Big Stone City South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Big Stone City, South Dakota.
1. Big Stone Lake
FISHING AND RECREATION PARADISE
Big Stone Lake offers excellent fishing, recreation, and relaxing shoreline experiences for visitors to the area. The lake serves as the headwaters of the Minnesota River and provides numerous opportunities for boating and water sports throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy both active water adventures and peaceful moments on the beautiful shores of this scenic lake.
2. Big Stone County Museum
HISTORICAL TREASURES COLLECTION
The Big Stone County Museum houses many historical treasures that showcase the area's rich past. A highlight of the museum is the Charles Hanson North American Wildlife Collection, featuring over 500 waterfowl specimens from across the Americas and the world. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering visitors a glimpse into local history.
3. Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge provides a protected haven for diverse wildlife species and natural habitats. Visitors can take walks or drives through the refuge to observe native animals in their natural environment. The refuge offers excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife photography throughout the different seasons.
4. Big Stone Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Big Stone Lake State Park features numerous amenities including Bonanza Prairie, nature trails, and multiple camping areas. The park offers diverse ecosystems from oak basswood forests to prairie landscapes, providing habitat for various plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming at the beach, boating from multiple launch points, and picnicking in designated areas.
5. Ortonville Golf Course
CHALLENGING 18-HOLE COURSE
Ortonville Golf Course provides golfers with a challenging 18-hole experience in a beautiful setting near Big Stone Lake. The course features on-site restaurant facilities and golf cart rentals for player convenience. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the well-maintained grounds and scenic views throughout their round.
6. Graceville Golf Course
SCENIC 9-HOLE EXPERIENCE
Graceville Golf Course offers a quality 9-hole golfing experience near Big Stone City. The course includes restaurant facilities and cart rentals to enhance the golfing experience. Its convenient location makes it an accessible option for both locals and visitors looking for a shorter round of golf.
7. King Kayak Rentals
WATER ADVENTURE OUTFITTER
King Kayak Rentals provides equipment for water adventures on Big Stone Lake and surrounding waterways. Visitors can rent kayaks to explore the shorelines and enjoy the natural beauty of the area from a unique perspective. The rental service helps make water recreation accessible to visitors without their own equipment.
8. Toqua Lake
PEACEFUL FISHING DESTINATION
Toqua Lake in nearby Graceville offers another excellent option for fishing and water recreation in the Big Stone Lake area. The lake provides a quieter alternative to Big Stone Lake while still offering quality fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful shores and scenic views that characterize this charming lake.
9. Bonanza Educational Center
NATURE LEARNING HUB
The Bonanza Educational Center offers educational programming focused on the natural environment of the Big Stone Lake area. Located within Big Stone Lake State Park, the center provides opportunities to learn about local ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can participate in organized programs or use the center as a starting point for self-guided nature exploration.
10. Historic Boat Tours
LAKE HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Historic Boat Tours offer visitors a unique perspective on Big Stone Lake's history and geography. These guided tours highlight the lake's significance as the headwaters of the Minnesota River and its role in the region's development. Participants can enjoy the beautiful scenery while learning about the area's rich historical background.
11. Corn Fest
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Corn Fest is an annual celebration that brings together the Big Stone Lake community for food, entertainment, and activities. This popular festival showcases local agriculture with a focus on corn, a staple crop of the region. Visitors can enjoy music, games, food vendors, and the unique charm of a small-town festival.
12. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
AMERICA'S ICONIC MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents carved into the granite of the Black Hills. The monument represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States through the likenesses of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. As South Dakota's premier attraction, visitors from around the world come to experience this breathtaking symbol of American democracy.
13. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL NATIVE TRIBUTE
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture project that will become the world's largest carving once completed. The memorial honors the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and was begun by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948. Visitors can also explore the on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center to learn about Native American history and culture.
14. Historic Deadwood
LEGENDARY WILD WEST TOWN
Historic Deadwood allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane in this authentic 1870s gold rush town. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961, Deadwood now offers a blend of history and modern entertainment including casinos, museums, and historic sites. Visitors can experience the excitement of the Old West through various attractions, reenactments, and tours throughout the town.
15. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Custer State Park spans 71,000 acres of wild landscape where nearly 1,300 bison roam freely alongside pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and burros. The park preserves one of America's few remaining truly wild places, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature in its pristine state. Popular activities include scenic drives, hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the park's diverse terrain.