framed through tunnel openings. The 17-mile stretch was deliberately designed by former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck to force slow travel and maximize scenic views. Drivers experience 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 tunnels, and 3 pigtail bridges that loop over their own road on this unforgettable journey through the Black Hills.
12. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife including a herd of approximately 1,300 free-roaming bison. Visitors can drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road to spot bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, elk, deer, and the famous begging burros who approach vehicles seeking food. The park offers numerous recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming at Sylvan Lake, whose unique rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for water adventures.
13. Bramble Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Bramble Park Zoo houses over 500 animals representing 130 different species across its 15-acre facility. The zoo features both domestic and exotic animals, including tigers, bears, monkeys, and a children's zoo where visitors can interact with farm animals. Families can enjoy the Discovery Center, special events throughout the year, and educational programming that makes for an entertaining and informative visit.
14. Butterfly House & Aquarium
TROPICAL INDOOR ECOSYSTEM
The Butterfly House & Aquarium provides a tropical escape with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world in a lush indoor garden environment. Visitors can observe the complete butterfly life cycle in the hatchery area and encounter various marine life in the aquarium section featuring coral reef inhabitants and touch pools. The facility offers educational programs and special events throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for families looking for a unique indoor attraction.
15. Porter Sculpture Park
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ART
Porter Sculpture Park features over 50 larger-than-life original metal sculptures created by artist Wayne Porter spread across 18 acres of prairie land. The park's centerpiece is a 60-foot tall bull head weighing 25 tons, visible from Interstate 90 and drawing curious travelers to explore the collection. Each sculpture comes with a poem written by the artist, adding depth and sometimes humorous context to the striking metal artworks that blend artistic vision with South Dakota's landscape.