7 Towns in South Dakota With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

Downtown is where it's at. It sounds like a cliché, but ask anyone who lives in a small town, and they will tell you with passion in their words that if something extraordinary is going to happen, it will all begin in the downtown area. Christmas light displays, sidewalk food festivals, music jamborees, and more, with downtown not only playing its part as the setting but as the most beloved aspect of the event.

There is something genuinely quaint about seeing all those brick buildings lined up across from each other. Some are repurposed for more updated use while others remain in the hallowed antiquity of their original purpose. They are the mainstays that locals and tourists will always deem charming and steadfast. That is why many downtown areas are on Main Street.

South Dakota has many lovely towns with thriving commerce, new and staple dining options, and plenty of entertainment that live and blossom from their downtown regions. Many have features you might not expect, while others are bustling with new and exciting events that cannot be missed. All of them are worth venturing to for some new memories and great moments.

Mitchell

It is impossible to travel anywhere in South Dakota and not see signs for three distinct landmarks: Wall Drug, 1880 film sets, and the Corn Palace. In Mitchell, the Corn Palace is the only one of these that matters, and for good reason. Not only is the Corn Palace the destination for half a million visitors annually, but it is also in a prime location downtown on, you guessed it, Main Street.

This monolith of corn ingenuity is not the only wonder of Mitchell’s downtown. Over 100 unique community theaters and the very popular Main Street Mercantile are also big draws. However, two significant events pull more guests than any other. The annual battle of the bands, held in the Corn Palace, will rock you, and if that is not your speed, the Corn Palace Festival will delight and enchant you.

Hill City

Just because a town has a pretty sparse population, that doesn’t mean it lacks a multitude of exciting possibilities. Hill City is one of these hidden gems that only boasts just under 900 permanent residents. You might ask why that number should impress anyone. Consider Hill City’s neighbor for a moment. Rapid City, Sturgis, and the Black Hills are only a stone's throw, and what they all have in droves is tourist traffic.

This is one of the main reasons why Hill City has built its downtown as a bustling beacon to attract all visitors and give them something to write home about. With the Sturgis Motorcycle rally, of course, there is a Harley Davidson dealer and gift shop. The Farmer’s Daughter has an eclectic catalog of fun souvenirs. Get your soft and cozy alpaca products at the Alpaca Store. Oh, and don’t miss the annual chili cookoff during the chillier months. It's all waiting for you downtown.

Deadwood

Yep, just like the show with Ian McShane. Deadwood is the setting of plenty of Black Hills history including the Gold Rush, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok, to name a few iconic aspects of the town. Its downtown is still modeled with historic saloons, bars, and stores that draw plenty a curious visitor, seeking a look into the past. On Main Street, there is something for guests of all ages.

For the younger folk, delight in an authentic (non-lethal) Wild West shootout, as well as live concerts and comedy shows, to split your sides in giggles. For the adults, the nightlife is always hopping with something different waiting in each saloon, dining hall, and casino. If neither of those suits you, Deadwood even has a downtown tour. What do you expect from a town with such a rich history?

Milbank

For all you baseball enthusiasts, Milbank is ready to play…today. The home of American Legion Baseball, Milbank is a town chiseled into the tablet of time, forever to be acknowledged and appreciated for its contribution to our greatest pastime. Its Main Street holds true to this as well, with many of the buildings maintaining their original look and appeal.

Must-visit shops, local eateries, and numerous walking tours and annual events are just a handful of the reasons taking a trip to Milbank will be one for the record books. With stores like Whimsy on Main and the Millstone Family Restaurant, it is easy to see why many call Milbank one of the friendliest towns in South Dakota. Don’t miss the museums, parks, and even the quarries, also close to downtown.

Aberdeen

Take small-town charm, add a big, gorgeous lake, then pepper in some friendly locals, and the result can only be Aberdeen. Here, there is no end to the fun, with plenty to see and do, all starting on Main Street, where shops and eateries stand watch over eager tourists and citizens alike.

Come witness the Parade of Lights or take in the sights and sounds of the Summer Concert Series. Car lovers will revel in the splendor of the Aberdeen Car Show during Sizzling Summer Nights, various downtown businesses host what locals have titled “The Brew Walk,” and during Halloween, to keep the kiddos safe, store owners hold their own trick-or-treat event in tandem with other holiday festivities.

Pierre

You can tell how much a town cares about its downtown if it has a special group dedicated to its upkeep, economy, and charm. In Pierre, that responsibility belongs to the Historic Pierre Street Association. This proud collection of residents knows that the state capitol is a beacon, shining a light on the beauty of the state and the small-town appeal that brings visitors back year after year.

Beyond visiting the capital city, one of the biggest draws to downtown Pierre is an exciting curios event known as Crazy Days. Yes, it is in July, and those days can be a little toasty, but don’t worry because the HPSA has misting tents along the route. When not cooling off, why not check out the balloon launch, the Mighty Mite Car/Truck Race, or contribute to one of many fund-raising events?

Vermillion

Beauty, wonder, and passion are in every brick as you stroll down this lovely downtown area. The Missouri River on one side of the town and vast endless plains on the other give Vermillion the perfect setting for a true epicenter, and downtown is it. From the meticulously maintained architecture to the local shops that will delight and enchant you, no one chooses to drive around Main Street when the vibe is so blissfully charged.

Tour the National Music Museum and see a collection of rare instruments, a few of them dating from before America was even a country. Craving a good vino or a tasty meal that can only be classified as fine dining? Valiant Vineyards is the place to go. And they even have bed and breakfast rooms available. If neither speaks to your taste, plenty of restaurants and additional museums await.

Discover the Heart of South Dakota's Small Towns

South Dakota holds so many hidden gems, the only true way to experience them is to, well, experience them. See the sights, smell the aromas of local eateries, feel the coarse brick buildings, and embrace the culture, style, and charm of these delightful downtown spaces. History is in every one of them. From iconic figures to learning experiences to wild events, there is so much to do and take in, it is time to make your own memories and find out why visitors enjoy South Dakota so much.