6 Towns in South Dakota With Thriving Local Businesses

Known as "the land of infinite variety," the midwestern US state of South Dakota is brimming with remarkable landscapes and an area that spans 77,123 square miles. From the Mount Rushmore National Memorial to the otherworldly stretches of the Badlands National Park, travelers can enjoy the wonders of Mount Rushmore State with a visit to its towns. These South Dakota towns are not only chalked with the state's gems but are home to an array of thriving local businesses with must-see specialty shops.

Hill City

Nicknamed the "Heart of the Hills," Hill City is conveniently close to the center of the Black Hills and only 26 miles southwest of Rapid City. History, art, and outdoor attractions await travelers who visit this South Dakota town, which has its origins in the Black Hills gold rush era.

Whether travelers hop aboard the 1880 Train or explore the prehistoric fossils at the Museum at Black Hills Institute, this South Dakota town also offers visitors a range of specialty shops, galleries, and boutiques. Appreciate a melange of regional and local artists at the Warrior's Work Ben West Gallery on Main Street and peruse its collection of American-made leather apparel. Enjoy the light-hearted ambiance at The Farmer's Daughter while shopping for one-of-a-kind yard art, or find sterling silver and turquoise jewelry at the Jewel of the West.

Hill City also boasts over 30 dining spots for visitors to discover, as well as award-winning wineries, tasting rooms, and microbreweries. Step into the homely ambiance at the historic Alpine Inn Restaurant on Elm and Main Street to enjoy elegant European cuisine. Travelers with a penchant for wine should consider visiting Prairie Berry Winery to sample their internationally acclaimed wines, including the popular "Red Ass Rhubarb."

Spearfish

Wildlife is abundant and lush at Spearfish, a South Dakota town in the northern Black Hills. Travelers who adore the outdoors can feel at home in Spearfish. Enjoy fishing in Spearfish Creek, meander along the roads within the Spearfish Canyon, or listen to the rushing waters of Bridal Veil Falls.

While enjoying the natural sights of this South Dakota town, carve some time into exploring its local businesses too. Appreciate local art at the Termesphere Gallery, where Dick Termes' artwork—painted spheres or 'Termespheres'—is on display. These stunning art pieces are optical illusions, intricately painted using a 6-point perspective! On Main Street, shop for quirky gifts at The Junk Drawer, find specialty games at Lookout Games or hunt for vintage comics at Nine8Culture.

Head to Killian's Food and Drink near downtown Spearfish and try craft beer and handcrafted American fare from their ever-changing menu. Diners can also enjoy a selection of vegetarian and vegan items. For a sweet treat, pop into Leones' Creamery for any of their eight ever-changing flavors of artisanal ice cream, which pair perfectly with their in-house waffle cones!

Vermillion

Home to the University of South Dakota, Vermillion is a college town along the Missouri River bank. This destination is a central location and within a short day's drive from Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, and Omaha.

Vermillion offers visitors beautiful art, history, and outdoor landscapes, as well as local businesses to discover. Visit the Valiant Vineyards Winery and Distillery and sip on wine crafted in South Dakota's first winery. The property also includes a tasting room and a bed and breakfast. Bring home fair trade artisan goods—like jewelry, baskets, or scarves—sustainably crafted in Guatemala from Sharing the Dream in Guatemala or stop by the Tigert Art Gallery, the largest art gallery in the Midwest and purveyors of artwork created by Terry Redlin and Jon Crane.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Mister Smith's Bakery and Cafe or dig into a mouthwatering sandwich on homemade bread (once regarded as the 'best bread in the world' by Oprah Magazine!). For a selection of European and American fare, Café Brule in downtown Vermillion is a treat, with a selection of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert items.

Wall

Wall is a small town with a big personality in South Dakota. Tourists flock to Wall every year to enjoy its quirks and to bask in the surroundings of the South Dakota Badlands, hence its nickname, the "Window to the West."

In between visiting the Badlands National Park and saying hello to the 80-foot dinosaur, travelers should devote some time to visiting Wall's local shops, including the Wall Drug Store, a quirky (and historic) gift shop popular among travelers that sells many souvenirs, handicrafts, and regional specialty items. For a unique souvenir from Wall, visit Dakota Sky Stone to browse Native American handcrafted jewelry from turquoise stones.

After a long day, hungry travelers can satiate their hunger at Wall Drug's Western Art Gallery Restaurant, a kid-friendly eatery famous for its homemade donuts, 5-cent coffee, and buffalo burgers. Alternatively, dine at Wall's newest gastropub, Salty Steer, which boasts a selection of mouthwatering burgers, steaks, and local craft beer.

Mitchell

Mitchell is a memorable South Dakota town world-famous for its vibrant Corn Palace, the world's only corn palace built with 12 different colors of corn, grains, and native grasses! USA Today regarded Mitchell as one of the top small towns in the Midwest for its historic downtown area, outdoor activities, and history.

After enjoying the trails at Lake Mitchell or immersing yourself in the exhibits of the Dakota Discovery Museum, take time to explore Mitchell's local businesses. The expansive Second Impression Palace Antique Mall is only steps from the Corn Palace, offering two floors full of antiquities and unique finds. Families visiting Mitchell can also drive to Farm Life Creamery near Ethan to discover small-batch handcrafted cheese, bottled milk, and ice cream!

Dig into hearty American fare at Mitchell Depot, a family restaurant in a historic train depot. This popular casual dining spot boasts tantalizing half-pound Angus beef burgers, specialty salads, homemade desserts, and much more. Alternatively, visitors can embrace the retro vibes at Zesto, another popular eatery in Mitchell with a range of delicious frozen goodies and American eats.

Custer

Custer offers visitors a small-town feel in the heart of the Black Hills. Travelers can treasure Custer's scenic view while embarking on outdoor activities, from hiking to kayaking. Every year, tourists head to this South Dakota town to enjoy its highlights, from basking in the natural settings of Custer State Park to admiring the visages of the four US presidents on Mount Rushmore.

In addition to appreciating the scenic landscapes around Custer, remember to explore some local shops! For 79 years, Ken's Minerals and Trading Post has been an iconic shop for rocks, fossils, gemstones, and other rare items. Discover local art at Custer's Deep Creek Gallery on South 6th Street or the cooperative Art Expressions Gallery of Custer on 5th Street.

Travelers seeking an upbeat atmosphere will enjoy the vibes at The Custer Beacon, a space for patrons to eat, drink, enjoy live music, or participate in community events. Dig into fish and chips or the Walleye Po'Boy at Custer Wolf, a popular and casual spot among tourists and locals for American fare. The Skogen Kitchen is another culinary gem in downtown Custer. Reserve a table at this Chef-driven restaurant and experience international flavors on your plate for dinner!

The Mount Rushmore State of South Dakota offers plenty of experiences for people seeking a nature-filled vacation. The scenic landscapes and iconic attractions of the state are bucket-worthy must-visits for any curious traveler, but the thriving local businesses in South Dakota are worth visiting as well!