2024's 9 Most Scenic South Dakota Towns
A vast Great Plains state famed for prairie land views and breathtaking vistas, South Dakota is also home to some of the West’s most awe-inspiring destinations. However, some of South Dakota’s absolute best scenery can be found within its coziest communities and the stunning landscapes they call home. Close to all of the state’s top outdoor attractions, 2024’s most scenic South Dakota towns offer something special for every traveler from the heart of the Black Hills to the banks of the Missouri River.
Spearfish
Spearfish is a scenic South Dakota small town in the Northern Black Hills region. Situated off the iconic Interstate 90, Spearfish is a wonderful base camp for exploring some of the state’s best sights, including Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, all just over an hour away. There is also no shortage of scenic beauty and outdoor recreation on Spearfish’s doorstep, including the pristine Iron Creek Lake, featuring a walking trail, kayaking, canoeing, and a campground.
However, one of the most well-known outdoor destinations in Spearfish is the Spearfish Canyon. One of the Northern Black Hills’ most popular natural attractions, the breathtaking canyon is full of dramatic limestone landscapes that are the perfect backdrop for wildlife watching, rock climbing, and biking. Hiking is another popular pastime, with scenic trails like the Iron Creek Trail and the 76 Trail offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Spearfish Canyon is also home to some of South Dakota’s prettiest waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is another way to explore the namesake canyon and features many cultural and scenic stops on the road to Cheyenne Crossing.
Brookings
Located in Northeastern South Dakota, Brookings is famed for its natural beauty and abundant recreational activities. Here, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast, with destinations like McCrory Gardens and Lake Cochrane Recreation Area offering everything from walking paths to watersports, and everything in between. Additional adventurous destinations include Single Track & Pump Park, known for its mountain biking and cycling, and Dakota Nature Park, offering a host of activities such as biking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Nearby spots like Oakwood Lakes State Park also provide year-round recreation, from hiking and biking in warmer months to ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings is also known for its bustling downtown area. A hub for historic and cultural attractions, the town’s Commercial Historic District hosts a variety of notable destinations, including the South Dakota Art Museum, the Brookings Arts Council, and the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Visitors can also get a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage by spending time at places like Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Brookings Residential District & Urban Arboretum, and the South Dakota Architectural Heritage Museum.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain is one of 2024’s most scenic South Dakota towns because of its picturesque Missouri River setting and cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Home to just under 2,500 residents and boasting an area of four and a half square miles, Chamberlain is extremely walkable and easy to navigate, making it easy for visitors to explore. Recreational activities abound, with destinations like Barger Centennial Park and Roam Free Park offering hiking, biking, and pretty town views. Additionally, Chamberlain’s Missouri River locale provides access to world-class watersports like Kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and fishing. Nearby Oacoma—Chamberlain’s sister city—also has plenty of riverside activities, including popular spots like the Roland L. Dolly Memorial Recreational Trail.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, Chamberlain’s Missouri River locale also offers a glimpse into the area’s cultural and historical heritage. Destinations like the Lewis and Clark Information Center and the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center explore the region’s cultural identity by exploring both its Indigenous past and its early-American roots; while iconic local landmarks like the towering stainless steel sculpture Dignity: Of Earth & Sky honor the contributions of the Lakota and Dakota peoples. Looking for more South Dakota history? Then be sure to visit another Chamberlain favorite, the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Keystone
Keystone is a former gold-mining town situated in the center of the Black Hills region. While the town’s location is close to many well-known landmarks—including Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial—the beautiful destination’s claim to fame is its proximity to Mount Rushmore. Home to some of the region’s most iconic views of the famous monument, Keystone is a low-key place to soak in the dramatic facade. Local stops like the Keystone Boardwalk and Keystone Cemetery are worthy viewpoints while also offering visitors a glimpse into area Americana. Keystone's Visitor Center Walking Tour is another great sightseeing opportunity highlighting the town’s quaint 19th-century architecture and distinctive Wild West charm.
While Keystone is famed as Mount Rushmore’s closest neighbor, it also has a reputation of its own as the “Playground of the Black Hills.” Nearby Custer State Park is less than 30 minutes away and hosts some of the region’s best hikes, including the Sunday Gulch Trail, Black Elk Peak, and Cathedral Spires, all featuring panoramic Black Hills views, while the Presidential Trail Loop is a lovely trek featuring a lovely monument backdrop. Additionally, local destinations like Bear Country USA, Reptile Gardens, Big Thunder Gold Mine, and the 1880 Train are top family-friendly attractions that highlight the area’s historical and cultural charm.
Watertown
Watertown is a Northeastern South Dakota gem that has it all: dynamic history, notable culture, picturesque settings, and quirky Americana feel that make it one of the best places to visit in 2024. One of the best ways to soak up the best of Watertown is by exploring its historic downtown area. Encompassing a rich heritage from its pioneering past to its Prohibition-era lore, the Codington County destination has an eclectic array of attractions, including area favorites like the Codington County Heritage Museum and The Goss Opera House. Additionally, walk in the footsteps of Prohibition-era Al Capone with a tour of the town’s railroad tunnels; soak up its artsy vibes at the Watertown Artwalk and Redlin Art Center, and get historical at the M.L. St. Railroad Depot and the Mellette House.
Watertown also has its share of outdoor recreation, with the nearby Big Sioux River offering popular activities like canoeing, boating, and kayaking. Lake Kampeska is another Watertown locale known for its natural beauty. Home to scenic parks, golf courses, and a myriad of watersports, The lake also hosts a trail network, some of which connect to town sights and stops along the Watertown Recreational Trail. The area also has plenty of family-friendly attractions, including The Bramble Park Zoo, a 15-acre wildlife park; Joy Ranch of South Dakota, an 1880s prairie town packed with Old West activities; and the Pelican Lake Recreation Area, home to hiking, camping, birdwatching, and an observation tower boasting some of the Codington County’s most beautiful vistas.
Pierre
Home to less than 15,000 residents, Pierre is the second least populated state capital in the US—however, its blend of dynamic culture, rich history, and picture-perfect Missouri River local makes it one of 2024’s most popular places to visit in South Dakota. Serving as the Mount Rushmore State’s capital since 1899, Pierre has an abundant heritage that can be seen through historical attractions like the State Capitol and the South Dakota State Historical Society. Visitors can also learn more about the distinguished capital’s past with a trip to its sister city, Fort Pierre, opposite Pierre across the Missouri River. Fort Pierre’s riverside locale is perfect for enjoying the area’s natural beauty at locales like Fischers Lilly Park, LaFramboise Island, and the Oahe West Shore Trail.
The Missouri River offers plenty of outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. Additionally, watersports fans will find Lake Oahe a top destination for diving, while hiking opportunities on The Capitol Creek Walk and The Governor’s Walk showcase some of the region’s best views. Recreation in the Pierre area also has its historical side: mentioned in the journals of famed explorers Lewis and Clark, LaFramboise Island Nature Area is also a wonderful spot for Bird/wildlife watching, hiking, and biking.
Vermillion
Vermillion is a Southeastern South Dakota town known for its Missouri River views and picture-perfect scenery. Located roughly one hour from Sioux Falls, the scenic small town is a welcome respite from city life. Soak up the area’s prettiest landscapes and waterfront vistas at local favorites like the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area and Clay County Park while enjoying outdoor activities like swimming, biking, hiking, and birdwatching. The Spirit Mound Historical Prairie is also a well-known Vermillion locale known for its history and natural beauty—here, visitors can walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark before taking the short hike to the top to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area. Bluffs Golf Course also offers 18 holes of championship golfing and a scenic walking trail showcasing the Missouri River Bluffs.
Home to the University of South Dakota—the state’s oldest university—Vermillion has a unique character and charm reflected throughout the historic, tree-lined campus. The campus also hosts a must-see attraction of its own, the National Music Museum. Vermillion’s downtown area is also extremely walkable and features many cultural and historical attractions, including the W.H. Over Museum and the Austin-Whittemore Museum. Additionally, Vermillion also hosts the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival each year, a popular event held in the town’s Prentis Park.
De Smet
Home to just over 1,000 residents, De Smet is the very definition of cozy. However, the Kingsbury County community remains one of 2024's most scenic South Dakota towns because of its natural beauty and historic character, reflected in everything from its vibrant heritage to its artsy, eclectic charm. Green spaces like Rose Vincent Memorial Park and Washington Park showcase the town’s lovely landscapes, while the quaint downtown is pure Americana, featuring classic places like The Oxbow Restaurant, Ward’s Store & Bakery, and the Loftus Store.
Often referred to as the “Little Town on the Prairie,” De Smet’s claim to fame is straight out of a storybook. The home of Laura Ingalls Wilder—one of the town’s first residents and famed chronicler of its humble beginnings—De Smet has many attractions celebrating its well-known writer, including the Wilder Welcome Center, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, the Ingalls Homestead, and the nearby Silver Lake & Walking Trail. Every summer, the town also hosts the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, which features reenactments of her most popular works. However, there is more to De Smet’s history than all things Laura and visitors can learn more about the prairie town’s proud past at destinations like the Depot Museum and the De Smet Cemetery.
Hill City
Surrounded by some of the state’s most iconic destinations—including Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial—Hill City is one of the most darling small towns in South Dakota. The perfect base camp for exploring the area’s most dramatic sights, the “Heart of the Black Hills” is also less than an hour away from top attractions like Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. However, any mention of Hill City’s nearby points of interest would be incomplete without mentioning Custer State Park. Located less than a half hour from Hill City, the beautiful park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and features some of the Black Hills’ best biking, hiking, horseback riding, and breathtaking backdrops like the Cathedral Spires.
Hill City is also home to a signature attraction of its own, the Black Hills Central Railroad’s 1800 Train. Offering a two-hour round-trip expedition to Hill City neighbor Keystone, the journey showcases the Black Hills’ stunning landscapes while providing a look into its storied past. Keystone is also home to must-visit attractions, including the National Presidential Wax Museum and the Visitor Center Walking Tour, where sightseers can view some of the best views of nearby Mount Rushmore. After returning to Hill City, be sure to visit its diverse line-up of wineries and restaurants, including the Wild West Pecan Company, Prairie Berry Winery, and Alpine Inn.
Often referred to as “the land of infinite variety,” South Dakota’s distinctive heritage and stunning natural backdrops are as diverse as the state itself. But what truly sets the sprawling state apart is its line-up of darling small towns that offer a glimpse into some of its most iconic destinations, including famous spots like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. From the bustling (yet quaint) state capital of Pierre to Black Hills beauties like Hill City, 2024’s most scenic South Dakota towns have something for everyone looking for adventure in the vast, wide-open spaces of the Great Plains.
