Alpena South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alpena, South Dakota.
1. Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage
HISTORIC LITERARY GARDENS
Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage offers visitors a literary-themed experience in Alpena. The attraction features gardens inspired by Shakespeare's works and a replica of Anne Hathaway's cottage. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while learning about Shakespearean history and literature.
2. Boss Boutique
TRENDY LOCAL SHOPPING
Boss Boutique is a popular shopping destination in Alpena with a high rating from visitors. The boutique offers a variety of clothing, accessories, and gift items with a focus on local style. Shoppers appreciate the unique selection and friendly service that makes this a must-visit retail spot.
3. SoDak Prairie Acres
RURAL FARM EXPERIENCE
SoDak Prairie Acres provides visitors with an authentic South Dakota prairie experience. The attraction showcases local agriculture and rural living with opportunities for hands-on activities. Visitors can learn about farming practices while enjoying the expansive prairie landscape.
4. Lake Mitchell Hiking and Biking Trails
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Mitchell Hiking and Biking Trails offer outdoor enthusiasts miles of scenic paths near Alpena. The well-maintained trails wind through diverse landscapes including lakeside views and wooded areas. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography throughout the seasons.
5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of four American presidents on a massive granite mountainside. The memorial includes the Presidential Trail which offers visitors close-up views of the famous monument with informative plaques along the way. This iconic South Dakota landmark attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire this impressive feat of artistry and engineering.
6. Crazy Horse Memorial
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Crazy Horse Memorial is a massive mountain carving in progress dedicated to the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational and Cultural Center. When completed, the sculpture will depict Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing into the distance, honoring Native American culture and history.
7. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC NATURAL LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park is known for its striking geological formations including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park is home to diverse wildlife including bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails and overlooks to enjoy the park's unique and otherworldly landscape.
8. Spearfish Canyon
BREATHTAKING SCENIC BYWAY
Spearfish Canyon in the northern Black Hills is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and scenic byway. The canyon features towering limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy driving through the canyon or stopping at various points to hike, photograph, or simply appreciate the spectacular limestone formations.
9. Downtown Rapid City
VIBRANT URBAN CENTER
Downtown Rapid City offers a vibrant urban experience with historic architecture and modern amenities. The area features shops, restaurants, galleries, and cultural attractions that showcase the spirit of western South Dakota. Visitors appreciate the walkable streets lined with public art including the famous City of Presidents sculpture series.
10. Dinosaur Gardens
PREHISTORIC FAMILY FUN
Dinosaur Gardens provides a family-friendly prehistoric adventure near the Alpena region. The attraction features life-sized dinosaur replicas set in natural surroundings that educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Children especially enjoy the interactive elements and photo opportunities with the impressive prehistoric creatures.
11. Corn Palace
UNIQUELY DECORATED LANDMARK
The Corn Palace in Mitchell is a one-of-a-kind attraction decorated with murals made entirely of corn and other grains. Each year, the exterior decorations follow a new theme with colorful designs created using naturally colored corn. Visitors can tour the interior to learn about the history of this unusual landmark that celebrates South Dakota's agricultural heritage.
12. Wall Drug Store
ICONIC WESTERN ATTRACTION
Wall Drug Store is a famous roadside attraction that began as a small pharmacy offering free ice water to travelers. Today, it has expanded into a massive 76,000-square-foot complex with shops, restaurants, and quirky attractions including an animated T-Rex and western art gallery. Visitors from around the world stop to experience this uniquely American landmark known for its billboards, 5-cent coffee, and photo opportunities.
13. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of stunning terrain in the Black Hills with abundant wildlife including the famous bison herds. The park features scenic drives like the Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway that showcase dramatic granite spires and rolling landscapes. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from wildlife viewing and hiking to swimming and fishing in the park's five lakes.
14. Mammoth Site
PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG
The Mammoth Site is an active paleontological dig site where visitors can observe the remains of woolly mammoths that became trapped in a sinkhole over 26,000 years ago. The indoor facility preserves and displays the bones of over 60 mammoths, making it one of the world's largest concentrations of mammoth remains. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Ice Age mammals and watch ongoing excavation work during the summer months.
15. Jewel Cave National Monument
SPECTACULAR UNDERGROUND WORLD
Jewel Cave National Monument protects one of the world's longest cave systems, currently mapped at over 200 miles of passages. The cave earned its name from the calcite crystals that line its walls, sparkling like jewels when illuminated. Visitors can choose from several guided tour options that showcase the cave's spectacular formations, including boxwork, flowstone, and draperies.