Some of the strangest and most interesting roadside sites in the United States are in South Dakota. Here are 11 of the strangest and most interesting places to visit:
1. Wall Drug
This huge 76,000-square-foot draw has both silly and important things in it. Wall Drug is famous for its endless ads, free ice water, and 5-cent coffee. It also has a cowboy-themed arcade, a huge jackalope statue, and even an animatronic dinosaur.
2. The only corn palace in the world (Mitchell, SD)
This palace is made completely of murals made from corn and other grains, and the design changes every year. The onion-shaped caps give it a unique architectural twist as a tribute to farming.
3. The Porter Sculpture Park is in Montrose, SD.
This outdoor gallery is right next to I-90 and has more than 60 metal sculptures, including a huge 60-foot bull’s head. Strange and unusual works of art make it a must-see for tourists.
4. Largest Pheasant in the World (Huron, SD)
This huge pheasant is sitting on top of a building in Huron. It is 28 feet tall and weighs 22 tons. A nearby wooden platform is the best place to take pictures.
5. Peaty Woods Park (Lemmon, SD)
Towers and other buildings in this one-of-a-kind park are made from petrified wood, dinosaur bones, and fossils found in the area. It gives us an interesting look into the past.
6. Animal Park (Rapid City, SD)
This park on top of a hill has life-size concrete dinosaurs that look out over Rapid City. It’s a romantic stop with views that go all the way to Badlands National Park.
7. It’s called a Giant Prairie Dog.
This concrete prairie dog is the main attraction in Prairie Dog Town, which is close to Badlands National Park. It is 12 feet tall and weighs six tons. People can also feed real prairie dogs that are close.
8. Land of Stories (Aberdeen, SD)
This is a fun park with rides and figures from nursery rhymes, like Humpty Dumpty’s roller coaster and Dorothy and her friends from The Wizard of Oz.
9. Moving Skeleton Man Dinosaur (Midland, SD)
This strange sculpture by the side of the road shows a skeleton man walking his dinosaur. It’s a fun take on prehistoric pets.
10.The year 1880 Town
Over 30 original houses from the late 1800s can be found in this Wild West town that has been recreated. With real objects and memorabilia, it gives you a full picture of life on the frontier.
11. Snake and Reptile Gardens (Rapid City, SD)
This attraction has what Guinness calls the “world’s largest reptile collection.” It also has beautifully landscaped fields and shows of exotic animals.
These places show how South Dakota’s charm lies in its ability to combine history, art, and fun into memorable rest stops along the road!
