If you are looking to either see or experience something new, there is no better place to be than one of South Dakota’s many fascinating factories! Better yet: while most factory tours are a fun way to learn something new, most are even free, giving you all the more reason to get out and check out one or all of these 5 fantastic South Dakota factory tours.
- Spirit Mound Station (Vermillion)
YouTube/Basin Electric Have you ever wondered where your electricity comes from and how it gets to your home? A great way to learn more about this is by touring the Spirit Mound Station in Vermillion, which operates primarily on an as-needed basis. To schedule your tour or to learn more, call Daryl Hill at 701-223-0441.
Address: 46071 310th Street, Vermillion, SD 57069
- Daktronics (Brookings)
Google/Zeke Hanson Technology buffs rejoice, as a local company has revolutionized the way that billboards and scoreboards operate! Welcome to Daktronics; the “industry’s most experienced digital display manufacturer” that has been trusted by well-known, billion-dollar brands since 1968. To get a first-hand look at how Daktronics works, schedule a tour on their website.
Address: 201 Daktronics Drive, Brookings, SD 57006
- Sioux Pottery (Rapid City)
Google/Otto Yermyne
TripAdvisor/John G When it comes to South Dakota art, there is nothing quite as iconic as gorgeous Sioux Pottery! Started in 1958, Sioux Pottery is crafted by hand by a few talented potters who make everything from vases and lamps to urns and communion sets. Are you ready to see how they are made? Tours of the factory are open to the public and can be booked by calling (800) 657-4366.
Address: 1441 East Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
- Black Hills Institute of Geological Research (Hill City)
Google Street View
Wikimedia Commons It isn’t a factory per se, but the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research is still one of those places that you MUST see, as it has everything from prepared fossils and replicas to minerals and other collectibles. Better yet? You do not need to make a reservation to tour, as it is open to the public year-round.
Address: 117 Main Street, Hill City, SD 57745
- Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory (Rapid City)
Google/Sandy Diurba
TripAdvisor/management Arguably the most popular factory tour in SoDak is the exciting Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold, which pays homage to this historically significant gem through one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, and rings. Tours of the factory last 90 minutes and run Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. To schedule your tour, call (605) 343-7099.
Address: 2707 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD 57701
Have you taken any of these fascinating tours? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! For even more free things to do around SoDak, check out these 10 Legitimately Fun Things You Can Do In South Dakota Without Spending A Dime.
YouTube/Basin Electric
Have you ever wondered where your electricity comes from and how it gets to your home? A great way to learn more about this is by touring the Spirit Mound Station in Vermillion, which operates primarily on an as-needed basis. To schedule your tour or to learn more, call Daryl Hill at 701-223-0441.
Address: 46071 310th Street, Vermillion, SD 57069
Google/Zeke Hanson
Technology buffs rejoice, as a local company has revolutionized the way that billboards and scoreboards operate! Welcome to Daktronics; the “industry’s most experienced digital display manufacturer” that has been trusted by well-known, billion-dollar brands since 1968. To get a first-hand look at how Daktronics works, schedule a tour on their website.
Address: 201 Daktronics Drive, Brookings, SD 57006
Google/Otto Yermyne
TripAdvisor/John G
When it comes to South Dakota art, there is nothing quite as iconic as gorgeous Sioux Pottery! Started in 1958, Sioux Pottery is crafted by hand by a few talented potters who make everything from vases and lamps to urns and communion sets. Are you ready to see how they are made? Tours of the factory are open to the public and can be booked by calling (800) 657-4366.
Address: 1441 East Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Google Street View
Wikimedia Commons
It isn’t a factory per se, but the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research is still one of those places that you MUST see, as it has everything from prepared fossils and replicas to minerals and other collectibles. Better yet? You do not need to make a reservation to tour, as it is open to the public year-round.
Address: 117 Main Street, Hill City, SD 57745
Google/Sandy Diurba
TripAdvisor/management
Arguably the most popular factory tour in SoDak is the exciting Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold, which pays homage to this historically significant gem through one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, and rings. Tours of the factory last 90 minutes and run Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. To schedule your tour, call (605) 343-7099.
Address: 2707 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD 57701
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