South Dakota's 8 Most Underrated Towns to Visit in 2024
South Dakota is a midwestern U.S. state full of rolling prairies and beautiful small-town vibes. With plenty of commercial, historical, or natural landmarks to explore, tourists and newcomers may never run out of things to witness while taking in continental climates and gorgeous views. In 2024, these underrated small towns are worth all the appeal for anyone looking to get out of the house, with many events taking place to help keep tourists happy. From incredible antiques in Hill City to the famous Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota is home to a host of underestimated, unique towns!
Hill City
Deemed one of the oldest cities in the entire country, Hill City is home to 1,032 residents who know all about history and cultural significance. The Black Hills Institute Museum has plenty of paleontological and geological findings for any traveler who loves dinosaurs and meteorites up close. At the same time, the South Dakota State Railroad Museum is another ideal historical landmark for tourists who prefer seeing interactive memorabilia and educational workshops that represent 18th-century contributions. Visitors can also check out Warrior's Work & Ben West Gallery, a mainstay for aficionados who admire contemporary architecture that resonates with older periods. The Palmer Gulch Stables has Norbeck Wildlife Preserve sanctuary sights, chuckwagon riding, horseback riding, and aspen-wood campfire grounds. For anyone still hungry in town, the Bumping Buffalo & Grill is a downtown steakhouse with a classic elegant twist and modern Black Hills ambiance, which makes it easy to see why this locale is quite underrated and essential for a night out. Summer events are being planned for 2024, like "Mt. Rushmore Rodeo" and the "Summer Flea Market" as well as "Boyd's World-Famous Antiques and Uniques," all taking place around Crazy Horse Memorial later this June.
Pierre
Pierre is a small town with 13,785 residents and is also the state capital. With tribute-driven landmarks like the Flaming Fountain Memorial, tourists can be reminded of how the Sioux Nation served and protected the country during hard times. Further history can be attributed to the South Dakota National Guard Museum, a popular landmark that houses military equipment, records, and relics of homeland safety history. LaFramboise Island, first historically observed by renowned explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, is a state park with lush meadow trails and exotic bird species reminiscent of the 1800s. Over at St. Charles Lounge, tourists can pick up a tab for signature cocktails and top-shelf whiskeys while enjoying hospitable moments alongside friendly locals, resulting in an unforgettable and underrated travel experience. For travelers who like easygoing tennis lessons, LaBarge Park acts as both a natural landmark and a pleasure-filled locale for visitors in the mood for sporting events. A dueling piano show event is planned for 2024 in early February at AmericInn, with the South Dakota Ambulance Association hosting a fun gala to honor public service members, granting visitors a friendly and benevolent reason to visit!
Spearfish
An outdoor adventurer's comfort zone, Spearfish is home to 12,841 inhabitants and is quite underrated regarding museums and natural beauty. Unmatched thrills can be discovered at Badlands National Park, a 244,000-acre landmark where rugged terrains of rhinos, horses, and saber-toothed cats were once known, while there are plenty of bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets who now call the park home. For a true uphill hiking experience, travelers can attempt to trek 76 Trail, a rewarding climb for those wishing to see photographic spots from atop the rim of Spearfish Canyon Lodge and an enticing mountain view of Savoy. Roughlock Falls is a worthy natural detour for people who like birdwatching and peaceful multi-tiered waterfalls. At the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives, one may find a plethora of cultural and economic artifacts that helped shape the American West and High Plains history. The museum also has upcoming events for 2024, like "Black Hills Cabins Stories," being told by historians later this April. For a mind-blowing and underrated art gallery adventure, newcomers can visit Termesphere Gallery, where internationally acclaimed geodesic dome architecture fuses with rotating marvels to create artistic wonder.
Deadwood
Deadwood is a small town with 1,331 residents and an underrated historical treat for over 2.5 million visitors annually. One of its highlights is historic Main Street, where gambling shops and Old West-style shootout scenery capitalize on the importance of the 1800s. History buffs will admire Historic Adams House, a hand-painted, 18-karat golden estate first built in 1892. Mount Moriah Cemetery is a landmark that brings together outsiders and locals to see where notable individuals were buried, such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock, the town's first Sheriff. Miss Kitty's Mercantile has cute stickers, illustrative postcards, and understated Christmas gifts for a shopping hotspot in town. At the Tatanka: Story of the Bison locale, visitors can explore Native American history exhibits and bison memorabilia that are unique because of their major Lakota Nation influence and Hollywood-esque replicas. Those who love dark caves may prefer the Broken Boot Gold Mine, where rich gold veins and century-old ore cars are part of 1870s mining history. A "Wine Around Town" event is scheduled for mid to late February 2024, with the finest businesses downtown offering select fine wine samples and chocolate delights to all newcomers in town!
Dell Rapids
Often referred to as "The Little City with Big Attractions," Dell Rapids has 3,873 inhabitants. It is most recognized for its colorful community and key natural landmarks like the Sioux River Red Rock Trail, where 2.6 miles of paved roads and rushing water sounds are worth every moment. The Dell Rapids Museum is a quaint historical locale with prairie roots that trace back to the old days of 1860s civil authority and American leadership. For tourists who want to enjoy a splendid coffee in a lavish environment, Ladelle and Fourth Coffeehouse is a cultural, family-friendly treat. The Monarch Steak House is also known for its underappreciated salad bars and high-quality prime ribs amongst a friendly and large crowd. The St. Mary Catholic Church is both a religious landmark and an educational tourist spot for travelers who like to learn more about architecture and Gospel history, with events planned for 2024 like the "Mardi Gras-themed Breakfast" taking place in mid-February. Even though there are not as many vibrant locales as one may find in other towns, Dell Rapids remains an underrated destination for many out-of-state visitors with its balance between lowkey history and upper-end social lifestyles.
Lead
A famous saloon and casino town with 2,953 residents, Lead is a key destination for all things natural and historical. Its gold mine locales, like the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center and the Black Hills Mining Museum, are underrated must-see ideas for travelers who want to explore the inner workings of mining heritage. The Historic Homestake Opera House is another tourist stop, with its 1900s European architecture and exquisite theater venue. It will even be hosting events related to a Charlie Brown musical series later in May, so tourists with a penchant for cartoon characters and live performances will likely enjoy these events in 2024. At Aspire Boutique, newcomers can take part in enchanting metaphysical antique shopping and absorb newfound knowledge from spiritual literature, a unique experience not found elsewhere in the state. The Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary is an uncommon locale in town for those who want a sacred and quiet reflection spot coupled with northern Black Hills scenery and wind chimes on Harmony Hill, resulting in an underrated natural exposure unlike any other. Furthermore, the sanctuary is home to the Seven Sacred Horses, symbolic creatures tied to the unification and healing process for Lakota Nation tribes.
Vermillion
A grand destination for downtown charm situated along the banks of the Missouri River, Vermillion has 12,182 residents and is ideal for tourists who love cultural arts and history. The National Music Museum is a globally renowned locale with underrated instrument collections that span years of various cultures and historical timelines. It is also going to be hosting a few musical events throughout 2024, namely the "Humbletown Duo" bluegrass venue for clawhammer banjo and traditional folk music fans in town between February and March. The Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is a more natural viewpoint of history with its Great Plains prominence and early 2000s territories that the First Nation People once used during the 18th century. Travelers can visit Bunyan's for spectacular potato salad sandwiches and gourmet french fry platters. For indoor football lovers, the DakotaDome stadium is a sporting locale with 9,100 seats. It serves as a cornerstone for the Coyotes at the University of South Dakota, yet another distinct stop for tourists due to its prosperous campus and research programs. Wine tasters will likely enjoy Valiant Vineyards, the state's oldest winery with balcony viewpoints and boutique tasting rooms adorned with antiquated furniture and overnight relaxation options.
Mitchell
A friendly small town with roots in the railroad industry, Mitchell is home to 15,476 residents. It is most well-known for its famous Corn Palace, an ingenious locale combining commercial tourism with historical agriculture to create wonderful corn kernel sights. Within walking distance from there is the Second Impression Palace Antique Mall, a multi-vendor mall filled with two whole floors of extraordinary trinkets and treasures that one would not find elsewhere. The George and Eleanor McGovern Library is a more political segue from town that allows guests to learn more about World War II contributors and the role of American governance in the 1970s. At the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, one of the only archaeological sites in the entire state, tourists can explore 19th-century livelihoods and what made Lake Mitchell so important for Native Americans who were around almost a millennium ago. Travelers may want to check out the "Sushi Candles" event scheduled for late February 2024, during which children and young adults can participate in custom-made Maki or Nigiri sushi roll creations made from beeswax sheets, perfect for family-oriented groups who want to mingle while new in town this year.
All of these small towns create the perfect underrated itinerary for anyone looking to visit the "Mount Rushmore State" this year. With a variety of locales and landmarks across the Black Hills to consider on this list, every traveler may find something new or enjoyable to experience in 2024, and there is no doubt that tourists will feel all the excitement and thrills. South Dakotan towns can bring out the best of every trip, no matter how experienced one is with traveling around the Midwestern region.
