5 Catholic sites not to miss in scenic South Dakota

South Dakota's Catholic heritage runs deep across the state's rolling prairies and rugged landscapes.

The first Catholics in South Dakota were French explorers, fur traders, and adventurers who reached the area in the mid-1700s. A few priests visited over the next century, but none settled permanently until Father Pierre Boucher in 1867.

French Catholic families settled in the Jefferson area, so when Father Boucher arrived, St. Peter’s, the first Catholic church in the state, was built. The Diocese of Sioux Falls was established in 1889.

Today some 150,000 Catholics live in South Dakota, making Catholicism the second largest religion in the state after Mainline Protestantism.

From historic cathedrals to sacred shrines, here are five must-visit Catholic sites in the Mount Rushmore State.

Note: Always check current visiting hours and Mass schedules before planning your trip, as times may vary seasonally.

The majestic Cathedral of St. Joseph is the mother church of the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Completed in 1919, this Romanesque and French Renaissance-style cathedral underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2011, restoring its stunning interior with marble columns, ornate stained glass windows, and a magnificent dome. The cathedral's twin spires are visible throughout downtown Sioux Falls, making it an architectural landmark of the city.

For over 100 years, The Cathedral has served as a beacon of hope for both a community and a Diocese. As both a parish church and the bishop’s seat, the cathedral is an active hub of community ministry and a source of authoritative teaching and governance for all diocesan parishes.

Often called the “Cathedral on the Prairie” although not technically a cathedral, this impressive church seems almost out of place rising from the small town of Hoven (population approximately 400). 

Completed in 1921 in the Bavarian Romanesque style, it features twin 140-foot towers, 78 stained glass windows, and intricate interior decoration. The church's ornate design reflects the German Catholic heritage of many early settlers in the area.

The church is a true labor of love for the local community. Its interior paintings and plaster work was extensively restored in the 1980s, thanks to local volunteers who trained in restoration techniques and donated some 20,000 hours of work.

Six miles west of Yankton, three crosses tower above a bluff overlooking Lewis and Clark Lake. Eagles soar above and wildlife flourishes around these reminders of Jesus Christ, part of the House of Mary Shrine.

Down the slope stand a chapel, statues, flowing waters, a Holy Innocents Garden, the Way of the Cross, the Way of the Saints, Rosaries, Veteran's Memorial, Gift Shop and more. This oasis for prayer is quiet, peaceful and inviting.

The shrine began when a young couple, Ed and Jean English, purchased land to build a home. A priest told them to “save a portion for God.” They were also told, “You will be surprised by the people God will send to help.” Since 1971, the Shrine has grown and developed through the work of volunteers and generous donations.

Dedicated in 1987, the Fatima Family Shrine aims to bring Fatima to America. A local priest, Father Robert Fox, spearheaded building the shrine to share widely Our Lady’s message at Fatima.

At the base of the Fatima Family Shrine are soil and rock from the exact place next to the oak tree where Mary appeared to the three children in Portugal. The shrine features four chapels made of South Dakota granite, plus numerous shrines and walking paths.

An hour west of Sioux Falls, the largest city in the Dakotas, the shrine is located next to St. Mary of Mercy Church and across the street from the Monastery of Our Mother of Mercy and Saint Joseph, home of cloistered Discalced Carmelite nuns. Visitors can stop by the convent’s bookstore and gift shop.

This small stone chapel, built in 1911, offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst the raucous atmosphere of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The chapel features beautiful stained glass and murals, serving as a year-round place of prayer for locals and visitors alike.

The Abbey of the Hills, Marvin

Blue Cloud Abbey, affiliated with St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana, was home to Benedictine monks for some 63 years until the abbey closed its doors in 2012. 

While the abbey is no more, its spirit of faith and hospitality lives on as a nonprofit inn and retreat center called The Abbey of the Hills, with a Catholic deacon serving as director. The center offers a robust array of retreats, recollections, and other faith-filled events, beautifully continuing the Benedictine spirit of hospitality even though the monks are gone.