8 Friendliest Towns To Visit In South Dakota In 2024
South Dakota might be one of the least populated states in the United States, but it still attracts a decent number of visitors annually with its pristine natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Set smack dab in the heart of the historic Sioux homeland; this sprawling Great Plains state is also dotted with charming small towns where locals happily embrace newcomers. 2024 presents a pleasant opportunity to discover these underrated destinations.
Travelers seeking warm hospitality as they explore will appreciate the strong sense of community and overall camaraderie in the friendliest towns to visit in South Dakota. From prairie settlements along the Missouri River to Black Hills hamlets, these picturesque locales promise friendly faces alongside scenic landscapes to enchant all who pass through.
Brookings
This lovely college town in Brookings County hosts South Dakota's largest higher learning institution, South Dakota State University. Brooking’s vibrant downtown is a melting point of cultures, hosting a rich mix of museums, art centers, and modern entertainment venues, allowing the old to blend with the new seamlessly. Exploring the district exposes you to popular attractions like the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, which chronicles the town's rich agricultural history, and the Children's Museum of South Dakota, perfect for a family outing.
Brooking offers visual and performance art opportunities, which draw enthusiasts from across the state to browse exhibitions and watch theatrical productions at the South Dakota Art Museum and the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. However, the art scene during the Brookings Summer Art Festival, when over 200 from all over the nation converge for a delightful day of creativity.
Dell Rapids
Nicknamed "The Little City with Big Attractions," Dell Rapides exceeds expectations with its variety of fun experiences. This town hosts a welcoming community of about 4,000, with townsfolk quick to say "hi" to strangers with a smile. History enthusiasts can learn about the area's colorful heritage at the Dell Rapids Museum, which promises an immersive experience of examining a broad collection of artifacts, archives, and memorabilia. The town also boasts stunning outdoor scenery, best experienced during a laid-back game of golf on the pristine greens of Rocky Run Golf Course.
Exploring the downtown region brings you to cozy hangout spots where visitors can mingle and interact with locals over a hearty meal or a beer bottle. Norbys Bar & Grill is among the popular spots in Dell Rapids, famous for its upbeat atmosphere and mean cocktails.
Hill City
Situated around 25 miles from Rapid City, this Pennington County gem is steeped in historical heritage and natural beauty. Hill City harbors endless attractions offering proof of its storied heritage, led by the South Dakota State Railroad Museum. Inside the facility, a diverse collection of interactive exhibits chronicles the state's railway history. However, the experience will feel more authentic when you ride the 1880 Train for a scenic trip through the breathtaking Black Hills wilderness inside a vintage steam engine.
Meanwhile, the Museum at Black Hills Institute offers a unique perspective of natural history with its fabulous exhibit of minerals, meteorites, and dinosaur skeletons. Don't complete your visit without sampling the town's bustling art scene, which you can do by touring Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing.
Custer
Many travelers rank Custer among the most scenic towns to visit in South Dakota. Popularly known as the "Center of Black Hills Adventure," the charming community is a gateway to some of the state's most sought-after attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Monument and Wind Cave National Park. Tourists will find numerous trails across the 71,000-acre Custer State Park to fully immerse in the great outdoors through activities like fishing, hiking, and camping. Most first-timers are often left in awe of Jewel Cave National Monument, given the rare opportunity to explore the world's fifth-longest cave system.
One of the best ways to experience Custer's natural bounty is to take a scenic drive along the Wildlife Loop Road. The route stretches 18 miles through sprawling prairies, forests, and rolling hills, offering a chance to witness most of Custer State Park's diverse wildlife species. Alternatively, you can get an even better perspective from the sky by booking a tour with Black Hills Balloons.
Brandon
Brandon offers a quieter and more welcoming escape from the chaotic urban atmosphere in nearby Sioux Falls. Numerous park areas and nature spaces highlight its rural charm, the Big Sioux State Recreation Area proving to be the most prominent. Straddling the Big Sioux River, it is a popular hub with nature trails, campgrounds, a disc golf course, and other exciting amenities. Thrill seekers and horror freaks can embark on an adrenaline-rushing tour of Terror 29 Haunted House, which promises classic scares tailored for a fun day with family or friends.
Brandon is home to Huset's Speedway, a premium Midwestern dirt race track that draws enthusiasts from across the region. The atmosphere is always electric on race day, and the experience is excellent for first-timers as families come out to cheer their favorite competitors.
Watertown
This tiny village in Codington County stands out for its small-town charm and wealth of family-friendly attractions. Watertown’s storied beginnings date back to its founding in 1879, a rich heritage you can partly explore by touring Mellette House. This historic homestead was built in 1885 and houses artifacts and furnishings offering a window into the period. A bustling arts community welcomes fans to explore rare animal-inspired art exhibited by Redlin Art Center, whereas the Odyssey Grand 8 Theater screens new and classic films in a family-friendly venue.
Kids will also love the opportunity to encounter exotic wildlife species at Bramble Zoo. This lovely sanctuary hosts about 500 animal residents, representing over 100 species from around the world. The feeling will be mutual at the Family Aquatic Center, which delivers unadulterated aquatic fun for all ages.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen hosts Northern State University and charms visitors with its infectious, upbeat vibe. A balanced mix of attractions ensures there is something for everyone in this vibrant college town. History buffs curious about Aberdeen's background can uncover exciting information at the Dacotah Prairie Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts escape to the serene natural setting of Wylie Park. Aberdeen is an excellent destination for a family vacation due to its numerous amusement parks and entertainment venues.
It is home to Storybook Land, which delivers a Disney-like experience, transporting kids into a world of fantasy with castle games and miniature train rides. Allevity Entertainment is another popular amusement center offering everything from laser tags and bumper cars to arcade games across its 20,000-square-foot facility.
Canton
This quintessential small town in southeastern South Dakota delights with a relaxed rural atmosphere and exciting outdoor opportunities. Famous for hosting Newton Hills State Park, adventurers from within and without converge at this recreation hub for fishing, hiking, camping, and boating activities across its 1,000-acre expanse. Those who don't want to venture into the wilderness can opt for a golfing session in the easygoing setting of Hiawatha Golf Club, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Canton's historical heritage comes alive at the Canton Depot Museum. This turn-of-the-century structure exhibits important archives, documents, and manuscripts documenting the town's past. Finally, a good-natured bowling outing at Town & Country Lanes is an excellent way to have fun with family or friends when in Canton.
Final Thought
The highlighted friendly towns to visit in South Dakota guarantee a welcoming slice of prairie culture and mountain heritage. Whether strolling historic districts or navigating wide Main Streets through the Black Hills, travelers experience smiling greetings around every corner. For those seeking to connect with locals as they discover scenic landscapes in 2024, these tight-knit communities provide the perfect launching points. They demonstrate small-town charm and offer all the features to ensure the ultimate warm South Dakota welcome.
