Family Fun and History are combined in South Dakota Attractions

There is now doubt that many of South Dakota's Attractions have historical significance.  You can't miss the state's most famous attraction, Mount Rushmore on a visit to the southwest corner of the State of South Dakota and its memorial to some of the United States most influential presidents.  

But the fun and history doesn't stop there in this diversely scenic state.

MAMMOTH TERRITORY

Families can start their historical exploration of the state by visiting The Mammoth Site located at Hot Springs, which takes them to 26,000 years ago.  Columbian and Woolly mammoths would visit the site to drink, become trapped in the slippery-sided pool and drown.  Mammoth Site boasts the world's largest collection of mammoth bones.   Guided tours and educational programs are offered year round at this ongoing paleontological site.  Kids are encouraged to actively participate in the summer excavation program.  It is believed that human societies hunted these mammals more than 11,000 years ago.

PREHISTORIC INDIAN VILLAGES

Archaeologists have discovered Plains villages sites dating back 900 years along the Missouri and other South Dakota Rivers.  Mitchell's Prehistoric Indian Village dates from the 10th Century, when as many as 1,000 semi-nomadic hunters and gardeners occupied the lodges.  Excavation, research and interpretation events occur year round.

AMERICAN INDIANS

South Dakota is the home of the Sioux Nation, which was at the height of its power during the 18th Century.  Landmarks, museums and attractions throughout the state showcase the pivotal role the Sioux Nation has played in the state's history.  Traditional Powwows are held to celebrate tribal traditions.

19th CENTURY

In 1804 Lewis and Clark left Illinois and journeyed westward seeking an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean.  Travelers can retrace the path of these famous explorers along a driving route that follows the Missouri River, finding a number of historical sites and museums along the way.  

The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area gives families a great place to picnic and enjoy the sandy beach along the way.

FORT SISSETON

Dakota became an organized territory in 1861 and three years later Fort Sisseton was built on the prairie.  Abandoned in 1889, today the fort contains 14 of the original buildings, with many restored to their original state. 

Costumed re-enactors participate in cavalry drills and living history encampments.  

DEADWOOD

1874 saw the discovery of gold in the Black Hills.  As gold fever spread, the town of Deadwood sprang to life.  This famous mining camp drew historic characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane with many buried in the cemetery.  

Downtown Deadwood has been restored to its former glory and designated as a National Historic Landmark.

LITTLE TOWN ON THE PRAIRIE, DE SMET

For history of a different sort, families who may have enjoyed watching Little House on the Prairie on TV  can visit the town that served as the setting for five of the books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder that inspired the tv series.  Guided tours are available of railroad surveyor's house, where the Ingalls spent their first Dakota winter and a later home.  Many of the family's treasures are on display.   

The homestead is located one mile southeast of De Smet.

BETHLEHEM CAVE

Adolphus C. and Charles Frederick McBride were in Elk Creek Canyon looking over mining prospects and possibly also hunting mountain lions in the late 1800's and while amusing themselves throwing and rolling rocks from a cliff into a canyon below, they discovered an impressive crystal-lined grotto just below the top of the rimrock.  This discovery eventually led to what we now know as Bethlehem Cave.

Specimens from this cave became part of  the "model cave" at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  Everyone can explore the caves and learn about the varied history of this attraction.  Panning through rough mine renderings for crystals, rubies, garnets and sapphires teaches a little about the mining process.  See South Dakota Family Attractions for more information.

WORLD'S ONLY CORN PALACE, MITCHELL

Established in 1892 as a way for early settlers to display the harvest, the present Corn Palace was completed in 1921 and each year new murals are created by local artists depicting life in South Dakota.  Thousands of bushels of corn, grain, grasses, wild oats, brome grass, blue grass, rye, straw and wheat are used in the exhibit.

SITTING BULL STAMPEDE RODEO

If your family is lucky enough to be visiting this state around the Fourth of July holiday, the Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo held in Mobridge provides the opportunity to watch genuine cowboys and cowgirls demonstrate the skills used out on the range in fastpaced competitions.

PARKS AND MEMORIALS

Throughout the state of South Dakota there are many parks and memorials that visitors can enjoy that afford the opportunity to learn more about the history of this state.  See Parks and Memorials offer Visitors an Opportunity to Explore South Dakota.

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