6 Best South Dakota Towns For A Weekend Trip
Are you packed for a weekend trip but can not, for the life of you, decide where to spend it? Well, some top-notch destinations await in the great Mount Rushmore State! South Dakota has built a reputation for being one of the most lush and charming places to visit, but before it became such a prominent destination, it was a land shaped by Native American heritage. Even before European settlers arrived, human life had influenced the land for several thousand years, dating back to 12000 BC. Today, visitors can enjoy visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial, exploring Badlands National Park, experiencing Custer State Park, or discovering Deadwood. Whether you are going for South Dakota’s cold winters or hot, humid summers, these small towns eagerly await your arrival any time of the year!
Deadwood
A small town with more than a few notable attractions that put it on the map, best experienced from a starting point affectionately named The Lodge at Deadwood. This hotel provides a casino, indoor pool, and mountain views for you to enjoy before heading out to see the sights. A short drive to Historic Main Street lets you see original 19th-century buildings, including the site of Wild Bill Hickok’s death at Saloon No. 10. A trip down that road is not complete without passing by the Adams Museum—just a short walk away—for a glimpse into Victorian-era life. Speaking of old times, the town also hosts daily reenactments of Old West shootouts on its streets! Dinner at Legends Steakhouse would be the perfect way to conclude a long day in this beautiful small town.
Spearfish
Anglers have an especially good time in this small town. Along Spearfish Creek, near the popular City Park, lies the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives, where you will also find some notable historic buildings and trout ponds. The Spearfish City Campground is a well-known spot, as you will quickly realize at first glance, but when it comes to accommodation, The Inn At Spearfish Creek is your best bet, and, as the name implies, it is just along all those famous spots near water! If you head downtown, you might be pleased to know that the local breweries are quite high-end, like the Spearfish Brewing Company. But if that is not your thing, the area is full of places to try along Main Street, like Ruby's Roost.
Custer
A small town that made a big name for itself, Custer is a name that visitors associate with two things: a herd of 1,300 bison and the Needles Highway. Heading straight for Custer State Park will let you see what makes this place so enchanting. Custer is typically used as a gateway to Mount Rushmore, which is around 17 miles away, but there is more to this community than meets the eye. Staying at the Bavarian Inn in the Black Hills puts you near the downtown area, where you can visit the 1881 Courthouse Museum. Indeed, this town has a rich history, and The Custer Beacon is one of the oldest continuously operating newspapers in the state!
Hill City
South Dakota is made great by its fascinating history, and Hill City is yet another thread in its rich tapestry. In fact, you will find the 1880 Train there—a historic steam locomotive that runs between Hill City and Keystone. The Black Hills National Forest surrounds the town, so it is also great for biking, camping, and hiking; though, you can still take the closer options like Spirit of the Hills Park or Tracy Park. You might want to book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites because that is where you will find all the modern amenities without being too far from all the beauty like Major Lake or Spring Creek. It is also near the 'Museum @ Black Hills Institute,' where you can see the dinosaur skeletons like Sue the T. rex!
Vermillion
The best way to see Vermillion is from the aptly named Best Western Vermillion Inn. From there, you can see all the best South Dakota has to offer. You can start your journey on an educational note with a visit to the National Music Museum—a sizeable collection of instruments from different cultures await you there! If you are more interested in Midwest American History than music, then you would be more inclined to visit Austin Whittemore House instead. Downtown Vermillion has more than that, though; just outside the museum, you can have a nice sit down at Café Brulé before taking a walk around Audubon Green Space or Cotton Park. The Vermillion River is just south of that area, which makes for a peaceful stroll and a perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Lead
A lot of surprises await in the small town of Lead. For instance, did you know that the Homestake Mine was once the largest gold mine in the Western Hemisphere? You can see what remains of it at the Lead Gold Mine Lookout, which now stands adjacent to the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. The Black Hills Mining Museum can help you learn more about the town’s mining history. A weekend trip would merit a stay at Jack's Getaway or KDR Unlimited Lodging; that way, you can be close to all the best parts of town, such as the Lead Trailhead on the George S. Mickelson Trail, and just a short drive south to Lewie's Burgers & Brews, where you can enjoy a hearty meal and a laid-back atmosphere.
The Mount Rushmore State can really bring out the best in the country, and not just through its major tourist attractions. Some of the friendliest communities, the most tranquil rivers, and a deeply layered history make South Dakota unmatched for weekend trips. Whether you are exploring historic towns or soaking in the natural beauty, every moment here feels like a discovery. If you are looking for a surefire way to enjoy a weekend, the experience in South Dakota has a way of leaving a lasting impression.
