6 Most Unconventional Towns In South Dakota

The state of South Dakota, with its wide-open spaces and rugged beauty, is true to its frontier roots all the way to its countless small towns. With less than a million people and over 75,000 square miles of landscape, there are hundreds of tiny towns with very peculiar stories and unique offerings perfect for your next adventure. Be it Scenic's mysterious allure or Deadwood's equally vivacious history, there's a taste of the unconventional charm that defines South Dakota. Ranging from Badlands National Park to Durkee Lake in Faith, whatever treasure you seek can be found in these offbeat towns of the Mount Rushmore State.

Scenic

Scenic is a partially abandoned town with an eery feel, but it is a must-see for the intrepid traveler because of its haunting beauty and rich history. Once a thriving cowboy town, Scenic now sports a haunted jailhouse, post office, and even the Scenic Town Hall—and these preserved structures make it easy to imagine life in the Wild West.

Badlands National Park is a short drive away. It offers stunning views of jagged cliffs, fossil beds, and wildlife like bison and prairie dogs. If history is more your speed, stop at the nearby Kadoka Depot Museum, which gives insight into the area's Wild West history and railroad heritage.

Tourists looking for a memorable meal should try the Wagon Wheel Bar nearby. It occasionally opens its doors to curious travelers and offers a unique atmosphere as wild as the town itself. Scenic is a photographer's dream and a history buff's paradise.

Deadwood

Deadwood is a living monument to the Wild West, mixing its rich history with modern entertainment. Stroll down Main Street, lined with 19th-century restored buildings turned casinos, shops, and restaurants. Among the most popular eateries is Mustang Sally’s, which serves up burgers and brews that are a hit with locals. Adams Museum goes in-depth with the town’s gold rush past, while the Days of ’76 Museum displays the town’s famous annual rodeo history with a collection of historic wagons and firearms.

Up the gulch lies Mount Moriah Cemetery, the final resting place for legends Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. If you are looking for a time when Deadwood is even more unconventional than usual, arrive when you can catch the Wild Bill Days or the Deadwood Jam music festival.

Faith

Faith might be a small prairie town, but it is the internationally famous location where Sue, the largest and most well-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever discovered, was unearthed. The Faith Vistor Center & Museum has displays devoted to Sue and the rich paleontological bounty of the area.

But Faith has more to offer than a famous dinosaur skeleton. For those wanting to explore nature, Durkee Lake offers serenity for fishing, kayaking, or picnicking. Another is the Faith Stock Show and Rodeo, which is held annually. This event is a chance to see rodeo action, parades, and live music. The experience draws out just about the entire population to celebrate all things Western.

Okaton

Okaton is a step back into a forgotten chapter in the history of South Dakota. This semi-residential ghost town boasts wooden storefronts, an old schoolhouse, and a grain elevator that seems stuck in time. The Okaton General Store, though no longer open, is a sight to behold as this run down building once offered sandwiches, drinks, and a petting zoo.

Prominent landmarks include the town's post office which closed in 2013 and the Okaton Cemetery, with countless weathered gravestones identifying the former residents who occupied these lands in the gunslinging days of the Old West. While Okaton has few attractions, its neighbor Murdo hosts the Pioneer Auto Museum, a brilliant collection of old automobiles and memorabilia that starkly contrasts with the authentic ghost-town feel of Okaton.

Porcupine

Porcupine is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where visitors can immerse themselves in Lakota culture and history. A trip to KILI Radio, which is Native-owned and operated, is a must. This station tells stories, plays music, and passes along Lakota traditions.

A few miles outside Porcupine is the Wounded Knee Memorial, which now serves as a grim reminder of some of the most heartbreaking moments in Native American history. Exhibits on the culture, history, and resiliency of the Lakota people have become popular attractions at other sites, such as the Oglala Lakota College Historical Center.

The annual Powwow in Porcupine features colorful dancing, drumming, and crafts that showcase the rich culture of the Lakota Nation. This area of Mount Rushmore State is known for helping people explore the heritage and history of one of the state’s oldest surviving Native American tribes.

Interior

Although Interior is a small town, it has become an epicenter for outdoor enthusiasts, primarily due to its proximity to Badlands National Park. More adventurous visitors may enjoy hiking the Notch Trail, a challenging yet breathtaking path that opens to stunning views of the Badlands' unique topography. In summer, Badlands Appreciation Day brings a lively atmosphere with music, crafts, and free park admission.

Several exhibits at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center offer an overview of the local history at the main park entrance, including insights into the region's geological features, natural wildlife, and Native American heritage.

If you are looking for a memorable souvenir stop, the Badlands Ranch Store is a quaint roadside stop known for its friendly prairie dogs. The nearby Badlands Saloon and Grille serves hearty meals and refreshing beverages, making it the perfect spot after an afternoon of exploration.

Quirky little towns throughout South Dakota embody its history, culture, and natural wonder. Each destination is unique and somewhat unconventional, especially far from the urban centers like Pierre or Sioux Falls. Scenic's ghostly streets and nearby Badlands National Park emphasize a desolate and stunningly primal beauty. At the same time, Deadwood's lively Main Street and historical sites breathe life into a slice of the Wild West. Whether paleontological treasures in Faith, cultural depth in Porcupine, or outdoor activities in Interior, these towns help travelers discover the majesty of this scarcely populated region in the United States.