8 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in South Dakota
South Dakota is a large state with more than 77,000 square miles and natural wonders. The notable scenery includes rolling hills and expansive forests like the Black Hills National Forest. The Missouri River flows through the state's southern portion, offset by Gloacial Lakes to the north and the famed Badlands to the west.
The beautiful terrain contains fossilized remains, including three-toed horses and other interesting skeletons like saber-tooth cats. Landmark structures like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as other historic sites. These breathtaking towns personify the stunning South Dakota landscape.
Custer
Custer has a sparse population but is big on natural scenery and heavily visited sites like Mount Rushmore. It is also mere minutes from Custer State Park, a breathtaking 71,000 acres of pristine beauty. The picturesque town has over 50 hotels and bed and breakfasts for the many travelers who pass through.
The rustic Dakota Dream offers quaint rooms and modern amenities in its main house. Guests can also opt for a 500-square-foot log cabin with amenities like a front deck for observing deer and other wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts love Big Rock Park, with a hiking trail leading to it from Custer. The park has 73 acres of undeveloped land and 15-acre Pagent Hill, a celebrated Native American landmark. The town hosts many community events to celebrate the serene natural beauty and charming downtown area.
Spearfish
Beautiful Spearfish is notable for its fly-fishing opportunities and hiking trails in the Black Hills region. It is also home to Spearfish Canyon, a limestone canyon older than the Grand Canyon with abundant foliage and wildlife. One of the most astonishing sites in the canyon is the massive waterfalls like Roughlock and Spearfish that cascade down the canyon walls.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge is in the middle of the canyon and offers stunning scenery views. A restaurant is within walking distance. The town offers an exciting nightlife, perfect for winding down after a day of hiking and exploring. Sawyer Brewing Company, Spearfish Public House, and others provide a pleasant atmosphere and local craft beers.
Deadwood
The landmark Deadwood is one of the most famous towns in South Dakota and is filled with history. The historic Old West downtown has been featured in many movies, and many Old West figures have been buried here. Mount Moriah Cemetery has the remains of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity James. Another notable historical site is the Queen Anne-styled Adams House.
The home was built in 1892 and has beautiful oak inlays in the interior and the original furnishings, including the plumbing. The Days of '76 Museum represents the town's founding in 1876 and its first settlers. It has over 50 animal-powered vehicles, exhibits, photos, and a representation of legendary Main Street. The breathtaking town is steeped in Old West buildings and lore and is one of the most unique towns in South Dakota.
Brookings
Brookings is famous for its impressive neighborhoods, tree-lined roads, and quaint downtown. It is also notable for being the home of the South Dakota State University. The downtown area has unique shops, restaurants, and public art. Local artists contribute to the Downtown Urban Canvas, a project that transforms alleyways into works of art.
The Commercial Historic District on Main Avenue has 59 structures in various architectural styles, including Art Deco and Romanesque. The Brookings County History Museum is a place to peruse the town's history. It houses over 4,500 artifacts and five 19th-century buildings, including an 1870 log cabin. This is a lovely town with almost unlimited sites to discover.
Pierre
Pierre is on the shores of the Missouri River. It was founded in 1890 as a terminal for the Chicago and North Western Railway and is now the state capital. The Capitol Building, which can be toured, has a historic exhibit, the People's House, that honors the first 100 years of the State Capital. The charming downtown also has historic sites and is fun to explore on foot.
Downtown Pierre boasts brink storefronts on tree-lined streets, museums, and beautiful views. The South Dakota Discovery Center and the National Guard Museum are only a short distance from each other. The Trail of the Governors is a series of bronze statues of former governors leading from downtown to the State Capitol. The surrounding area's natural beauty shines through as visitors stroll downtown, providing an enchanting background for a day in Pierre.
Keystone
The majestic Black Hills and stunning views surround Keystone. The historic town is closest to Mount Rushmore and is also an excellent place for a layover. A memorable attraction is the National Presidential Wax Museum. It is just minutes from Mount Rushmore and features over 100 life-size wax figures, including all 46 presidents.
Keystone has notable restaurants, especially the Ruby House. The two-story structure, with white railings and turn-of-the-century decor, evokes the 19th century. There is also a full-service bar next door for an aperitif. Those trekking to Mount Rushmore visit the town often, and it should be at the top of any traveler's itinerary through the Badlands.
Wall
Wall is a cozy town in the Badlands that became famous for its pharmacy, Wall Drug Store. The roadside attraction was built in 1931 and offers coffee for five cents. The town is also notable for constructing the first road through Badlands National Park, a mere eight miles south of it, and other attractions.
The Delta-09 Minuteman Missle Silo is a historical landmark in Wall. There were over 1,000 missiles fired from the silos from the 1960s to the 1990s, and today offers a cell-phone guided tour through the site. Other points of interest include the Wounded Knee Museum on Main Street, commemorating the fallen from the massacre of 1890.
Yankton
Yankton, on the banks of the Missouri River, may be the most historic town in South Dakota. While life has always revolved around the mighty river and the steamboat trade, the heyday ended in the mid-1800s. However, the River City survived and is a charming place to visit and is known as an artistic hub. Downtown is home to the Louis and Clark Theatre Company in Dakota Theatre and the Lakeside Theatre during the summer.
Downtown is a lively and historic place, and there are guided tours around landmarks such as the 1886 Cramer-Kenyon Home. Or, tour the Meridian Bridge, built in 1924. The double-decker bridge crosses the Missouri National Recreational River and offers beautiful views. Many other interests and attractions are in the downtown area, making this scenic town one to remember.
Expansive South Dakota has gorgeous topography, buttes, and rivers. The long stretches of road conjure images of long road trips on two-lane roads. The towns along the way have breathtaking scenery, unique attractions, historic sites, and a fun atmosphere.
Historic towns like Deadwood may look familiar because they have been filmed in many Western movies and documentaries. Pierre and Yankton have scenic views of the Missouri River and are filled with landmarks and artistic charms. What makes these towns so breathtaking is not just the natural beauty that envelops them but also the structures and communities that make up the towns.
