Black Hills South Dakota Attractions

Unique Things to Do in the Black Hills

Everyone that travels to South Dakota knows about the popular destinations at the National Parks and Historical Sites. If you want to go to some slightly lesser-known Black Hills South Dakota attractions, then this is the guide for you. All these unique stops do have an admission fee, but they are worth it! Read on to hear about Crazy Horse Memorial, Reptile Gardens, Mammoth Site, and Petrified Gardens to discover what each place has to offer. Be aware that the hours for all these sites changes seasonally. If you are looking for some free spots to visit, check out our Free Things to do in the Black Hills guide.

Need help finding a budget-friendly place to stay in the Black Hills? Use our link below for help finding some great deals! 

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is located close to Custer State Park and currently costs $24 to admit one normal-sized passenger vehicle onto the grounds. It is much bigger than you think when you look at it from the outside. This is the home of the Native American Educational and Cultural Center along with the Indian Museum of North America. There are plenty of opportunities to purchase beautiful art pieces of all types created by local artists while learning about the history of Native Americans in the different sections inside this attraction.

This site also provides different demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. Be sure to find out what the schedule is so you can be sure to catch the showcase of different Native dances. They are not only beautiful to watch but it’s very educational as the performers take the time to explain the meaning of the dances and educate the audience about the history and current challenges that tribes face today.

Laughing Water Restaurant is located onsite and carries Native American dishes as well as things like your standard burger and fries. My friend and I both ordered Tatanka Stew and fry bread- Tatanka means bison. It was delicious and I highly recommend it!

Outside, you will find another area where you will learn about the history of Crazy Horse, why the memorial is being built and how it came about. You are also given an opportunity to donate to help them raise the funds so they can finish it. 

There are different programs available at different times of the year. If you go towards the end of May or beginning of June, visitors are given the opportunity to go on a guided hike up to the Crazy Horse Memorial itself where you can stand on his hand for an additional fee. I believe it to be a 6–7-mile hike and it is available at certain scheduled times. Make sure you keep an eye open for the different special events throughout the year when you plan your trip so you can incorporate them into your travel itinerary.

There is a nightly light show available for those interested once the sun goes down.

Mammoth Site

Mammoth Site ($10.15/person) is an active indoor paleontological dig site where you can watch and learn firsthand about dinosaurs while fossils are uncovered onsite. There is a tour where you learn the history of the site and about the types of dinosaurs that have been found in the area and that are on display. The dig site is in the center of the main room and there are numerous displays around the walkway that encircles the site.

There is a lower level inside the building where you can see into the labs where people are working on the fossils that have been uncovered.  There is also another area that has more displays that educate about the different fossils and greater history of the area. Right before you exit the building you will pass through the gift shop.

There are nature and geology walkways outside where you can learn more about the ice age and they have numerous Jr Paleontology Programs and different courses to provide your child with more in-depth learning opportunities.

Reptile Gardens

Reptile Gardens ($17 per person) is the largest reptile zoo in the world. If you have any reptile lovers in your group this stop must be included in your itinerary. They have a ton of snakes, lizards and turtles/tortoises. 

Reptile Gardens has more than just reptiles. In one of the main buildings, they have different types of parrots on display amongst the flowers.

Galapagos tortoises can be found in the back corner of the zoo in a yard where you can pet them.

Like many facilities, they have three different shows scheduled throughout the day. You will have the option of a bird show, snake show, or an alligator show. All the shows are educational and entertaining. 

Petrified Gardens– permanently closed

Petrified Gardens in Kadoka, South Dakota is a family-owned attraction with a $6 entry fee. Once you pay, you will walk through a hallway filled with case displays of different rocks and fossils.

The hallway will lead you outside to explore many petrified stumps and signs that will explain what you are looking at. The final section outside before you head back indoors is filled with even more stones and rocks available for purchase.

Once back inside, you will find more displays of fossils and the final room you will enter is full of minerals, stones, and other souvenirs you can buy to bring home.

Why You Should Visit:

Each of these stops addresses a different aspect of the Black Hills Region in South Dakota. The area is home to Native American tribes and visiting Crazy Horse provides a great opportunity to learn more about Native American culture. To learn about the minerals and fossils that have been found in the area; make a stop at Mammoth Site or Petrified Gardens. And if you are an animal lover, why not visit the world’s largest reptile zoo at Reptile Gardens? There is a destination for everyone in South Dakota so you can keep everyone in your travel group happy!

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