Black Hills National Forest is undoubtedly one of South Dakota’s most precious gems, and Badlands National Park also gets tons of attention. But you’ll find plenty of hidden gems in South Dakota in the eastern part of the state. Be sure to check out some or all of these awesome spots!

1. Hartford Beach State Park, Corona
Hartford Beach State Park, 13672 Hartford Beach Rd, Corona, SD 57227, USA
Hartford Beach State Park/Facebook
Hartford Beach State Park is nestled on the shores of Big Stone Lake, which provides plenty of recreation opportunities. Explore the area along five hiking trails and watch for wildlife at one of the best South Dakota hidden gems. Get more details about Hartford Beach State Park.
2. Wild Water West Waterpark, Sioux Falls
Wild Water West Waterpark and Flamingo Falls Campground, 26767 466th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, USA
Wild Water West Waterpark/Facebook
Wild Water West Waterpark isn't exactly "hidden," but it's definitely a place you shouldn't miss in the summer. Enjoy the lazy river, zero-entry wave pool, and waterslides. Read further on about Wild Water West Waterpark.
3. Empire Pizza, Watertown
Empire Pizza, 15 1st Ave SW, Watertown, SD 57201, USA
Empire Pizza/Facebook
South Dakota has plenty of great places to grab a pizza, but the tiny, unassuming little Empire Pizza in Watertown just might be the best. Learn more about Empire Pizza.
4. Falls Park Farmers Market, Sioux Falls
Falls Park Farmers' Market, Sioux Falls, SD 57101, USA
Falls Park Farmers Market/Facebook
You really shouldn't miss South Dakota's biggest farmers market. Held every Saturday, from May until October, this market sells fresh produce, hand-crafted items, honey, and more. Discover more about Falls Park Farmers Market.
5. Nicolett Tower, Sisseton
Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center, 45356 SD-10, Sisseton, SD 57262, USA
U.S. Department of Agriculture/flickr
You'll find Nicolett Tower in the far northeastern corner of the state. Climb the 80 stairs to the top, where you'll have a killer view that includes three states: South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. This might just be the very best hidden gem in SD. Get yourself further acquainted with Nicolett Tower.
6. Richmond Lake Recreation Area, Aberdeen
Richmond Lake Recreation Area District Headquarters, 37908 Youth Camp Rd, Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Richmond Lake Recreation Area has a beautiful campground and several hiking trails. And, of course...Richmond Lake offers 829 acres of swimming, boating, and fishing. Read more about Richmond Lake Recreation.

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7. Queen Bee Mill Ruins, Sioux Falls
Queen Bee Mill Ruins, 701 N Weber Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
Craig Bennet/flickr
Visit Falls Park in Sioux Falls to see the ruins of the Queen Bee Mill, a real South Dakota hidden gem. This mill has quite a history - and some controversy, too. Learn more about the Queen Bill Mill Ruins.
8. Ward's Store and Bakery, De Smet
Ward's Store & Bakery, 127 Calumet Ave SE, De Smet, SD 57231, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
The pioneer heritage is alive and well in De Smet, and this little general store is a great reminder of the past. This store carries fun, local merchandise and makes tasty lunch and bakery items, too. Get more information on Ward's Store and Bakery.
9. Minerva's, Sioux Falls
Minervas Food & Cocktails, 2945 Hamilton Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51104, USA
Minervas Downtown/Facebook
Another one of the best hidden gems in SD, this neighborhood icon is the perfect place to go for a special occasion. The steaks are delicious, and the patio dining is perfect during warm weather. Discover more about Minerva's.
10. Sertoma Butterfly House, Sioux Falls
Butterfly House & Aquarium, 4320 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, USA
Blayne Erdelac/Google Photos
The 3,600-square-foot garden at Sertoma Butterfly House is full of butterflies - as many as 800 live here! This beautiful spot is kept at a balmy 80 degrees, and it's full of tropical flowers. Learn more about the beauty of the Sertoma Butterfly House.
11. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, Near Humboldt
Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area, 26140 451st Ave, Canistota, SD 57012, USA
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area/Facebook
The Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is just 27 miles west of Sioux Falls near Humboldt. It's one of the best hidden gems in South Dakota, perfect for spending the day boating, fishing, hiking, and making memories. Find out more about Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
12. Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, Sioux Falls
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historic Site, 1900 S Perry Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57110, USA
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum/Facebook
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is a hidden little oasis where you can escape everyday life and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Spend an afternoon exploring the 115 acres here. Get more information about Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum.
13. Splash Central Waterpark, Huron
Splash Central Waterpark, 345 9th St SW, Huron, SD 57350, USA
Splash Central Waterpark/Facebook
On a hot summer day, cool off at Splash Central Waterpark in Huron. In addition to waterslides and a lazy river, this park offers an obstacle course, kids play areas, and cabanas. Read further on to learn more about Splash Central Waterpark, a great hidden gem in South Dakota.

What do you think about the best hidden gems in SD? Tell us about your favorites in the comments!

If you’ll be heading out to some of these spots as part of a road trip in South Dakota, take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list!

All this exploring got you hungry? Here are some of the best restaurants in South Dakota.

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More to Explore

Get To Know South Dakota

Rachel Raimondi | December 14, 2023

What are the most scenic towns in South Dakota?

There is no limit to hidden gems in South Dakota. Visit some of the most scenic towns in South Dakota:

De Smet: This prairie town is located in Kingsbury County. Its popularity is due to it being the home of Little House on the Prairie author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Other highlights include the Depot Museum, the Harvey Dunn School, and three parks for outdoor recreation.

Keystone: With close proximity to Mount Rushmore, this mining town is a great area to visit. Established in 1883, it is one of the very oldest towns in the Black Hills region and you can take a historic walking tour to learn all about it. There are also excellent dining and shopping options.

What are the best parks in South Dakota?

A lot of the best hidden gems in SD can be found outside. Get to know the outdoors by heading to some of the best parks in South Dakota:

Badlands National Park: Head to Interior for this 244,000-acre national park. Take in all the spires, buttes, pinnacles, and gorgeous layered rocks via eight trails. You can also camp here as well as search for wildlife on scenic drives.

Wind Cave National Park: Located in Custer County, this national park is home to over 140 miles of underground caves. Explore them through a guided tour that plummets down 12 stories below.

What are the most memorable hotels in South Dakota?

Stay the night in some of the most memorable hotels in South Dakota:

1899 Inn: Located in historic Deadwood, this inn is a restored Victorian home. It’s a great locale and just a short way from some great museums like the Black Hills Mining Museum and other great entertainment and dining opportunities.

Hotel on Phillips: This hotel is located in Sioux Falls. Amenities include a lounge, fitness center, and a restaurant. Also enjoy views of the Big Sioux River and fantastic dining close by.

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