7 Most Underrated Cities In South Dakota
South Dakota is home to many underrated cities that are worth visiting for a variety of reasons. The cities offer a unique glimpse into the state's history, culture, and natural beauty, and are often ideal tourist destinations. One of the main draws of South Dakota’s cities is their historic downtown areas. Many have preserved their main streets, with buildings and architecture dating back to the early twentieth century or before.
Besides the rich historical significance, most cities in the state have amazing natural attractions such as state parks, lakes, and forests, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
Gary
Lying on the eastern edge of the state, in the glacial lakes region, on Coteau Prairie, east of the Buffalo Ridge, close to the Minnesota border, the city belongs to Deuel County. With a population under 250, the city offers peace and quiet and a place where people can relax. The city’s name is in honor of a postal official, HB Gary.
Gary has a diverse population and businesses such as ranching, farming, and trucking. On the entertainment front, there are lots of lakes for fishing and water fun, rodeos, trail rides, cattle drives on the main street, and many games for some fun activities. The most prominent attraction in Gary is Lake Cochrane State Recreation Area which lies between Lake Cochrane and Lake Oliver. Activities that are available here are birdwatching, boating, canoeing, and biking on trails and roads.
Harrisburg
Situated just outside South Dakota’s popular city Sioux Falls, Harrisburg belongs to Lincoln County. With a population of 6,700, Harrisburg has a casual laid-back city life, with parks as well as arts, and a cultural scene. The city gets its name after the post office named in honor of Johnson Harris. Most people living in the city work in offices, in sectors such as administrative support, healthcare, and management.
While in Harrisburg, explore the city parks such as Central Park, Ellis Larson Park, Grand Gardens, and Heartland Park. Lake Alvin Recreation Area located close to Harrisburg is an ideal place for a family day outing with opportunities to fish, swim, and go boating. Another fantastic place to enjoy as a family is the Heartland Country Corn Maze.
Kadoka
Kadoka, the county seat of Jackson County is the "Gateway to the Badlands" due to its proximity to Badlands National Park. Also, because of this location at the mouth of a gap leading into the Badlands, the city got its name from the Lakota word "Hodoka" which translates to "hole in the wall.” It has a population of about 500, and people living here are either in business, the education sector, or science, and engineering-related fields.
The city is one of the friendliest cities, with ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, and rockhounding. Kadoka has places like a city park with an outdoor pool, a nine-hole golf course, softball fields, rodeo grounds, and more. Residents and visitors can enjoy places like South Dakota’s Original 1880 Town, Badlands Petrified Gardens, Badlands Distillery, Gem Theatre, and Kadoka Lake.
Lead
Located in the Black Hills region near Wyoming, this Lawrence County city located in the western part of the state has a population of about 3,000 and is well known for its rich mining history. It lies close to Rapid City and Deadwood. The city took its name from the term for a ledge of ore name pronounced “leed.” This unique city has a range of tourist attractions, in a valley surrounded by picturesque mountains, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the nearby Black Hills National Forest. Lead is also home to the Homestake Mine, which was the largest gold mine in North America in the past. Today, the mine is a science and engineering laboratory. The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center provides a unique opportunity to learn about the scientific research conducted at the former mine. Visitors must also tour the Black Hills Mining Museum, which depicts the city's rich mining history. Other nearby sites to explore are Roughlock Falls State Nature Area, Terry Peak Ski Area, Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary, and Lead Deadwood Arts Center.
Madison
Madison is a Lake County city located in eastern South Dakota. With a population of about 6,200, the city’s motto is "Discover the Unexpected" because of an abundance of recreational opportunities and its immaculate scenery. William Van Eps, named the town because the place reminded him of his home, Madison, Wisconsin. Since the city lies between Lake Herman and Lake Madison, it is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking.
Other things to do while in Madison include visiting the Prairie Pothole Region, a unique landscape formed by glacial activity that is home to a variety of wildlife. A stay in a rustic cabin, a hike to Walker’s Point, boutique shopping, and an evening of fine dining. Madison also has the nationally recognized Dakota State University, known for its quality education in technology and cybersecurity. Visitors can learn about the region's history at the Madison Area Historical Museum. Popular places that tourists explore around Madison include Lake Herman State Park for outdoor activities, Unlock Madison, an escape room center, Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History, a zoo and museum, and John Green Art Studio which is an art gallery.
Platte
This Charles Mix County city is not very populated and has a population of about 1,500. Platte is in the southern part of the state on the Missouri River, 20 miles east of Lake Francis Case. The city is named after Platte Creek which is a tributary arising from the same Missouri River’s Lake Francis Case. It also has three state parks nearby which makes it a popular destination for activities such as swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and more. The city has many flourishing businesses as well as great shopping opportunities.
It is one of the top community-oriented towns in America known for its strong Midwestern values and agricultural history. While in Platte tourists enjoy idyllic boutiques, antique shops, home-style restaurants, and the historic march across the country on the Lewis and Clark Trail. Visitors also enjoy Platte Creek State Recreation Area, Snake Creek State Recreation Area, Cecil and Phyllis Melcher Museum, and Platte Area Historical Society Museum.
Winner
This Tripp County city is in south central South Dakota and also serves as an administrative center of Todd County, a neighboring county that does not have its own seat. With a population of just under 3,000, most residents in this city depend on farming and agriculture to make a living. As the Chicago North Western Railroad started moving west from Dallas, South Dakota in 1909, the city won the battle to establish a town along the railroad right-of-way, hence the city was named Winner. The friendly city is picturesque, a safe city to live in, and a fantastic place to spend retired life.
The most prominent part of the city is its pheasant season which runs from October to December and brings in many people from across the country. The city is also celebrated for its rich American history and many outdoor attractions. Visiting The Winner City Park will provide a lot of information about the city’s Native American history, and the Tripp County Historical Society Museum features exhibits on the area's Native American, pioneer, and agricultural heritage. Other places to explore are Winner Drive-In Theatre, Winner Community Playhouse, Tripp County Library, Winner City Pool, Winner City Park, and Multipurpose Recreational Trails.
Many of these South Dakota cities are more than picturesque sceneries and fun holiday destinations. A tour of any of these cities would also serve as an educational trip, as every city has an unexplored past. Whether you choose to pursue Lead’s outdoor activities, Madison’s beauty, Winner’s Native American History, or different activities in one city, each place will surprise you in a good way. Even the smallest cities in the state demonstrate South Dakota’s rich history and heritage and are therefore underappreciated for their significance.
