11 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in South Dakota
Travelers rarely mention South Dakota as a worthy destination in the United States. You can’t blame them; it is one of the least populated states in the country, and from the outside, you might easily assume there is nothing to write home about it. But this modest mid-western state houses an eclectic mix of touristy delights that can only be experienced when you visit. It is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in America, most notably the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If you fancy quiet rural escapes away from all the commotion in the city, South Dakota small towns have everything you can think of and then some.
From rolling prairie lands giving way to dramatic mountain peaks to pristine rivers with hidden tropical waterfalls, these undiscovered gems are bustling with natural beauty. Add the unique culture of the friendly communities inhabiting them and their well-preserved historical heritage, and you will realize that the “land of infinite variety” has a little bit of something for everyone. Whether a history buff, cultural connoisseur, outdoor lover, or culinary enthusiast, these are some of the most unforgettable small towns to visit in South Dakota.
Custer
The headquarters of the Black Hills National Forest, Custer is a small town surrounded by sheer natural beauty and teeming with endless outdoor opportunities. It houses the sprawling Custer State Park, considered among the few truly wild spaces in the country, thanks to plenty of wildlife and recreational adventures. Besides watching its large herd of free-range bison, you can choose from hiking, camping, fishing, biking, or swimming to make the most of the outdoors.
More hidden gems lurk in the backcountry, which can be explored along the Cathedral Spires Trailhead. This moderately challenging 1.6-mile hike leads to massive and dramatic rock faces in Blacks Hills that will leave you in awe. Custer is also the oldest town in the Black Hills area and features a storied history that you can uncover at the 1881 Courthouse Museum. The facility exhibits authentic mining tools, Native American artifacts, and other relics, presenting a snapshot of the town’s bygone eras.
Deadwood
A frontier town that once drew thousands to the Black Hills with the promise of gold, Deadwood is steeped in fascinating American history. The town was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and holds a treasure trove of old-era landmarks. A good example is the Adams Museum, which preserves the historical and cultural heritage of the community and surrounding region. Meanwhile, the Days of ’76 Museum offers a look into the lives of Deadwood’s first pioneers through relics like medieval carriages, firearms, and other interactive exhibits.
The town boasts a charming Main Street lined with Victorian-style structures housing restaurants, galleries, and other unique shops. You can pop into the Scott Jacobs Art Gallery to admire the groundbreaking works of the first licensed Harley-Davidson artist or stop by the Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates to curb your sweet cravings.
Hill City
Dubbed the “Heart of the Hills,” Hill City’s central location in the Blacks Hills area invites outdoor enthusiasts and adventures to explore its charming open spaces. Exciting adventures abound in the surrounding Black Hills National Forest, home to lush forests, mysterious caves, jagged peaks, and pristine rivers. The town has several quirky attractions, including the Museum @ Black Hills Institute. This spectacular venue introduces you to the world’s largest privately-owned fossil collections, comprising dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and minerals.
The South Dakota State Railroad Museum is another exciting stop to explore the state’s railroad heritage since the late 19th century through interactive displays and train model demos. While exploring the quiet downtown, don’t forget to examine the intricate handmade art pieces inside ArtForms Gallery before relaxing with a refreshing glass of wine at the Twisted Pine tasting room.
Keystone
Keystone is best known for being home to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The massive presidential sculptures artistically carved into the granite faces of Mount Rushmore draw nearly 2 million tourists annually and will make for an excellent first stop. Additionally, the town delights with an array of historical landmarks that paint a picture of the area’s earlier eras, including the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which offers an authentic experience inside the former mine.
Meanwhile, the downtown district houses a quaint assortment of art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and other specialty stores worth visiting. You can find a cute souvenir at the historic Halley’s Store, which has been running for over a century, or enjoy a delicious pizza at Cruizzers.
Brandon
Brandon is one the best small towns to visit in South Dakota for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Big Sioux Recreational Area is a perfect example of why this is so. Lying on the banks of the Big Sioux River, this lovely outdoor space offers a long list of recreational adventures, ranging from canoeing and camping to horseback riding and hiking. Elsewhere, McHardy Park is a pleasant venue to be one with nature and hosts a 50-foot lookout tower that you can scale to enjoy scenic views of the park and surrounding area.
If you have a penchant for adrenaline-inducing experiences, Huset’s Speedway is a popular town jewel you should check out. This premier dirt race track hosts electrifying races watched by charged-up spectators and provides remarkable family experiences. Lastly, remember to stop by the trendy El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant to sample scrumptious and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Chamberlain
An immersive cultural experience awaits in this quaint community of about 2,500 on the banks of the Missouri River. Chamberlain houses numerous cultural attractions that depict nomadic Plain Indians' traditions. These include the Atka Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, where, through artistic works and historical relics, you can embark on a surreal journey through the Lakota people’s heritage. Another iconic landmark, the Dignity of Sky & Earth, is a 50-foot steel structure portraying an indigenous woman you can pose with for a stunning snapshot.
With so much culture to explore in Chamberlain, you might want to get a souvenir to remind you of the unique experience in the town. Luckily, you can hunt for one at the Old Trading Post, which displays an assortment of antiquities, collectibles, and other memorabilia.
Madison
Madison’s motto, “Discover the Unexpected,” embodies the diverse adventures the town has in store. The town sits a short 50 miles from Sioux Falls, and presents countless outdoor opportunities that you can take advantage of at Lake Herman State Park, from camping and canoeing to fishing and hiking. Those interested in the region’s past will feel at home browsing the collection of exhibits inside the Lake County Museum.
Meanwhile, tourists with kids will love the family-friendly atmosphere of the Prairie Village Museum, teeming with fun prairie rides and carousels. After spending the day touring the outdoor and historical attractions in Madison, you can catch the latest sports action at the popular Stadium Sports Grill while sampling the local after-hour scene.
Pierre
Despite being the capital of South Dakota, Pierre maintains a small-town charm with a modest population of just over 14,000 residents. It has the distinction of being the second smallest state capital in the country, housing a charming mix of iconic landmarks, including the historical South Dakota State Capitol. This magnificent structure allows visitors to glimpse the state’s history by scheduling interesting tours around the capitol building.
Another must-visit spot in the capital, the South Dakota National Guard Museum is an excellent place for military historians and aircraft enthusiasts. Here, you can inspect an impressive collection of warplanes, weapons, equipment, and other memorabilia used by the military since the 19th century. If you travel with kids, plan to take them to the South Dakota Discovery Center, which will spark their interest in the sciences through fun and interactive exhibits.
Mitchell
Mitchell’s population of over 16,000 makes it one of the more populous destinations in the state. But what puts the town on the map is its intriguing “World's Only Corn Palace.” This quirky attraction welcomes approximately half a million tourists annually, who come to admire its intricate designs and colorful corn varieties. Another exciting point of interest is Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, an over-century-old homestead designated a National Historic Landmark.
Meanwhile, kids will love playing at the Mitchell Aquatic Center, home to basketball and racquetball courts, a weight room, and an indoor aquatic center with fun water slides to guarantee day-long entertainment for the whole family. After spending a tedious day exploring the town, try relaxing in the cozy atmosphere of Big Dummy’s with a refreshing bottle of beer.
Wall
Although the town’s name does little to spark the imagination, Wall has many delightful surprises. This small community of about 700 sits in the South Dakota badlands and is nearly twenty minutes from Badlands National Park. The town is home to the Wall Drug Store, a historic roadside attraction comprising a drug store, eateries, gift shop, and other entertainment venues. Meanwhile, war historians and enthusiasts can check out the Delta-09 Minuteman Missile Silo, one of the 150 such facilities once spread across South Dakota. Wall’s small-town charm is best felt when exploring its main streets, lined with cute local stores worth stopping by. For instance, Nana’s Mercantile is a fun thrift store where you can shop for anything, including home-baked goods, farm-fresh produce, clothing items, and old treasures.
Vermillion
Vermillion’s population of about 12,000 is no mean feat in South Dakota. The town is situated on a bluff overlooking the scenic banks of the Missouri River, boasting a handful of serene natural spaces. If you love the game of golf, you can practice your swing at the 18-hole Bluffs Golf Course while taking in lovely vistas of the Missouri River. More recreational opportunities are accessible at Prentis Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This 20-acre park is perfect for a lazy stroll, relaxing in a natural setting, or playing games like basketball and horseshoes. Another interesting site to check out, the National Music Museum preserves and exhibits a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments from different ages and cultures. Lastly, you can catch the latest on the Silver Screen at the Coyote Twin Theater.
Conclusion
South Dakota’s untold natural beauty is best experienced in its underrated small towns. From the Black Hills National Forest to the Mount Rushmore National Monument, several high-profile attractions and hidden gems await adventurers who dare to venture into the state’s backcountry. The next time you plan a trip to this beautiful Midwestern state, be sure to prioritize the above charming small towns to visit in South Dakota.
