Artesian South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Artesian, South Dakota.
1. Artesian Community Center
LOCAL HUB FOR EVENTS
The Artesian Community Center is a converted school building that now serves as the heart of community activities in town. The center hosts various events and provides a gathering space for local residents throughout the year. It represents the town's commitment to maintaining a vibrant community spirit despite its small size.
2. K Restaurant
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
K Restaurant is a beloved local eatery serving hearty meals to Artesian residents and visitors alike. The restaurant offers traditional American fare with a focus on home-style cooking that reflects the region's culinary heritage. It provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere where locals gather and travelers can experience authentic small-town South Dakota dining.
3. Artesian Flowing Wells
NATURAL WATER WONDERS
The Artesian Flowing Wells are the namesake natural feature that gave the town its identity when it was founded in 1883. These natural wells, which flow without the need for pumping, demonstrate the unique hydrogeological characteristics of the region. Visitors can observe these natural phenomena that once were vital to early settlement and agricultural development in the area.
4. Sanborn Central School
EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS CENTER
Sanborn Central School serves as the educational hub for Artesian and surrounding communities, offering sports programs including basketball, volleyball, football, and track. The school hosts numerous sporting events throughout the academic year that bring together residents from across Sanborn County. Its 21st Century Program provides additional recreational opportunities like flag football, soccer, and swimming lessons for area youth.
5. Papa Woody's Wood Fired Pizza
ARTISANAL PIZZA EXPERIENCE
Papa Woody's Wood Fired Pizza offers authentic wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings and house-made ingredients. The restaurant combines traditional pizza-making techniques with a modern culinary approach to create a unique dining experience. Its warm atmosphere and quality food make it a popular destination for pizza enthusiasts in the region.
6. Flyboy Donuts
SWEET AVIATION-THEMED TREATS
Flyboy Donuts is a specialty bakery offering a wide variety of fresh, handcrafted donuts with aviation-themed names and decor. The shop produces both classic favorites and innovative specialty donuts that change seasonally and attract visitors from throughout the region. Its commitment to quality and creative flavors has made it a must-visit destination for donut enthusiasts.
7. South Whitlock Resort
LAKESIDE RECREATION DESTINATION
South Whitlock Resort is a popular outdoor recreation destination located on the shores of Lake Whitlock near Gettysburg. The resort offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience South Dakota's natural beauty. Its scenic location makes it a perfect getaway for families and sportsmen seeking relaxation and adventure in the region's lake country.
8. Sandy Swallow Gallery
NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTRY
Sandy Swallow Gallery features authentic Native American artwork created by the acclaimed Oglala Lakota artist Sandy Swallow and other indigenous artists. The gallery showcases traditional and contemporary pieces including paintings, jewelry, pottery, and textiles that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region's native peoples. Visitors can purchase unique, handcrafted items while learning about Native American artistic traditions and their cultural significance.
9. Books n Brewz
LITERARY PUB EXPERIENCE
Books n Brewz combines a bookstore with a craft brewery to create a unique cultural and social hub in Sioux Falls. Visitors can browse literary selections while enjoying locally crafted beers and light fare in a cozy, intellectual atmosphere. The establishment regularly hosts book clubs, author readings, and other community events that celebrate literature and local brewing traditions.
10. Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is an archaeological site and museum showcasing the remains of a 1,000-year-old Native American settlement. Visitors can observe ongoing archaeological excavations and view artifacts that provide insights into the daily lives of the indigenous people who once inhabited the region. The site features an Archeodome that allows year-round excavation and educational programming about South Dakota's earliest agricultural community.
11. Corn Palace
ICONIC AGRICULTURAL MONUMENT
The Corn Palace is a unique cultural landmark decorated with naturally colored corn and other grains that are arranged in elaborate murals. Each year, the exterior decorations are redesigned around a central theme, making it a continuously evolving attraction that celebrates the agricultural heritage of South Dakota. The venue also hosts concerts, sports events, and exhibitions throughout the year, serving as both a tourist destination and community gathering place.
12. Lake Mitchell
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Mitchell offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and swimming in a scenic natural setting. The lake is surrounded by hiking and biking trails that provide visitors with various ways to explore the natural beauty of the area. Its campground facilities make it a popular destination for weekend getaways and family vacations throughout the warmer months.
13. Wall Drug
ICONIC WESTERN ATTRACTION
Wall Drug is a famous roadside attraction that began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and has evolved into a massive shopping complex spanning several blocks. The establishment is known for its free ice water, 5-cent coffee, and eclectic mix of souvenirs, Western wear, and quirky displays that draw millions of visitors annually. Its distinctive billboards can be found along highways throughout the region, making it one of South Dakota's most recognized tourist destinations.
14. Falls Park
URBAN NATURAL WONDER
Falls Park is a 123-acre public park centered around the cascading waters of the Big Sioux River in downtown Sioux Falls. Visitors can view the falls from various observation points, explore historic buildings, and learn about the city's history at the Visitor Information Center with its five-story viewing tower. The park hosts various seasonal events including a winter light show and summer festivals that showcase its natural beauty throughout the year.
15. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN CARVING
The Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture project honoring the Native American leader Crazy Horse and celebrating Native American heritage. When completed, it will be the world's largest sculpture, depicting the Oglala Lakota warrior mounted on a horse and pointing toward the lands where his people lie buried. The memorial complex includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, and offers various cultural programs throughout the year.