Vermillion South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vermillion, South Dakota.
1. National Music Museum
MUSICAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The National Music Museum is a specialty museum that ranks as the top attraction in Vermillion. It houses an extensive collection of musical instruments and artifacts that showcase musical heritage from around the world. Visitors can explore the exhibits to learn about the evolution and cultural significance of various instruments throughout history.
2. Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery offers a delightful wine tasting experience in Vermillion. Visitors can sample locally produced wines and spirits while learning about the winemaking process. The venue also functions as a bed and breakfast for those who wish to extend their visit.
3. Spirit Mound Historic Prairie
LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL
Spirit Mound Historic Prairie was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 and offers a chance to connect with this important historical journey. Visitors can immerse themselves in colorful wildflowers and beautiful prairie grass while making the gradual incline to the mound. Once at the top, guests can imagine bison roaming against the wide-open skies of South Dakota.
4. W.H. Over Museum
SOUTH DAKOTA CULTURAL HERITAGE
The W.H. Over Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting objects related to South Dakota's rich history. It offers educational programs, fossil collections, works of art, and numerous artifacts that represent natural history. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the region's cultural and historical significance.
5. South Dakota Sculpture Tour
PUBLIC ART DISPLAY
The South Dakota Sculpture Tour is a self-guided exploration of public art around Vermillion and the University of South Dakota campus. The tour features numerous sculptures including the frequently photographed 'Legacy' on campus. This artistic journey provides insight into the community's cultural values and creative spirit.
6. University of South Dakota
HISTORIC CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
The University of South Dakota offers guided campus tours that showcase the institution's historical buildings and educational facilities. Visitors can explore the academic environment that has been central to Vermillion's identity since its founding. The campus architecture and landscaped grounds provide an excellent opportunity for photography and learning about higher education in the region.
7. Cafe Brule
GOURMET LOCAL DINING
Cafe Brule is a popular dining establishment offering desserts, American cuisine, and cafe favorites in Vermillion. The restaurant is known for its quality food and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors and locals alike enjoy this culinary destination for its diverse menu and community gathering space.
8. Dakota Brick House
CRAFT BEER AND PIZZA
Dakota Brick House serves American cuisine, pizza, and a selection of craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere. The establishment is a favorite among locals and visitors seeking quality dining in Vermillion. Its casual yet sophisticated environment makes it an ideal spot for socializing and enjoying good food.
9. Silk Road Cafe
ASIAN FUSION CUISINE
Silk Road Cafe offers Asian, Chinese, and Korean cuisine to diners seeking international flavors in Vermillion. The restaurant provides authentic dishes prepared with traditional techniques and ingredients. Visitors appreciate the cultural dining experience and diversity this establishment brings to the local food scene.
10. Charcoal Lounge
CLASSIC LOCAL BAR
The Charcoal Lounge is a popular local bar that offers a traditional drinking establishment experience in Vermillion. It serves as a gathering place for both students and residents looking to unwind and socialize. The venue's casual atmosphere and beverage selection make it a staple in the community's nightlife.
11. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
PRESIDENTIAL MOUNTAIN SCULPTURE
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents carved into the mountainside. This iconic sculpture represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. Visitors from around the world come to witness this impressive monument known as America's Shrine of Democracy.
12. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC NATURAL LANDSCAPE
Badlands National Park showcases a dramatically eroded landscape of buttes, pinnacles, and spires amidst the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park preserves both geological wonders and abundant fossil beds that tell the story of ancient mammal life in the region. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and experience spectacular sunrise and sunset views across this unique terrain.
13. Jewel Cave National Monument
UNDERGROUND CRYSTAL WONDERLAND
Jewel Cave National Monument protects the third-longest cave system in the world with over 200 miles of mapped passages. The cave is named for its sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations that adorn its chambers and corridors. Visitors can choose from a variety of guided tours to explore this underground wilderness while the surface area offers 1,279 acres of nature trails through pine forest.
14. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of wilderness where nearly 1,300 bison roam freely alongside pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and wild burros. The park offers scenic drives including the famous Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway with its remarkable granite formations. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in one of America's few remaining truly wild places.
15. Historic Deadwood
OLD WEST GOLD RUSH
Historic Deadwood preserves the legacy of an 1870s gold rush town that once hosted legendary Old West figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark featuring restored Victorian buildings, gaming halls, museums, and historic sites. Visitors can experience the authentic frontier atmosphere through reenactments, tours, casinos, and annual events that celebrate the town's colorful past.