Whether you are heading east or west and driving through South Dakota, make sure to stop at the many roadside attractions.
South Dakota has some of the kitschiest stops you can find on your travels, as well as some beautiful views. A few of our favorites include:
The Jolly Green Giant Statue –
This Jolly Green Giant Statue is just silly, but worth the stop. It’s located just off Exit 119. Hop out and take a photo with the iconic giant. There are steps to stand at his feet, but it’s also fun to stand back and take a selfie. An interactive musical display in the park will let your kids release some pent-up travel energy. If you are hungry, a Dairy Queen is next door, but only the drive-through is open. That was unfortunate because we had the camper with us, lol.
If you are looking to learn more about vegetable canning, there is also a free museum, but we have not stopped to visit it.
The Mitchel Corn Palace –
I had no idea what to expect, but the Mitchel Corn Palace was fascinating. It’s a little drive off the highway on exits 332 and 330, but close enough to be worth it. There is plenty of parking, even for RVs.
The Corn Palace is exactly what it sounds: a building covered in corn. But the corn designs are beautiful, unique, and amazing to see in person. There is also a gift shop and some interesting displays. Best of all, it’s free to enter!
The Dignity of Earth and Sky Statue and Lewis and Clark Visitors Center –
This one is more serious but worth a stop. The Dignity Statue is all part of the rest stop between exits 263 and 265, so it’s an easy on/off with restrooms. You don’t even leave Interstate 90.
The 50-foot-high stainless steel statue by South Dakota artist laureate Dale Claude Lamphere depicts an Indigenous woman in Plains-style dress. She’s majestic to behold in person, and pictures don’t do her justice. Just behind it is a trail that offers a beautiful view of the Missouri River and lets you stretch your legs.
Inside the visitors center is the Lewis and Clark museum. There are interactive displays that teach visitors about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the daily lives of Native Americans in the area. My kids loved exploring the displays.
Wall Drug –
Wall Drug is crazy, but it’s a must-stop — at least once. The largest general store in the world, Wall Drug, is a tourist trap of the highest degree. There are gift shops galore, wild-west displays, and a huge dining room. If we were traveling without the kids, we probably wouldn’t stop again, but the kids loved it.
We were grateful for the entertaining ways to stretch our legs on what was one of the longest driving days of our trip. If you have the time, I would highly recommend checking them out!