9 Most Scenic South Dakota Towns
South Dakota, also known as “The Mount Rushmore State,” is a key component of the North Central United States despite its relatively small population of just over 900,000 residents. Indeed with beautiful natural surroundings, fascinating American history, and loads of charming and scenic towns, South Dakota is a great place to discover for any traveller. Here some of the very best of Americana can be enjoyed in a land with centuries of history and an abundance of welcoming charm. So come explore these splendid, scenic, and fascinating South Dakota towns for yourself!
Deadwood
Seat of Lawrence County, the town of Deadwood was once a gold rush mining centre and was established in the 1870s. Though its economic heyday has long since gone, today this charming community maintains a modest population of just over 1,000 residents and that has been listed in its entirety as a National Historic Landmark. With its preserved 19th century architecture and other cultural landmarks like the Mount Moriah Cemetery (which includes the grave of Wild Bill Hickok), visiting Deadwood is indeed like stepping back in time. Meanwhile an afternoon at the informative Adams Museum sheds light on the town and region’s gold mining past and includes such artifacts like a giant golden nugget. And with numerous biking and hiking trails, outdoor adventure is always on hand here, while fishing at the nearby Sheridan Lake attracts anglers from across the State.
Pierre
In spite of its population of just over 14,000 residents, Pierre serves as South Dakota’s capital making it the second least populated State Capital after Montpelier, Vermont. Still the town remains a most beautiful and charming place to explore with scenery that can be enjoyed by any visitor. Situated on the Missouri River, guests to Pierre can enjoy splendid views of the water and surrounding greenery while a visit to the South Dakota State Capitol Building charms with its stunning decorated interiors. Meanwhile in the historic downtown district, a number of preserved 19th century buildings and other landmarks can be explored including the St. Charles Hotel. And at the nearby LaFramboise Island Nature Area, any outdoors lover will relish the opportunity to take in a vast area of raw natural beauty where the famous duo of Lewis and Clark once charted.
Keystone
Situated in the Black Hills, the town of Keystone boasts a population of just some 240 permanent residents. Yet with its very close proximity to the beloved Mount Rushmore, it is likely amongst the most popular stop over towns in South Dakota. Indeed millions of tourists descend on town annually which is just over 10 minutes away from the Monument. But even on its own Keystone remains a welcoming and fascinating place. Established in the 1880s as a mining centre, the town plays host to such attractions like the Big Thunder Gold Mine Museum, the historic Black Hills Central Railroad, and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course with a mountain landscape all around, even just a quiet afternoon in town may be all that’s needed for a memorable vacation.
Mitchell
Mitchell serves as the seat of Davison County and was formally incorporated in the 1880s. Today however it continues to be most well known as the home of the Corn Palace (completed in the 1920s), which attracts up to half a million visitors a year. Also known for its mild winters and hot summers, Mitchell is a great place to enjoy camping and other outdoor activities, and its lush surrounding forested area allures guests no matter what time of year. Meanwhile a day at the Dakota Discovery Museum is also a local highlight where the State’s rich history is brought to life in an informative and entertaining fashion.
And naturally no visit to Michell could be complete without visiting the previously mentioned Corn Palace, a visually delightful multipurpose arena that is amongst the most unique landmarks in America. Designed in a Moorish Revival style, the outside of the building is decorated with crop art made from various corn, and that is regularly changed. That means that no two visits will likely be the same at this marvel!
Spearfish
The town of Spearfish is located in the Black Hills Region and is indeed a haven for the outdoors lover. Here wonderful opportunities for camping, cycling, hiking, and fishing are always popular in a most scenic forested ambience. Home to a population of just over 12,000 residents. Spearfish is a welcoming town where in addition to outdoor activities guests can enjoy a charming downtown all within the beautiful framing of the Black Hills. Tourists can also spend time at the beautiful campus of Black Hills State University, while a day at the DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery gives visitors a unique look at efforts for conservation in the State.
Wall
Wall is situated just a very short 10 minute drive from Badlands National Park, where truly awesome encounters with prehistoric geological rock formations make it one of South Dakota’s most special day trips. But even in town itself (and its population of just over 700 residents), one can find plenty of charm and unique small town flavor. At the locally famous Wall Drug Store (founded in 1931), a variety of great outlets will mark one’s experience including cowboy themed stores, a fine art gallery, cafeterias and more. And of course just outside a photo opportunity alongside the 80 foot tall brontosaurus statue is a must, making Wall surely one of the most memorable South Dakota towns in anyone’s gallery of memories.
Custer
Seat of the same named county, Custer is a scenic small town where charm and wonderful nature come together. Home to a population of just under 2,000 inhabitants, the town is surrounded by the beautifully forested Custer State Park. Here outdoor adventures await, and great opportunities for mountain climbing, camping, hiking, and biking abound in a most scenic environment. Meanwhile a number of cute boutique stores, tasty local restaurants, and small town allure round out one’s stay in Custer, for an especially memorable sojourn in South Dakota. And for the truly fearless traveller, do not forget to take a hot air balloon ride where views of the town and the State Park make for quite the spectacular experience.
Dell Rapids
Founded in the 1870s, the town of Dell Rapids is today the home of a modest population of just under 4,000 residents in a place that is also lovingly known as “The Little City with Big Attractions”. Situated in the southeastern county of Minnehaha, Dell Rapids offers guests a wonderful mix of the outdoors with 19th century history all in a small town ambiance. Enjoy opportunities for camping, biking, and hiking, or spend time along the banks of the Big Sioux River where fishing is always popular. In addition in the town’s historic town centre, many unique buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s can be appreciated which include the Grand Opera House (1888) and the Carnegie Public Library (1910). Adding to the architecture’s allure is its special composition of Sioux Quartzite Rock, which is found in abundance in this part of South Dakota.
Hill City
Hill City can trace its modern history to the 1870s, and today it maintains a very modest population of just under 900 residents. Situated in the Black Hills region, Hill City was once a tin mining hub, and it maintains many 19th century architectural styles for guests to explore. Meanwhile for both the casual tourist and the aficionado history lover, two wonderful railway attractions can be found in town that will satisfy all ages. Stop by the Black Hills Central Railroad where rides on a lovingly restored 1880 steam engine truly brings one back in time, while at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum an interactive look at the growth of the railroad in South Dakota and the United States is a fascinating outing. And with Hill City’s vicinity to both the Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore, it is a perfect pit stop for those coming and going from these major attractions.
Some of the very of special American charm can be discovered in the beautiful State of South Dakota, where stunning natural surroundings and captivating history meet. Though the “Mount Rushmore State” has a relatively sparse population of under 1,000,000 million inhabitants, its wonderfully scenic and welcoming towns are great reasons to want to discover the State for oneself. From the capital of Pierre to the amazing displays of the Corn Palace in Mitchell, these scenic and friendly South Dakota towns are undoubtedly great gems to experience and further remind visitors of what makes the United States such a diverse place.
