8 Quirkiest South Dakota Towns You Didn't Know Existed
South Dakota has many unique landmarks, landscapes and cultural events that make it a sought-after vacation state. With few large cities, a lot of their main attractions can be found in smaller towns and townships. Many people have heard of Mount Rushmore — but did you know that it is located near the small town of Keystone, which has a population of fewer than 300 people? Venture off the beaten path and opt for the smaller towns in this vast state. Plan your visit to one or more of the eight quirkiest South Dakota towns that you didn’t know existed.
Deadwood
Journey out to Deadwood and begin your trip by learning about the town’s history at Adam’s Museum. The mission of the museum is to preserve and showcase the history of the Black Hills. Don’t miss a chance to view the exhibits that include Potato Creek Johnny’s famous gold nugget, illustrator N.C. Wyeth’s pencil sketch of Wild Bill Hickok, a plesiosaur and more! For more about the Black Hills, take a tour at Broken Boot Gold Mine. Hailed as the Black Hills Best Underground Tour, venture deep to the same places the miners went in search of gold. After the tour, try your hand at panning for gold and keep any you might find! Back above ground, visit the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Overlooking Deadwood Gulch, this mountainous cemetery is the final resting place of some of Deadwood’s most infamous residents including western legends, murderers and madams. Finally, learn about the native citizens of the Black Hills at Tatanka Story of Bison. Inspired by Kevin Costner’s time filming “Dances with Wolves,” the museum was created to showcase the relationship between the Lakota people and the North American Plains Bison. The main centerpiece of the exhibit is the third largest bronze sculpture in the world, according to the museum's website. It consists of 14 bison being hunted down by three Lakota hunters on bareback.
Custer
Explore the beauty of Custer at Custer State Park. Bask in the mountain waters, hike the open ranges, or sleep under the stars. The park offers a plethora of activities including biking, water activities, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, and camping, as well as winter activities during the colder months. For an even more unique adventure visit Black Hills Balloons and take a hot air balloon over the Black Hills. The ride takes you over the Custer Valley, including Custer State Park. See the mountains, valleys, lakes and prairies from above. For a more grounded experience stop at the 1881 Courthouse Museum. The museum prides itself on preserving the history of the Black Hills from 1874 and General Custer’s expedition, to the happenings of today. The museum is built in the old county courthouse that was purchased by the Custer County Historical Society. Finally, don’t miss a chance, when entering or leaving Custer, to drive through the Needles Eye Tunnel. Located on Highway 87, the road stretches through Custer State Park and provides a narrow tunnel, roughly nine feet wide, carved through rocks to drive through.
Lead
Begin your journey in Lead at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. The visitor center doubles as a museum and invites you to learn about the landscape that supports indigenous populations, the creation of the deepest gold mine on the Northern Hemisphere, Nobel Prize winning science, and secrets still being uncovered about the universe. Continue learning about gold mines at the Black Hills Mining Museum. Providing numerous exhibits and activities, this educational museum is dedicated to preserving the rich mining heritage of the area. Take a recreated underground tour or pan for gold while immersing yourself in the tradition of mining for gold. Afterwards, for a more somber activity visit Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary. Walk the grounds, reflect or heal in the natural landscape of the Black Hills. The sanctuary is open to all who choose to visit and respectfully walk as one and honor the sacredness of Mother Earth. For a last stop in Lead, visit Andy’s Trail Rides and ride horseback through secluded elk trails in wooded mountain terrain. Take the tour up to the mountain peak for a view that spans 85 miles!
Hot Springs
Head to Hot Springs and take a tour of The Mammoth Site. The world’s largest mammoth research facility, unearthing over 60 mammoths, invites you to view the remains of the massive creatures. Tour active dig sites and view the found Ice Age fossils through self-guided tours. You can also participate in educational programs provided by the facility. To learn more about history, that might not date as far back, visit The Pioneer Museum. With 25 exhibit areas, this preserved sandstone schoolhouse now contains several floors of relics dating back over 100 years. After learning the town’s history, head outdoors to Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Springs. Relax in one of the six outdoor natural springs on the property. Each pool ranges in temperature from 80 degrees to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Indulge in the 1913 pool that was built in, you guessed it, 1913. The water temperature varies from 88 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a dam built in 2018 splits the pool in half. Be sure to visit Wind Cave National Park, too. And make your final stop in Hot Springs, Upper Chautauqua Park. Enjoy a picnic or take advantage of their public grills and relax in the afternoon sun. Or take the short trail that stretches along the river and crosses the bridge, eventually heading uphill.
Sturgis
Sturgis is prominently known for its annual motorcycle rally. So, start your trip there at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Their mission is to preserve the rich history of the world of motorcycles as well as the impact the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has had on the community. The exhibits include custom bikes with unique designs and craftsmanship. There is also an antiques room that shows the evolution of motorcycling as well as a remake of a cycle shop inspired by 1920s shops and cycles. Afterwards head outdoors to Bear Butte State Park and take to the mountain that is sacred to American Indian tribes who to this day hold religious ceremonies there. Prayer clothes adorn the trees and represent prayers and offerings during times of worship. Another sacred place to visit is Black Hills National Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for veterans. The cemetery also consists of monuments and memorials that include a memorial carillon, a Koren War memorial, Bivouac of the Dead, a Vietnam Memorial and others. One last stop to make in Sturgis is the Gentle Eagle Garden of Scriptures. With over 600 motivational scripture verses, stroll at your leisure around the small park to read as many as possible. After reading the verses take to the picnic area and enjoy lunch by the pond while basking in motivation.
Belle Fourche
Visit the Tri-State Museum located in the center of the nation. Belle Fourche is the “Center of the Nation”, thanks to Hawaii adding landmass to the continental US. Learn about this small town and the unique distinction it holds all within the museum. After visiting the museum, step outside and view the monument dedicated to this honor. The Geographic Center of the Nation Monument is a 21-foot diameter monument marked by an American flag. Shaped like a compass rose, it is etched with a map of the US. Stop by the monument for a memorable photo op. Another enticing stop in Belle Fourche is Paleo Adventures. See actual dinosaur dig sites on their guided tours through remote badlands. The best part, you do the digging. Tools and training are provided and depending on the significance of your findings you may be able to keep the loot. Before leaving town make a stop at the Stone House Saloon for almost any beverage you can think of, lunch and some live music. The saloon is open annually during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Originally intended to fuel the bikers with troughs of beer and water, the owners left black Sharpies around for visitors to leave their own memento on the inside of the establishment.
Chamberlain
Head to Chamberlain and visit the Dignity of Earth and Sky. A 50-foot monument of a native woman standing on a bluff above the Missouri River. The intent of the design is to represent a shared belief that all here are sacred and in a sacred place. The sculpture weighs 12 tons and is comprised of hundreds of pieces of stainless steel. Afterwards tour the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Located in the Visitor and Education Center, the inductees in the hall of fame are displayed year-round, as well as their classification that led them to the hall of fame. After perusing the hall of fame make your way to the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. The museum preserves the culture of the Lakota people, and the exhibits include life on the plains, the arrival of Euro-Americans, the US government’s involvement with the Sioux as well as how the American Indians adapted to their new way of life. For one last stop in Chamberlain visit Chamberlain’s Lewis & Clark Welcome Center. Or possibly make it your first stop, to learn about the town upon arriving. On top of brochures with attractions and accommodations, the welcome center has walking paths, a Lewis and Clark exhibit and a full-size keelboat. It is also the home of the Dignity of Earth and Sky statue.
Wall
One of the largest attractions in Wall, and possibly the entire state, is Wall Drug. Opened in 1931, this thriving drug store offers dining, activities, souvenirs and gifts. The drug store alone brings nearly 2 million visitors to Wall each year. If you find yourself anywhere near the area don’t miss a chance to visit this small piece of South Dakota history. For another historical stop in town, visit Wounded Knee: The Museum. The museum details the story of the Wounded Knee Massacre, which left nearly 300 Lakota members killed by the US 7th Cavalry. The artifacts and photos at the museum describe the events leading up to the massacre and the aftermath of it. The massacre site is located on the Bad Lands Loop. And speaking of the Badlands, don’t visit Wall and miss an opportunity to visit the Badlands National Park. The geologic deposits contain one of the richest fossil beds in the world and prehistoric horses and rhinos once roamed these lands. Hike the trails, camp under the stars, participate in the Night Sky Viewing programs, or drive around the park on the scenic tours. For a final excursion in Wall head to the National Grasslands Visitor Center. The visitor center invites and allows visitors to explore 20 National Grasslands and Widewin National Tallgrass Prairies. This visitor center and museum is the only one of its kind that is dedicated to telling the story of the US' National Grasslands. Exhibits, films and ranger lead programs help visitors learn about these vast lands.
South Dakota has many attractions that visitors come specifically to the state for each year. But there is so much more beyond the big-ticket items. Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are a few big attractions and events that South Dakota is known for. But a small drug store in a town with a population of fewer than 1,000 people brings in nearly 2 million visitors a year. Another town of fewer than 6,000 residents is literally the center of the nation. Come for the large attractions but stay for the quirky one. Visit one — or all! — of the eight quirkiest South Dakota towns that you didn’t know existed sooner rather than later.
