Top 10 Places to Visit when you Come to South Dakota

If you know me, then you know I love my home state of South Dakota. When you’re on the road this summer, stop over! And when you do, make sure to visit these places:

1. Mount Rushmore is visited by almost 3 million people every year. Great place to visit one of our nation’s most popular monuments. It was named after Charles Rushmore, an attorney from New York City and designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

2. See history in the making at Crazy Horse Memorial. The world’s largest mountain carving is currently a work in process, so there is even a good possibility you’ll see a blast during their special events.

3. Custer State Park Wildlife Loop is definitely a unique experience to see the animals of the wild west in their natural habitats. Be prepared for buffalo crossings!

4. 244,000 acres of buttes, pinnacles and spires make up Badlands National Park. It’s really a geologists and archeologists goldmine, seeing that it was once a shallow sea. Different digs have uncovered fossils of camels, three-toed horses, rhinos as well as fish and other marine life.

5. Wall Drug is one of a kind. Brought to life with the marketing campaign of “Free Ice Water” during the 1930’s and has been going ever since. While you’re there, make sure to pick up an authentic, native South Dakota jackalope!

6. While you’re at Custer Park (#3) take the 14-mile trip through Needles Highway. Take your time through the turns and tunnels and enjoy the scenery.

7. If you’ve seen “Dances with Wolves”, you’ve seen part of Spearfish Canyon. Take in the scenic beauty South Dakota has to offer here, and make sure not to miss Bridal Veil Falls!

8. The Missouri River is North America’s longest river that runs vertically through South Dakota. Plan different outdoor and water activities, such as biking, camping, and kayaking, along part of the trail traveled by Lewis and Clark.

9. Just like #5, Deadwood is a one of a kind city. A little bit of something for the entire family, catch reenactments of wild west shootouts, discover Tatanka, enjoy a horseback tour, and visit Saloon Number 10.

10. And finally, no trip to South Dakota would be complete without seeing me!

Looking forward to seeing you in Sioux Falls and South Dakota this summer and all year long. Happy 4^th of July!

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Jeffrey Hayzlett is a global business celebrity and speaker, bestselling author, Contributing Editor for Bloomberg Television, and former Fortune 100 c-suite executive. He is the CEO of The Hayzlett Group, an international strategic business consulting company focused on leading change and developing high growth companies. Contact us for more information.