Ravinia South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ravinia, South Dakota.
1. Ravinia Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY LANDMARK
Ravinia Park stands as one of the most notable historical landmarks in the city. The park was established years ago and has since become a central gathering place for community events and recreation. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the local history while enjoying the natural surroundings.
2. Lake Talmadge
SCENIC NATURAL ESCAPE
Lake Talmadge offers a peaceful retreat within Ravinia Township's scenic park area. Visitors can explore the trails, spot local wildlife, and unwind in the lap of nature throughout the seasons. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the tranquil South Dakota landscape.
3. Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service
PREMIER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service provides exceptional outdoor experiences with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. The lodge offers guided hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing excursions led by experienced local guides. Guests appreciate the authentic South Dakota outdoor adventure and the knowledgeable staff who enhance the experience.
4. Niobrara State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Niobrara State Park sits at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers, offering spectacular views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features cabins, camping sites, and an extensive trail system perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. Visitors consistently rate this park highly with a 4.5 rating for its natural beauty and well-maintained facilities.
5. Dimock Dairy
ARTISAN CHEESE PRODUCER
Dimock Dairy stands as one of South Dakota's oldest farmer-owned cheese plants producing award-winning cheeses. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about traditional cheese-making processes and sample various artisanal products. The dairy shop offers a wide selection of locally-produced cheeses and dairy products to purchase as souvenirs or gifts.
6. Niobrara Adventures
RIVER RECREATION SPECIALISTS
Niobrara Adventures provides exciting water-based activities on the scenic Niobrara River. The outfitter offers canoe, kayak, and tube rentals for visitors looking to experience the river's natural beauty firsthand. Adventure seekers appreciate the knowledgeable staff who help create memorable outdoor experiences in this beautiful region.
7. Nebraska Elk Velvet
UNIQUE LOCAL INDUSTRY
Nebraska Elk Velvet offers visitors a unique glimpse into the specialized elk farming industry. The facility produces elk velvet antler products and provides educational tours about this distinctive agricultural practice. Visitors can learn about elk husbandry and the production of health supplements from this renewable natural resource.
8. South Dakota State Railroad Museum
RAILWAY HISTORY PRESERVED
The South Dakota State Railroad Museum preserves and celebrates the rich railroad heritage of the region. Exhibits feature historic locomotives, passenger cars, and artifacts that tell the story of how railroads shaped South Dakota's development. Visitors can explore interactive displays and often catch special events that bring railroad history to life.
9. Codington County Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Codington County Heritage Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts chronicling the area's historical development. Exhibits span from Native American history through pioneer settlement to modern times, offering a comprehensive view of regional heritage. The museum provides an educational experience through thoughtfully arranged displays and knowledgeable staff eager to share local stories.
10. 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 Black Hills granite. The monument represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States through the likenesses of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Visitors can explore the Avenue of Flags, Presidential Trail, and the evening lighting ceremony that brings this iconic American landmark to life.
11. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC ERODED LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park showcases a striking landscape of deeply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires amid the largest protected mixed-grass prairie in the United States. The park preserves 244,000 acres where visitors can explore fossil beds containing ancient mammals like the saber-toothed cat and rhinoceros. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets inhabiting this unique ecosystem.
12. Jewel Cave National Monument
UNDERGROUND CRYSTAL WONDERS
Jewel Cave National Monument protects the third-longest cave in the world, featuring a vast network of passages adorned with calcite crystals that give the cave its name. The monument offers various guided tours that range from easy scenic routes to challenging wild caving adventures through undeveloped sections. Above ground, visitors can enjoy the 1,279-acre park with nature trails winding through ponderosa pine forest.
13. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife including nearly 1,300 free-roaming bison. The park features scenic drives like the Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Road, where visitors often encounter the famous begging burros. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, and camping while taking in the natural beauty of the Black Hills.
14. Historic Deadwood
LEGENDARY WILD WEST TOWN
Historic Deadwood invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane in this authentic gold rush town. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961, Deadwood preserves its frontier character while offering modern entertainment including casinos, museums, and historic reenactments. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, try their luck at gambling halls, or attend one of the many festivals that celebrate the town's colorful past.
15. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial stands as the world's largest mountain sculpture in progress, honoring the spirit and tradition of Native Americans. The ongoing carving began in 1948 when Korczak Ziolkowski accepted the invitation of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear to create a monument to the Lakota leader. Visitors can explore the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center while witnessing the continuing work on this massive tribute.