Are you headed to Watertown, South Dakota with your family or road tripping with friends? No matter if you’re vacationing for a weekend or for several weeks (lucky you!), Watertown has plenty of activity options for your summer itinerary. At Ramkota Watertown, we’ve gathered some of our favorite things to do around town just for you—and we suggest adding these five activities to your must-visit list!
Activity #1: Bramble Park Zoo
Lions, tigers, and bears—oh my! Visit one of two South Dakota zoos, and add Bramble Park Zoo to your visit list. Bramble Park Zoo is home to over 800 mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Explore Kidzoo and Ottertown—and watch for daily Zoo Keeper Talks and Animal Training demonstrations in the summer. Plus, you can book guided tours and rooms, perfect for birthday parties or family get togethers.
Activity #2: Redlin Art Center
Add some color to your day. The Redlin Art Center pays homage to Americana artist Terry Redlin by housing over 160 original wildlife paintings. As his childhood home, Watertown is the perfect place for Redlin Art Center to showcase personal works throughout Redlin’s life, along with a gift shop that includes prints to take home—and a replica rustic log cabin! Open year round and with free admission, the Redlin Art Center is perfect for adding art to your day.
Activity #3: Restaurant & Brewery Scene
Time for an adult beverage or a delicious meal? Check out Watertown’s restaurant and brewery scene by visiting some of our favorite recommendations.
Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant is South Dakota’s second oldest brewery with six flagship beers and a seasonal rotation of brews. With a deck and patio perfect for summer, Dempsey’s also boasts a chef who went to the International School of Pizza—so you know scratch-made pies are savory and original creations! Or check out the Watertown Brewing Company with handcrafted beer—made right here in town—along with delicious gastropub-themed fare. Choose from house stouts, ales, porters, shandies, or sample one of each with a beer flight!
Ready for a full dining experience? We have a diverse restaurant scene with something for everyone to enjoy! Some of our favorite restaurants include Tokyo Sushi and Hibachi, Minerva’s Restaurant and Bar (in the Ramkota Watertown), or The Wheel Inn, a traditional diner synonymous with Watertown.
And don’t miss the one-of-a-kind Charley’s Restaurant and Crossroads Bar within the Goss Opera House. Check out their Thursday Night Live outdoor concert series in the summer, featuring local musicians and bands, from June through August. Enjoy music ranging from folk and rock to alternative and blues—plus delicious food served outdoors!
Activity #4: Thunder Road Family Fun Center
Whether you love the pedal-to-the-metal excitement of go-kart racing or a leisurely round of Adventure Mini Golf, you’ll want to make this a frequent destination throughout the spring, summer or fall. Thunder Road is a great place to bring friends and family.
Activity #5: Jackson Crossing Disc Golf Course
Ready to get your game on? Try your hand at disc golf at Jackson Crossing. Located next to Lake Kampeska, Jackson Crossing is one of the top courses in the area, everyone is invited to join in on the fun!
Explore More of Watertown, South Dakota
This is just the beginning. Don’t forget to check out Watertown’s annual event calendar to see what’s happening when you come to visit town. And you’ll have the perfect place as a vacation homebase at the Ramkota Watertown.