10 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in South Dakota This Summer
South Dakota is the 16th largest US state, with an area of over 77,000 square miles. Despite this, it only has approximately ten people per square mile. But what it lacks in large populous cities, South Dakota makes up for with wide open spaces, breathtakingly beautiful vistas, and unparalleled natural wonder. More importantly, the Mount Rushmore state also has a variety of lovely small towns packed with personality. From picturesque Missouri River towns to the starkly beautiful Black Hills and Badlands; to a rich cultural heritage and Old West history, South Dakota's varied landscapes and small towns make it the perfect place to visit this summer.
Custer
The oldest town in South Dakota’s Black Hills, Custer is perfectly placed for anyone looking to explore the area’s over five million acres of scenic natural beauty this summer. Just a short trip away from popular outdoor destinations like Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park, as well as cultural attractions like the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer makes a great base for planning any Black Hills vacation.
Additionally, no visit to Custer would be complete without a trip to Custer State Park, where visitors can wildlife watch on the Wildlife Loop Road or enjoy hiking, kayaking, and the breathtaking scenery of Sylvan Lake. While visiting, be sure to enjoy the majestic beauty and scenic trails of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota.
Spearfish
Located in the Northern Black Hills region, Spearfish is a picturesque paradise off South Dakota’s Interstate 90. Known for its endless year-round outdoor adventures, from hiking, fishing, and biking to snowshoeing ice climbing, and wildlife watching, Spearfish is a nature-lover's dream. However, the summer is when this small town of under 15,000 residents really shines with plenty of sunny days and cool, clear nights—an idyllic backdrop for exploring nearby attractions like Spearfish Canyon and Iron Creek Lake.
And don’t forget about Spearfish’s beautiful downtown. Home to Black Hills State University, the area also boasts a variety of hiking/biking trails as well as a Historic Walking Tour where visitors can learn about Spearfish’s rich Black Hills history.
Hill City
Often referred to as the “Heart of the Black Hills,” Hill City is a great place to set up camp for a Black Hills adventure. Just a short drive away from many of the area’s best attractions like Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Black Elk Peak, Hill City is also less than 25 minutes from Custer State Park. Here, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of Cathedral Spires and the surrounding landscape, as well as access to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.
Hill City also offers a unique way to explore the area with a ride on the Black Hill’s Central Railroad’s 1880 Train. A two-hour roundtrip journey from Hill City to nearby Keystone, the tour is a scenic journey into the area’s history, heritage, and culture. Hill City’s beautiful. walkable downtown area is also home to plenty of shops, wineries, microbreweries, and restaurants for those seeking a more laidback adventure.
Vermillion
Located in the southeastern part of South Dakota on the banks of the Missouri River, Vermillion is a picture-perfect college town home to the University of South Dakota. Vermillion is also extremely walkable and has many historic and cultural attractions, such as the W.H. Over Museum, the Austin-Whittemore House Museum, and the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival every June. The National Music Museum—located on the University of South Dakota campus—is another unique Vermillion attraction, and is home to over 15,000 instruments spanning hundreds of years.
Additionally, the small town of less than 12,000 residents also has its fair share of recreational opportunities, too. The short hike to the top of the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie offers spectacular views of the area, while also allowing visitors to experience history firsthand by walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Vermillion’s Clay County Park and nearby Lewis & Clark Recreation Area are also great summer spots to enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, bird-watching, and scenic waterfront views.
Hot Springs
Situated in beautiful southern South Dakota, Hot Springs is an idyllic gateway known for its relaxing thermal springs. Founded as a natural retreat, the area’s six major springs—located within a scenic canyon—offer visitors the opportunity to combine their Black Hills adventures with relaxation and tranquility. The oldest attraction in the Black Hills, Evans Plunge’s scenic sparkling springs are worth a visit, while the Moccasin Springs Mineral Spa is the historic home to the town’s original hot springs and features four outdoor pools. Hot Springs is also home to a charming downtown area lined with quaint sandstone buildings.
Historic attractions like the Pioneer Museum thrive on the town’s heritage, while popular spots like The Mammoth Site providing a glimpse even further back in time—to the Ice Age. Summer is also a great time to visit Hot Springs, with local attractions like the Angostura State Recreation Area boasting everything from watersports to camping for outdoor adventurers.
Keystone
Located in the Black Hills, Keystone is the closest town to the iconic Mount Rushmore. However, the former gold-mining town is more than just a place to stay while visiting the popular national landmark, it has a history, culture, and natural beauty all its own. Lined with 19th-century architecture, Keystone’s main street is all Western charm, and there are plenty of attractions where visitors can learn about the town’s heritage and history.
The Visitor Center Walking Tour is a must, while the Keystone Boardwalk and the Keystone Cemetery—with its stellar view of Mount Rushmore—are worthy stops steeped in Americana. There is also plenty of outdoor recreation in and around Keystone like scenic hiking trails in nearby Custer State Park with views of Center Lake and the Presidential Trail Loop near Mount Rushmore with its stunning monument views.
Deadwood
No trip to the Northern Black Hills would be complete without a visit to Deadwood. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the former gold mining town is steeped in history and lore. It is a living testament to the Wild West and a time when iconic characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane called Deadwood their home. Walk in the footsteps of the legendary gunslingers while strolling Deadwood’s historic streets, catch a historic re-enactment, and visit Mount Moriah Cemetery where many of the town’s most famous residents were laid to rest.
Surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, Deadwood also has its share of outdoor recreation, especially in summer. Nearby Spearfish Canyon, the Mickelson Trail, and the Homestake Trail are all scenic hikes that showcase the region’s stellar views. Looking for more adventure? Then head to nearby Lead, a former mining town with plenty of history, heritage, and small-town charm, which can be seen in landmarks like Cheyenne Crossing and the Historic Homestake Opera House and Recreation Building.
Mitchell
Located in southeastern South Dakota, Mitchell is a heartland town bustling with history, culture, family fun, and adventure. Perhaps the most famous attraction in Mitchell, The World’s Only Corn Palace is the best example of the small town’s charm. Home to many of Mitchell’s concerts and annual events, the Corn Palace’s domes, colorful interiors, and six-foot-tall corn cob Cornelius have been delighting visitors for almost a century. However, the corn-y monument isn’t the only reason to visit Mitchell.
Sites such as the Dakota Discovery Museum and The Prehistoric Indian Village offer a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage, while Lake Mitchell and the town’s many parks showcase its natural beauty. Mitchell is also a great place to start (or finish) a road trip. The state’s largest city, Sioux Falls, is less than 100 miles from Mitchell and is a great way to explore many exciting attractions along Interstate 90.
Pierre
Despite being the capital city of South Dakota, Pierre boasts under 15,000 residents—making it the perfect blend of tiny-town charm and bustling, small-city energy. Located in the heart of the Mount Rushmore State, Pierre is also the ideal place to stay when exploring the surrounding area, including its sister city Fort Pierre.
However, the Missouri River town has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area’s rich culture and heritage, such as the State Capitol, the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society, and historic sites on both sides of the river like Fischers Lilly Park and La Framboise Island. The Missouri River also offers outdoor recreation like watersports and fishing, while LaFramboise Island Nature Area has plenty of hiking and biking trails, bird and wildlife watching, and idyllic forested landscapes.
Wall
Wall is a tiny town with eclectic, tourist-friendly charm. Nicknamed “The Gateway to the Badlands,” Wall’s proximity to Badlands National Park has given it this reputation of being charming, welcoming, and fun. The town is also centrally located and still nearby many of the area’s top towns and attractions, like Deadwood, Rapid City, and Mount Rushmore. Additionally, Wall hosts thousands of visitors every year who are drawn to both its Badlands location and its unique tourist attraction, Wall Drug Store.
Consisting of shops, boutiques, a restaurant, and plenty of photo ops (including an 80-foot green dinosaur), in summer there are plenty of activities in the Wall Drug’s backyard area, and many local festivities including the “Wall Celebration” every July. Roadtrippers will also love the small town’s proximity to many scenic drives, hiking trails, and historic sites like the Prairie Homestead.
Often referred to as "the land of infinite variety" because of its diverse regions, attractions, and scenery, South Dakota is also home to a plethora of small towns scattered throughout its idyllic Great Plains countryside. Not only are these small towns charming, but each is distinctive in its own right, offering visitors everything from history and heritage to outdoor attractions and proximity to some of the state's most famous landmarks. Whether it's a visit to Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, or the beautiful Black Hills region, South Dakota's lovely small towns are must-visit summer getaways.
