6 Best Downtowns In South Dakota
Nestled among the badlands and the Black Hills of South Dakota are some of the state’s most fascinating towns, steeped in the rich history of the gold rush, the Wild West, and the frontier era. These charming communities have seen a lot of history and evolved with the times to offer visitors a one-of-a-kind vacation in America’s heartland. In these vibrant downtowns, tourists can discover beautiful scenery, fascinating historic sites, outdoor adventures, and unique cultural experiences. It’s time to put South Dakota on your vacation bucket list, starting with these inviting small towns.
Pierre
It may be South Dakota’s state capital, but with a population of around 14,000, Pierre feels more like a small town than a big city. Established in 1880, Pierre has a vibrant downtown with plenty of historic sights. You can’t miss the South Dakota State Capitol, an imposing building erected in 1910 and built with beautiful architectural details, including Italian marble tiles. The Capitol building is open to the public and offers pre-arranged tours. Its extensive grounds also contain Capitol Lake and memorials honoring World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. While you’re there, look out for the ‘Trail of Governors, a walkway of bronze statues honoring past Governors that stretches from the Capitol Building to the riverside downtown area.
For beautiful views over the Missouri River, head for Steamboat Park. This downtown green space is the perfect spot for a picnic. In addition to picnic shelters, the park also has a boat ramp, a disc golf course, and fishing piers. For more stunning scenery, nature lovers should wander around the LaFramboise Island Nature Area, a bird watcher's paradise by the river. The best part is that these outdoor areas are within a five-minute walk of downtown Pierre.
Deadwood
Downtown Deadwood looks a lot like the movie set of a classic Western — especially in summer when the local theatre company stages reenactments of Wild West shoot-outs. This small community, tucked into the Black Hills, is a frontier town founded by gold rush prospectors in 1876 and visited by legendary outlaws like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
Visit the Days of ‘76 Museum to see a reconstruction of how Main Street looked in the 1800s. Also on display are more than 50 historic wagons and stagecoaches. Head out of town to explore the Broken Boot Gold Mine on Pioneer Way, where you can take an underground tour and learn about South Dakota’s mining operations over the decades. Deadwood is also conveniently close to several of the state’s major attractions, including the Black Hills National Forest and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Moreover, an hour’s drive north of town leads to Mount Rushmore, one of the United States’s most popular landmarks.
Spearfish
Close to the Wyoming border and nestled in the stunning scenery of the Black Hills, Spearfish is a charming town that draws many outdoor adventurers eager to explore nearby Spearfish Canyon. Downtown Spearfish has just as much to offer as its scenic surroundings. Stop into the Visitor Center in the former Bank of Spearfish building for a self-guided historic walking tour. The tour starts at the quirky downtown clock tower, topped by a globe. Visitors are welcome to turn the handle in the tower and make the globe spin.
Curious visitors should catch a show at the Matthews Opera House, which first opened in 1906 and has been the center of Spearfish’s arts and culture scene ever since. Moreover, one can take in local talent during the summer months when Main Street hosts a block party every Friday night with live bands, food, crafts, and kids activities.
Vermillion
Located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, Vermillion was incorporated in 1877 and has a downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some notable landmarks to visit here include the 1893 First National Bank Building of Vermillion, the 1890 First Baptist Church of Vermillion, and the 1904 Carnegie Library. While marveling at the historic architecture lining Vermillion’s streets, visitors should keep an eye out for more modern additions — several colorful murals depicting the town’s history and heritage.
Enthusiasts flock to the W.H. Over Museum to view South Dakota’s largest collection of natural and cultural history exhibits, including “Old Betsy,” the first motorized pumper fire truck in Vermillion. After taking in all of Vermillion’s history, one can relax near downtown at the scenic Barstow Park. With plenty of open space, a football field, and walking paths, it is excellent for a sunny day in South Dakota.
Keystone
The closest town to Mount Rushmore, Keystone, is a busy tourist town with a vibrant downtown. Visit the small but fascinating Keystone Museum, housed in an old schoolhouse, to learn about the creation of Mount Rushmore, the boom and bust of the Gold Rush era, and other significant periods in South Dakota’s history.
Take a ride into the past at the 1880 Rail Depot, where one can board a historic steam engine and take the trip through the dazzling Black Hills scenery from Keystone to Hill City. Back in town, retail therapy awaits, with unique souvenirs at the Iron Creek Leather, known for its cowboy hats, jackets, Native American jewelry, and more. Next door is the legendary Red Garter Saloon, a vintage Wild West-style bar and eatery with nightly live entertainment.
Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids is known for the unique rose-colored quartzite rock that was used to build several buildings downtown. Multiple blocks of the town are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and there are many eye-catching examples of architecture from its founding in the 1880s through the 1930s. The 1908 Rose Stone Inn and the 1888 Grand Opera House are notable examples of Dell Rapid’s distinctive rose facades. A block south of the historic district, you can also wander through the City Park, which contains the 1934 Gina Smith Campbell Bathhouse, the 1936 rose stone amphitheater, and the 1929 Dell Rapids bridge across the Big Sioux River. Visit the Dell Rapids Society For History on 4th Street to learn more about these landmarks and the town's history through the centuries.
South Dakota’s Bustling and Beautiful Downtowns
There’s no better way to get to know a state than wandering the downtowns of its small communities, and South Dakota is no exception. Here, every street tells a story with historic landmarks, charming local businesses, and cultural attractions. Ride a vintage train through the Black Hills, channel your inner outlaw at the local saloon, learn about the creation of South Dakota at the seat of its government, and meet the local wildlife along the Missouri River. Whatever you want out of a vacation, South Dakota delivers in its welcoming downtowns.
