Why just look at geology when you can hike it, climb it or collect it? From rock climbing at Devils Tower National Monument to the lower-impact pastime of "rockhounding" or mineral collecting in Black Hills National Park, groups can choose from hundreds of ways to get in touch with the land itself in South Dakota.
And not just the surface of the land, either; the state’s cave systems are immense, fascinating and ripe to be toured by curious groups, and its many lakes and rivers are perfect for summer sports.
Kayaking, fishing, pheasant hunting, skeet shooting and golf are all great ways for groups to trade wingtips and heels for unforgettable team-building adventures.
Rapid City
Known as the "Gateway to the Black Hills," Rapid City is halved by both Rapid Creek and the Dakota Hogback mountain range. Just a short drive from the state’s greatest natural wonders, the city is an obvious hub for groups intent on exploring the state.
"We have the largest concentration of public parks, monuments and memorials in the world," says Lisa Storms, director of convention sales at the Rapid City CVB. "Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park and Crazy Horse Memorial are all located just outside Rapid City’s back door."
Badlands National Park, a short drive east of Rapid City, preserves 244,000 acres of prairie ecosystem and unique rock formations. Groups of 25 can reserve a 60-minute, ranger- guided tour during the summer months.
Devils Tower National Monument and the Needles in Custer State Park are both popular rock-climbing sites. Many outfitters offer group outings with gear rental.
During the summer at Jewel Cave National Monument, small groups can embark upon a challenging spelunking tour.
Wind Cave National Park is an extremely long and complex system of caves. A variety of daily ranger-led tours are available, and group tours can be reserved.
Crazy Horse Memorial, a magnificent, privately funded monument to the great Native American leader just eight miles from Mount Rushmore, offers group tours and a museum of Native American culture.
"The CVB strongly suggests that planners make time for a lunch or dinner event at Mount Rushmore National Memorial," Storms says. "This allows attendees to partake in the memorial’s museum, take a walk along the Presidential Trail and visit the Sculptor’s Studio."
Deadwood
Although the tough little frontier town of Deadwood is famous mostly for its history, it’s a very outdoorsy and walkable sort of history.
"Deadwood, in the heart of the Black Hills, is unique simply because of the natural beauty surrounding the town," says George Milos, executive director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. "We sit in a canyon surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills. Whether it’s a walk up to Mount Moriah Cemetery to see the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, panning gold or going inside the once-working Broken Boot Gold Mine, there are endless opportunities to enjoy our history."
The scenic, 72-mile Mickelson Trail runs south from Deadwood to Edgemont and showcases some of the best views of the Black Hills. Waterfalls, wildlife and wooden bridges over clear streams await hikers and cyclists.
In the colder months, 350 miles of snowmobile trails and both downhill and cross-country skiing at nearby Deer Mountain and Terry Peak will satisfy winter sports enthusiasts.
Spearfish
Spearfish offers Black Hills scenery declared by architect Frank Lloyd Wright to be "even more miraculous" than the Grand Canyon. Since Spearfish is equidistant between Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and Devil’s Tower National Monument in eastern Wyoming, it’s possible to see both sights in one unforgettable visit to the area.
"Spearfish’s unmatched combination of exquisite scenery, boundless outdoor adventure and first-rate accommodations makes it the perfect destination for meetings and conventions," says Mistie Caldwell, executive director of Visit Spearfish. "Spearfish Creek, a 40-mile mountain stream, flows gracefully along the canyon, which boasts tall limestone cliffs and roadside waterfalls that visitors can enjoy as they travel along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway."
Events in Spearfish instantly immerse attendees in gorgeous Black Hills nature. Spearfish Canyon Lodge is located right in Spearfish Canyon, and even Spearfish Convention Center is a quick five-minute drive from the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
"Spearfish has opportunities to explore the great outdoors year-round," Caldwell says. "In the winter months, snowmobile trailheads near Spearfish provide snowmobilers access to over 300 miles of groomed trails. Cross-country skiers enjoy exceptional trails on Big Hill and Eagle Cliff. On a trip up Spearfish Canyon, visitors may even see ice climbers scaling Bridal Veil Falls. During the summer months, the outdoor opportunities are endless. Summer outdoor adventurers can enjoy access to single-track and road bicycling trails, hiking and rock-climbing areas in Spearfish Canyon and the areas of the Black Hills that surround Spearfish."
Golf is another great way to get outside and into nature. Spearfish Canyon Country Club offers 18 holes set amid ponderosa pines and spruces, as well as event space. The recently opened Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course has a 9-hole course with views of the Centennial Valley as well as banquet space.
Sioux Falls
The largest city in South Dakota also offers some of the state’s most stunning nature. Just north of downtown, the city’s namesake cascades make for breathtaking views.
"The falls of the Big Sioux River have been a focus of life in the region throughout history," says Ryan Welsh, director of sales and marketing at the Sioux Falls CVB. "Today, Falls Park covers 42 acres and is home to the free, historic Wells Fargo Falls Park Sound and Light Show."
The city’s extensive park system features more than 50 green spaces, many offering picnic shelters that can be reserved for events as well as Tuthill Park House and Gardens, which is suitable for groups of up to 50. There are also 22 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Groups can book a naturalist-led hike or class at the Outdoor Campus, an institution created by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to promote education about outdoor skills and wildlife conservation efforts in the state. Exciting hands-on classes focus on the basics of kayaking, orienteering, geocaching or archery.
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historic Site opened in 2009 to protect and celebrate this 115-acre confluence of nature and history. With six gardens, nearly 300 species of wildlife and miles of trails, it is well worth a visit.
The Sioux Falls area offers many highly rated golf courses. Prairie Green and Elmwood golf courses welcome private tournaments and group outings.
Pierre
The capital of South Dakota is located on bluffs overlooking the Missouri River in the geographical center of the state. The town of 14,000 is also near the massive Lake Oahe.
"Pierre’s stunning vistas catch the eye, from its dome hills to the Missouri River, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets across the open plains," says Lois Ries, director of the Pierre Area CVB. "Pierre is a hot spot for all kinds of outdoor activities. Fishing and hunting, watersports, cycling, hiking, birding and golf are all available. Group tours and riverboat cruises are other great ways for groups to explore all the area has to offer. In the summer there are outdoor concerts in Pierre’s parks."
Lake Oahe, just north of Pierre, stretches for 230 miles along the Missouri River. Although it was formed by the building of a dam in the 1940s, it now presents a multitude of wild ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several picnic shelters, swimming beaches, boating, hiking, camping and fishing for walleye, bass, salmon and catfish. Many fishing companies offer group tours.
The 46-passenger Capital City Queen offers groups stunning views as it cruises down the Missouri River.
Huron
Renowned for its excellent pheasant hunting, Huron shows its pride with the World’s Largest Pheasant. The lovingly painted, 28-foot-tall fiberglass game bird presides along Highway 14 and is a must-see.
"Huron offers a variety of outdoor adventures for the whole family," says Peggy Woolridge, executive director at the Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau. "For individuals looking for places of peace and tranquility, the Maga Ta-Hohpi Waterfowl Production Area is the perfect place, with over 2,220 areas of land in a natural setting filled with wildlife, native plants and blue skies.
The area offers three scenic golf courses. Ravine Lake recreation area, besides renting kayaks, paddleboats and inner tubes, constructed a new 18-hole golf course in 2009.
Aberdeen
There is plenty to do in and around Aberdeen.
"We are located in the heart of some of the Nation’s best birding and wildlife habitats, especially the highly sought-after ring necked pheasant," says Said Nancy Krumm, executive director at the Aberdeen CVB.
One of the top bird-watching sites in North America, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to 266 species of birds, 40 mammal species and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Located 27 miles from Aberdeen, the refuge is a perfect spot for bird watching, nature photography, fishing and hunting.
The CVB can arrange a geocaching adventure for groups. Billed as the Great Aberdeen Mystery Geo-Tour, this customizable and low-cost activity will have teams exploring the city with a handheld GPS unit and taking home souvenirs from their experience.
Watertown
Built on the Big Sioux River and near Sandy Shores and Lake Pelican Recreation Areas, Watertown lives up to its name with ample opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing.
The 20 beautifully landscaped acres of McCrory Gardens are available for receptions. The gardens are owned by South Dakota State University and are located in nearby Brookings.
—Kelly Crumrin is a frequent contributor to Meetings MidAmerica.
