7 Picturesque Towns In South Dakota For A Weekend Retreat In 2024
South Dakota may be known for its monumental landmarks, but there’s much more to the “Mount Rushmore State” than just its major tourist attractions. For a truly authentic South Dakota experience, those in the know will always include at least one or two of the state’s many charming small towns in their travel plans.
Perfect for an idyllic weekend retreat, the best of these often overlooked destinations offer curious travelers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or are wanting to learn more about local culture and customs, not to mention somewhere great to stay, these seven picturesque towns in South Dakota are perfect for a weekend retreat in 2024.
Deadwood
A historic town known for its Old West past, Deadwood is an ideal getaway destination for history buffs and nature lovers looking for a great South Dakota experience. Situated just off the I-90 near the state border with Wyoming, Deadwood was established in 1876 and is so culturally significant that the entire town has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Highlights of a stay include exploring Historic Downtown Deadwood, an eye-popping architectural treasure full of restored 19th-century buildings that’s a delight to wander. Highlights include the Adams Museum with its interesting exhibits about the town's early mining days (check out the two-headed cow); and the Mount Moriah Cemetery where notable figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried.
For weekend accommodations, The Historic Bullock Hotel, built in 1895, offers a charming stay with period décor, while the 3-star Deadwood Mountain Grand provides contemporary luxury with a casino, spa, and concert venue on-site. A great time to visit is during the town’s Wild Bill Days festival, a June celebration of the town’s Western heritage with concerts and historical reenactments. And bring your hiking boots: Deadwood’s close to the trails of the Black Hills National Forest.
Custer
Drive for an hour southwest of Rapid City and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Black Hills, a scenic mountain range that rises dramatically out of South Dakota’s plains. It’s here you’ll find Custer, a small town that serves as a gateway to Custer State Park where you can see bison herds roam freely. The town itself has a quaint downtown area filled with unique galleries, antique shops, and plenty of eateries. Fun things to do over the course of a weekend include visiting the 1881 Custer County Courthouse Museum which details the area's gold rush past through exhibits and artifacts, and taking a scenic drive along the Needles Highway, renowned for its needle-like granite formations.
Enjoy outdoor adventures? Lace up the boots and hit the hiking trails of Black Elk Peak, the state’s highest (natural) point. The annual Custer Park Buffalo Roundup in late September is a good time to visit and attracts thousands of visitors, all here to witness the herding of over 1,300 bison, a unique spectacle that ties the town to its Wild West roots. For lodging, check the availability at the Bavarian Inn, a popular choice that blends European charm with modern comforts. The rustic Custer State Park Resort is another good choice and is located within the park.
Spearfish
Spearfish, located near the northern edge of the Black Hills and just 13 miles from Wyoming, is a great spot for a weekend retreat. Topping most travel itineraries is a visit to Spearfish Canyon, home to a number of beautiful waterfalls. Two of the best, Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls, are accessible via hiking trails and are located on a stunning scenic drive due south of town. You’ll also want to visit the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery with its fascinating insights into the region's fishery history through exhibits and trails.
Downtown Spearfish is another highlight. Home to boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, it’s a pleasant place for a stroll after a day of outdoor activities. Need a place to stay? While the no-frills Bell's Motor Lodge Motel is the closest to downtown, the Spearfish Canyon Lodge offers a spectacular setting right by the canyon.
Hot Springs
The picturesque town of Hot Springs is a great place for those seeking a romantic getaway with their partner. Located near the southern Black Hills, Hot Springs is famous for its warm mineral waters, which can be enjoyed at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, an indoor water park fed by natural (yup, you guessed) hot springs. The town is also famous for its Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig which houses the remains of over 60 woolly mammoths. Another must-visit attraction, the Pioneer Museum, housed in a former 19th-century school building, offers interesting exhibits on local history.
There are plenty of great options when it comes to accommodations in Hot Springs, too. Favorites include the historic Red Rock River Resort, built in 1891 and centrally located; and the FlatIron Historic Sandstone Inn. Both offer comfortable stays with views of the surrounding hills. Need an excuse to visit? Pop by during the annual Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival in August for a chance to see more than 20 balloons gracing the skies around Hot Springs.
Vermillion
Vermillion is home to the University of South Dakota and, as such, has become something of a cultural hub in the southeastern part of the state. And there’s no shortage of cultural attractions to experience, too. Highlights include the National Music Museum, a state-of-the-art facility featuring an impressive collection of musical instruments from around the world, and the W.H. Over Museum, the state’s oldest museum, which covers local history and the region's Native American heritage. The university campus is also worth a visit and features many pretty green spaces.
Those who prefer their fun in the great outdoors will want to include the nearby Missouri National Recreational River on their itinerary. In addition to on-water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and boating, it’s also a popular bird-watching spot. Whatever you’re looking to do, there’s plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including the Prairie Inn which offers a cozy stay close to downtown, while the Valiant Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is perfect for wine enthusiasts as it sits adjacent to South Dakota's oldest winery.
Chamberlain
Situated along the Missouri River, Chamberlain offers stunning views and a rich history. The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is a top attraction and showcases the history and culture of the Lakota people through art, exhibits, and interactive displays. You’ll also want to visit the Dignity of Earth and Sky statue, an impressive 50-foot-tall monument honoring Native American women set overlooking the river. Chamberlain’s downtown is also worth exploring and is filled with unique shops and restaurants, ensuring there are plenty of fun things to do for weekend warriors.
A good time to visit? Check out the dates of the annual River City Band Festival in October, when marching bands from across the state compete for top honors. Lodging options include the Cedar Shores Resort, which offers riverfront rooms and cabins, along with boat rentals, and the Bel Aire Motel, a budget-friendly choice with easy access to downtown Chamberlain.
Hill City
Referred to by clever marketers as the "Heart of the Hills," Hill City is handily located near both Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, making it an excellent base for exploring the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The town itself is known for its arts scene, with several art galleries worth exploring, including the Warrior's Work & Ben West Gallery. It’s also home to the first-rate Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, which features a great museum with many impressive dinosaur exhibits. The 1880 Train is another must-do and features a historic steam engine pulling refurbished carriages through the surrounding scenic countryside.
For those wanting to spend their weekend close to the town and its attractions, there are a number of good hotel options to consider. The AmericInn by Wyndham Hill City Mt Rushmore is a great choice, and features clean, comfy rooms near the 1880 train; and the Alpine Inn provides a historic stay in the heart of town with some great menu options in its on-site restaurant. For a truly memorable weekend, try to arrive in time for the Hill City Wine, Brew, & BBQ festival in.
The Final Word
There’s little doubt that South Dakota’s most picturesque towns offer weekenders plenty of diverse experiences to indulge in. From historic attractions straight out of the Wild West and heritage railroads, not to mention cultural hubs that explore the state’s connection to art as well as its native peoples, these small communities definitely deliver. Whether you’re looking to relax in natural hot springs, explore scenic canyons, or learn more about the state’s rich history, these seven picturesque towns in South Dakota are perfect for a weekend retreat in 2024.
