Wagner South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wagner, South Dakota.
1. Wagner Lake
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Wagner Lake offers a beautiful outdoor space with picnic shelters, stone tables, and a walking/bike trail that goes completely around the lake. The area features an artesian well with a rock waterfall and ponds, along with a gazebo converted from an old diving tower. Visitors can enjoy the Wagner Community Memorial Garden located on the North side of the lake, which consists of flower plots dedicated to loved ones, organizations, or families.
2. Fort Randall Dam
MISSOURI RIVER RECREATION
Fort Randall Dam is located just ten minutes from Wagner, offering excellent fishing, boating, and camping opportunities on the Missouri River. The dam creates Lake Francis Case, one of four reservoirs along the Missouri River that are prime for water recreation. Visitors can experience both the historical significance of the Missouri River while enjoying modern outdoor activities.
3. Fort Randall Casino
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
Fort Randall Casino is situated on the Yankton Sioux Reservation, just eight minutes from Wagner. The casino offers gaming entertainment with slot machines, table games, and other gambling options for visitors. Beyond gaming, the venue provides dining options and occasional entertainment events for guests.
4. Boom's Restaurant
POPULAR LOCAL DINING
Boom's Restaurant stands as one of the most popular dining establishments in Wagner according to visitors. The restaurant serves hearty meals in a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists. Visitors appreciate the quality of food and service that has made Boom's a staple in the Wagner dining scene.
5. Valley Pump & Casino
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Valley Pump & Casino combines dining and gaming in one convenient location in Wagner. The establishment offers food options alongside gaming opportunities for those looking for entertainment. Its popularity among locals and visitors has made it one of the most frequented venues in Wagner.
6. Two Spurs Lounge and Bar
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Two Spurs Lounge and Bar provides a classic small-town bar experience in Wagner. The establishment offers drinks, socializing opportunities, and a taste of local culture in a casual setting. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes Two Spurs a community gathering place.
7. City Park and Playground
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GREEN SPACE
City Park and Playground in Wagner provides a lovely green space for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park features playground equipment for children and open areas for various activities. Families particularly appreciate this well-maintained community asset that serves as a gathering place for local events.
8. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
AMERICA'S SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the iconic 60-foot faces of four great American presidents carved into the mountainside. The presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. As one of South Dakota's Great 8 landmarks, this impressive monument attracts visitors from around the world who come to witness this remarkable feat of artistry and engineering.
9. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBUTE
Crazy Horse Memorial is a massive mountain carving that, once complete, will be the largest in South Dakota and the world. Work on this tribute to the Lakota leader began in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and continues to this day. Visitors can also explore the on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center to learn more about Native American culture and history.
10. Custer State Park
WILD NATURAL PLAYGROUND
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of wild terrain where nearly 1,300 bison roam freely alongside pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and a band of burros. This park is one of the few truly wild places remaining in the country and has been designated as one of South Dakota's Great 8 landmarks. Visitors can experience the natural beauty and wildlife through scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping opportunities.
11. Historic Deadwood
LEGENDARY OLD WEST TOWN
Historic Deadwood allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town, which became a National Historic Landmark in 1961, now offers a variety of entertainment options including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas, and parades. As one of South Dakota's Great 8 attractions, Deadwood combines historical significance with modern amenities for a unique visitor experience.
12. Wind Cave National Park
UNIQUE UNDERGROUND WONDER
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 provide sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore both the fascinating underground cave system through guided tours and the beautiful natural landscape above through hiking and wildlife viewing.
13. Jewel Cave
SUBTERRANEAN GEM COLLECTION
Jewel Cave is the third-longest cave system in the world, offering visitors a variety of underground tours to explore its unique features. The cave's name comes from the glittering calcite crystals that line its walls, creating a jewel-like appearance throughout the passages. Above ground, visitors can enjoy nature trails throughout the 1,279-acre park that surrounds the cave entrance.
14. Ruby House
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Ruby House offers visitors an authentic taste of the Old West through its historic-themed dining experience. The restaurant combines delicious food with a museum-like atmosphere featuring period décor and artifacts that transport diners back to frontier times. Located near Mount Rushmore, Ruby House provides a memorable dining option for tourists exploring South Dakota's Black Hills region.
15. Dakota Emporium Trading Post
UNIQUE SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS
Dakota Emporium Trading Post provides shoppers with a wide selection of South Dakota souvenirs, Native American crafts, and regional specialty items. The store offers authentic keepsakes that represent the culture and heritage of the area, making it a perfect stop for tourists seeking meaningful mementos. Visitors appreciate the variety and quality of merchandise that showcases the best of South Dakota's artistic traditions.