White Lake South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near White Lake, South Dakota.
1. Farrell Farms Pheasant Hunts
PREMIER HUNTING EXPERIENCE
Farrell Farms Pheasant Hunts offers 2000 acres of privately owned and managed property for hunting wild ring neck pheasants just north of White Lake. The property implements advanced wildlife conservation practices to provide habitat for healthy wild pheasants, attracting thousands of hunters annually. Visitors can enjoy a family-friendly and pet-friendly hunting experience in this premier South Dakota hunting destination.
2. White Lake
SERENE NATURAL SETTING
White Lake is the namesake natural feature of this small city in Aurora County, offering visitors a peaceful retreat for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in this tranquil setting. The lake provides a scenic backdrop for family outings and photography enthusiasts looking to capture South Dakota's natural beauty.
3. Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDES
Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service provides expert-led nature and wildlife tours in the White Lake region. Their knowledgeable guides help visitors discover the diverse ecosystem and wildlife of South Dakota's prairies and waterways. The service has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors who appreciate their professional expertise and commitment to conservation.
4. Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage
LITERARY HISTORICAL REPLICA
Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage recreates a slice of Elizabethan England in the heart of South Dakota. The attraction features a meticulously designed English garden with plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works alongside a replica of Anne Hathaway's 16th-century cottage. With a 4.8 rating from visitors, this unique cultural site offers an unexpected literary connection in the Midwest.
5. Allen's Hillside Guide Service
EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES
Allen's Hillside Guide Service offers personalized hunting and wildlife experiences in the White Lake area. Their experienced guides provide insider knowledge of the best locations for pheasant hunting and wildlife observation. Visitors appreciate their professional approach and deep connection to the local environment.
6. Mitchell Corn Palace
ICONIC AGRICULTURAL ATTRACTION
The Mitchell Corn Palace is a one-of-a-kind attraction decorated annually with naturally colored corn and other grains. The exterior murals change each year, featuring different themes created entirely from corn and other crops grown in South Dakota. This unique cultural landmark hosts concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination just a short drive from White Lake.
7. Prehistoric Indian Village
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is an active archaeological site dating back over 1,000 years. Visitors can observe ongoing excavations and learn about the Native American inhabitants who once thrived in this region. The site includes a museum with artifacts and interactive exhibits that bring ancient prairie life into focus.
8. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the colossal faces of four American presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. The memorial, designed by Gutzon Borglum, captures the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. This iconic South Dakota landmark attracts millions of visitors annually who come to witness this extraordinary feat of artistic and engineering achievement.
9. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC ERODED LANDSCAPES
Badlands National Park showcases a dramatically eroded landscape of buttes, pinnacles, and spires amid the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park's layered rock formations contain one of the world's richest fossil beds, telling the story of ancient mammals that once roamed the area. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and observe wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs in this otherworldly setting.
10. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest mountain carving in progress, honoring the culture and traditions of North American Indigenous peoples. The massive sculpture, when completed, will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing into the distance. Beyond the mountain carving, the memorial complex includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, and the Crazy Horse University.
11. Historic Deadwood
WILD WEST HERITAGE
Historic Deadwood offers visitors an authentic glimpse into America's Wild West with its preserved Main Street and historic buildings. Once home to legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, this National Historic Landmark district now features casinos, museums, and period reenactments. Visitors can experience gold panning, historic saloons, and guided tours that bring the town's colorful past to life.
12. Bramble Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Bramble Park Zoo houses over 500 animals representing 130 different species in a family-friendly environment. The zoo's focus on education and conservation provides visitors with opportunities to learn about wildlife from around the world. Interactive exhibits, a discovery center, and regular feeding demonstrations make this a perfect day trip destination for families visiting the White Lake area.
13. Falls Park
NATURAL URBAN WATERFALL
Falls Park showcases the natural beauty of the Big Sioux River as it cascades over pink quartzite formations in the heart of Sioux Falls. The park encompasses 123 acres with viewing platforms, historic buildings, and a five-story observation tower offering panoramic views. Visitors can explore walking trails, enjoy the on-site café, and experience the dramatic illumination of the falls during evening light shows.
14. Porter Sculpture Park
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ART
Porter Sculpture Park features over 50 larger-than-life metal sculptures created by self-taught artist Wayne Porter. The centerpiece is a 60-foot tall bull's head weighing 25 tons, visible from Interstate 90. Each sculpture comes with handwritten stories and poems from the artist, adding a personal touch to this unique roadside attraction.
15. Wall Drug
LEGENDARY TOURIST STOP
Wall Drug began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and transformed into an internationally known roadside attraction after offering free ice water to travelers. Today, this sprawling 76,000-square-foot complex includes restaurants, gift shops, a backyard with photo opportunities, and its famous 5-cent coffee. Visitors are drawn to the quirky atmosphere, western art collection, and the nostalgic Americana experience that has made Wall Drug a must-stop destination for road trippers.