The 7 Most Underrated Places In South Dakota That You Must Check Out

Recently recognized by USA Today as being one of the "Most Underrated Travel Spots in Every State" and topping our list is the Cosmos Mystery Area, where "mystery, science and comedy all collide!" Opened in 1952, the Cosmos Mystery Area seems to defy all the laws of physics with its demonstrations of water flowing uphill, tall people suddenly shrinking (and vice versa), and the feeling of being pulled sideways whilst hanging perfectly straight from a rafter.

You know Badlands, Custer, and Sica Hollow, but if you have never visited Newton Hills, you are missing out on one of SoDak's most glorious of state parks! Located near Sioux Falls, Newton Hills is a 1,063-acre oasis that features some of the most breathtaking views in the Mount Rushmore State.

Whether or not you are religious, you have to admit that the Chapel in the Hills is a little piece of heaven here on earth. From its European-inspired architecture to the on-site gift shop and prayer walk, the Chapel in the Hills is one of my favorite escapes from the mundane every day.

Did you know that South Dakota is home to THE National Music Museum? Housed on the campus of the University of South Dakota, the collection is considered to be one of the world's premier music museums and features a whopping 15,000 musical instruments that have to be seen to be believed.

Quite possibly the most well-preserved of South Dakota ghost towns is Ardmore; a once prospering town that was even visited by the likes of President Calvin Coolidge. Once an important hub for the Burlington Railroad, Ardmore was virtually abandoned by the early 2000s, leaving behind locked homes (with possessions still inside), vehicles, and memories of a happier time.

Need a new Facebook profile picture? Then you've come to the right place! Home to 50 incredible sculptures on 10 acres, the Porter Sculpture Park is a collection of scrap metal masterpieces, including a 60-foot-tall, 25-ton railroad tie bull head.