Our RV trip through South Dakota was a fun experience! We were amazed at the landscapes, learned about the Native People, and marveled at the number of animals roaming free in the parks. Read on as we share some of the fun things to see and do while RVing in South Dakota!
Traveling west through South Dakota here are some great stops along the way.
Sioux Falls- RVing In South Dakota
Our first stop in South Dakota as we headed west was just outside Sioux Falls. Since it is the biggest city in South Dakota it is considered one of the must-see cities in the Midwest. Pretty much anything you need can be found here.
Japanese Gardens- RVing In South Dakota
Japanese Gardens in South Dakota? Yes, right near Covell Lake in Terrace Park you can find pagodas, exotic flowers, and beautiful landscapes just outside downtown Sioux Falls!
Enjoy the Big Food Scene While RVing In South Dakota
Sioux Falls offers a surprising variety of food choices. Not just the midwestern type of foods you might think of like butter and cheese and corn. They have French bakeries that specialize in macarons, outstanding Japanese food, and the M.B. Haskett Delicatessen owned by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
See the Statute of David while RVing In South Dakota
In downtown Sioux Falls there is a full-size statue of David that is one of only two bronze castings ever made from the original! It’s 18 feet tall and is in the Big Sioux River in Fawick Park.
Ancient Burial Mounds- RVing In South Dakota
There are 5 ancient burial mounds in the center of the city! Testing has shown the remains of Woodland Indians were buried there over 1,600 years ago. The Park is located at 2705 W. 12th Street in Sioux Falls.
Waterfalls At Falls Park
One of the most famous attractions in Sioux Falls is Falls Park. The Park is 128 acres offering many different viewing platforms to watch the amazing 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet each second!
Cultural Center
Sioux Falls is home to the Washington Pavillion. It’s the region’s premier cultural center. Broadway productions, musical concerts, and dance tours can be found here at the Husby Performing Arts Center
Butterfly House and Aquarium
With over 800 free-flying butterflies and South Dakota’s only saltwater aquarium, this is a unique stop on your tour of Sioux Falls.
The World’s Only Corn Palace
Who knew there was a Corn Palace?! Well, there is one and this one is just outside Mitchell, South Dakota, and claims to be a premier tourist attraction. According to their website, 500,000 tourists visit here every year! Unbelievably it was established over 100 years ago to prove that South Dakota has a healthy agricultural climate. It has continued to grow and hosts festivals, concerts, sports events, and shows.
The most interesting thing is that each year they choose a different theme and the Palace is completely redecorated with murals of naturally colored corn and grasses native to the area to demonstrate the “agricultural show-place of the world”. If you are in the area during the end of August, this is certainly an entertaining side trip!
Dignity: Of Earth and Sky Statute
Don’t miss taking the exit for the rest stop between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain. You will be rewarded with seeing the magnificent 50-foot-tall statue honoring the cultures of Lakota and Dakota people overlooking the Missouri River.
During the day the diamonds in her quilt reflect the sunlight and at night she is illuminated. We accidentally stumbled on this incredible work of art, make sure to stop and see it yourself and take in the views!
Want to know more about great RV destinations and sights in South Dakota? Follow along as we continue to share our RV journey out west! RVing the Southwest
RV traveling west through South Dakota- Amazing Places