Oelrichs South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oelrichs, South Dakota.
1. St. Martin's Catholic Church and Grotto
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
St. Martin's Catholic Church and Grotto is a historic church complex located at 612 Main St in Oelrichs featuring Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Movement architecture. The church was built in 1885 on a stone foundation, while the grotto was constructed between 1932-1934 by Father Gerhard Stakemeir and parishioner Nick Bogner. This National Register of Historic Places site also includes a rectory built in 1925 and represents an important piece of local religious heritage.
2. Wilde Prairie Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Wilde Prairie Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a rustic South Dakota setting. Guests can enjoy wine tastings while learning about the winemaking process that incorporates locally grown fruits and regional grape varieties. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere with scenic views of the surrounding prairie landscape.
3. Sabor a Mexico
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Sabor a Mexico serves authentic Mexican dishes in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers traditional favorites prepared with fresh ingredients and genuine cooking techniques that showcase the rich flavors of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy a diverse menu ranging from street-style tacos to elaborate regional specialties.
4. Angostura Recreation Area
OUTDOOR WATER RECREATION
Angostura Recreation Area is a popular outdoor destination near Oelrichs offering a variety of water-based activities on Angostura Reservoir. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and camping with modern facilities and beautiful natural surroundings. The recreation area is highly rated by travelers with a 4.6/5 rating and provides a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts.
5. J.H. Keith Park and Whitney Preserve
NATURAL SPRING PRESERVE
J.H. Keith Park and Whitney Preserve at Cascade Springs offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of mineral springs in a preserved setting. The park features walking trails that wind through lush vegetation and past cascading waterways fed by natural springs. Visitors appreciate this peaceful natural attraction, which has earned a solid 4.0 rating from travelers.
6. Cascade Falls
REFRESHING NATURAL SPRINGS
Cascade Falls is a natural wonder featuring crystal-clear spring water that maintains a constant 67-degree temperature year-round. Visitors can swim in the natural pool formed by the cascading springs, making it a perfect spot for cooling off during hot summer days. This highly-rated attraction (4.3/5) offers a unique combination of beautiful scenery and refreshing natural waters just a short drive from Oelrichs.
7. Main Street Square
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Main Street Square serves as the cultural heart of the region, offering a vibrant public space for community events, concerts, and seasonal activities. The square features interactive fountains during summer months and transforms into an ice skating rink during winter, providing year-round entertainment. Visitors from Oelrichs often make the trip to enjoy the square's regular farmers markets, art installations, and family-friendly atmosphere.
8. Nonna's Kitchen
HOMESTYLE ITALIAN DINING
Nonna's Kitchen delights diners with authentic Italian cuisine prepared using traditional family recipes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in homemade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts that transport visitors to the Italian countryside. This family-owned establishment has become a favorite dining destination for both locals and travelers exploring the Oelrichs area.
9. Blue Bell Lodge
RUSTIC PARK ACCOMMODATION
Blue Bell Lodge offers rustic cabin accommodations within Custer State Park, providing an authentic Black Hills experience not far from Oelrichs. The lodge features a restaurant serving hearty Western fare and serves as a hub for guided horseback rides, chuck wagon cookouts, and jeep safari tours. Guests appreciate the combination of comfortable lodging and easy access to outdoor adventures in one of South Dakota's most beloved state parks.
10. The Mammoth Site
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL EXCAVATION
The Mammoth Site is an active paleontological dig site and museum housing the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world. Visitors can observe actual ongoing excavations and view the remains of Colombian and woolly mammoths that became trapped in a sinkhole more than 26,000 years ago. This world-renowned attraction offers educational tours, interactive exhibits, and a glimpse into prehistoric life in the region surrounding present-day Oelrichs.
11. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
HISTORIC THERMAL BATHS
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills, featuring naturally warm mineral water that constantly flows at 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and a variety of soaking options that have been attracting visitors since 1890. Many travelers from Oelrichs visit this historic attraction to experience the therapeutic qualities of the mineral-rich spring water.
12. Pioneer Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Pioneer Museum showcases the rich history of Hot Springs and surrounding communities including Oelrichs through extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum is housed in the historic 1893 sandstone school building that serves as a magnificent example of regional architecture. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing indigenous history, pioneer settlement, ranching life, and the development of the area's famous hot springs.
13. Wind Cave National Park
EXPANSIVE UNDERGROUND WONDER
Wind Cave National Park protects one of the world's longest and most complex cave systems, characterized by a rare formation called boxwork. Above ground, the park preserves one of the last remaining natural mixed-grass prairie ecosystems where visitors can observe bison, elk, and prairie dogs in their natural habitat. Located within driving distance of Oelrichs, this national park offers ranger-led cave tours, hiking trails, and camping opportunities throughout the year.
14. Woolly's Western Grill
HEARTY FRONTIER CUISINE
Woolly's Western Grill serves up classic American and Western cuisine with generous portions that satisfy hungry travelers exploring the Oelrichs region. The restaurant features a frontier-themed atmosphere with rustic decor celebrating the area's Wild West heritage. Diners can enjoy hand-cut steaks, bison burgers, and other regional specialties that highlight local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
15. Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
FREE-ROAMING HORSE PRESERVE
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary provides refuge for wild horses on 11,000 acres of protected land where they can roam freely in their natural habitat. Visitors can take guided tours to observe various herds of mustangs and learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts and the history of wild horses in America. This unique attraction near Oelrichs offers photography opportunities, educational programs, and a chance to connect with these majestic symbols of the American West.