Quirky Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find in South Dakota
About an hour southeast of Sioux Falls lies the town of Mitchell, home to the famously quirky Corn Palace. This isn’t just any building—it’s a spectacle entirely decorated with murals crafted from corn and other grains. Each fall, the murals are redesigned with fresh ears of corn, soybeans, wheat, and millet arranged in intricate, colorful patterns. Visitors can stroll inside to see a mix of local history exhibits and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this agricultural icon. The Corn Palace is unique not only as a roadside attraction but as a living canvas celebrating South Dakota’s farming heritage. Visiting during the harvest season enhances the experience when the designs are at their freshest and most vibrant.
Near Rapid City, about 25 minutes east, stands the World’s Only Corn Palace in the small town of Mitchell, but just outside Rapid City itself is another delight for travelers with a taste for the odd: the City of Presidents walking tour. This outdoor sculpture gallery stretches along Mount Rushmore Road and features life-size bronze statues of all U.S. presidents, each crafted with distinctive character and placed in historical context. Walking the three-mile path allows visitors to combine a bit of presidential history with fresh air and quirky art. The sculptures’ unique appeal is enhanced by their urban setting, making it a perfect afternoon excursion during the milder spring and fall months.
Heading west from the Black Hills, about 45 minutes from Deadwood, you’ll find the quirky Reptile Gardens near Rapid City. This sprawling garden and zoo is home to one of the largest collections of reptiles in the world, including rare snakes, giant tortoises, and alligators. What makes this place especially fun and unusual is its mix of botanical beauty and reptilian exhibits, all set against the backdrop of the Black Hills. Visitors can watch live shows featuring snakes and raptors or wander through tropical gardens filled with rare plants. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the outdoor gardens are in full bloom and the animals are most active.
In western South Dakota, near the tiny town of Kadoka and about 90 minutes west of Wall, the Badlands Dinosaur Museum offers a fascinating detour for fans of paleontology and roadside oddities alike. While the entire state has rich fossil history, this museum stands out with its hands-on fossil preparation lab and a giant T. rex skull. The exhibits go beyond bones, presenting detailed reconstructions of prehistoric life in vivid dioramas. Visitors can dig into interactive displays and even see actual paleontologists at work, which makes it a wonderfully immersive experience for families and curious travelers. Spring and early summer visits are ideal before the intense summer heat sets in.
A little-known stop in the northeast corner of the state—about a three-hour drive north of Sioux Falls—is the town of Britton, home to the world’s largest twine ball. This roadside marvel sits near the town’s main street and is a testament to Midwestern whimsy and persistence. The twine ball is massive, built over decades by local farmers and visitors alike, and it reflects a unique kind of folk art rarely seen elsewhere. Stopping in Britton offers a glimpse into small-town pride and a chance to connect with the oddball Americana that defines so much of South Dakota’s charm. Early autumn provides cooler weather perfect for a relaxed visit.
In the heart of the Black Hills, about 40 minutes southwest of Rapid City, the town of Hill City offers a quirky glimpse into mining history alongside eclectic shops and eateries. The Black Hills Central Railroad runs a historic steam train here, known as the 1880 Train, which chugs through the forested hills and old mining sites. Riding it is like stepping back in time, complete with vintage coaches and scenic views of pine-covered slopes. Hill City also boasts a number of galleries and craft shops that emphasize local artists’ interpretations of the region’s rugged character. The best time to experience this blend of history and whimsy is summer when the forest is lush and the train runs most frequently.
Along the famed Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, roughly an hour northeast of Rapid City, stands the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near Wall. While not your typical roadside attraction, it offers a truly unusual window into Cold War history. Visitors can tour an actual missile silo and launch control facility, offering a rare inside look at the nuclear deterrent systems once poised in the heartland. The stark, utilitarian architecture and the eerie stillness of the site contrast sharply with the surrounding wild Badlands landscape, creating a haunting but unforgettable experience. Spring and fall are ideal for touring, when the weather is mild and the crowds thinner.
Just west of Sioux Falls, about 20 miles northwest, the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History adds a playful twist to roadside stops. The zoo houses a wide variety of animals native to the Great Plains, including bison, elk, and prairie dogs, while the Delbridge Museum features lifelike mounted animals arranged in immersive dioramas that tell stories of South Dakota’s natural world. The combination of live animals and natural history exhibits offers a unique way to appreciate the state’s ecology and wildlife. Early morning visits in late spring or summer are best to catch the animals at their most active and to avoid the midday heat.
Each of these spots showcases South Dakota’s penchant for blending history, nature, and a touch of the unexpected. Whether it’s a giant woven twine ball, a corn mural that changes every year, or a Cold War missile silo, the state offers quirky treasures that invite exploration well beyond the typical tourist trail.