Whoever said learning was boring has clearly never been to South Dakota. The state is loaded with one-of-a-kind museums that provide fascinating looks at some interesting topics. There’s no better way to learn about the Cold War than to tour a missile silo. Check out the crazy wax figures depicting various presidents in action during some of their most important moments. If your interests are a little more, er…out there, no worries. South Dakota has museums for you, too! Whether you're interested in motorcycles, dinosaurs, or even vinegar, there's no shortage of weird things to see and learn about in the Mount Rushmore State.
12620 Highway 244, Hill City, SD, US
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Looking for a one-stop shop to learn virtually everything about South Dakota? The Journey Museum & Gardens is a great place to start. The museum in Rapid City, South Dakota, has over 7 acres of gardens and historical exhibits walking you through the distant past of South Dakota up to present day. Learn about the Native American creation stories, and the billions years of history responsible for creating the beautiful rock formations you see throughout the Black Hills. In addition to the rock and geology exhibits, the learning center has an Aviary Room, a flood exhibit, and a display dedicated to the Black Hills Forests that gives you a taste for how magical the woodlands of this area are.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is dedicated to sharing the sport and culture of motorcycle riding with the world. A popular Black Hills attraction, the museum boasts an impressive collection of vintage and modern-day motorcycles and a wide selection of motorcycle memorabilia. From motorcycling's early days to the British invasion, there's a lot of history covered here. Even if you don't ride yourself, you can still appreciate the history and aesthetics of the bikes on display. Plus, Sturgis is a motorcycle mecca, with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (held in town since the 1930s) bringing in half a million people during the first full week in August. That's a sight to see in and of itself, and a story for another day!
12620 Highway 244, Hill City, SD, US
Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort
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It's not every day you can explore such a wide range of history and museums in such a short stretch of land. With a couple days in South Dakota, you can learn about the history and culture of motorcycles, classical musical instruments, the Cold War, and the Wild West. With a little bit of something for everyone, this handful of museums all but guarantees great memories for you and your entire group.
