Lowry South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lowry, South Dakota.
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
AMERICA'S SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. The memorial has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Visitors can explore the Avenue of Flags, Presidential Trail, and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to learn more about this impressive monument.
2. Crazy Horse Memorial
WORLD'S LARGEST MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is a massive mountain carving that began in 1948 as a tribute to the Lakota leader. Once complete, it will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota and the world. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, where visitors can enjoy performances by Native American artists and a spectacular laser light show from mid-May through mid-September.
3. Jewel Cave National Monument
THIRD-LONGEST CAVE WORLDWIDE
Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-longest cave in the world featuring a variety of tours below the surface. Visitors can explore the cave through Historic Lantern Tours, Discovery Talks, Scenic Tours, or the more adventurous Wild Caving Tour. The monument also includes a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground for hiking and wildlife viewing.
4. Custer State Park
WILD BUFFALO AND WILDLIFE
Custer State Park is one of the few truly wild places remaining in the country, spanning 71,000 acres of natural beauty. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park's expansive territory, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and a band of burros. Visitors can experience the Wildlife Loop Road to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
5. Historic Deadwood
OLD WEST GOLD RUSH
Historic Deadwood is an 1870s gold rush town that became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock. Today, the town offers numerous entertainment options including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas, and parades.
6. Missouri River
THE MIGHTY MO
The Missouri River, often called the Mighty Mo, offers history and adventure along its waters. The river features free-flowing sections and four reservoirs—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark Lake. These areas are prime locations for fishing, boating, and various water recreation activities.
7. Wind Cave National Park
UNIQUE BOXWORK FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park was the first cave to be designated a national park and features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations. The park encompasses 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife. Visitors can explore the unique underground formations through guided cave tours and enjoy hiking on the surface trails.
8. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES AND FOSSILS
Badlands National Park showcases dramatic landscapes formed by thousands of years of erosion, creating a striking terrain of buttes, pinnacles, and spires. The park is home to one of the world's richest fossil beds, where ancient mammals like saber-toothed cats once roamed. Visitors can drive the Badlands Loop Road, hike numerous trails, or join ranger-led programs to learn about the park's geology and paleontology.
9. Wildlife Loop Road
SAFARI-STYLE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park that offers visitors close encounters with the park's abundant wildlife. Travelers often spot bison, pronghorn, elk, deer, and the famous begging burros that approach vehicles looking for handouts. The route winds through rolling hills and open grasslands, providing spectacular views of the Black Hills landscape.
10. Wall Drug
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Wall Drug is a famous roadside attraction that began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and has grown into a 76,000-square-foot tourist destination. Known for its free ice water, 5-cent coffee, and numerous quirky displays including an 80-foot brontosaurus and animated T-Rex, the store attracts over two million visitors annually. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, enjoy homemade donuts and buffalo burgers, or take photos with the many photo opportunities throughout the sprawling complex.
11. Spearfish Canyon
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Spearfish Canyon is a breathtaking gorge carved by Spearfish Creek featuring limestone palisades towering up to 1,000 feet on either side. The canyon is home to three magnificent waterfalls—Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls—all accessible via short hiking trails. Visitors can drive the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which winds through the canyon offering stunning views of the changing colors during autumn.
12. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
COLD WAR NUCLEAR HISTORY
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site preserves the last remaining Minuteman II ICBM system in the United States, offering a glimpse into Cold War history. Visitors can tour the underground Launch Control Center where Air Force officers once stood ready to launch nuclear missiles. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits on nuclear deterrence and the arms race between the United States and Soviet Union.
13. Sylvan Lake
CROWN JEWEL OF CUSTER
Sylvan Lake is often called the crown jewel of Custer State Park, featuring crystal-clear waters surrounded by unique granite formations. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore the lake, or hike the 1-mile trail that circles the shoreline. The lake served as a filming location for the movie 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' and offers swimming, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.
14. Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
LEGENDARY BIKING HERITAGE
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum celebrates the history and culture of motorcycling in America, located in the town famous for hosting the world's largest motorcycle rally. The museum houses an impressive collection of vintage and rare motorcycles, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits documenting the evolution of motorcycles. Visitors can learn about the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that transforms this small town into a gathering of hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts every August.
15. Prairie Berry Winery
AWARD-WINNING LOCAL WINES
Prairie Berry Winery is a family-owned establishment that produces award-winning wines using South Dakota-grown fruits and traditional winemaking techniques. Visitors can enjoy complimentary wine tastings of their unique varieties, including their famous Red Ass Rhubarb wine that has won over 1,000 awards. The winery features a restaurant called the Miner Brewing Company and Prairie Berry Kitchen, serving artisanal foods that pair perfectly with their wines.