7 Coolest Small Towns in South Dakota for a Summer Vacation

The state of South Dakota is in the heart of the landlocked American midwest. While many people are tempted to rush to the nation's many beach towns and lakeside communities in the summer, there is so much going on in The Mount Rushmore State that will appeal to fair-weather travelers. This place has huge swaths of undeveloped lands that are packed with cherished national and state parks that protect stark rock formations contrasting rolling plains above ground, and dramatic caves below, as well as classic frontier wildlife. There are many small South Dakota towns to check off on a sun-soaked road trip, each bringing you closer to iconic sites, intertwining cultures, and intriguing historical remnants, but these are some of the coolest. 

Custer

Custer is a small city (population of only 1,919 as of 2020), in a county by the same name in the Southwest corner of the state. This former mining town is perfectly situated within the Black Hills for a plethora of side-trip summer adventures. The 73,000-acre Custer State Park showcases granite spires and approximately 1,500 free-roaming North American bison sits a short drive East of town. The South end of the park transitions into Wind Cave National Park, home to the third longest cave in the country (150-miles of which have been explored), while the iconic Mount Rushmore can be reached after a brief Northbound drive. To the West of Custer visitors will find the Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as the Jewel Cave National Monument. 

Hot Springs

Another great basecamp for similar explorations, plus a soothing spot to settle in on those long sunny days is the quaint resort city of Hot Springs. This Fall River County community is only 40 miles South of Custer, and promotes rest and relaxation in the form of natural mineral spas that are peppered in and around town. After a few days of lounging, break the lethargy by making the brief drive North to Wind Cave National Park. Along with the aforementioned immense cave structure, the nation's sixth-oldest national park (founded in 1903) displays the vast beauty of the prairies and the corresponding herds of classic midwest mammals. Finally, for a glimpse into the megafauna of the past, check out The Mammoth Site – a collection of skeletal remains in a former sinkhole right in the heart of town. 

Keystone

Keeping within the Southwest cluster, the tiny town of Keystone is there to inject some social energy and fuel your fair-weather adventures. This Pennington County community has only 240 permanent residents (as of the 2020 census), but welcomes millions of visitors each year, a large percentage of whom are en route to the nearby Mount Rushmore National Monument. Keystone has morphed from a mining town to a logging town, and now to a fun-loving tourist town. The main strip is a place to grab some indulgent grub, hole up old-fashioned loggings, shop around for Wild West souvenirs, snap loads of pictures, play some mini-golf with friends and family, and simply connect with the plethora of enthusiastic road-tripping peers. 

Sturgis

Speaking of summer tourist fun, for ten days in August, the otherwise quiet city of Sturgis roars during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Though this Meade County settlement has a population of only 7,020, it competently welcomes hundreds of thousands of active motorheads, and curious audience members. Not only are there a string of races and memorial rides, but also food competitions and concerts to keep spectators entertained on all fronts. Similarly, at the end of August, the Sturgis Mustang Rally delights adoring crowds. If loud vehicles aren't your thing, fear not, for Sturgis sits on the Northeastern edge of the massive Black Hills National Forest – a place of preservation and serenity that encompasses the previous three entries, as well as our next summer destination.

Deadwood

Deadwood harkens back to the peak gold rush era, enshrining its history with vintage vibes throughout the downtown core. This West-Central, Lawrence County city is on the National Historic Register, which is a rewarding acknowledgement, but also a living, breathing manifestation. There are so many unique shops, saloons, and restaurants to visit, so be sure to spread out your nostalgic meandering over several days. Given the licentious nature of the Wild West, gambling remains an integral part of the scene. Those looking to try their luck or test their skills can partake in one of the 80 or so gaming halls. And if you hang around long enough, you are sure to witness one of the regular historic reenactments put on by enthusiastic residents.

Chamberlain

Now let's skip over to the East side of South Dakota, to the Brule County city of Chamberlain. This cute spot sits right on the Eastern bank of the Missouri River. Not only are the cool blue waters a refreshing sight (and sensation) in the heat of the season, but Chamberlain is also an excellent place to uncover the intertwining cultures of the region. The 50-foot-tall Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture pays homage to the Indigenous Lakota and Dakota people, and the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center delves into the storied past of these living Sioux tribes. Chamberlain is also home to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive center, which highlights the ground-breaking travels of the famous duo, as well as the South Dakota Hall of Fame, which celebrates standout citizens over the years from all walks of life. 

Wall

Lastly, cap off your South Dakota summer tour with a stop at the charming hole-in-the-wall town of Wall. With a population of only 699 people, and one 80-foot-tall brontosaurus statue, this Pennington County community is as wholesome and salt-of-the-earth as it gets. Wall is not only a charming place to unwind, but has been dubbed the "Window to the West," "Gateway to the Badlands," and "Heart of American Tourism," which speaks to the vitality of this tourist hub. Visitors are enticed, first and foremost, by the 244,000-acre, rugged, strange, and beautiful Badlands National Park, which can be accessed immediately South of town. The park is stunning by day, but even more so when the night sky reveals itself in full free-from-light-pollution grandeur. 

South Dakota is a cool place – especially in the summer! The great outdoors is ever-present, festivals are on regular rotation, revered monuments dot the state, and some of the nation's best parks beckon tourists away from the coasts and to the heartland. Every memorable adventure is supported by a good basecamp. Thankfully, there is no shortage of those in this place. So figure out if you want solitude or spectacle and then set course for one of these seven stellar spots.