7 Most Eccentric Towns in South Dakota

What does one look for in a destination? Is it peace and quiet, thrill and non-stop action? What about eccentricities? Of course, everybody wants to add a little something extra to their trip, and South Dakota is no stranger to eccentric towns and quirky features that set it apart from the rest. This landlocked state sits in the North Central region of the United States and has been an excellent host to people from all around the world for several thousand years, long before this land was even given a name.

Whether you are looking to visit the Corn Palace, see the world’s only “singing” sand dunes, or dig for Fairburn Agates, the Mount Rushmore State has all manner of quirky activities for you. So bring that fun energy, keep an open mind, and let loose in some of the most interesting towns in South Dakota!

Wall

The most peculiar ad campaign started in Wall, South Dakota—a small town best known for its rock formations. The Wall Drug billboards can be found all over the world, famously as far as the South Pole. The Wall Drug Store has been a sprawling roadside attraction since the 1930s, giving out free ice water. There are also some local oddities like the Wall Drug "Backyard," an interesting mix of life-sized statues and carnival-style attractions.

After a long day of exploring, it is also good to check out the nearby natural sites—the Badlands National Park adds an unusual mix of commerce next to a barren landscape.

Deadwood

A place of historical importance, Deadwood was a gold-rush town when it was first founded in 1876, during the Black Hills Gold Rush. What is also interesting about this place is the legalization of gambling, passed in 1989. It is one of the few places in the state where casinos are allowed.

The "Deadwood Brothel" Museum gives a glimpse into the town’s old red-light district, a must-see for visitors interested in the town’s history. For instance, the historic landmark here is the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried—so keep your camera ready as you make your way through this fun old town.

Hot Springs

As the name suggests, this small town of 3,600 is known for its natural warm-water springs. These springs are quite unique as they keep a constant temperature of around 87°F (31°C) year-round! The Evans Plunge is a unique area you can visit that provides year-round swimming in mineral-rich waters. If you are looking for something truly wild, though, the annual "Polar Plunge" event sets the stage. It takes place in February or early March, allowing residents to jump into frigid waters, usually for charity. Interestingly enough, the area is also a woolly mammoth dig site; it is an active paleontological dig where visitors can actually see mammoth bones up close!

Lead

Pronounced L-E-E-D, this town has an interesting mix of mining history and cutting-edge science. Home to the Homestake Gold Mine; this was once the largest and deepest gold mine in the Western Hemisphere. But if that is not intriguing enough, you can also book for a trip to the Open Cut—a massive mining pit visible from town, showing the sheer scale of past gold operations.

With a number of breathtaking sights to see, the town is also notable for its historic buildings. Many of these buildings were constructed to house miners and their families in the late 1800s. Today, Lead hosts an annual Winterfest, featuring snow sculpture competitions and curling (an ice sport) on frozen lakes.

Hill City

The small town of Hill City is very close to the mountainous Black Hills, from which it got its name. If you are feeling adventurous, the 1880 Train takes you on a vintage ride through the famous hills, connecting Hill City to Keystone. The journey up here gives you some incredible views of dense pine forests, gray cliffs of granite, and meadows as far as the eye can see.

There are many wineries that make this quirky getaway worth the trip, like the “Naked Winery”, which gained attention for its tongue-in-cheek marketing and funny/provocative wine names. There are also some art galleries and a blacksmith shop, Oldewest Blackmith Shop, within driving distance, but you simply cannot miss the annual Sculpture in the Hills show, which brings sculptors from across the country to display and sell their work.

Spearfish

Home to what some might call a geographic oddity; Spearfish Canyon is a narrow gorge nearby with some unusual rock formations and waterfalls that geologists have rightly shown an interest in. The ancient rock layers expose some of the oldest the Black Hills have had over years of sedimentation. More interesting, though, is how this small town holds the record for one of the fastest recorded temperature changes in the world! From 4°F to 45°F in two minutes, in 1943! This unprecedented change was due to a phenomenon called the "Chinook wind."

It is also home to one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the country, the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, established in 1896—definitely worth a visit.

Custer

Named after Lt. Colonel George Custer, who led an expedition that found gold in the Black Hills in 1874, this town is home to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress—the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is a great getaway for wildlife encounters, especially since the town itself is a gateway to Custer State Park, famous for its bison herds. And speaking of big game, the town hosts the annual “Buffalo Roundup” where hundreds of bison are herded, and where you can take a photo with the herd and the men that wrangled them.

Final Thoughts

It is always good to add something unconventional to your trip—making it more than just a tip, but an experience. It could be anything from a quirky festival, to a funny law that your friends might not believe really exists, but one thing is for sure, you will need to take a closer look to find out. These beautiful, eccentric towns in South Dakota are more than just places to explore and photograph while visiting the typical commercial vacation spots; they offer some of the most unexpected and interesting tidbits—all one has to do is know where to look.