A lot of preparation is in order when it comes to first dates. One great way to start off on the right foot, however, is to pick the perfect location. South Dakota has an awesome selection of first date options, from bowling alleys to museums. Here are the 10 best in the state!
Escape rooms are the perfect activity for a first date, as the two people have to talk through problems and work on puzzles together to solve the room. Patrons can choose between rooms like an aunt’s condo, a bank heist, a serial killer’s trap, amnesia after a night of partying in Las Vegas, and escaping the zombie apocalypse. This is definitely a hands on date that will make an impression on both people. Escape 605 has two convenient locations in Sioux Falls, one in Westport and the other at Empire Mall. Not only do they offer escape rooms, but customers can also try their hand at axe throwing! They’re the most popular escape room in Sioux Falls and the only ax throwing destination, so this will truly be a date to remember.
Carnaval Brazilian Grill is the restaurant to bring a date to when you want to make a big impression. This classy and elegant Brazilian steakhouse carves select meats right at customer’s tables, all of which have been perfectly roasted according to Brazilian tradition. Not only that, the menu offers an extensive salad bar, churrasco sides, pastas, surf or turf, flatbreads, pizzas, sandwiches, small plates, and even a kids menu. This is a romantic spot for captivating steak, wine, and wonderful company.
Town & Country Lanes in Canton have eight lanes, electronic scoring, and automated bowling ball returns. This small town bowling alley is always incredibly clean and the employees are warm and welcoming, making this a fun play to take a first date even if neither of you are good at bowling. The bowling alley also serves food like pizzas, candy, French fries, corn dogs, chicken nuggets, cheese balls, and apple sticks.
Conveniently located inside the famous Saloon #10 in downtown Deadwood, the Deadwood Social Club serves Italian cuisine as well as South Dakota favorites, and a wine and martini bar with over 200 different bottles of wine and over 100 types of martinis. The food is served in a beautiful, historic 19th century dining room. First dates will be floored at the elegant, class, and exciting food at The Deadwood Social Club.
The National Music Museum is a great first-date location, as there are so many interesting exhibits that are sure to spark up lively conversation! Visitors can look at over 1,200 historic or unique instruments as well as their history. The huge collection of instruments come from all time periods and cultures, ensuring that even a musical expert will learn something new with each visit.
Tally's Silver Spoon in downtown Rapid City is an upscale dining affair serving modern twists on classic diner dishes. The menu features options such as burgers like the ½ pound Black Hills buffalo burger, pasta dishes like bison maytag marsala mushroom, salads like the butter bacon truffle, entrees, and an "indecision menu" in which the chefs pick options based on the customer's tastes. Make a reservation for Friday or Saturday evening with your date, and you’ll be able to listen to live music as well.
La Minestra is a charming Pierre eatery that serves up Italian and American cuisine. The menu has something for everyone, like appetizers, New York style pizzas, salads, steak, pork, fish, seafood pasta, and other types of pasta. La Minestra is a cozy restaurant that would make a great first date venue!
Robbinsdale Lounge is a popular hangout spot in Rapid City, offering activities like live music, full service restaurant, happy hour drinks, bowling, sports channels, and a casino. At Robbinsdale Lounge, your first date will never be boring.
Located conveniently near downtown Sioux Falls, gorgeous Falls Park is the number one destination in the city and a perfect spot for a casual first date. The centerpiece of the 120-acre park is the 100-foot waterfall. Over 7,000 gallons of water goes over falls every second, on average. There are also restaurants and other attractions nearby, which are ideal for a longer date.
Custer State Park is undeniably one of the finest parks in the region, with sprawling forests, steep rocky cliffs, wildlife, and scenic drives with views of it all. A hike through Custer State Park would be an exciting but casual first date. There are plenty of gorgeous hikes, like the Sunday Gulch Trail, Lover’s Leap, Little Devils Tower, or Cathedral Spires.