7 Whimsical Towns to Visit in South Dakota
The story of South Dakota reaches far into the past, first acting as a dwelling place for Native American groups, such as the Lakota Sioux tribe. Later, it transformed into an important territory during the journey towards the west in the 19th century.
South Dakota is not simply open plains and long blue skies. It also has spacious grassy meadows and the winding Missouri River sneaking its way across the state. Its landscape ranges from the Badlands' rugged formations to the rolling Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial stand as iconic landmarks.
The state is also dotted with towns that showcase its history, offering discoveries around every corner. Their friendly welcomes and unique traits make every trip feel special and fun. Looking for one-of-a-kind spots in South Dakota? Read on to check out seven whimsical towns to visit in South Dakota.
Keystone
Keystone is a small scenic village found in the Black Hills, with a population of around 250 people. Born out of the mining rush in 1883, it emerged as a tourism hotspot partly because of its proximity to Mount Rushmore. The town makes the most of being close to the landmark with an assortment of interesting stops like the National Presidential Wax Museum, which features lifelike wax statues of US Presidents. Be sure to set aside time for a nighttime visit of the landmark, as looking out at Mount Rushmore light up after dark adds an extra touch of magic to the experience.
In the old days, the town was bustling with miners, and even today you can partake in activities that reflect this heritage. One of those is looking for gold at the Big Thunder Gold Mine, and this historical adventure makes learning about this area's past an enjoyable ride. Lastly, for a distinct experience, you can ride the vintage 1880 Train through the Black Hills, enjoying stunning scenery and a nostalgic atmosphere that is hard to beat.
Hot Springs
As the name suggests, this town has natural hot springs in its backyard. About 3,400 people live here amongst a collection of sandy brick buildings built back in the 19th century, which has given the town an old-school charm. One of those memorable landmarks is the Battle Mountain Sanitarium, built in 1907, with its striking red sandstone and Romanesque architecture overlooking Hot Springs.
If you are looking for top-notch hot springs, check out Evans Plunge. It is the oldest indoor hot spring pool in the US. For something different, the town is also the home of the Mammoth Site, where to this day scientists are constantly finding and digging up giant fossils. The amount they have found here makes it one of the largest collections in all corners of our world.
For outdoor lovers, located just outside of town, Cascade Falls offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility. Also nearby, Wind Cave National Park features one of the world's longest cave systems, adding mystery and adventure to any visit.
Hill City
Hill City is another town whose name aptly describes the town, as it sits amongst the Black Hills. This place was once bustling with mining activity, but it has transformed and now offers an ideal spot for art lovers and outdoor adventurers.
The town is also the other end of the 1880 Train, an old steam engine taking eager voyagers on excursions through neighboring Black Hills to Keystone and back. For the artistic side, Hill City features galleries like the Jon Crane Gallery, where you can find Western art, local landscapes, and handcrafted pottery, reflecting the creativity of the region.
If you fancy wine, visitors should definitely stop by Prairie Berry Winery, which is a few minutes' drive out of town. Known for its unique and creative blends, like the popular rhubarb wine, it gives guests a chance to taste wines unlike anywhere else. The town also acts as a gateway to iconic American landmarks. Since it is close to both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, the town lets you travel to both easily while staying in town.
Deadwood
You might know the name of Deadwood, as one of the more well-known Old West towns. Nowadays, the town blends Wild West history and tourism. This town has a reputation tied to its gold mining and outlaw past, and now the entire town is designated as a National Historic Landmark District and offers re-enactments and frontier charm.
The town has an aged but beautiful look, full of rustic wood structures from the Gold Rush. Make sure to stop by an interesting museum called the Adams Museum, where you can learn about famous outlaws like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Also, at Saloon No. 10, they even pretend to re-do Hickok's murder, adding a flair of mystery.
At the Broken Boot Gold Mine, you can have fun trying to look for gold. Or, if you are brave enough, a visit to the Bullock Hotel lets you take part in a thrilling ghost tour. Deadwood’s festivals, like Wild Bill Days and the Days of ’76, celebrate its outlaw heritage through concerts, parades, rodeos, and shooting competitions, creating a fun and whimsical atmosphere that draws visitors in.
Wall
The town of Wall draws fame from Wall Drug, a roadside stop that began as a tiny drugstore offering free ice water to travelers. In the present day, it is not just filled with shops and places to eat, but also quirky, unexpected discoveries that make it stand out. Visitors to Wall can climb onto a towering jackalope for a fun photo op, wander through vintage photo booths, and encounter a replica of Mount Rushmore.
A well-known landmark in Wall, and actually not far from Wall Drug, is the National Grasslands Visitor Center. It is the only visitor center in the US dedicated to the country's 20 national grasslands. So if you want to learn all about the grasslands, there is no better stop.
Outside of the town, Wall is a great stepping stone to visiting the Badlands National Park, combining its roadside draw with easy access to the outdoors. The badlands are marked by jagged peaks rising from flat plains and deep chasms cutting through ancient rock. The landscape is unusual but full of natural splendor.
Mitchell
Some people love corn. Here in Mitchell, it is a passion. Mitchell is famous in the region for the Corn Palace, a structure adorned each year with detailed designs made of corn. Additionally, the town combines attractions like the Corn Palace Festival with a warm, small-town atmosphere. It is also a town with must-see museums. The Dakota Discovery Museum gives you a peek at South Dakota's past, including its artwork and traditions. It shines a spotlight on both Native Americans and the settlers that followed.
Fancy American political history? The McGovern Legacy Museum invites you to explore the lives of George and Eleanor McGovern. It shines a light on parts of their lives, like George's journey in politics, his attempt to become president in 1972, and his commitment to ending world hunger. After, journey to the far past at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Here you will see how Indigenous people lived 1,000 years ago. Learn about ancient farming methods, hunting tactics, and the ancestors of the Mandan tribe.
De Smet
If you have seen the classic series Little House on the Prairie, you might already know about De Smet. The town is where Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the famous series, grew up. You can visit the Ingalls Homestead here, where you can find a replica of their house and can even enjoy a cart ride across the open grasslands. Each summer, De Smet hosts the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, a live outdoor show where stories from her books are performed against the backdrop of the wide-open grasslands. Local actors perform and recreate Laura’s childhood experiences under the stars.
The Loftus Store, mentioned in the books, is still around, and visitors can walk through this historic general store, which now serves as a museum and shop where you can buy prairie-themed souvenirs. The town also acts as a playground for the prairies. You can enjoy activities like camping or horse-drawn wagon rides, recreating the simple, rustic life of the pioneers while surrounded by South Dakota's scenic beauty.
South Dakota's whimsical towns are packed with a fun range of past adventures and thrilling outdoor options to experience.
From Keystone's famous landmarks to the fun charm of Wall Drug, every place brings its own special touch to the state's surroundings.
Have you ever thought about making a trip to South Dakota? If you are coming by, make sure to dive into its past and check out all it has. It'll be a memory you will never forget.
