South Dakota Vacation Rentals: An Introduction

Known as the Mount Rushmore State, South Dakota offers a lot more attractions and tourist destinations aside from the famous mountain. South Dakota is one of the states on the Great Plains of the US and is bordered by North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wyoming, Nebraska and Montana. The state also has a rich and interesting history which literally dates back to the age of dinosaurs, as one of the most complete skeletons of the Tyrannosaurus Rex was found there. Today, South Dakota remains as one of the most visited family tourist destinations. Read on to learn more about what you can see and do in this fascinating state.

As you browse through this travel guide, also make sure that you would be checking out our listings for some of the best vacation rentals in South Dakota. These include Black Hills vacation rentals, Custer vacation homes, Deadwood vacation home rentals and Huron vacation homes. We also have plenty of South Dakota vacation specials and South Dakota vacation deals that you would not want to miss so be sure to take your time browsing all of our listings.

South Dakota Vacation Rentals: Top Attractions

If you are planning to visit South Dakota and stay at a South Dakota vacation home rental for your next holiday, here are some attractions which you might want to add to your itinerary.

1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Still the most popular attraction in the state, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is visited by thousands of local and international tourists every year. The attraction is also known as the "Shrine of Democracy" of the US. The sculpture of the four faces on the mountain was made by sculptor Gutzon Borglum back in 1927. If you are planning to visit this world-famous attraction, you may want to stay at a vacation rental in Keystone so that you can explore not only the National Memorial but also some other attractions in the area.

2. Crazy Horse Memorial

If you are staying at a Custer vacation rental, then the Crazy Horse Memorial should be one of the attractions on your must-see list. It is the largest mountain carving that is in progress in the whole world. It was built to pay tribute to the culture and the traditions of the North American Indians. As you visit it, you would be able to view the progress of the carving on the mountain as well as take a tour of a Native American Museum as well as an art center which is on the Memorial's campus.

3. Badlands National Park

Featuring 244,000 acres of land that has a moon-like surface due to jagged spires and sharply eroded buttes, the Badlands National Park is where thousands of fossils of various prehistoric creatures have been unearthed. Today, archaeological and paleontological digs are still being conducted, with some of them open for public viewing and participation. This attraction would be a great attraction that the whole family would love, especially if you are renting a vacation home in southwestern South Dakota.

4. Wind Cave National Park

Located in southern Black Hills, the Wind Cave National Park allows visitors to explore underneath the earth's surface. Wind Cave is one of the most complex and longest caves in the world, featuring honeycomb rock structures and thin calcite fins. Above ground, however, it is a totally different story, as you would be able to see thousands of acres of ponderosa pine forest, mixed-grass prairie and roaming buffalo. Be sure to rent a Black Hills vacation home nearby if you are planning to drop by this attraction.

5. Jewel Cave National Monument

Another recommended attraction if you are staying at a Black Hills vacation home rental would be the Jewel Cave National Monument. With a length of 141 miles, Jewel Cave is the second longest cave worldwide. It got its name from the colorful and sparkling calcite crystals that make up plenty of jewel-like formations.

6. Custer State Park

A famous family vacation destination in itself, Custer State Park is located in southern Black Hills and features almost 1,500 free-roaming buffalo, as well as countless prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, deer, pronghorns and burros. As you visit this state park, you would be able to explore wildlife in action as well as experience the great outdoors in all its glory. Families would also have the opportunity to do numerous recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and camping. If you are staying at a vacation home in Black Hills, you may want to take the scenic route with spectacular views, winding pigtail bridges and unique rock tunnels through passing Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway.

7. The Black Hills National Forest

If you are into more extreme outdoor recreational activities, then the Black Hills National Forest would be the perfect place to head off to. It covers over a million acres of spruce and pine forest and granite peaks which make up an excellent setting for all sorts of outdoor adventures. Here, you can go hiking or biking on the George S. Mickelson Trail or do a bit of outdoor exploration amidst the wildlife and lush forest.

8. The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Situated near the Badlands National Park, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is where you would be able to find the remnants of the Cold War, which includes a missile silo and an underground launch control center. Visitors can take tours during spring and winter to learn more about the significance of the site. Those who are staying at a Rapid City vacation rental, Sturgis vacation home or any other vacation rental in the Badlands and Black Hills area, this historic site is something that you should not miss going to.

9. Corn Palace

For travelers renting a Mitchell vacation home, the Corn Palace would be a good South Dakota tourist attraction to visit. The original Corn Palace was built in 1892 as a tribute to South Dakota's agricultural heritage. Every year, its exterior decorations are taken down and new murals are created. Today, it serves as a multi-purpose community center where various stage shows and sports events are hosted.

Opportunity to Experience the Rich History and Beautiful Natural Scenery of South Dakota

Through renting a South Dakota vacation rental home, you would be able to learn all about the interesting history of this great state while having the chance to be in the great outdoors and take in the breathtaking landscape and engage in countless outdoor recreational activities. Be sure to look through the vacation rental options that we are offering you through our listings to guarantee you of the best time during your holiday.