7 Most Memorable Small Towns In South Dakota
With approximately 14.4 million people visiting South Dakota in 2022, it is clear why the Great Plains state is such a popular destination. While much of its tourist industry is directly associated with the Badlands National Park, it may be surprising to learn how popular these towns are for people searching for the small-town experience. These towns have attractions ranging from historical opera houses and beaches to glacial lakes. If you are looking to create memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family, here are seven small towns in South Dakota that will help you do just that.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen offers some of the most affordable travel for families. For visitors to understand the complex history of Aberdeen, a visit to the Dacotah Prairie Museum is required. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that emphasize the area's Native American heritage and pioneer era. To enjoy the surrounding landscape, Wylie Park provides an escape with its blue lakes, scenic trails, and family activities, which include mini-golf and a petting zoo. To reconnect with your inner child, be sure to stop by the Storybook Land and Land of Oz. The park brings dreams to life as visitors see many of their favorite animated characters during their visit to the amusement park. Depending on the season, the city hosts annual events such as the South Dakota Film Festival and the Brown County Fair, which provides entertainment for all ages.
Brookings
This beautiful town has no shortage of activities, and Brooking's culture, adventures, and history leave lasting impressions on those who visit. Allow your creativity to come out at the Children's Museum of South Dakota. As implied by the name, exploring this museum is the perfect spot for children and is a premier family activity in Brookings. After, Get outside and enjoy some fresh air when you visit the historic McCrory Gardens. The venue is open from dawn to dusk and offers numerous trails where people can jog or bike while enjoying the beauty of the local vegetation.
Learn more about the food on your plate by visiting the Agricultural Heritage Museum. Agriculture has played a pivotal role in Brooking's history and continues to do so today, so be sure to visit the various exhibitions that help explain the importance of local agriculture. A stroll through the historic downtown area of Brookings is a must when visiting. This significant downtown played a major role in the expansion into the Great Plains. The Brookings Historic Preservation Commission offers a map detailing the walking tour with brief descriptions of some prominent buildings.
Watertown
Watertown is known as a place where art meets adventure and history. This piece of paradise on the prairie is the perfect spot for a getaway as relaxing or wild as you want. Watertown is known for a glacial lake located near the town. Lake Kampseka has crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and many miles of shoreline, which offer the unique opportunity for a beach day in the heart of the Great Plains.
Watertown has an outlaw past, with a variety of known criminals frequenting the town quite often; it has unofficially become part of the "Bootlegger Trail." Visitors can explore the same tunnel systems used during the prohibition era by some of America's most famous criminals, such as Al Capone. Continue on your journey back to 1888 with a visit to the Goss Opera House, which is known for being so authentic you almost feel like you've traveled back in time. Visitors can learn more about the area's history at The Codington County Heritage Museum. The museum features exhibits of ghost towns of the area, local legends, and the various settlers who helped create this beautiful town.
Huron
Located in the Heart of South Dakota, Huron attracts visitors with its ability to offer unique experiences that wait to be discovered. Settled in the James River Valley and enclosed by grasslands, Huron is a city where time seems to slow and invites guests to enjoy its small-town charm. The community of Huron is spoiled with local talent, and each year, Huron welcomes various performers, bands, and cultural programs to entertain residents and visitors. Visitors mustn't miss the next great orchestra show at the Fine Arts Center or enjoy a live play at the Huron Area Community Theatre, which has long been providing quality production for Huron and surrounding communities.
To understand even more of this town's rich history, take a visit to the Dakotaland Museum. The museum, which was originally known as "The Pioneer Museum," now serves as a tribute to all the early settlers in the region. If you wish to experience a quirky attraction, then Huron is the right place for you. Be sure not to miss the World's Largest Pheasant, which is a 28-foot, 22-ton statue that alludes to the area's excellent pheasant hunting and is the local pride and joy.
Box Elder
A weekend retreat to Box Elder promises visitors an engaging combination of outdoor adventures and cultural exploration. Begin your journey with a visit to the acclaimed Ellsworth Air Force Base Heritage Center, which delves into the region's military history. For a more rugged experience, nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Box Elder Creek Recreation, home to an abundance of hiking trails and peaceful spots that are perfect for relaxation. For family-friendly entertainment, Storybook Island in nearby Rapid City is home to some of the most imaginative playgrounds and themed attractions in the state.
As previously mentioned, a main destination is the raw beauty of the Badlands National Park; just a short drive away, the park showcases otherworldly landscapes and unique rock formations and is truly one of the most unique landscapes in the country. Cap off your weekend with a taste of local cuisine in Box Elder's charming eateries and experience the community's warm hospitality first-hand.
Yankton
This historic city was founded on the Missouri River and is a place where history and nature align. Whether you want to relax on the sandy beaches, explore the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, or admire the 1886 Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home, you will find something to enjoy in Yankton. For a more adventurous outing, take a hike across the grand Missouri River on the Meridian Bridge and utilize the bridge's pedestrian walkway that connects the states of Nebraska and South Dakota. Spare some time to read and absorb the bridge's history located on plaques at the bridge's lower level. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, then the Lewis and Clark Lake visitor center is the perfect stop. At the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, you'll get an interpretation of the Missouri River basin and exhibitions displaying history from the local Pioneers and Native Americans.
The Grand Army of the Republic Hall Gallery is an art gallery located in downtown Yankton. It provides a unique art experience with its rotating art exhibits featuring some world-renowned artists. Cap off the evening with a walk through town and enjoy the fact that most of the city's buildings were built completely in limestone. Yankton has the most extensive collection of limestone buildings in the world, and they are impressive and a must-see.
Mitchell
A weekend getaway to Mitchell promises a blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Start by making a stop at the iconic Corn Palace, which is a unique structure covered with murals made of corn and grains and truly channels your inner harvester. Explore the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, where archaeological discoveries have long been providing a glimpse into the region's Native American heritage. For a more relaxed experience, roam through the Mitchell Park and Recreation Area, which features beautiful gardens and peaceful landscapes that soothe all visitors upon arrival.
Bring your appetite and indulge in local flavors at Mitchell's charming downtown, filled with plenty of restaurants to leave you feeling full. Don't miss the opportunity to eat at the locally renowned Cattleman's Steakhouse or The Depot to try some of the local specialties. Complete your memorable trip with a visit to Lake Mitchell, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, or simply basking in the natural beauty. Mitchel's unique attractions ensure a weekend filled with lasting memories for those seeking a diverse escape in South Dakota.
A trip to these small towns in South Dakota guarantees a memorable visit by offering a variety of experiences that serve all interests. From the streets of Aberdeen, where natural beauty meets cultural richness, to Brookings, with its family-friendly attractions and historical significance, each town adds a unique flavor to the South Dakota experience. Between natural geography, unique attractions, and historical significance, these towns will surely leave you searching for a return trip to South Dakota.
