9 South Dakota Towns That Were Ranked Among US Favorites for 2024

Think of a place where roads are broad, Native American culture big, and faces sunny — or mostly sunny. Some call it “the Dakota with the Mount Rushmore” — in reference to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. A top-notch destination, South Dakota particularly scores big on outdoor fun and adventure. Plus, it is dotted with many charming towns, a few of which are big and many of which are small. If you are wondering about which South Dakota towns Americans love the most, hold it here. Starting with Deadwood, uncover nine South Dakota towns that ranked among US favorites.

Deadwood

Loved for its gorgeous hills and forested landscape, Deadwood could just be the most beautiful South Dakota town. In its backdrop sprawls the pine-speckled Black Hills National Forest — while in the downtown area — a historic Main Street; part time capsule, part modern, is a sweet blend of the old and new.

Get started at the Information Center, where visitors get help mapping their adventure. A hearty breakfast at the iconic Saloon No. 10 on Main Street should pave the way for sites such as Days of ‘76 Museum, the Whitewood Creek, and Mount Moriah Cemetery, where the body of Wild Bill, a notorious gun-slinger who helped bring order to the frontier West — rests.

Custer

Custer is a stopover to several top-tier outdoor venues, including Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park, known for its roaming bison herd. Encircled by pine trees and glittering lakes, including the crystal-clear Sylvan Lake, Custer’s setting is to die for. The lake, for example, was featured in Disney's 2007 film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. A filling meal at Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. should set the pace for a day filled with fun and adventure.

September is a good time to visit Custer, especially if one longs to experience the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup — when cowboys and girls herd hundreds of bison through the verdant terrain and into corrals. Avid shoppers will love A Walk In the Woods, a local favorite that is loved for its wonderful selection of gifts, ladies' clothing, and other knick-knacks. That said, set at least two hours for The 1881 Courthouse and Museum, a diamond in the rough packed with historical trinkets.

Dell Rapids

From its ample sidewalks to its shaded parks and cozy feel, Dell Rapids, a cute, little town set along the Big Sioux River, has a penchant for leaving first-time visitors completely blown away. The river — besides being a sought-after recreational site — imbues the town with a rustic appeal, making it even more endearing. Think of numerous bike trails, where tasty views sway the eyes almost after every yard. The Sioux Falls River Greenway alone boasts approximately 30 miles of paved, multi-use pathways.

You can interact with a great mind at the Carnegie Public Library, relax at the Sylvan Dell Rapids Campground, or just amble through the town, popping inside homey restaurants such as LaDelle and Fourth Coffeehouse, which are loved for their warm and relaxing atmosphere.

Hill City

Enveloped in the Black Hills, with a small-town feel and comforting scenery, Hill City is high on the list of South Dakota towns ranked among US favorites. Although it almost brushes shoulders with Rapid City, South Dakota’s second-largest city, it often feels like a world away. A first-time visitor will want to explore parts of the expansive George S. Mickelson Trail, especially for its numerous converted railroad bridges and rock tunnels.

Alternatively, there is the chance to rouse one’s senses at the Jon Crane Gallery on Main Street, step back into the foggy past at the Museum @ Black Hills Institute — or visit the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, the site of one of the largest and, at times, most controversial memorial projects in the entire country. The iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is just about 20 minutes down the road.

Lead

Welcome to one of the most historical places in the Midwest, where old homes, abandoned mines, and sunny faces, are commonplace. Sanford Lab, at the former Homestake gold mine, is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States. Enjoy a quaintness hard to find anywhere else, plus a slew of other fascinating attractions.

Wondering where to start? Lewie's Burgers & Brews, known for its juicy half-pound burgers, will sate the heartiest of cravings. This done, head to the Black Hills Mining Museum, where the area’s gold-mining history is thoughtfully preserved. There is the nearby Roughlock Falls Nature Area as well, a tranquil oasis known for its stunning cascade. If looking for more outdoor fun, the trails at Gold Run Park pass through old concrete walls, before gifting trippers with panoramic views of the town.

Keystone

Mostly considered a stopover to the world-famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, fortunately, offers much more than one of the Midwest’s most defining landmarks. The town is known for its gold-mining history. Today, visitors can still catch a glimpse of the gold rush era at sites such as the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold, tour historic mining chambers, and wade inside relics of an important era in the nation’s history.

The iconic Powder House — besides offering melt-in-the-mouth bison steaks — is often a quiet vacation base with cozy rooms and terrific ambiance. For its evocative array of fantastic craftsmanship, Dahl’s Chainsaw Art will deserve an hour or two. Still out for more fun? Pass by the Keystone Museum, especially the Keystone Character Room. This space is dedicated to the celebration of famous Keystone sons and daughters, including Gutzon Borglum, Mount Rushmoe’s gifted sculptor.

Vermillion

Expect your eyes to light up when you set foot in Vermilion, a cute, little town set along the scenic banks of the Missouri River — a short drive from Sioux City, Iowa. Vermillion is a college town; hence, though small, is often vibrant and upbeat. Dakota Brick House in downtown Vermilion , with its rotating tap list, is a local favorite worth checking out. But there is the Silk Road Cafe as well, whose name depicts its Asian culinary theme.

Although small, the Coyote Twin Theater is quite welcoming and has comfortable seats. Also, one can hike to the top of Spirit Mound Historic Prairie — and travel in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark — or admire 500-year-old lyres at the National Music Museum, lovingly called “America’s Shrine to Music.”

Yankton

If Yankton's nickname fails to hold your attention, its long list of offerings will. Yankton is called the “Mother City of the Dakotas,” — and for a good reason. One of the most historic towns in the Midwest once served as the territorial capital, when the jurisdiction included the two Dakotas, as well as Wyoming and Montana. This town is located close to where the Missouri River meets the James River, a setting that bestows rustic charm on the area, enhancing the town's natural beauty. The Historic Dakota Theatre, whose history goes back more than 120 years, is a fantastic spot to catch a mood-lifting show.

For those who want to wander through quiet trails or get more intimate with nature, there is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, with its delicious lake views, and the Chief White Crane Recreation Area, with its rustic cabins.

Hot Springs

There is zero chance of boredom in Hot Springs, a South Dakota eye candy that looks plucked straight out of a fairytale. This jewel of a town reclines at the southern edge of South Dakota's Black Hills, about 57 miles south of Rapid City. So what should one expect here? First, beautiful, turn-of-the-century architecture, with echoes of the Romanesque style, complete with arcades, round arches, and eye-catching embellishments.

If you want to start with a finger-licking meal, Buffalo Dreamer is the place to be. Just don't rush it. Other attractions include the Fall River Pioneer Museum, where original works of local artists are displayed; Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, a cool space to get wet; or Mammoth Site, an "active" excavation venue that will thrill those who love history, fossils, or both.

If you long to go on a vacation where the people are warm and friendly, the sky is big, wide, and open — and the pace is slow and light — consider a trip to South Dakota, one of the most underrated states in America. You will enjoy elbow room, an old-timey feel, and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities, including mingling with roaming herds of bison. For those who want to explore the South Dakota towns Americans love the most, these towns, including Deadwood, are often ranked among US favorites. Just pick a town, a convenient date — and a good camera. You deserve downtime.