Vilas South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vilas, South Dakota.
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a monumental sculpture featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. The memorial stands as the crown jewel of South Dakota's natural attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. Beyond the monument itself, visitors can explore the surrounding Black Hills National Forest which offers over a million acres of pine-covered peaks and valleys.
2. Badlands National Park
OTHERWORLDLY GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
Badlands National Park encompasses 244,000 acres of striking geological formations created by millions of years of erosion. The park's maze of buttes, pinnacles, and spires is home to rich fossil beds and diverse wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Visitors can experience this unique environment through hiking trails and scenic drives like the Badlands Loop Road.
3. Wildlife Loop Road
SCENIC WILDLIFE VIEWING
Wildlife Loop Road offers an 18-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park where visitors can observe free-roaming wildlife in their natural habitat. The road is renowned for its bison herds, which sometimes create 'buffalo jams' when they cross or congregate on the roadway. Visitors may also spot pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, coyotes, burros, and prairie dogs along this picturesque route.
4. Jewel Cave National Monument
VAST UNDERGROUND WONDER
Jewel Cave National Monument protects one of the world's longest caves, with over 200 miles of mapped passages. The cave features a stunning array of calcite crystals and other speleothems that sparkle like jewels when illuminated. Visitors can choose from several ranger-guided tours that showcase different sections of this remarkable underground wilderness.
5. Wind Cave National Park
UNIQUE BOXWORK FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park was the first cave to be designated as a national park and features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations. Above ground, the park encompasses 33,851 acres of forest and prairie that serve as a sanctuary for wildlife. Visitors can explore both the fascinating cave system below and the diverse ecosystem above through various guided tours and hiking trails.
6. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN SCULPTURE
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture project that began in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski as a tribute to the Lakota leader. Once completed, it will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota and the world. The site also houses the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, providing opportunities to learn about Native American culture and history.
7. Black Hills Speedway
THRILLING RACING ENTERTAINMENT
Black Hills Speedway is a premier dirt track racing venue that offers high-octane entertainment for motorsport enthusiasts. The speedway features various racing classes, from sprint cars to stock cars, providing exciting competitions throughout the racing season. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of live racing events while taking in the unique atmosphere of this beloved local attraction.
8. CH Patisserie
GOURMET DESSERT DESTINATION
CH Patisserie is an upscale bakery and café offering exquisite French pastries and desserts created by world-champion pastry chef Chris Hanmer. The patisserie is known for its meticulously crafted macarons, eclairs, and other European-inspired confections that bring a touch of Paris to South Dakota. Visitors can enjoy these gourmet treats in an elegant setting that combines sophisticated design with warm, welcoming service.
9. Cosmos Mystery Area
GRAVITATIONAL WONDER ZONE
Cosmos Mystery Area is a unique attraction where visitors experience seemingly impossible physical phenomena that appear to defy the laws of gravity. Located in the Black Hills, this mystery spot features a cabin built in the 1950s where water flows uphill and people can stand at impossible angles. The guided tours offer a playful and educational experience that demonstrates the fascinating optical illusions created by the unusual gravitational properties of the area.
10. My Place Hotel
COMFORTABLE MODERN LODGING
My Place Hotel in Brookings offers contemporary accommodations designed for both short and extended stays. Each room features a kitchenette, providing guests with the convenience of home-cooked meals while traveling. The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring local attractions and participating in events at nearby South Dakota State University.
11. Missouri River
HISTORIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Missouri River bisects South Dakota and serves as a hub for outdoor recreation including fishing, boating, and kayaking. As the longest river in North America, it played a crucial role in the exploration and settlement of the American West. Today, visitors can enjoy scenic views, abundant wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities along its banks.
12. Centennial Trail
EPIC BLACK HILLS PATHWAY
The Centennial Trail stretches 111 miles through the Black Hills, offering hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders a comprehensive tour of the region's natural beauty. The trail traverses diverse landscapes from prairie grasslands to pine forests, crossing streams and providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Wildlife sightings are common along the path, adding to the adventure of exploring this scenic route that connects Bear Butte State Park in the north to Wind Cave National Park in the south.
13. Black Hills National Forest
VAST OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND
Black Hills National Forest encompasses over 1.2 million acres of pine-covered mountains, offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The forest features an extensive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as scenic drives that showcase the area's natural splendor. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing within this diverse ecosystem that serves as home to deer, elk, mountain goats, and numerous bird species.
14. Custer State Park
PREMIER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Custer State Park spans 71,000 acres of diverse terrain including mountains, lakes, and grasslands that support one of the world's largest publicly-owned bison herds. The park offers scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, which feature stunning granite spires and tunnels framing views of Mount Rushmore. Visitors can participate in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing throughout this magnificent natural playground.
15. Sylvan Lake
PICTURESQUE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Sylvan Lake is a stunning alpine lake nestled among granite outcroppings in Custer State Park, often called the 'crown jewel' of the Black Hills. The lake offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, paddle-boating, and hiking along the 1-mile shore trail that provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, rock climbing on the nearby formations, or simply relaxing in one of South Dakota's most photogenic natural settings.