7 Little-Known Towns In South Dakota
Affectionately known as the “Mount Rushmore State,” South Dakota is a splendid geographic and cultural destination for any traveler to experience in the North Central United States. The 17th largest state by area, with a population of only 919,000, it could be easy to overlook South Dakota, yet its inviting natural and historic beauty will definitely persuade visitors to return. While major cities like Pierre and Sioux Falls remain the best known, there are also a number of lesser-known towns that, too, are rich in intrigue and fun. From former mining centers to awesome outdoor settings, these communities are every bit as alluring as their big-city counterparts. Come and see the “Mount Rushmore State”, then and discover authentic Americana through a visit to these little known towns with plenty of big time attraction!
Custer
The town of Custer was established in the 1870s and is the oldest non-indigenous settlement in South Dakota. The seat of Custer County, home to a modern population of 1,844 inhabitants, is a scenic community within the Black Hills Region adjacent to the sprawling Custer State Park (covering an area of 71,000 acres). An awesome place to enjoy the great outdoors, guests and residents alike can partake in scenic opportunities to go biking, hiking, and mountain climbing in a hot summer climate. And, of course, with the beloved Mount Rushmore Monument just a short 30-minute drive away, stopping in Custer is always welcome.
Meanwhile, as a historic former gold mining center, tourists can also appreciate Custer’s old-world character. Explore a number of preserved 19th-century landmarks that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the County Courthouse (1881) and the Garlock House (1890). And in the summer, do not forget about the Gold Discovery Days Celebration featuring car shows, carnivals, food vendors, arts and crafts, parades, and loads of fun for the entire family! The 2025 event runs from July 18th to 20th.
Mitchell
Along the James River and seat of Davison County, Mitchell is a welcoming mid-sized town that can trace its modern history to the 1880s. Home to a modest population of just under 16,000 residents, hot summer and mild winter temperatures are the norm here, and camping and fishing in the area are popular throughout most of the year. Meanwhile, for the indoors-inclined and history-loving traveler, be sure not to miss the fascinating Dakota Discovery Museum. Highlighting the State’s indigenous and foundational history through numerous artifacts and exhibits, all ages can appreciate this most immersive and insightful place.
And of course, any visitor to Mitchell would be remiss in forgetting about the famous Corn Palace, which rightfully attracts over half a million tourists annually. Completed in 1921, this visually unique arena is amongst the most special landmarks in South Dakota. This Moorish Revival Style building is a photogenic delight, featuring an exterior decorated with crop art (frequently changed to reflect holidays and seasons). For those who spend time in town long enough, it means that no two visits to the Corn Palace are ever the same. As for the inside, enjoy events like music concerts, rodeos, sports games, and even a polka festival!
Dell Rapids
Known as “The Little City with Big Attractions”, Dell Rapids is a pleasant and welcoming community where guests can encounter both fascinating history and beautiful outdoor surroundings. Established in the 1870s and today home to a humble population of nearly 4,000, Dell Rapids in Minnehaha County is along the banks of the Big Sioux River (where fishing is always popular). And with hot summer and mild winter temperatures, there is never a bad time to spend outdoors. Go cycling, hiking, and camping here, all while enjoying the charming small-town character.
Meanwhile, as a 19th-century town, plenty of preserved landmarks continue to create a special allure in the area. Once a well-known quarry of Sioux Quartzite rock, many of the historic buildings are noted for being composed of this abundant natural mineral. Amongst the sites of note include the Carnegie Public Library (1910) and the Grand Opera House (1888), which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Deadwood
At the height of the South Dakota Gold Rush in the late 1870s and early 1880s, the town of Deadwood was home to a sizeable population of some 25,000 residents. Today, just over 1,300 call this historic place home, which has been listed entirely as a National Historic Landmark. The seat of Lawrence County, indeed today, the town serves as a living time machine that transports guests directly to the 19th century with its wide assortment of preserved landmarks and museums. Stop by the Adams Museum, which illuminates the town’s gold mining past and the lives of several key figures of the Old West, including Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. From there, explore the former Deadwood Brothel and the Days of ’76 Museum, further showcasing life in the tumultuous 1800s. But even just strolling through Main Street and its storefronts (and even some former saloons) may be enough to truly get a sense of the Gold Rush days. In fact, the town was even the setting for the TV series of the same name, which began airing in 2004.
Meanwhile, outdoor lovers can take advantage of several hiking and biking trails in the vicinity, while the captivating Sheridan Lake is a great place to go fishing. Finally, charming local eateries like Mustang Sally’s and Saloon No. 10 offer authentic Western-style food in a cozy and nostalgic ambiance.
Sturgis
Sturgis was established during the Black Hills Gold Rush in the 1870s, and today, just over 7,000 call it home. The seat of Meade County in Western South Dakota, this inviting town is a nature lover’s dream where there is never a shortage of exciting activities to partake in. Featuring a hot summer and mild winter climate, opportunities to go cycling, hiking, and even rock climbing in the Black Hills Mountains are an enticing excursion. Meanwhile, visiting the nearby Badlands National Park immerses one in geologic wonder and gives one more chance to be active in the great outdoors.
Back in the town proper, guests can enjoy an assortment of fine local businesses and eateries that exude small-town charm. These include the Knuckle Saloon and Big Al’s Swap Shop, amongst others. And, of course, do not forget about the August Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which has been held annually since 1938. Attracting nearly 500,000 guests, this ten-day event sees thousands more riders descend on the town to showcase their choppers, their riding gear, and their shared love of the open road.
Spearfish
Within South Dakota’s Black Hills region near the border with Wyoming. Spearfish is like many towns in the State, it was established during the Gold Rush of the late 1800s and today it continues to maintain an old world charm amongst a splendid natural setting. Home to just over 12,000 residents, guests can visit such historic attractions like the Frawley Ranch (1880), the Arthur Hewes House (1905), and the Webb S. Knight House (1892), amongst others that are included on the National Register of Historic Places. And do not forget about the pleasing campus of Black Hills State University (1883), where quiet afternoons are a great way to relax.
In addition, with a climate known for its mild winters and hot summers spending time outdoors in Spearfish is always an attractive proposition. Enjoy cycling, hiking, mountain climbing, and fishing, and make sure to visit the nearby Spearfish Canyon where pretty waterfalls and lush greenery are truly picture perfect.
Vermillion
Vermillion serves as the seat of Clay County near the Nebraska border, where a historical character and a beautiful natural climate continue to entice any traveling guest. Established by French fur traders in the 1850s, today, nearly 12,000 call the town home, which also stunningly overlooks the mighty Missouri River. Featuring hot summers and cool winters, the outdoors adventurist will surely appreciate Vermillion and its awesome chances to go swimming, camping, biking, and hiking along the River and in the numerous town park areas, which is a delight all ages can enjoy. Add in a most scenic round of golf at the Bluffs Golf Course (which overlooks the River), and Vermillion will definitely become a place one will want to return to.
And, of course, with a 19th-century foundational history, the history lover can marvel at several landmarks in town from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. These include the County Courthouse (1912), the Inman House (1882), and the Whittemore House (1884), amongst many others that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, with welcoming local restaurants like the Dakota Brick House and Bunyan’s, an authentic taste of the West is never far away!
The Timeless Charm of South Dakota
South Dakota may be best known as the home of the Mount Rushmore Monument, but its smaller towns reveal a depth of cultural allure and natural beauty that extends far beyond this iconic landmark. From the historic mining centers of Deadwood and Custer to the picturesque natural settings of Dell Rapids and Spearfish, these communities encapsulate the essence of the "Mount Rushmore State." Offering a mix of rich history, scenic landscapes, and small-town charm, they showcase some of the best that America has to offer. When visiting the North Central United States, don’t overlook these hidden gems—each one a testament to South Dakota’s enduring appeal.
