Let’s face it: this time of the year is crazy expensive and it is hard enough scraping together enough money for gifts let alone fun things to do! If you need to get out of the house but don’t have the money for anything elaborate, we recommend checking out these 8 free South Dakota outdoor activities that you cannot afford to miss:
1. Art Alley (Rapid City)
Located off Main Street in RC is the must-see Art Alley; a collection of one-of-a-kind graffiti murals that not only showcase local talent, but gifts the Rapid City community with the opportunity to discover new kinds of colorful creations.
2. Falls Park (Sioux Falls)
No matter the time of year, Falls Park in Sioux Falls is a true sight to see! This time of year, for example, Falls Park offers their festive Winter Wonderland, complete with 355,926 LEDs, 270 trees, and a whopping 25+ miles of vibrant string lights!
3. SculptureWalk Sioux Falls (Sioux Falls)
Boasting iconic works of art like Bear Lee (pictured), SculptureWalk Sioux Falls showcases 50+ intricate sculptures from artists around the world. (Have you visited already this year? No worries; they change their pieces every May!)
4. South Dakota Capitol Building (Pierre)
There is a lot more to love about the Capitol than just the building itself (though that is a lot to love on its own!). Take, for instance, the attractions surrounding the Capitol building, which include beautiful walking paths, war memorials, and the scenic Capitol Lake.
5. Meridian Bridge (Yankton)
If you have a love of bridges like we do, you are going to LOVE Meridian; a South Dakota staple that was first opened in 1924 and spans 3,029 feet, making it perfect for either a scenic bike ride or stroll!
6. Shakespeare Gardens (Wessington Springs)
Do you crave a European vacation but can't seem to scrape together the funds? I know the feeling... but lucky for us, there is Shakespeare Gardens in Wessington Springs, which was modeled after Stratford-on-Avon and features fragrant blooms, a quaint cottage, and total tranquility.
7. Chapel in the Hills (Rapid City)
One of my personal favorite SoDak attractions is the unique Chapel in the Hills, which is an exact reproduction of Norway's iconic Borgund Stavkirke! In addition to the Chapel itself, the area boasts a lovely prayer walk, museum, and gift shop.
8. Dinosaur Park (Rapid City)
One of South Dakota's FIRST tourist attractions is Dinosaur Park, which continues to dazzle visitors of all ages! Featuring life-size replicas of larger-than-life dinosaurs, views as far as the eye can see, and photo ops you will not find anywhere else, Dinosaur Park is a fun-filled afternoon that you do not want to miss.
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