11 of the Most Quaint Small Towns in South Dakota

South Dakota is the 5th least populous state in the United States. Divided by the Missouri River, Eastern South Dakota is home to popular cities and fertile soil, while Western South Dakota is home to several ranches. The terrains around this state, alongside its rich cultural history, have influenced the appearance of many towns and cities.

The state has many old-fashioned towns filled with activities like bird watching, hiking, festivals, art galleries, museums, and so much more. Get your traveling backpack for an adventure in these quaint small towns in South Dakota.

Watertown

With a population of 22,000 plus, Watertown is a charming town along the Big Sioux River. Surrounding the towns are two major lakes, Lake Pelican and Kampeska. One would think this town was named after the water bodies around it, but no, it was named after Watertown, New York, the hometown of two of the town's founders.

In Watertown, visit The Redlin Art Center, where you will see artwork exhibits of one of America's most popular wildlife artists, Terry Redlin. Most of his works were inspired by the lakes around the town. The Bramble Zoo is also a perfect place for some family time. You can also honor the memories of Veterans by visiting Watertown Veterans Memorial.

Yankton

With a population of 15,000 plus, Yankton is the seventh most populous town in South Dakota. The town was the first capital of the Dakota territory, and its name was derived from the Yankton tribe of Western Dakota. This town is known as the "Mother City of the Dakotas" because it created the Dakota territory. It is also called the "River City" because of its closeness to the Missouri River.

Check out The Meridian Bridge, which has been converted into a pedestrian bridge. The bridge connects Yankton to Nebraska across the Missouri River; this is a perfect walking trail for a relaxed and scenic walk. The Auld-Brokaw Trail is an ideal way to explore this town on foot. Have fun at Happy Hourz Bar, which doubles as a dive bar and beer joint.

Spearfish

Spearfish is the 10th most populous town in South Dakota, with a population of over 12,000 people. Although the area had already been in use, it was not until 1876, during the "Blackhill Gold Rush," that the town was founded at the mouth of the Spearfish Canyon. The town was named after the Spearfish Creek that runs through it. Spearfish supplied the mining camps with food.

Explore the rugged terrains of the Badlands National Park. The park contains one of the world's richest fossil beds. See the bison, Bighorn sheep, and Prairie dogs preserved in the park. Have fun with your family at the Bridal Veil Fall. You can join the locals to celebrate Chinook Day if you are lucky. The Chinook Day is a week-long festival in honor of the world's greatest temperature change caused by the Chinook wind on January 22nd, 1943.

Brookings

Brookings is a small university town with a population of over 23,000. The town spreads along the Big Sioux Valley. It was named after one of the pioneers and promoters of the Dakota territory, Williams Brookings, in 1879.

In the heart of Downtown Brookings is a one-of-a-kind museum in South Dakota. The Children's Museum of South Dakota is 44,000 square feet of indoor fun and an outdoor Prairie. It is a perfect place to spend time with your family. The Downtown Canvas is another amazing stop in Brookings. Explore the alleyways in Downtown Brookings to discover amazing art paintings. Or fly your kite alongside thousands of kites at the Brookings Kite Festival.

Sturgis

Sturgis has a population of 7,020 people. This town was named after Samuel D. Sturgis, a Union general during the Civil War. The town is famous for its motorcycle festival. Sturgis Motorcycle Festival is one of the largest motorcycle festivals in the world.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is a favorite tourist stop in town. The museum has over 100 motorcycle exhibits on display. These motorcycles date as far as back 1905. Another tourist hotspot in Sturgis is the Fort Meade Recreation Area. This area is home to several hiking and biking trails and historical sites.

Madison

Madison is a university town with a population of a little over 6,000 people. The town is located between Lake Madison and Lake Herman. It is home to the prestigious Dakota State University. 

You can put up a tent at Camp Lakodia and explore the areas around Lake Herman. At Lake Herman, you can choose either boating or fishing. Near Lake Madison, there is a nine-hole regulatory golf course for golf lovers. Bird lovers can watch several species of birds flying around the area. The Prairie Village is a living history museum in Madison worth visiting.

Belle Fourche

Belle Fourche is 20 miles away from the geographic center of the United States. French explorers from New France named this town of less than 6,000 people. Belle Fourche is French for "Beautiful Fork," referring to its location on the confluence of the Redwater and Belle Fourche Rivers and the Hay Creek.

This town is small and old-fashioned. While in Belle Fourche, visit the famous Tri-State Museum. In addition to displaying art exhibits and telling visitors the town's biography, the museum hosts events to entertain and educate. Head to the Belle Fourche Rec Center from the museum to relax and unwind.

Huron

Huron is a town in Beadle County. With a population of less than 15,000, it is the 8th most populous in the state. It is also an art epicenter. From the Huron Arts Council to Family Night in Campbell Park, you can watch local actors and artwork from local artists.

Huron is home to the South Dakota State Fair. Take a selfie at the famous statue called the World's Largest Pheasant. The town also has some of the nation's finest fishing spots along the James River.

Milbank

The birthplace of the American Legion Baseball is in Grant County. Despite its size of fewer than 4,000 residents, Milbank is home to several recreational parks. Visit the Lake Farley Park. Lake Farley is a manmade lake that gives locals and visitors a peaceful ambiance. The park has trails perfect for biking, hiking, and jogging. It is ideal for family picnics. The Milbank Mist Grill is a must-visit for every tourist. The mill was built in 1884 and holds much of the town's story.

Fort Pierre

Fort Pierre is a town in Stanley County with less than 3,000 people. It developed around a trading post and fort in 1832 on the West bank of the Missouri River. Across the river is the State capital of South Dakota, Pierre.

Fischers Lilly Park stands on an important spot in history. This was the spot where Lewis and Clark's Corp of Discovery and the Teton Lakota nation meet. This meeting played an important role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Today, the park offers visitors recreational options like camping, fishing, and swimming for a fun family time. Take in the scenic view of Lake Oahe when mountain biking on the Oahe West Shore Trail.

Harrisburg

Harrisburg is a suburb town of Sioux Falls. With a population of less than 7,000, it is perfect for a quiet and fun-filled family vacation. Lake Alvin Recreation Area is an artificial lake with many water activities for people of different ages. On a visit to this area, you will find many swimmers, boaters, and fishermen enjoying themselves. Good Earth State Park has trails that are perfect for hiking. The park is also filled with birds of different species, so you can enjoy bird-watching on your hikes.

South Dakota is a place where history meets fun. Get blown away by the endless things to do in these old-fashioned towns. They are cozy, peaceful, and perfect for a vacation. Pick from any of these quaint small towns in South Dakota and plan your trip.