7 Undiscovered Small Towns in South Dakota
Admitted to the Union in 1889, South Dakota, or the “Mount Rushmore State,” is an essential component of the North Central United States. Known for its geographic splendor and fascinating frontier history, South Dakota is indeed a place of great discovery for all ages of travelers. Though sparsely populated with just 919,000 residents state wide, there is plenty of charm, beauty, and wonder to be encountered when visiting the “Mount Rushmore State”. Across an exploration of some of its alluring small towns that have often gone “undiscovered” by the population at large, a most pleasing vacation experience awaits. So take to the road and come see some of the very best of Americana in these delightful South Dakota towns!
Vermillion
The seat of Clay County near the border with Nebraska, Vermillion is a charming historic town with a modern population of just under 12,000 inhabitants. Founded in the 1850s by French fur traders, this scenic community is located atop a bluff that overlooks the Missouri River, and it is known for its cool winter and hot summer temperatures. For tourists who are looking for a fun weekend destination full of outdoor adventure, Vermillion is surely not to be missed. Enjoy extraordinary opportunities to go biking, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping in any of the town’s numerous park areas. One can even enjoy a round of golf at The Bluffs Golf Course, which beautifully overlooks the river area.
Meanwhile, Vermillion also boasts a number of preserved 19th and early 20th century buildings like the Austin Whittemore House (1884), the County Courthouse (1912), and the Inman House (1882) amongst several others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Add in loads of local histories featuring fur traders, ranchers, cowboys, and Native American peoples, and the true American character of Vermillion comes through for anyone looking for it.
Hill City
Beautifully located in South Dakota’s Black Hills region, Hill City was founded in the 1870s, and today, nearly 900 permanent residents call this pleasant community home. Also known as the “Heart of the Hills,” Hill City boasts incredible mountain views and enjoys hot summer and cool winter temperatures. Enjoy picturesque walks and drives in the area while a charming assortment of locally run shops, restaurants, lodgings, and other businesses create the perfect snapshot of small-town USA.
For a truly unique experience, be sure not to visit both the South Dakota State Railroad Museum and the Black Hills Central Railroad, which celebrate the legacy of the railroad in 19th-century America. Learn more about the expansion of rail travel in the Western United States while a most scenic ride on a wonderfully restored 1880s caboose car brings guests back to the glory of the steam engine days. Indeed, this is one excursion that truly the young and old can enjoy, creating memories that will last for many years to come!
Custer
The seat of the same named county, the town of Custer, is also scenically situated within the Black Hills Region, where nearly 2,000 reside. Founded in the 1870s, Custer is indeed a splendid place to enjoy the natural beauty of South Dakota and partake in great outdoor adventures. Adjacent to the 71,000-acre Custer State Park (established in 1912), visitors and locals alike can enjoy excellent opportunities to go mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, and camping in the most picturesque part of the nation. From there, do not forget about other attractions that are close by and cannot be missed, like the Mount Rushmore Presidential Monument and the Wind Cave National Park.
In addition, history aficionados can also appreciate Custer’s offerings, and several 19th and early 20th-century landmarks continue to fill the town’s landscape. From the Garlock House (1890) to the County Courthouse (1881), amongst many others on the National Register of Historic Places, there is never a shortage of old-world charm to be encountered in this town. Add in some great local shops and restaurants, always with a beautiful mountain framing, and a visit to Custer will surely be one that has been talked about for a long time.
Sturgis
Sturgis serves as the seat of Meade County, and it can trace its modern history to the 1870s when it was founded during the Black Hills Gold Rush. With a population of just over 7,000 inhabitants, Sturgis is indeed a most charming small town where the splendor of nature and alluring American culture meet. Visit the nearby Badlands National Park or enjoy the views of the Black Hills mountain range, while opportunities for hiking, biking, and rock climbing are always enticing for the truly adventurous at heart.
Furthermore, Sturgis’ cultural scene also makes it a great place to visit, and tourists can find plenty of unique attractions and events here throughout the year. Stop by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame for an in-depth look at the development of motorcycling in the United States, while the summer Sturgis Motorcycle Rally surely cannot be missed. Held annually since 1938, thousands of riders and passionate spectators arrive in town to show off their bikes, gear, and love of the open road in this most special ten-day event.
Dell Rapids
Just under 4,000 residents call the town of Dell Rapids home, which was incorporated in the 1870s. Also known as “The Little City with Big Attractions,” this Minnehaha County community is a nice place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and take in the atmosphere of small-town America. Spend time along the banks of the Big Sioux River, where fishing remains ever popular, while scenic opportunities for cycling, hiking, and camping are great ways to spend an afternoon. From there, one can also admire the historic charm of Dell Rapids, and several buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries continue to transport guests back in time. Including the Carnegie Public Library (1910) and the Grand Opera House (1888), amongst others included on the National Register of Historic Places; many of these unique buildings are also noted for their special Sioux Quartzite Rock composition.
Wall
A nice pit stop for any road trip in the western portion of South Dakota, the town of Wall boasts a most humble population of just under 700 residents. A short ten-minute drive from the Badlands National Park, stunning prehistoric rock formations are never far away in this region of the State. But in town itself a most pleasing snapshot of small town America can be found, with plenty of local shops, diners, and friendly folk all around. Of note is the famous Wall Drug Store that was established in 1931; featuring an assortment of cafeterias, cowboy and western themed stores, a fine art gallery, and many other gift shops, this is indeed a one stop destination for the needs of any passing traveller. And do not forget to pose with the giant 80 foot long Brontosaurus at the town’s entrance, that makes for quite the special photograph!
Spearfish
Near the border with the State of Wyoming and beautifully situated within the Black Hills Region, Spearfish is a scenic and historic town full of delights for any age of the traveler. Home to a population of just over 12,000 inhabitants, locals and visitors alike can enjoy fun opportunities for hiking, fishing, cycling, mountain climbing, and camping in an atmosphere where hot summers and mild winters are the norm. Amongst the other attractions of note include the alluring campus of Black Hills State University (1883) and the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery for some fascinating insights into species preservation methods. And with great eateries like The Farmhouse Bistro & Bar and the Sawyer Brewing Company, a charming sampling of homestyle cooking can be enjoyed in a most charming small-town ambiance.
Experience South Dakota’s Hidden Gems
With beautiful natural wonders and alluring American history, the “Mount Rushmore State” of South Dakota is an undoubted jewel of the North Central United States. Though the major urban centers like Pierre remain the best known, the State’s smaller towns reflect much of the beauty that makes South Dakota such a treasure to experience firsthand. From the river views of Dell Rapids to the historic character of Custer, these and other “undiscovered” small towns of South Dakota are awesome for getting acquainted with the State and creating very special vacation memories. Do not wait any longer then and plan your American adventure in the marvelous land of South Dakota, where history, natural splendor, and loads of charm await all ages of travelers!
