9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In South Dakota

Less than one million people call South Dakota home, making it one of the least populated states in America. Most communities live along the Missouri River, and much of the territory is dedicated to agriculture, resulting in many secluded destinations that rarely receive visitors. Although the Mount Rushmore State doesn't attract as many tourists as some of its neighbors, there is no question about its natural beauty. Sprawling prairies, rolling mountains, and badland formations dominate its outdoor scenery, culminating in a paradise for nature lovers.

Beyond their God-given allure, small towns in South Dakota are steeped in history and culture, inviting tourists to immerse in intriguing Native American heritage and explore well-preserved monuments. From the picturesque hills of Spearfish to the scenic waters of Custer, here are some of the most underexplored places in South Dakota.

Spearfish

This lovely community in the Black Hills region is known for its fairytale natural landscapes, flanked by stunning cascades, forested mountains, and dramatic canyons. These are best accessible along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which features a 20-mile drive cutting through pristine waterfalls, towering limestone cliffs, and lush foliage, culminating in a rare visual spectacle. The Bridal Veil Falls is a top highlight along the route and easily accessible on foot, drawing hikers and sightseers mesmerized by its 60-foot drop and green surroundings.

Black Hills State University has elevated the town's status to an arts and culture hub. Art lovers often congregate at the Matthews to attend art exhibitions or watch live concerts and theater shows throughout the year. The building features a rustic interior and a wealth of heritage, having been around since 1906.

Hot Springs

Another gem in beautiful Black Hills Country, Hot Springs blends natural allure and archeological treasures to entertain visitors. It harbors the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological site where numerous mammoth remains have been unearthed. Guests can inspect the specimens at the museum, many of which date back to the Ice Age. Furthermore, there is more to explore at the World Fossil Finder Museum, whose incredible collection features some of the world's first fossil discoveries.

Hot Springs charms nature lovers with outdoor spaces like the Angostura Recreation Area, a tranquil escape on the shores of the Angostura Reservoir. This popular oasis fuels a range of recreational activities along its 36-mile shoreline, including picnicking on a sandy beach, swimming in crystal clear waters, and hiking along waterside trails.

De Smet

De Smet is famous for being the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the life and times of the iconic American author. Several landmarks have been dedicated to Laura, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes. These feature two historic buildings where she lived with her family and a school she attended, offering a window into Wilder's early life. There is more to learn about Laura Ingalls at the De Smet Depot Museum, whose exhibits highlight landmark moments and personalities in the community's history.

Beyond Laura's legacy, guests can revel in De Smet's peaceful outdoors with a round of golf at Kingsbury County Country Club. The 9-hole course has a challenging layout that will test even the most seasoned players and is surrounded by woods to create a serene atmosphere.

Custer

This small village of Custer County is heralded as a refuge for outdoor adventurers, thrusting vacationers into the heart of the Black Hills' splendid wilderness. It hosts Custer State Park, a popular outdoor playground embodying South Dakota's striking landscapes. The reserve is made up of canyons, buttes, pinnacles, and grasslands, providing a habitat for native wildlife species. One of the best ways to explore is to drive along the Wildlife Loop Road, which takes you on a scenic 18-mile tour through prairies, forests, and hills, exposing species like bison, deer, elk, and pronghorn.

Sylvan Lake is the perfect escape from the crowds in the middle of the park. This fairytale oasis boasts heavenly tranquility and lush surroundings, and it offers opportunities for hikers, campers, picnickers, boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and anglers.

Hill City

Dubbed "The Heart of the Hills" for its central location in the Black Hills area, this tiny town offers a blend of railway heritage, enchanting nature, and beautiful art. First-timers can hop aboard the 1880 Train for an unforgettable trip through the magical landscapes of the Black Hills in a vintage locomotive. The Museum at Black Hills Institute has a quirky collection of animal fossils, skeletons, meteorites, and minerals from the Black Hills region. Its family-friendly vibe and quiet setting make it a must-see in Hill City.

Meanwhile, art connoisseurs can look forward to a fulfilling experience at the Jon Crane Gallery. This quaint studio exhibits the works of a seasoned local artist with over 40 years of experience. His stunning watercolor illustrations revolve around wildlife and scenery in the Black Hills.

Garretson

Garretson's location near the Minnesota border makes it one of the most secluded towns in South Dakota. The community notably houses Devil's Gulch, the iconic site where infamous outlaw Jesse James escaped a mob after robbing a bank in Minnesota. But beyond its frontier lore, Garretson is surrounded by exquisite nature that keeps tourists busy with outdoor adventures. At Split Rock Park, dramatic quartzite formations line the edges of the Split Rock River to create exciting nature photography opportunities. The reserve also provides a reaction hub for campers, kayakers, canoers, and picnickers to converge and enjoy its diverse opportunities.

The same applies to Palisades State Park, which charms sightseers with scenic overlooks of dramatic cliff formations, pipestone quarries, and rushing creek waters. If you're feeling adventurous, several rugged hiking and rock climbing trails cut through the wasteland.

Keystone

Keystone's claim to fame is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, one of the most recognized landmarks in the United States. This popular attraction features the majestic sculptures of four notable American presidents carved into the side of the mountains and draws more than two million visitors annually. The community has a mining heritage intertwined with the Black Hills gold rush of the late 19th century. Guests can relive the mining heydays at the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which replicates an 1895 gold mine. The tour exposes old mining equipment, gem panning techniques, and other memorabilia, giving you an authentic blast from the past.

Meanwhile, visiting families can have a wholesome experience at Aerial Adventure Park, exploring aerial adventures on suspended ropes, ladders, and bridges. It also has a zipline and alpine tour that delivers unprecedented views of Mount Rushmore.

Lead

This quaint municipality in the Black Hills boasts a rich mining heritage; in its peak days, Lead produced much of the world's gold. Visitors can learn more about Lead's mining days at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. This resource center sits next to the since-abandoned Homestake Mine and harbors a modern museum with scientific exhibits. Surface tours are also available for guests looking for a more hands-on experience.

Today, Lead has transformed into a four-season destination, treating winter travelers to world-class slopes at Terry Peak Ski Area. At over 7,000 feet, the resort has dozens of snow trails with high-speed lifts that draw skiers, tubers, and snowboarders. Theater enthusiasts can catch live performances at the Historic Homestake Opera House. The historic venue stages at least 40 productions yearly, ranging from concerts and plays to musicals.

Deadwood

Deadwood is another Black Hills gem with a rich gold rush history and an engrossing Wild West heritage. Its well-preserved historic district is lined with old storefronts, brothels, watering holes, and inns that take you back to the 1870s. You can visit the spot where the notorious gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok was gunned down and check out his elaborate grave at Mount Moriah Cemetery next to Calamity Jane's, another prominent Wild West figure in the town's history.

The Adams History Museum exhibits curious artifacts recapping notable moments during the rush. It is the oldest museum in the Black Hills region and offers a window into a wild time in Deadwood. Finally, remember to stop by Brothel Deadwood and explore a standard fixture of the town's infamous past. Guests tour eight curated rooms with period furnishings, reliving the illegal sex industry at the time.

Why South Dakota's Small Towns Should Be on Your Radar

Despite its low population and lack of world-class destinations, the Mount Rushmore State has a unique hype that cannot be ignored. From famous national monuments in Keystone to stunning state parks in Custer, these small towns in South Dakota promise a novel experience that not many get to enjoy. A visit to any of them is an opportunity to explore raw natural beauty with undisturbed landscapes and discover well-kept histories and cultures you won't encounter in the big cities.