8 Small Towns in South Dakota With Big Charm
Sparsely populated with only 900,000 residents statewide, the “Mount Rushmore State” of South Dakota maintains a lovely big-time feel. An important center of the North Central United States, South Dakota’s stunning geographic features, scenic vistas, charming small towns, and fascinating stories of America’s past make it a great place to experience firsthand. Indeed, whether one is looking for adventures in the great outdoors or authentic snapshots of genuine Americana, visiting these wonderfully charming South Dakota towns will surely leave any traveler with a special set of memories not soon to be forgotten.
Hill City
Founded in the mid-1870s, the town of Hill City boasts a modest population of under 900 inhabitants. Yet this tiny community remains a most charming destination to discover, where stunning natural surroundings and fascinating American history come together. Once a tin mining center, many 19th-century-style buildings can still be found in Hill City, while the splendor that is the Black Hills creates a most scenic framing. In addition, visitors can take advantage of Hill City’s vicinity to the famed Mount Rushmore and the beautiful Custer State Park, making the town an ideal stopover place. And do not forget about the wonderful Black Hills Central Railroad, which offers rides on an 1880 steam engine that has been restored with great care. For a true sense of time travel, this is one attraction surely not to be missed!
Pierre
Though it has a population of just over 14,000 inhabitants, Pierre serves as South Dakota’s State Capital, making it the nation's second least-populated capital city. Still, this town remains a most charming and naturally beautiful destination that indeed has something for all to appreciate. Scenically located along the banks of the Missouri River, guests can tour the imposing State Capitol Building (1910) and take in a calming afternoon outing. Later, a stop at the downtown historic district offers a glimpse into 19th-century life through its assortment of several wonderfully preserved skyscrapers and landmarks. Finally, the outdoors enthusiast can also enjoy Pierre and its surroundings, and a visit to the LaFramboise Island Nature Area will surely delight. In addition to the raw and vast natural ambiance, visitors can also learn about American history and see where the famous couple of Lewis and Clark began their expeditionary journey.
Keystone
Just some 240 permanent residents call the town of Keystone home, yet thousands of visitors from across the nation and the world descend on this town annually! Located just a convenient ten-minute drive from the famous Mount Rushmore monument, Keystone is indeed a popular stop over destination for those coming and going to the chiseled presidential sculpture. Situated within South Dakota’s Black Hills, Keystone in its own right is a splendid and charming place to discover where intriguing stories of America’s past await. Founded in the 1880s as a mining town, among the historic attractions to enjoy in Keystone include the Big Thunder Gold Mine Museum, the Black Hills Central Railroad, and of course the National Presidential Wax Museum. Meanwhile even just exploring Main Street by foot and taking in the scenic mountainous framing may just be enough to appreciate the friendly and charming atmosphere of Keystone.
Deadwood
Once a gold rush center, Deadwood was founded in the 1870s and today serves as the seat of Lawrence County. Home to a modern population of just over 1,100 inhabitants, this once-booming economic hub maintains its historic significance and small-town charm. In fact, it was listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore an array of well-preserved 19th-century buildings and landmarks like the Adams Museum and the Mount Moriah Cemetery. At the former, an insightful look at the region’s gold mining past through immersive displays and artifacts (including a giant golden nugget) is offered, while at the latter, visiting such final resting places like those of Wild Bill Hickock bring one face to face with the past. And do not forget about Deadwood’s fantastic hiking and cycling trails, and its easy access to Sheridan Lake for some of the best fishing opportunities in the State.
Custer
The seat of the same named county, the town of Custer is a scenic and charming town that a humble population of nearly 2,000 people calls home. Beautifully encircled by Custer State Park, the unique natural ambiance on hand is indeed a treasure for all those who love the outdoors. With great opportunities for camping, hiking, cycling, and even mountain climbing, this wooded wonder is truly never short on beauty. Meanwhile, the small-town charm and friendly town atmosphere make Custer a nice little place to spend a day or two. Enjoy an assortment of tasty local restaurants, unique boutique shops, and other inviting businesses and galleries for a real slice of Americana. Established in the 1870s, Custer’s special array of 19th-century architecture and splendid natural framing make it a memorable small-town experience. And for the truly courageous, why not take a hot air balloon ride for some truly breathtaking vistas of the State Park and cute town?
Spearfish
Spearfish is located within the scenic Black Hills Region and can trace its foundational history to the 1870s. Just 15 miles northwest of the previously discussed town of Deadwood, just over 12,000 residents call this town home, which is indeed an outdoor lovers' paradise. A great place to enjoy such activities as fishing, biking, hiking, and camping, the hot summers and mild winters of this area make Spearfish a delightful experience throughout the year. In addition, one can enjoy places like the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery or the quaint and welcoming campus of Black Hills State University (1883). Add a fine assortment of local eateries and other small businesses, and Spearfish will surely satisfy all those looking for a most charming South Dakota destination!
Sturgis
Established in the 1870s during the Black Hills Gold Rush, the town of Sturgis was named for a Union General during the Civil War. Today this seat of Meade County is home to a population of some 7,000 residents, where the natural beauty of the Black Hills and alluring American history come together. Visit the historic downtown and its assortment of 19th century buildings and shops, while an afternoon at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is a fun and informative look at the history of motorcycling in America. And of course, one cannot forget the sights and sounds of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which since 1938 has attracted thousands of riders and spectators to the South Dakota town. Meanwhile the nearby Badlands National Park and the famed Mount Rushmore (some 51 miles south) make Sturgis a popular stopping ground for many.
Vermillion
Vermillion serves as the seat of Clay County, where nearly 12,000 inhabitants call home. Founded in the 1850s by French fur traders (though long the home of Native American peoples), Vermillion has seen its share of traders, ranchers, and cowboys through the ensuing decades, and it maintains a most charming historical vibe. Visit the well-preserved landmark district and its array of 19th and early 20th-century edifices while welcoming local restaurants, galleries, and shops to fill out the surroundings. In addition, Vermillion boasts nine green park areas perfect for biking, picnicking, jogging, and swimming. And do not forget about the nearby Missouri River, where scenic hiking trails and great opportunities to view wildlife are a treat for any age. Meanwhile, even a quiet afternoon on the University of South Dakota campus (1862) may be enough to fully appreciate Vermillion’s quaint and charming small-town atmosphere.
Whether it is the historic ambiance that is Deadwood or the motorcycle heritage of Sturgis, these and other charming small towns in South Dakota are indeed the perfect reminders of why the “Mount Rushmore State” is so special. While its population of only 900,000 may make it seem like a small place, the natural wonder and fascinating American history that fills South Dakota ensure a truly big-time feeling is experienced. For a most authentic encounter with quintessential Americana, then a visit to these charming South Dakota towns is a must. Here all ages can find something amusing, informative, and memorable, that will definitely make visiting this State a recurring desire.
