7 Most Underrated Towns In South Dakota
With the surrounding states of Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota, the state of South Dakota in the United States boasts picturesque beauty, geological wonders, and adventurous terrain. The Black Hills (an isolated mountain range) loom among the communities and house Mount Rushmore, as well as five national parks. The Missouri River also cuts through the state, spanning 2,315 miles, making it the second-longest river in all of North America. As you can see, this state holds much beauty, which branches out into its towns and communities. Here are the seven most underrated towns in South Dakota.
Custer
Custer, South Dakota has a population of 1,949 and contains charming inns and breweries. French Creek flows throughout the community with trails right beside it, providing residents and tourists with a calming nature experience. One of the top inns to stay at is Bavarian Inn, Black Hills. It gives you an immersive yet cozy Black Hill experience. Only 18 miles from the inn’s front door is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. View 60-foot stone faces and walk the half-mile trail. When you come back to your room, indulge in their cookie happy hour or swim in the pool. For an additional park and recreation experience, visit Big Rock Park. The 73 acres of land remain untouched and conserved and includes rolling stones and hills. After working up an appetite, visit a restaurant foodies love, Skogen Kitchen. All the ingredients are locally grown, and the restaurant is the number one in the area.
Keystone
Keystone, South Dakota is sure to have the key to your heart, and you will not want to leave. Battle Creek winds an intricate path through the community. It flows for 2.5 miles passing by Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If you want to stay right on the creek, book a room at Battle Creek Lodge. While it is only 2.5 miles always from the memorial, it is also close to several national parks to explore, like Custer State Park, Spearfish Canyon, and Deadwood. To absorb some of the town’s history, visit the Abandoned Historic Keystone Mines.
Dell Rapids
The name of this town comes from the white-water rapids of Big Sioux River that crash through the town. It is such a beautiful river and tourists and residents love it, so now there is a recreation area around it with a campground and pool. This town is a camper’s paradise. Beside the river is Sioux River Red Rock Trail. It spans over the recreation area and extends to a golf course and the Big Sioux River dam. The City of Dell Rapids Campground boasts 29 sites and a park. They also offer people picnic tables, fire rings, a playground, and a shower house. If you get hungry, visit Pizza Ranch or the County Fair Food Store. Other shopping stores include Heart of Dakota where you may find your next favorite read.
Spearfish
Spearfish, South Dakota has a population of 12,358 and offers cute lodging experiences and adrenaline-rush recreation adventures. Right at the base of Black Hills, thousands of people flock here every year. False Bottom Creek and Spearfish Creek also run through the area, making a great fishing opportunity for anglers. Spearfish Creek is a hub for rainbow trout. To explore the hills and rivers in more depth, travel to Spearfish Parks and Recreation. From campgrounds, to parks, to an aquatic center, the area offers a variety of activities. Lookout Mountain Park is a tourist favorite to get an expansive view of the Black Hills. The park has over 756 acres of mountains, with the summit reaching 4,452 feet. Local wildlife to spot includes bats, marmots, and whitetail deer. For lodging, stay at Hampton Inn Spearfish or Travelodge by Wyndham Spearfish, which are both near restaurants and cafes.
Vermillion
If you want an experience that is slightly less nature-centric, then come to Vermillion, South Dakota; its downtown overflows with restaurants, cafes, shops, theaters, and even galleries. Experience all of this while overlooking the Missouri River. The National Music Museum is a hot commodity. This museum highlights years of musical culture and contains over 15,000 instruments, like guitars and harps. After you soak up history, head to Café Brule. They have lattes and cappuccinos, as well as full meals, like crab nachos and chicken and apple paninis. Whatever you order, enjoy it in the town park, Prentis Park.
Yankton
At the southern border of Yankton, South Dakota sits the Missouri River, making for a quaint and quiet experience. Enjoy some time waterside at Riverside Park. It spans 1.5 acres and includes a tennis court, a picnic shelter, and a basketball court. Another fun and unique attraction is Press Start, a barcade. Enjoy a collection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while playing vintage games like Pac Man and table hockey. For a bite to eat, stop at Willa B’s Bistro & Emporium. It has a welcoming atmosphere and serves coffee, desserts, artistic meals.
De Smet
While the town of De Smet does not have bodies of water within its borders, just south resides Big Slough Lake and to the east is Silver Lake. Both are easily accessible from the town. Prairie grasslands surround the town, and the streets hold much history. If you are a fan of Laura Ingalls or Little House on the Prairie, then you are in luck. Tour the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes and soak in what the family’s lifestyle was like. Additionally, visit the De Smet Depot Museum. Learn more about the Ingalls family and view vintage clothes, appliances and artifacts, as well as military paraphernalia. When you get hungry, grab some food from Oxbow and enjoy it in Washington Park.
Full of small-town charm, unique stores and eateries, and one-of-a-kind nature escapades, it is easy to see why these seven towns in South Dakota are underrated. Do not count out these hidden gems when making your next travel bucket list.
