7 Picture-Perfect Towns In South Dakota
Lovingly known as the "Mount Rushmore State," South Dakota is indeed a wonderful treasure of the North Central United States. Though it is home to just over 900,000 residents statewide, loads of wondrous natural settings, fascinating American history, and plenty of welcoming scenic towns make South Dakota a cannot-miss destination for any lover of Americana. Across a visit to some of its picture-perfect towns, the very best of the "Mount Rushmore State" can be enjoyed by all ages, so wait no longer and come see places that make South Dakota so special.
Custer
Just under 2,000 residents call the scenic town of Custer home, which also serves as the Seat of the same named county. Stunningly surrounded by the Custer State Park, outdoor adventurists will absolutely love this unique natural setting. Here, awesome opportunities for camping, biking, hiking, and mountain climbing abound in a forested wonderland. Meanwhile, Custer's small-town charm is ready to shine back in town, and several quaint locally run stores, restaurants, and other galleries make it a welcoming place for all visitors. And why not end one's day with a hot air balloon ride of the area, where in addition to magnificent views of the State Park, the cute buildings of the town make for a most alluring vista of small-town South Dakota.
Mitchell
While just under 16,000 inhabitants call Mitchell home, this Seat of Davison County attracts up to 500,000 tourists a year. Much of this is owed to the famed and beloved Corn Palace, a multipurpose arena and theatre that was completed in 1921. With an exterior featuring crop art panels made from corn and other grains that are frequently changed, this special Moorish Revival Style icon gives guests an ever-changing array of splendid art. Mitchell's other points of interest include the Dakota Discovery Museum, which highlights the state's past and present, while even just spending time outdoors in this charming town is always welcome. Known for its mild winters and hot summers, Mithcell is a great place for camping, bike riding, and an assortment of other fun outdoor activities perfect for the casual and passionate nature adventurist.
Keystone
Keystone is likely the most popular stop destination in South Dakota despite boasting a humble population of around 240 permanent inhabitants. This is, of course, attributed to the town's vicinity to the famed Mount Rushmore monument, which is just a short 10-minute drive away. Beautifully located within the Black Hills, millions of tourists pass through Keystone each year either on their way or coming from the beloved presidential mountain. Beyond visiting this American icon, however, Keystone is also a welcoming place in its own right with a fascinating local history. Established as a mining town in the 1880s, attractions include the Black Hills Central Railroad, the Big Thunder Gold Mine Museum, and even the National Presidential Wax Museum. But even just a casual stroll through Main Street and its beautiful mountain framing make Keystone an inviting place to spend a day or two.
Pierre
The second least populated State Capital in America, South Dakota's capital, Pierre, boasts a population of just over 14,000 people. Still, it remains a most charming and beautiful town to discover firsthand, ideal for the whole family. Scenically situated on the shores of the Missouri River, the historic Pierre was founded in 1880, and guests can enjoy such landmarks as the State Capital Building (1910) and its stunning gilded interiors and the St. Charles Hotel (1920) and featured on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic downtown area features a great assortment of tasty eateries, unique specialty shops, and loads of cute accommodation options. The outdoors lover will not want to miss the LaFramboise Island Nature Area and its beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife habitat.
Deadwood
Deadwood can trace its foundational history to the 1870s when it was established as an important gold mining center. Today, this Seat of Lawrence County is listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, though its status as a major urban center has certainly diminished with a humble modern population of just over 1,000 residents. Still, it remains a fascinating destination, and tourists can expect to get a genuine experience of daily life in the United States of the 19th century. Visit such sites like the Adams Museum (chronicling the gold rush heyday) or the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where such famous individuals as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are buried. And with a number of old-style facades and Black Hills vistas dotting the landscape, this picturesque and charming town will surely leave any guest with quite a special set of memories.
Spearfish
Just some 15 miles northwest of Deadwood, the town of Spearfish is also a most scenic community within South Dakota's Black Hills region. Founded in the 1870s during the Black Hills Gold Rush, the modern Spearfish is home to a population of just over 12,000 inhabitants where plenty of fun outdoor activities await. Enjoy fishing, cycling, hiking, and camping in a beautiful, naturally forested area where hot summers and cool winters are the norm. In addition, a calming afternoon on the campus of Black Hills State University is always a great way to enjoy the outdoors, while a visit to the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery sheds insightful light on wildlife preservation techniques for the Black Hills region.
Hill City
Hill City is home to a modest population of only 872 inhabitants. Yet, this "City" continues to be a most welcoming and historic destination that captures all the beauty of small-town USA. Founded in the 1870s, Hill City is a great place for a quiet getaway, and it is also affectionately known as the "Heart of the Hills" for its splendid location within the State's famed Black Hills region. Enjoy a fine assortment of cute locally run restaurants, shops, and other businesses, all within a stunning natural mountain framing and moderate temperatures year round. Railway lovers will also appreciate Hill City for its special train heritage sites, including the South Dakota State Railroad Museum and the Black Hills Central Railroad. At the latter, guests can ride on a restored 1880s rail car that truly transports passengers back in time to the glory days of the steam engine!
Whether exploring former gold rush towns, taking in the Black Hills' unique beauty, or visiting the most American landmark of Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, and its picture-perfect small towns are treasures waiting to be discovered. Though it remains one of the most sparsely populated American States, South Dakota's rich cultural history and stunning natural features have long made it a favorite destination for all those in the North Central region. So, from Keystone to Mitchell and beyond, do not wait any longer to see why these splendid towns reflect not only some of the very best of South Dakota but of the entire United States!
