Wessington South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wessington, South Dakota.
1. Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage
LITERARY GARDEN OASIS
The Shakespeare Garden in Wessington Springs was the first of its kind in South Dakota and features a replica of Anne Hathaway's cottage complete with a thatched roof installed by a master thatcher trained in England. Plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works grow here alongside gorgeous flowers planted annually by local residents. During summers, some of the bard's most famous scenes are often performed outdoors in this picturesque setting.
2. Jerauld County Pioneer Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Jerauld County Pioneer Museum showcases the rich history of Wessington Springs and the surrounding area. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts from the pioneer era that tell the story of early settlers in this prairie community. The museum serves as an important cultural landmark that preserves the heritage of this South Dakota region.
3. 1905 Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The 1905 Opera House is a beautifully restored historic venue in Wessington Springs that features a beautifully lit stage, movie projection system, and stage-sized screen. This cultural landmark was lovingly restored decades ago as part of the community's commitment to preserving local points of interest. The Opera House continues to serve as an important gathering place for performances and community events.
4. Old Grade Nature Trail
NATURE AND HISTORY PATH
The Old Grade Nature Trail combines natural beauty with local history through interpretive signs that explain the trail's historical significance. Visitors can enjoy birdsong and prairie landscapes while learning about the area's past. This peaceful trail offers an authentic glimpse into South Dakota's natural environment.
5. Springs Country Club and Golf Course
PRAIRIE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Springs Country Club and Golf Course provides a scenic golfing experience in the heart of South Dakota's prairie. Golfers can enjoy well-maintained links while taking in the beautiful surrounding landscape. The course offers recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors looking to hit the links.
6. Starlight Bowling
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Starlight Bowling offers indoor entertainment for residents and visitors in Wessington Springs from September through May. During summer months, the facility remains available for special event bookings and private parties. This bowling alley provides a fun recreational option for families and groups looking for indoor activities.
7. Sweet Grass Coffee Shop
LOCAL TREATS & COFFEE
Sweet Grass Coffee Shop serves quality lattes and unique treats like maple bacon donuts in downtown Wessington Springs. This charming establishment provides a cozy atmosphere where visitors can relax and enjoy specialty coffee beverages. The shop represents the town's blend of small-town charm with modern amenities.
8. Springs Inn Restaurant
HOMETOWN DINING FAVORITE
Springs Inn Restaurant is known for its popular noon buffet and delicious broasted chicken that attracts both locals and visitors. The restaurant serves as a community gathering place where people can enjoy hearty, home-style meals. This dining establishment embodies the welcoming spirit of Wessington Springs with its friendly service and comfort food offerings.
9. Springs Consignment Store
SHOPPING FOR COMMUNITY GOOD
The Springs Consignment Store is a volunteer-run shop where shoppers can find bargains while supporting the local community. All profits from the store go directly back into community projects and initiatives. This unique shopping destination represents the civic pride and collaborative spirit of Wessington Springs residents.
10. Wessington Springs Foothills Rodeo
MEMORIAL DAY TRADITION
The Wessington Springs Foothills Rodeo is an annual event held every Memorial Day weekend that showcases traditional rodeo competitions and Western heritage. Participants and spectators gather to experience authentic cowboy culture and competitive events. This longstanding tradition provides excitement and entertainment while celebrating the region's ranching history.
11. Foothills Classic Car & Tractor Show
VINTAGE VEHICLE EXHIBITION
The annual Foothills Classic Car & Tractor Show takes place every August in Wessington Springs, displaying remarkable vintage vehicles and agricultural equipment. Enthusiasts and families alike can admire meticulously restored cars and tractors that represent the region's automotive and farming heritage. The event brings together collectors and admirers for a day of nostalgia and mechanical appreciation.
12. Independence Day Street Dance
PATRIOTIC DOWNTOWN CELEBRATION
The Independence Day Street Dance is a festive celebration where two blocks of Main Street are closed for dancing, drinking, and Fourth of July festivities. Locals and visitors come together to enjoy music, food, and community spirit in the heart of downtown. This annual event exemplifies small-town America's approach to celebrating national holidays with neighborly camaraderie.
13. 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. This iconic monument represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. As one of South Dakota's Great 8 attractions, it draws visitors from around the world to marvel at this impressive feat of artistry and engineering.
14. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Custer State Park spans 71,000 acres where nearly 1,300 bison roam freely alongside pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and burros. This remarkable wild place is considered one of the few truly untamed areas remaining in the country. Visitors can experience the park's natural beauty through wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
15. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial, begun by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948, will be the largest mountain carving in the world when completed as a tribute to the Lakota leader. The site includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, providing opportunities to learn about indigenous cultures. This ongoing project represents a monumental artistic endeavor and a significant cultural tribute to Native American heritage.