Philip South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Philip, South Dakota.
1. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
COLD WAR MILITARY HISTORY
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site preserves and interprets the history of the Cold War era missile systems that served as nuclear deterrents from the 1960s to the 1990s. Visitors can explore launch facilities and learn about the strategic arms race between the United States and Soviet Union. The site offers guided tours that provide insight into the realities of nuclear deterrence and the people who served during this tense period in American history.
2. Prairie Homestead Historic Site
PIONEER SOD HOME EXPERIENCE
Prairie Homestead Historic Site features an authentic sod house from 1909 that offers visitors a glimpse into pioneer life on the South Dakota frontier. The well-preserved homestead includes the original dugout home, outbuildings, and antique farm equipment that demonstrate the challenges faced by early settlers. Visitors can also meet the resident prairie dogs that inhabit the surrounding area, adding a charming wildlife element to the historical experience.
3. The Church of Jesus Christ
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Church of Jesus Christ stands as a significant historical and religious landmark in Philip, showcasing beautiful architecture and community heritage. The church has served as a gathering place for local worshippers for generations, reflecting the spiritual foundation of the community. Visitors appreciate both its historical significance and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this well-maintained structure.
4. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC RUGGED LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park features a striking landscape of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires spread across 244,000 acres of protected wilderness. The park houses remarkable fossils of ancient animals including three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats, making it an important paleontological site. Visitors can explore the unique terrain via the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, hiking trails, and camping areas where wildlife sightings are common.
5. Crazy Horse Memorial
WORLD'S LARGEST MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ambitious mountain sculpture in progress that honors the legendary Lakota leader and stands as a tribute to Native American heritage. Begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, this monumental work will be the largest mountain carving in the world when completed. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, providing comprehensive cultural and historical context for visitors.
6. Wind Cave National Park
UNIQUE UNDERGROUND BOXWORK FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park protects one of the world's longest and most complex cave systems, featuring the largest concentration of rare boxwork formations. Above ground, the park encompasses 33,851 acres of mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest that serve as habitat for diverse wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Visitors can take guided cave tours to explore the unique underground passages and enjoy hiking trails through the pristine surface ecosystem.
7. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MOUNTAIN SCULPTURE
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot-tall carved faces of four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln—magnificently sculpted into the Black Hills granite. Created by artist Gutzon Borglum between 1927 and 1941, this iconic American landmark celebrates the founding, growth, preservation, and development of the United States. Visitors can explore the Avenue of Flags, the Presidential Trail, and the evening lighting ceremony that dramatically illuminates the sculpture.
8. Jewel Cave National Monument
WORLD'S THIRD-LONGEST CAVE
Jewel Cave National Monument protects one of the longest cave systems in the world, currently mapped at over 200 miles of passages. The cave earned its name from the glittering calcite crystals that line its walls, creating a dazzling display when illuminated. Visitors can choose from several guided tour options that showcase the cave's diverse formations, including boxwork, flowstone, and the signature sparkly calcite crystals.
9. Wall Drug Store
ICONIC WESTERN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Wall Drug Store is a sprawling roadside attraction that began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and grew into a 76,000-square-foot shopping emporium after offering free ice water to travelers. Today, this iconic destination features multiple shops, restaurants, Western art galleries, and quirky attractions like an animated T-Rex and giant jackalope photo op. Visitors from around the world stop to experience this unique South Dakota landmark known for its 5-cent coffee, homemade donuts, and distinctive Western atmosphere.
10. Deadwood Historic District
LEGENDARY WILD WEST TOWN
Deadwood Historic District preserves a legendary gold rush town where Wild West figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane once roamed the streets. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark, featuring perfectly preserved and restored 19th-century architecture, saloons, and gaming halls. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, historical reenactments, gaming in restored saloons, and visits to Mount Moriah Cemetery where many frontier legends are buried.
11. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND SCENIC DRIVES
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of diverse terrain including granite spires, meandering streams, and expansive grasslands where a herd of 1,500 bison freely roams. The park offers spectacular scenic drives including the Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Road, where visitors often encounter not only bison but also pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, and the famous begging burros. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping facilities throughout this crown jewel of the South Dakota state park system.
12. Mammoth Site
ACTIVE PALEONTOLOGICAL DIG SITE
The Mammoth Site is an active paleontological dig site and museum where visitors can witness excavation of Ice Age fossils from what was once a natural sinkhole that trapped and preserved numerous mammoths and other prehistoric animals. The indoor facility protects the in-situ fossils of more than 60 Columbian and woolly mammoths, along with remains of other Ice Age species dating back 26,000 years. Visitors can take guided tours of the dig area, view exhibits explaining the science behind the discoveries, and even participate in educational excavation programs during certain times of the year.
13. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
BREATHTAKING LIMESTONE CANYON DRIVE
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers a 19-mile drive through a breathtaking limestone canyon in the northern Black Hills, featuring towering limestone cliffs, vibrant forests, and cascading waterfalls. The canyon's natural beauty changes dramatically with the seasons, from lush summer greenery to spectacular fall colors to frozen winter wonderland. Visitors can stop at numerous pull-offs to view Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls, or explore hiking trails that provide access to hidden scenic vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities.
14. Red Rocks Restaurant & Lounge
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD FAVORITE
Red Rocks Restaurant & Lounge serves as a popular dining establishment near Philip, offering hearty American comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of home-style cooking, including steaks, burgers, and classic breakfast options that appeal to both locals and travelers exploring the Badlands region. Visitors appreciate the friendly service, reasonable prices, and convenient location that makes it an ideal refueling stop during South Dakota adventures.
15. Badlands Trading Post
NATIVE CRAFTS AND SOUVENIRS
Badlands Trading Post offers an extensive selection of authentic Native American crafts, jewelry, pottery, and regional souvenirs near the entrance to Badlands National Park. The family-owned shop features locally made items alongside practical supplies for travelers exploring the surrounding natural attractions. Visitors can find unique mementos of their South Dakota journey while supporting local artisans and learning about the cultural significance behind many of the handcrafted items.