8 Serene Towns in South Dakota for a Weekend Retreat
Travelers looking for a peaceful town to spend a weekend away will be delighted with all South Dakota has to offer. Between lounging lakeside in Mitchell, visiting the famous Mount Rushmore in Keystone, and getting into the Old West spirit in Deadwood, there is never a shortage of fun things to do in this North-Central state. Hiking fans, history lovers, and anyone looking to kick back and relax will find everything they need here. So pack that weekend bag and get ready for South Dakota-style fun.
Keystone
Surrounded by the scenic Black Hills, Keystone, South Dakota, is well known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore, but there is far more to this charming small town than that. Plan a relaxing afternoon of fishing on Horse Thief Lake, or take a ride on the 1880 train at Keystone Depot. The old steam train takes travelers on a 2-hour narrated round trip between Hill City and Keystone.
Those interested in seeing popular attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Big Thunder Gold Mine, will want to look into accommodations at the nearby Comfort Inn & Suites for easy access. The popular hotel chain is highly reviewed and within walking distance of the major attractions.
Once at Mount Rushmore, hiking enthusiasts will want to walk the presidential trail-a 0.6-mile trail featuring a whopping 422 stairs and some of the best views in town. For the art lovers in the group, be sure to check out places including The National Presidential Wax Museum and Dahl’s Chainsaw Art. Overnight visitors will find an abundance of hotel accommodations in town. But, for something rustic and memorable, a stay at the Buffalo Rock Lodge & Cabins is tough to beat.
Custer
Less than 30 miles from Keystone, adventure seekers will stumble upon the serene town of Custer, South Dakota. Much like Keystone, Custer is surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills National Forest. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a day filled with granite mountains, clear waters, and rolling plains as far as the eye can see at Custer State Park. The park stretches across a vast 71,000 acres of the Black Hills and offers an abundance of activities ranging from hiking and swimming to fishing and observing wildlife.
Another must-see natural location includes the Jewel Cave National Monument. At 215 miles long, Jewel Cave is one of the longest in the world and is filled with unique and colorful rock formations. Guided tours of the cave are available and range in difficulty. Families looking for overnight accommodations will be met with a slew of options, from popular hotel chains, like Holiday Inn, to rustic mountain lodges and the Bavarian Inn.
Deadwood
Deadwood, South Dakota, has come a long way since its lawless beginnings. But don’t worry, there are plenty of historic sites around town that pay homage to the town's Wild West routes. Start the trip off on an exciting note with a visit to the Broken Boot Gold Mine. While here, enjoy family-friendly activities such as panning for gold and touring the century-old mine. History buffs looking to dive even deeper into Deadwood’s past can do so at the Days of '76 Museum or Adam’s Museum. Another museum worth visiting is the Ta’Tanka Story of the Bison, which highlights the uniquely special relationship between the Lakota People and the North American Plains Bison.
Those looking to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors should head to the George S. Mickelson Trail for an afternoon filled with hiking and birdwatching. Visitors hoping to dive into the real Old West experience should book accommodations at the Historic Bullock Hotel, the first hotel ever built in Deadwood.
Brookings
As the state’s fourth most populated city, it comes as no surprise that Brookings, South Dakota, is home to an active and friendly community. Travelers arriving in the summer months will see this community spirit in full force at places like the Brookings Farmers Market and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival. Families on the hunt for fun, education, and inspiration will want to pay a visit to the local Children's Museum of South Dakota. Here, kids can engage in several hands-on exhibits, including an indoor water splash station and a living prairie maze. Other notable exhibits include the giant T-Rex statues, the puppet theatre, and the cloud climber.
For something more laid back, head to the McCrory Gardens, where garden enthusiasts can enjoy many seasonal gardens and events. As for accommodations, visitors will find a selection of recognized hotels in the area ranging from Hampton Inn to Super 8 and everything in between.
Mitchell
Along the shores of Lake Mitchell, travelers will find the unique town of Mitchell, South Dakota. Unlike other towns in the state, many of which are known for their gold rush and Old West pasts, Mitchell’s claim to fame is its iconic Corn Palace. This free attraction is the world's only corn palace and attracts roughly 500,000 tourists each year. While here, visitors can admire intricate murals made from corn and dive into the palace’s history. In the summer, visitors can cool off with a visit to the Mitchell Outdoor Aquatic Center, where a day of swimming will cost between $5.00 and $6.00.
A trip here isn’t complete without spending some time at Lake Mitchell. Take a relaxing hike on one of the lake's many trails, or rent a non-motorized boat and hit the water for a few hours. When the time comes for rest, visitors can choose to camp at the Lake Mitchell Campground or find a cozy hotel in town, such as the AmericInn by Wyndham.
Spearfish
Fishing fanatics take note, Spearfish, South Dakota, is home to some of the best fly-fishing in the state. Those interested in a day of catching fish can head to Spearfish Creek or Spearfish Canyon. Those who prefer admiring fish to catching them, however, should pay a visit to D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery. Here, guests can feed and admire brown and rainbow trout. Additionally, the 10-acre grounds feature a museum, a historic rail car, the Yellowstone boat, and the Booth Family home. Next to the fishery lies the Spearfish City Campground, which is a lovely, shaded camping area perfect for weekend accommodations.
Despite the town's name and reputation, there is far more to do here than simply fish. On a hot summer day, hit up the Spearfish Recreation & Aquatics Center waterpark or take a rewarding hike to the beautiful Devil's Bathtub. Art lovers can call ahead to book a tour at Termespheres Gallery, where renowned artist Dick Termes’ painted spheres are on full display.
Chamberlain
Despite this town's small size, there are plenty of fun things to see and do in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Spend some time enjoying the outdoors with a visit to Barger Park. The peaceful park features a roughly 1.5-mile walking path that leads to Roam Free Park, where hikers can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of some of Chamberlains best scenery. Art lovers and roadside attraction hunters alike will enjoy the 50-foot sculpture titled: Dignity of Earth and Sky.
The towering monument depicts a “native woman standing high on a bluff above the Missouri River.” Next, head to the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center to dive into the history and culture of the Lakota people. Those searching for interesting shopping opportunities will have a blast at the Old West Trading Post, which features a wide selection of antiques.
Pierre
The capital of the state, Pierre, South Dakota, is a charming town with plenty of natural and manmade beauty to admire. During the summer, visitors can venture out to Oahe Dam for a free tour and insights into how the dam was constructed. Next, plan an afternoon of biking, birdwatching, and canoeing at LaFramboise Island Nature Area. There are also a handful of museums in town, including the South Dakota Discovery Center and the South Dakota National Gaurd Museum. Visitors can also book a tour of the State Capitol Building, to discover a range of historical facts and artwork, including the Fighting Stallions Memorial.
Weekend getaways are meant to be equal parts relaxing and exciting, which is exactly what these small South Dakota towns have to offer. From unique shopping opportunities to memorable hikes, sparkling bodies of water, and historical landmarks, there is truly something for everyone here in The Mount Rushmore State.
