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Department of Tourism Launches Forever 605 Stewardship Campaign: Travel South Dakota, Don’t Trample It!

Just in time for the Sturgis invasion, Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen says what the Lakota should have said to all of us white folks in the 1880s: thanks for visiting, now leave our land the way you found it :

Modern information sharing means there are almost no undiscovered places anymore, and that’s led to some negative effects that state tourism officials are trying to counteract. Travel South Dakota, an arm of the state Department of Tourism, is launching a campaign encouraging visitors and South Dakotans to pledge that they’ll travel respectfully. The campaign, which incorporates the state’s only area code, is called Forever 605. “Forever 605 is about letting the wild be wild, not overcrowding destinations, and leaving nothing behind but your boot prints,” said James Hagen, secretary of the Department of Tourism, in a news release . People can take the pledge online at Forever605.com . Everyone who pledges will receive a Forever 605 sticker and be entered for a chance to win additional prizes [staff, “ State Seeks Pledges to Explore South Dakota Respectfully ,” South Dakota Searchlight , 2023.08.02].

Secretary Hagen and marketing/brand chief Mike Gussiaas laid out this new stewardship campaign in a June 15 webinar .

Of course, by encouraging visitors to crowd the hotspots (Mount Rushmore, Trail 9 to Black Elk Peak, Falls Park) less and seek out the less-traveled areas, Secretary Hagen runs the risk of turning more out-of-the-way places into the next overinstagrammed Hippie Hole . If visitors take Hagen’s new pledge to heart, they’ll realize, “Hey! We haven’t been to Wounded Knee and Eagle Butte! Let’s go!” and then 1876 all over again for our Native neighbors.

But there’s that old paradox again: how do we travel the state we love without trampling it?

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Published in South Dakota

14 Comments

Like a local??? Who’ve turned prairie with 100plus plants to monocultures of corn and beans.

“care like a local”??? Evidently Hagen hasn’t walked a trail or road ditch lately. I’m quite sure all the sacks of garbage, tires, mattresses ,just to name a few can not be blamed on tourists. South Dakota should clean its own house before expecting visitors to do it for them.

Yes ,Cibvet, “care like a local” is a gross overstatement of South Dakotan’s commitment to keep the environment pristine, or even clean. South Dakotans enjoy being portrayed heroically in state sponsored advertisements and various state provided publications. We are often credited, by state paid shills, for having made sacrifices or having earned the right to a certain moral superiority which is just a clannish effort to establish solidarity. It is so much nonsense.

Sheeeeit, we won’t even feed kids or keep the gold mines from polluting their water. Fund the removal of the polluters instead of funding phony ads.

Listening to Leonard Cohen had me setting imaginary booby traps to protect the places being molested….in my secret life.

And this, Mr. H, is why grudznick is against all out-of-state visitors. This car won’t do anything, but I fear when more of these biker fellows get a taste of our FREEDOM in South Dakota they will want to stay. We need an ad campaign like Nebraska has.

Grudz appears to refer to Nebraska’s 2018 adoption of “It’s not for everyone” as its tourism slogan .

Governor Noem spent $400,00 to build a fence to keep people from visiting the Governor’s mansion. Why not just put more fences around Mount Rushmore, Black Elk Peak, Sturgis…?

Don’t fret, dear grudz. When visitors meet people like you, they’ll quickly move on to welcoming states with real mountains, real wild, wildlife, and really welcoming people. Stay mean, ornery, and unpleasant grudz. VISIT COLORADO ~ YOU KNOW, FOR THE SCENERY #grins

For grudznichts – Issued by the South Dakota Tourism Bureau to ALL visitors:

1. Don’t order filet mignon or pasta primavera at Al’s Oasis. It’s a diner. They serve breakfast 24 hours a day. Let them cook something they know. If you upset the ladies in the kitchen they’ll kick your ass.

2. Don’t laugh at the names of our little towns (Wall, Murdo, etc.) or we will just have to kick your ass.

3. Don’t order a bottle or a can of soda here. Here it’s called Pop. Accept it. Doing otherwise can lead to an ass kicking.

4. We know our heritage. Most of us are more literate than you. We are also better educated and generally a lot nicer. Don’t refer to us as a bunch of hicks or we’ll kick your ass.

5. We have plenty of business sense. You have to to make a living here. Naturally, we do sometimes have small lapses in judgment from time to time, but we are not dumb enough to let someone move to our state in order to run for the Senate. If someone tried to do that, we would kick her ass.

6. Don’t laugh at our giant fiberglass cows and our turtles made out of car parts. Anything that inspires tourists to buy 50,000 postcards can’t be bad. And in Rapid City don’t point at the genitalia on the giant plastic dinosaur or we’ll kick your ass.

7. We are fully aware of how cold it gets here in the winter, so shut the hell up. Just spend your money and get the hell out of here or we’ll kick your ass.

8. Don’t order the vegetarian special at the local diner. Everyone will instantly know that you’re a tourist. Eat your steak well-done like God intended and have some potatoes with that, for heaven’s sake! Also, don’t ask what a hot dish is or we’ll kick your ass.

9. Don’t try to fake a Dakota accent. We don’t have an accent. Do NOT mention the movie “Fargo” because that WASN’T us. That will incite a riot and you will get your ass kicked.

10. Don’t talk about how much better things are at home because we know better. Many of us have visited big-city hell-holes like Detroit, New York, and Minneapolis, and we have the scars to prove it. If you don’t like it here, Interstate 90 is ready when you are. Move your ass on home before it gets kicked.

11. Don’t complain that South Dakota is flat and that there aren’t enough trees. If you whine about OUR scenic beauty we’ll kick your ass all the way back to Milwaukee.

12. Don’t ridicule our mannerisms. We only speak when spoken to. We hold doors open for others. We offer our seats to old folks because such things are expected of civilized people. Behave yourselves around our sweet, little grey-haired grandmothers or they will kick some manners into your ass just like they did ours.

13. So you think we’re quaint or losers because most of us live on the prairie? That’s because we have enough sense to not live in filthy, smelly, crime-infested cesspools like New York or LA. Make fun of our fresh air and we’ll kick your ass.

14. Writing it “Sue Falls” is NOT a joke. Your ass will be kicked.

15. Last, but not least, DO NOT DARE to come out here and tell us how the prairie should “go back to the buffalo.” This will get your ass shot (right after it is kicked). Just mention this once and you will go home in a pine box. Minus your ass.

Now enjoy your visit and then go home.

Hey. the ladies (grudznick uses that term loosely) at Al’s have kicked my ass. Over breakfast. Let me tell you, Jack, it’s no joke.

grudz – Don’t do an Ebenezer Scrooge and order extra gravy and then cancel the order when the lady tells you it will cost another couple bucks. Your cheapness is famous among local Breakfast Diners.

What really irks them, Mr. AItch, is when I bring my own bladder of sausage gravy along with my usual array of condiment selections. Have you ever seen the look on a lunch lady’s face when you pull out your own spicy sauce instead of using the usual options provided at a typical establishment? But since I’m such an enormous tipper, we all make friends at the end.

You’ve always seemed like you’d be a big tipper, grudz.

Just ask my good friend Bob. He spends like $25-$30 bucks on breakfast for the two of us at some local Hills joint, like the Hermosa Coffee House or the Sugar Shack, and I tip like $15-$20 bucks, mostly of Bob’s own money he lost to me in cribbage the night before. It irks him a lot. It irks him.

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South Dakota Unveils New ‘Come Die Here’ Tourism Campaign

PIERRE, SD—In an effort to attract visitors to a state that is home to some of the worst Covid-19 infection rates in the world, South Dakota officials launched a new tourism initiative Friday that will be centered around the slogan “Come Die Here.” “For years, people have flocked here to see Mount Rushmore, but now South Dakota is also a great place to just come and die,” said Gov. Kristi Noem in a prepared statement, which touted the dwindling availability of ICU beds, lack of a statewide mask mandate, and opportunity to take one’s last, fluid-filled breaths amidst the scenic backdrop of Badlands National Park. “What could be better than perishing while surrounded by the gorgeous Black Hills after enjoying a scrumptious last meal of chislic or bison burgers? Wild Bill Hickok went down in South Dakota, and now it’s easier than ever for you and your loved ones to do the same!” At press time, reports confirmed North Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska had all sought to compete with South Dakota by launching their own similar campaigns.

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SD Tourism has a new slogan

Out with the old and in with the new.

South Dakota tourism officials have unveiled a new marketing campaign to draw visitors into the Mount Rushmore state.

The old slogan "Your American Journey" is being replaced with "My Great Place" which tourism officials say will tie nicely with the state slogan of "Great Faces, Great Places." Michelle Thomson the President and CEO of Black Hills Badlands and Lakes says they along with the Department of Tourism work hard to market and bring people in from other countries and states.

Thomson says, "Whether it's riding through Spearfish Canyon if that's your great place or ice fishing on Pactola or if it's Mount Rushmore or Crazy Horse or Custer State Park or so many of the other great gems we have through the area. There's really so much to see and do."

Thomson says they expect a banner year for tourism in South Dakota for 2015 with the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the 50th Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup.

Read the article on Black Hills Fox KEVN.

South Dakota Tourism Launches Marketing Campaign

Article body.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :  April 12, 2005

CONTACT : Nicole Nordbye, (605) 773-3301 or nicole.nordbye@state.sd.us

South Dakota  Tourism Launches Marketing Campaign  

PIERRE ,  S.D.  – The South Dakota Office of Tourism has kicked off its peak season advertising campaign which features a renewed emphasis on  South Dakota ’s slogan, Great Faces. Great Places. The campaign is designed to showcase the diversity of the state’s tourism offerings and spotlight travel packages.

“I am extremely excited about this year’s peak season marketing efforts,” said James Hagen, secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. “We are telling the  South Dakota  story to millions of potential travelers which will help us reach the 2010 Initiative goal of doubling visitor spending to $1.2 billion and keep us competitive with other destinations.”

Newspaper and television ads will run in the target markets of Chicago, Ill., Dallas, Texas, Denver, Colo., Des Moines, Iowa, Fargo, N.D., Grand Rapids, Mich., Kansas City, Mo., Milwaukee, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., Omaha, Neb., Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, S.D. and Winnipeg, Manitoba. The network and cable television ads include 30- and 60-second image spots and 30-second product spots that include a donut promoting a specific vacation package. Many different family, gaming, history and outdoor vacation packages that are part of Tourism’s Online Vacation Packages Co-op are featured in the product spots. The commercials feature new film footage and the Great Faces. Great Places. music package that has been updated for the new millennium. Display ads in travel sections of major newspapers also promote specific vacation packages.

The marketing effort in  Dallas  is the largest the Office of Tourism has participated in to-date. Partnering with the Air Service Task Force,  Black Hills , Badlands & Lakes Association, Black Hills Central Reservations and the Deadwood Chamber and Visitors Bureau, Tourism is coordinating a campaign that is three times the size of the ad blitz carried out in 2004.

“Part of the 2010 Initiative is to expand the peak travel season through the greater use of partnerships and cooperative efforts,”  Hagen  said. “What we’re doing in  Dallas  is a shining example of that synergy.”

Tourism is also partnering with the Air Service Task Force to reach the  Grand Rapids ,  Mich.  market this year.

From April through June, 3.9 million readers of  Better Homes and Gardens ,  Midwest Living ,  Ladies’ Home Journal ,  Country Home  and  More  in the states of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin and the metro areas of Kansas City, Mo., Dallas,.  Texas  and  Detroit ,  Mich.  will see a full color, 16-page  South Dakota  ad. Half the insert contains editorial and photos about statewide travel opportunities. The other half includes ads of visitor industry partners. Great Getaways, an eight-page ad, will reach 1.4 million newspaper readers in  Iowa ,  Manitoba ,  Minnesota ,  Nebraska ,  North Dakota  and  South Dakota . It’s packed with photos, stories and ads by industry partners about travel opportunities in the  Glacial   Lakes  and Prairies,  Great Lakes  and Southeast regions. 

Electronic promotions will use e-mail blasts to residents of target markets who have expressed an interest in travel.

“The campaign broadens the appeal of  South Dakota  and features the depth of activities and attractions found here,” said Billie Jo Waara, director of the Office of Tourism. “We are targeting the markets and audience, primarily women age 35-54, that research has identified as being the best for  South Dakota .”

Elements of the peak season campaign were developed by Lawrence & Schiller of  Sioux Falls  and the Department of Tourism and State Development’s Creative Division. The campaign strategy was directed by the Office of Tourism. 

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What Do You Think of South Dakota’s New Tourism Slogan?

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Over the years, South Dakota has experienced a few missteps when it comes to marketing the state to the rest of the county.

It all started 10 years ago with the ill-fated 'Don't Jerk and Drive' public service campaign to reduce winter driving mishaps.

That pitch was later pulled after a less than enthusiastic response .

Not to be outdone, the state was back with the infamous 'Meth. We're On It' anti-drug campaign in 2019.

It was mocked from coast to coast. 

Fast forward to earlier this year and the state got mixed reviews on its first-ever Super Bowl TV commercial, featuring the one-hit wonder band Nine Days reworking their song 'Absolutely) Story of A Girl' to 'Absolutely) Story of A State' to help promote tourism in the Mount Rushmore State.

Well, a new season brings new hope that the state has learned its lesson.

With the summer travel push on the horizon, the  Department of Tourism  has rolled out the 2024 slogan:

So Much South Dakota, So Little Time.

According to the state, the goal of the campaign is to '...remind prospective travelers of the joys that arise from letting go, following intuitions, and being spontaneous.'

So far it seems to be working.

The campaign, through  Travel South Dakota,  has already generated 82 million impressions, reaching more than 9.7 million individuals. Officials say web traffic to the site is up 53% since the launch having already generated an estimated $21.4 million in revenue through more than 97,200 hotel and flight bookings.

So what do you think?

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• SD’s Great Places & Great Faces

It’s been said individuals receive one of the largest boosts in happiness from the simple act of planning a vacation. Yet, according to the  U.S. Travel Association , more than 662 million vacation days went unused in 2017. Why is that? Well, we all know the excuses: “I’m really busy at work.” “Who will watch the dog?” “Now is just not the right time.” The list goes on.

As we started digging into why people aren’t traveling to South Dakota, we realized it’s not just the act of getting someone to plan a vacation that is the challenge. Rather, it’s specifically helping our target audience realize that South Dakota has so much more to offer than what they think they know. When asked about traveling to South Dakota for vacation, one Chicago Focus Group participant responded:

“South Dakota feels like a trip everyone knows about – they know what they’ll see, they know what they’re going to get. It doesn’t feel inspiring; it doesn’t feel like a vacation you want to take.”

Aiming to address these hurdles and false perceptions, we partnered with South Dakota Department of Tourism to launch a new campaign showing the unexpected through the Great Faces and Great Places of our state.

In our “Great Faces Great Places” campaign , television creative uniquely showcases South Dakota through interview-style testimonials featuring individuals a visitor could encounter while in the state. Stories include park rangers, winery owners and even gourmet pastry chefs who call South Dakota home. Music throughout the campaign is composed and produced by local artists like Burlap Wolf King, incorporating the well-known state jingle “Great Faces Great Places, South Dakota.” And a double-exposure design combines these the faces with unique places, setting the creative elements apart from competitors.

In addition to television, the campaign shares the unexpected places and personalities of South Dakota in national and regional magazines, radio and direct mail.

Do yourself a favor: leave the excuses behind and start planning your vacation. Better yet, start planning your South Dakota vacation and come face-to-face with the state of great.

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24 Top Things to Do in South Dakota

Boasting fascinating historic sites, the Mount Rushmore State has much to offer.

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Exploring the stunning and otherworldly landscape of the Badlands is just one of many things to do in South Dakota.

Across a vast expanse of natural beauty, South Dakota is rich in history, outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences. The state boasts two of the longest caves in the world, the world's largest mammoth research facility, the final resting place of western legends, sacred Native American sites and many other unique attractions the whole family will love.

Ready to start planning your trip? From Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills to Badlands National Park and Crazy Horse Monument, read on for a list of the top things to do in South Dakota.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Crazy Horse Memorial: Crazy Horse

This larger-than-life mountain monument is dedicated to Crazy Horse (Tasunke Witco in Lakota), who led a band of Lakota warriors against George Custer's battalion at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The Crazy Horse monument, which has been under construction since 1948, is located in the heart of the Black Hills and is the world's largest sculptural undertaking. Despite the fact that the monument remains unfinished, it attracts more than 1 million visitors every year.

During your visit, you can also check out the Indian Museum of North America, which houses artwork and artifacts from more than 300 Native Nations, as well as the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, where you can learn about Native American history and culture through hands-on activities and instruction from Native artists.

Throughout the year, the campus also hosts cultural performances, speaker series, art workshops, laser light shows and more. You can also dine at the Laughing Water Restaurant before you leave. Visitors say the memorial is a great place to learn about the Indigenous people of the region and to witness history in the making.

Address: 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730

Mount Rushmore: Keystone

Carved into the Six Grandfathers Mountain, as it was known by the Lakota Sioux, Mount Rushmore is a tribute to four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Located less than 25 miles southwest of Rapid City, the monument was first carved in 1927, and the final drilling took place in 1941. The end result was four faces, each 60 feet tall – the original plans included the presidents' bodies down to their waists, but the project ran out of funds.

Past visitors call Mount Rushmore a bucket list item and recommend taking one of the ranger-guided tours. One of the top attractions in the U.S. , monument is busiest during the summer months, so if you want smaller crowds (without the cold weather), time your visit to Mount Rushmore for May, September or October.

Address: 13000 state Highway 244, Keystone, SD 57751

[ Mount Rushmore Tour Options: Meals, Music & Mount Rushmore | Mount Rushmore Bus Tour ]

Custer State Park

Located roughly 30 miles southwest of Rapid City, Custer State Park boasts rolling hills, granite peaks and crystal-clear water. Whether you're planning a daytrip or want to stay overnight (the park offers campgrounds and the historic Custer State Park Resort), there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Options include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, horseback riding, swimming and snowshoeing.

The park is also famous for its herd of nearly 1,500 free-roaming bison, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep, wild turkeys and more. Many visitors particularly recommend a visit to Sylvan Lake, which features calm water and stunning rock formations that make it a popular wedding destination.

[Read: The Best Midwest Vacations for Families .]

Badlands National Park

About 60 miles southeast of Rapid City, you'll find Badlands National Park. The park's otherworldly landscape is a labyrinth of pinnacles, buttes, spires and canyons, which formed over the course of 75 million years. It's also home to ancient fossils of saber-toothed cats and three-toed horses, among other species. Even if you just want to drive through the park via the Badlands Loop Road, you'll likely want to make several stops to take in the region's fascinating topography. Recent visitors praised Badlands National Park's excellent hiking trails, but the Badlands are also a great place to observe wildlife, ride horses, go for a bike ride or spot constellations in the night sky – the park even hosts an annual Astronomy Festival every summer. Plus, for visitors looking to stay overnight, the park offers two official campgrounds.

Wind Cave National Park: Hot Springs

Wind Cave, named for the barometric winds coming out of the cave's entrance, is the first cave in the world to be declared a national park. According to Lakota oral tradition, the cave is a sacred place from which humans and bison first emerged to live on the earth's surface. Spanning more than 150 miles, Wind Cave National Park is the sixth-longest cave in the world and is home to the world's largest concentration of boxwork formations – a rare structure of honeycomb calcite on the cave's walls. If you're planning a visit, make sure you reserve a ranger-guided tour early, as they often sell out a few hours in advance.

Above the cave, you can experience the biodiversity of the prairie. There are more than 30 miles of hiking trails, and you'll be able to see free-roaming bison, prairie dogs, elk, various birds and more.

The park has an official campground, but backcountry camping is also an option for more experienced adventurers. Recent visitors say the rangers and visitor center staff are very knowledgeable about the area, and even if you don't get to tour the cave, the park is worth a visit.

Address: 26611 U.S. Route 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

National Music Museum: Vermillion

Located at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion – about 60 miles south of Sioux Falls – the National Music Museum reopened its doors in 2021 after three years of extensive renovations. While the museum's permanent exhibits are still closed – select spaces will open in 2022 – the museum hosts various events where guests can experience different musical styles and genres via live performances.

As exhibits begin reopening, visitors will be able to learn about the art and craft of musical instruments and the role they play in our lives. You'll also be able to see and learn about the various musical instruments that have been used throughout human history in different cultures and civilizations. For anyone who appreciates music and its contribution to the human experience, recent travelers highly recommend the National Music Museum.

Address: 414 E. Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069

Jewel Cave: Custer

South Dakota's intriguing Jewel Cave, located roughly 50 miles southwest of Rapid City, is the third-longest cave in the world. With more than 210 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, the cave provides a fascinating array of colors, fragile formations and scientific mysteries.

Guided cave tours are available, though they tend to sell out quickly, so book in advance. Keep in mind, tours range from moderately difficult to strenuous, so consider your health and potential physical limitations before booking. The historic lantern tour is a half-mile route through low and narrow passages with a tour guide dressed in 1930s garb, and the only light is provided by lanterns. The scenic tour, the cave's most popular tour, is another half-mile route that includes a visit to various chambers and passages along a paved trail with electric lighting. Meanwhile, the discovery tour is a short 20-minute introduction to Jewel Cave and is an excellent option for those who require a wheelchair or have difficulty climbing stairs. Past visitors to this tourist attraction say that the cave is an otherworldly experience and a great activity for families with small children.

Address: 11149 U.S. Route 16, Building B12, Custer, SD 57730

South Dakota Air and Space Museum: Philip

Situated less than 12 miles outside of Rapid City, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum is home to an extensive collection of aircraft, documents and artifacts that provide a complete history of Ellsworth Air Force Base, which played a crucial role in the Cold War. Here, visitors will be able to see B-29, B-52 and B-1 bombers; Titan I and Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles; an intact missile silo; and other artifacts.

Entrance to the museum is free, but there is a small fee for the bus tour to the missile silo. As you plan your trip, note that the indoor galleries are closed in January and February and tours of the base and the missile silo are only offered from mid-May to mid-September. Recent visitors called the South Dakota Air and Space Museum an excellent educational experience, particularly if you're an aviation or history buff.

Address: 24545 Cottonwood Road, Philip, SD 57567

Old Courthouse Museum: Sioux Falls

Sitting in downtown Sioux Falls, the Old Courthouse Museum is a restored 19th-century quartzite building with various exhibits detailing the history of the region. Inside the courthouse, you'll find granite pillars, slate stairs, tiled fireplaces and stained-glass windows. Meanwhile, 16 large murals, painted in the early 20th century, adorn the museum's hallways and depict early life in the Dakota Territory – the territory, which formed in 1861, initially included both North and South Dakota, as well as portions of Wyoming and Montana . The courthouse also features various exhibits where visitors can learn about the radiomen of World War II, the city planning efforts of early Sioux Falls, Native American tools and more.

Past visitors say that the museum provides an interesting look at the region's history, and the architecture of the building alone makes it worth the trip. Both admission to the museum and two-hour parking are free of charge.

Address: 200 W. Sixth St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104

The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs: Hot Springs

Courtesy of The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

This paleontological site and museum, located in Hot Springs, is ideal for history buffs. Despite the age of its ancient inhabitants, the site was only recently discovered when a heavy machine operator struck a 7-foot-long mammoth tusk while leveling the ground for a housing development in 1974. Still an active dig site, this attraction has produced a variety of Ice Age fossils, including bones from mammoths, mollusks, giant short-faced bears, camels and more.

The museum also offers self-guided tours, along with various classes, learning activities, summer classes and other opportunities to learn about paleontology, archaeology, animal tracks and other related topics. Past visitors say The Mammoth Site is a great experience for both adults and children and offers fascinating archeological displays.

The site is open year-round, with the exception of select holidays, and charges a fee for admission (kids 3 and younger are free).

Address: 1800 Highway 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Spearfish Canyon

Predating the Grand Canyon , Spearfish Canyon is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Dakota. The canyon stretches between Spearfish, which is near the South Dakota-Wyoming border, and Cheyenne Crossing, 20 miles to the south. Driving through the canyon, expect to see towering limestone cliffs, spruces, Ponderosa pines, aspens, birches and other tree varieties. You may also come across deer, mountain goats, porcupines and bobcats.

Some of the major attractions you'll want to include on your itinerary are Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, a cascading 60-foot waterfall with an observation platform. Plan your trip between September and October to experience Spearfish Canyon's beautiful fall foliage . Locals never tire of driving through the canyon, but some visitors say that you'll need to get out of your car and hike to get the full experience.

Bear Country USA: Rapid City

On the road to Mount Rushmore from Rapid City, you'll find Bear Country USA. Open from spring through late November, the drive-thru wildlife park allows you to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including black bears, elk, mountain lions, buffalo and reindeer, all from the comfort of your car. There's also a Wildlife Walk area at this tourist attraction where you'll find demonstrations, programs, keeper chats, a restaurant and a gift shop.

Many past guests say it's a great experience to see the animals in a more natural setting, although some note that depending on the time of day, it can get busy and the animals may be sleeping. Keep in mind, the park charges based on the number of occupants in each vehicle, not per vehicle. Understandably, convertibles, motorcycles and soft-top vehicles aren't allowed, but the park does offer free courtesy vehicles you can use.

Address: 13820 U.S. Route 16, Rapid City, SD 57702

Historic Deadwood

Established in 1876, Deadwood was a Wild West town established by gold prospectors. About 15 miles southeast of Spearfish, the town is now filled with attractions and fun activities. You can visit Mount Moriah Cemetery to see the graves of legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, visit the town brothel to learn about Deadwood's history of prostitution – which didn't end until 1980 – and check out the Adams Museum, which was founded in 1930 and provides a look into the history of the Black Hills. Some of the artifacts on display include a pencil sketch drawing of Wild Bill Hickok and Potato Creek Johnny's original 7.346-troy-ounce gold nugget.

The town is also home to several casinos and gaming halls, a handful of breweries and wineries, and shops where you can buy souvenirs, Amish furniture and a variety of other wares. Visitors say the charm of the Wild West is well preserved in the town and particularly enjoy the daily shootout reenactment.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: Sturgis

Courtesy of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

If you're a hardcore biker, there's nothing quite like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Every year, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists descend on the small town of Sturgis for one of the largest and longest-running motorcycle rallies in the world. Some non-bikers visit the town during the rally, which begins on the first Friday of August and lasts for 10 days, just to take in the experience. The rally hosts several events, including an opening ceremony, a pub crawl, a golf tournament, a beard and mustache contest, and a 5k run. There are also concerts with a mix of home-grown bands and household names.

With so many people visiting this small town at once, be prepared to plan your accommodations well in advance. Options include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, cottages, vacation rentals, campgrounds and RV parks.

Reptile Gardens: Rapid City

Just 7 miles south of Rapid City, Reptile Gardens is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's largest reptile zoo. You won't find more species and subspecies of reptiles at any other zoo or wildlife park anywhere on earth. This unique park is set in beautiful botanical gardens, which feature a variety of flora and fauna, and it even houses some of the world's deadliest snakes, along with turtles, tortoises, lizards, crocodilians, birds, amphibians, bugs and some species that are native to South Dakota. In addition to the exhibits, which include a nearly 16-foot-long saltwater crocodile and giant tortoises you can mingle with, the park also hosts bird and snake shows, oceanic art, a gift shop and a cafe.

Admission prices vary based on what time of the year you visit, with the summer season costing more than the others. Visitors recommend going early in the day to beat the crowds, but note that if you go during the offseason when admission is cheaper, you may miss out on some shows and experiences.

Address: 8955 U.S. Route 16, Rapid City, SD 57702

Good Earth State Park at Blood Run: Sioux Falls

South Dakota's newest state park is located just outside of Sioux Falls near the Iowa border. The National Historic Landmark is an important cultural and historical site, as it's one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the country. The combination of the river, flood plains, wildlife, pipestone and protection from winds made the area a gathering place for ceremonies and a trading center for Native Americans between A.D. 1300 and 1700.

At the massive visitor center, you can check out the exhibits and programs that highlight the area's historical and cultural significance. You'll also find hiking trails, fishing holes, picnic tables and other activities that allow you to connect with nature. Past visitors of the park have noted that the hiking trails are relatively easy with great views and the visitor center exhibits are impressive.

Address: 26924 480th Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Needles Highway

This 14-mile scenic byway lies just 30 miles south of Rapid City, but you'll feel like you've entered a completely different world. Completed in 1922, the road has you traverse sharp turns and narrow tunnels, dwarfed at every turn by needlelike granite spires. You'll also pass through tranquil meadows surrounded by birch and aspen trees. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you'll want to take it slow, not only for safety reasons but also to savor the stunning views. However, recent visitors suggest going early in the day to avoid congestion on the road.

Note that Needles Highway closes every year with the first snow of the season and doesn't reopen again until April 1, or possibly later, depending on the weather conditions.

Storybook Island: Rapid City

A lot of the top places to visit in South Dakota are focused on the state's natural beauty and historical and cultural significance. But if you're looking for a fun place to entertain your kids, Storybook Island in Rapid City should be on your radar. Just keep in mind, the theme park is only open during the summer season. It doesn't charge admission, but there is a small fee for rides on the park's carousel and train.

The family-friendly theme park provides more than 100 storybook and nursery rhyme settings where children can play, as well as live theater productions to entertain the whole family. Past visitors call this unique attraction a must if you have small children, and while some exhibits are showing signs of age – the park has been around for more than 60 years – it doesn't appear to take away from the experience.

Address: 1301 Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City, SD 57702

Porter Sculpture Park: Montrose

Courtesy of Porter Sculpture Park

A little more than 30 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, Porter Sculpture Park offers a fascinating set of eclectic, larger-than-life metal sculptures created by Wayne Porter. The park is home to more than 50 installations, including a 60-foot-tall bull head, a butterfly, potted flowers and a pink rocking horse. You're more than welcome to touch and even climb on the art, making the park an excellent destination for families with children, and if you have trouble walking, there are golf carts available.

If you're on your way to or from Sioux Falls, visitors say it's worth the detour. Admission is affordable, and kids 12 and younger can get in for free. Keep in mind, the park is only open between mid-May and mid-October.

Address: 25700 451st Ave., Montrose, SD 57048

Black Elk Peak

If you're an avid hiker, Black Elk Peak should be on your bucket list. The mountain is the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and the Pyrenees Mountains in France. At the 7,242-foot peak, hikers will be able to take in views that stretch to North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming. At the top, visitors can also check out the stone fire tower that was built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

There are more than a dozen different trails that you can take to get to the top of Black Elk Peak, most of which range from 7 to 13 miles round trip. Note, however, that some trails require paid entry to Custer State Park. Visitors say the hikes range from moderate to difficult with some rocky areas and steep inclines, but the views are worth it.

Butterfly House & Aquarium: Sioux Falls

Courtesy of Butterfly House & Aquarium

Located in Sioux Falls, the Butterfly House & Aquarium is perfect for children and adults alike. At the Butterfly House, visitors will get the chance to walk among more than 800 free-flying butterflies. You can even purchase feeding equipment to have the insects eating out of your hand. At the aquarium, you'll get to see hundreds of species of fish and coral. There's also a Pacific tide pool, where you can see and touch some of the animals that are found along the coast from Southern California up to Alaska.

Past visitors say the Butterfly House is a calm and serene experience, and while the aquarium is on the small side, there's still a lot to see.

Address: 4320 S. Oxbow Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Falls Park: Sioux Falls

If you only have time to do one thing in Sioux Falls, locals recommend Falls Park, which is where the city got its name. Spanning more than 128 acres, the park lies north of the downtown area and features a stretch of the Big Sioux River where it flows over three tiers of rose-colored quartzite. On average, 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the falls every second.

Visitors can take in the majestic falls from various viewing platforms throughout the park, including a five-story observation tower. For a more active park experience, check out one of the park's many walking and biking trails. Falls Park is easy to reach and is a great free activity the whole family can enjoy.

Address: 131 E. Falls Park Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Termesphere Gallery: Spearfish

Courtesy of Termesphere Gallery

Located near Spearfish, the Termesphere Gallery is one of the more unique experiences visitors can have in South Dakota. Termespheres are spherical paintings that their creator, artist Dick Termes, calls a three-dimensional exploration of an entirely closed universe. Some recent visitors call the artist's work a hidden gem in the Black Hills. You can even purchase one of Termes' pieces through his website. The gallery is open seven days a week, but entrance is by appointment only. To make an appointment to visit, call 605-642-4805.

Address: 1920 Christensen Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie: Vermillion

If you've ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is one South Dakota attraction you don't want to miss. Due to the ever-changing course of the Missouri River, other sites they visited are in doubt. In the area near Vermillion, the pair of explorers visited the top of Spirit Mound in an attempt to understand the site's mysterious legend. The local Sioux, Omaha and Otoe tribes believed that 18-inch humans with large heads lived on the mound. In fact, Indigenous people feared the area, believing the little people to be devils who would kill anyone who approached. Today, visitors can enjoy a tranquil hike to the mound while contemplating its historical and spiritual significance.

Address: 31148 state Highway 19, Vermillion, SD 57069

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Adventure Vacations
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Tags: Travel , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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‘Under God the People Rule’ won’t make redesigned South Dakota license plates

State motto would have replaced ‘great faces, great places’ slogan.

“Under God the People Rule.”

“Great Faces, Great Places.”

Both relatively synonymous with South Dakota, the state motto and the long-standing tourism slogan were up against one another Monday as senators debated which should adorn state-issued license plates.

Senate Bill 133 proposed swapping “Great Faces, Great Places” for the state motto on license plates and came at the urging of constituents, according to the bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. Brent Hoffman.

The Sioux Falls Republican said the state motto is a source of pride that better reflects South Dakota values.

“I’ve been to all 50 states twice, 23 countries, whenever I talk to someone about what our state motto is, they are inspired and encouraged by it,” Hoffman said. “God Bless, South Dakota.”

NEWS: Gear Up scandal, murders cast long shadow

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Business Slogans

20 catchy south dakota slogans, state motto, nicknames and sayings.

In this post you will find 20 Catchy South Dakota State Slogans, South Dakota State Motto, South Dakota State Nicknames and South Dakota Sayings.

Table of Contents

South Dakota State Motto

“Under God the People Rule”

South Dakota State Nicknames

Mount Rushmore State

The Artesian State

The Blizzard State

The Sunshine State

South Dakota State Slogans

Great Faces, Great Places.

Coyote State

Land of Infinite Variety

Artesian State

Sunshine State

Blizzard State

You must be Lost

Funny South Dakota Slogans

South Dakota: Closer Than North Dakota

Home of the Badlands and Huge Drugstores

South Dakota Sayings

“It is better to be young in your failures than old in your successes.”

“Why die on Mars when you can live in South Dakota? South Dakota, you can live here.”

“No not really, it is just like real life. Not every day you are happy and not every day you are sad.”

“South Dakota is a great state because of its values, not because of dependence on government.”

“I’d rather see the world from another angle.”

“The high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule.”

Further Reading

• 33 Catchy South Carolina Slogans, State Motto, Nicknames and Sayings
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• 35 Catchy Pennsylvania Slogans, State Motto, Nicknames and Sayings
• 33 Best Oregon State Slogans and Oregon Trail Slogans
• 33 Catchy Oklahoma Slogans, State Motto, Nicknames and Sayings
• 38 Catchy Ohio Slogans, State Motto, Nicknames and Ohio Sayings
• 22 Catchy North Dakota Slogans, State Motto, Nicknames and Sayings
• 25 Catchy North Carolina Slogans, State Motto, Nicknames and Sayings
• 60 Catchy New York Slogans, State Motto and New York Sayings
• 30 Catchy New Mexico Slogans, State Motto, Nicknames and Sayings

My passion for writing comes more from reading and writing as a hobby. I am that person who loves to spend time buried in books and research. Enjoy every piece of content you see here as i am here to entertain you with creative words.

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Visitor Industry Alliance changes name to the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota

Story by Dakota News Now staff

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – During the 2024 Tourism Conference, a prominent advocate for the South Dakota tourism… read more »

By Dakota News Now staff

Published: Feb. 4, 2024 at 11:14 AM CST SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – During the 2024 Tourism Conference,… read more »

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