10 Neighborly Towns In South Dakota
Is visiting iconic American landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse on your bucket list? How about exploring the historic American West? If so, consider making a stop at one of the ten most neighborly towns in South Dakota. Destinations like Custer and Hill City are approximate to those legendary monuments, while Pierre and Brandon will captivate newcomers with their deep connections to the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native Americans, the former occupants of South Dakota before European colonialization. This is just foreshadowing the richness of culture and community to be found in these underrated communities. Welcome to neighborly South Dakota.
Custer
The small town of Custer, South Dakota is close to famous US landmarks, specifically: the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Custer State Park, and the Wind Cave National Park. Visitors also flock to Custer to watch the Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up & Arts Festival in late September. During this traditional celebration modern-day cowboys corral herds of animals native to South Dakota. Additionally, you might be interested in attending the Crazy Horse Volksmarch challenge on September 29; participants make the six mile pilgrimage from Custer to the Crazy Horse Memorial. No need to be anxious about spending your nights at Custer, not when you are residing in safe and comfortable lodgings like the Calamity Peak Lodge, Bavarian Inn, The Ponderosa, or Shady Rest Motel & Cabins.
Hill City
Hill City, located near Custer, serves as a gateway to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore and is a hub for motorcyclists. However, Hill City also boasts unique attractions worth visiting year-round. Discover the Jewel Cave National Monument, the third longest and largest cave system on Earth. Marvel at prehistoric dinosaur fossils at the Black Hills Museum located at the Black Hills Institute. Appreciate the indigenous cultures that once thrived in the Black Hills at the CCC Museum of South Dakota. Or, hop aboard a historic train at the 1880 Train Depot of Hill City.
Hill City offers charming accommodations, too. Stay at the Alpine Inn, the EverSpring Inn & Suites, or the Black Hills Trailside Park Resort.
Pierre
Pierre, South Dakota is nestled along the banks of the Missouri River and offers a blend of history and outdoor adventure. Lewis and Clark first explored this area in 1804 and returned again in 1806. Historians record that Lewis and Clark interacted with the Lakota tribe in Pierre, trading goods and information and negotiating passage with Native Americans. The Lakota, a nomadic tribe known for riding horses and hunting buffalo, is one of the most notable subsections of the Sioux nation. The terms "Lakota," "Nakota," and "Dakota" are often used interchangeably with "Sioux," and they are the three largest subsets of the Great Sioux Nation.
Today, Pierre boasts numerous attractions for visitors, including the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, where you can delve into the state's history. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, and birdwatching along the Missouri River or exploring the trails and natural beauty of the Fort Pierre National Grassland. With its blend of history and recreation, Pierre offers a unique and engaging destination for travelers. One last fun fact about Pierra: with a population of only 14,000 Pierre, South Dakota is the least populous state capital in the United States.
Brandon
Skiers, riders, and conservation enthusiasts should explore Brandon, a suburb near Sioux Falls. This small town serves as a great home base for visiting the Big Sioux Recreation Area, which covers 430 acres and offers camping, ATV riding, fishing, and more. At Beaver Creek State Nature Area, you can see South Dakota’s wildlife, including American Bison and Pronghorn Antelope. The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum showcases an impressive collection of native plant species in its carefully designed gardens and trails. Visitors can also enjoy educational exhibits that highlight the importance of local flora and conservation efforts. The East Sioux Falls Historic Site offers a glimpse into the area's rich past with its preserved remnants of the once-thriving quarry town. Informative exhibits detail the granite industry's impact on the region and the lives of the workers who contributed to its growth.
Enjoy a memorable visit to the friendly and underrated town of Brandon.
Wall
The town of Wall, fifty minutes east of Rapid City, is known for its history and ecology, including the Badlands National Park. These badlands are the habitat of the American Bison. Bison are important because their grazing patterns help maintain the health of the land, promoting plant diversity and providing habitats for various species. Historically, the bison is linked with Native American tribes like the Sioux, and the American Bison remains an inspiring symbol for ecological restoration.
For history enthusiasts visiting Wall, the Delta-09 Minuteman Missile Silo provides a glimpse into the Cold War era. Families can enjoy activites like panning for gold at Wall Drug Backyard, an amusement park with Western-themed exhibits. And this is no joke: visitors can also enjoy free ice water from the famous Wall Drug Store, as a part of a quirky tradition. Wall Drug Store's offer of free ice water has been a draw for travelers since the 1930s. It’s a testament to the spirit of hospitality in small-town America. Plus, it's a refreshing stop after exploring all the incredible sights and wildlife in the area. For lodgings, consider the Hansen Inn & Cabins, among other accommodations.
Vermillion
The town of Vermillion is home to the prestigious University of South Dakota. On their campus, you can find the National Music Museum, also known as "America’s Shrine to Music". Founded in 1973 and exhibiting more than 10,000 musical instruments from virtually all cultures and historical periods, visiting the National Music museum is a captiviating way to learn about global, music history.
North of Vermillion is the Spirit Mound Historic Praire. The South Dakota Parks manages this landmark, named for its significance to the spiritual rites of Native American tribes. It is one of the few sites where a person can stand, and know Lewis and Clark stood in the exact same place, according to South Dakota Park management. The praire has been undergoing a restoration effort since 2001, and visitors can see prairie wildflowers and grasses, Fritillary butterflies, birds, and other prairie animals.
Deadwood
Feel alive and spirited in the historic town of Deadwood. Famous for its representation in the namesake HBO show, Deadwood, the town of Deadwood, North Dakota hails back to its gold prospecting origins in 1876. A "gold rush" is a period of time when pioneers and prospectors are attracted in large numbers to an area because of rumors of natural gold to be found in the landscape. North Dakota's Black Hills gold rush is an example of this historical phenonoema; in the 1870s the gold around Deadwood, North Dakota attracted motivated entrapenuers and outlaws alike.
Infamous outlaws like Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and Wild Bill Hickock populated Deadwood during these era, and did not shy away from violence. Violence in the Wild West was common because of the uncertainty inherent in establishing new communites, especially boom towns during a gold rush! The Mount Moriah Cemetery is the historic burial ground of Deadwood's former inhabitants, including the outlaws.
You need not fear, however, in modern Deadwood. Hospitality options include the Lodge at Deadwood or the Historic Bullock Hotel.
Spearfish
The town of Spearfish is a neighborly town known for its beauty. Only about twenty minutes north of Deadwood, newcomers can find photogenic routes along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. The Bridal Veil Falls entices people with its arboreal atmosphere, and the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery is home to a bounty of fishes for you to hook and reel in at your leisure. At the unique natural pools known as the “Devil’s Bathtubs” in Spearfish Creek, you can lounge as long as you want in Spearfish's most refreshing relaxation spot. On the other hand, you might also be interested in seeing several exhibits showcasing South Dakota's artistic aptitude at the Termesphere Gallery. Furthermore, you can admire a model homestead, chuck wagons, and stage coaches at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, or tour the campus grounds of the Black Hills State University. Spearfish, a town known for its beauty, will stay with you for a long time.
Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids, South Dakota, is situated along the Big Sioux River and is a half-hour drive north of Sioux Falls. The Big Sioux River flows at a fast pace through the wooded valleys, or dells, in this South Dakota town, thus its name, Dell Rapids.
Renowned architect Wallace Dow, known as "the Builder on the Prairie," designed many of the historic buildings in Dell Rapids. These include the First Stone School House, built in 1884; the Cooley Block, completed in 1886; the Grand Opera House, constructed in 1888; the Augustine Johnson Block, also from 1888; the First National Bank, dating back to 1889; and the St. Peter Lutheran Church, built in 1902. For archetecture buffs, Dell Rapids is a can't miss.
Yankton
The border town of Yankton sits where the Missouri River divides South Dakota from Nebraska. No surprise, Yankton has a fascinating story to tell. Named after the Yankton division of the Sioux Native Americans, who held a council with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their westward expedition, Yankton began as a transportation center in 1858 and served as a home base for a military fort in 1862. Visitors can explore these historical roots at the Dakota Territorial Museum, which features the old Territorial Legislative Council Building and a replica of the first capitol building.
For history enthusiasts, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail offers an immersive experience surrounded by historic and recreational areas, including the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, Lewis and Clark Lake, Pierson Ranch, and Chief White Crane Recreational Area. Just 27 miles east of Vermillion, Yankton provides a wealth of experiences, blending its rich past with present-day attractions, making it a must-visit destination.
Milbank
Milbank, a charming town nestled along the South Fork of the Whetstone River, offers visitors a blend of history, outdoor recreation, and a warm community atmosphere. Named after Jeremiah Milbank, the director of the 'Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad', the town is easily accessible by train. The rail line runs along the scenic Yellowstone Trail, now US Highway 12. Milbank boasts a rich history, including being the birthplace of American Legion Baseball, established in 1925. Visitors can explore historical sites like the Milbank Grist Mill and the Grant County Historical Society Museums, or enjoy outdoor activities at Hartford Beach State Park, Big Stone Lake, and Lake Farley Park. For a memorable stay, consider booking a room at the Lantern Motel.
Conclusion
This concludes our journey through South Dakota. This state, the home of Mount Rushmore, blends of natural wonders, historical sites, and vibrant communities, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. From the awe-inspiring Black Hills to the welcoming spirit of its towns, the state leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you're seeking adventure, history, or simply a friendly encounter, South Dakota promises a warm welcome and a memorable journey.
