The 6 Can't-Miss Towns In South Dakota
An important component of the North Central United States, the beautiful South Dakota ranks as the 17th largest State by area in the country. Lovingly known as the “Mount Rushmore State”, the vast geographic splendor and cultural allure of South Dakota have long made it a veritable treasure, and though it has a sparse population of just over 924,000, there is indeed never a shortage of beautiful attractions to discover. Explore the Old Wild West, marvel at the Black Hills, and of course, greet the iconic Mount Rushmore. When in South Dakota, a variety of very exciting adventures await. So wait no more and come explore this great State through a stop in these truly awesome, cannot miss towns, that show off the best of South Dakota and, in turn, some of the finest Americana around!
Mitchell
The seat of Davison County, the town of Mitchell is beautifully situated along the James River, and mild winters and hot summers are the norm here. Incorporated in the 1880s, today nearly 16,000 inhabitants call this charming community home, where natural beauty and cultural intrigue come together. Enjoy scenic river views while fishing, swimming, hiking, cycling, boating, and camping, which remain ever-popular. Meanwhile, for those looking to learn more about South Dakota’s past, be sure to stop by the Dakota Discovery Museum. Celebrating the State’s foundational roots and indigenous peoples, a variety of fascinating exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays will delight anyone with a genuine thirst for knowledge and curiosity.
Finally, when visiting Mitchell, you truly cannot miss the famed Corn Palace, which sees up to half a million visitors each year! Designed in the Moorish Revival style, this unique building features an exterior covered in crop art. But the delight does not stop there! The designs frequently change for holidays and other special seasons, which means the façade of the Corn Palace and its minarets are never the same. Indeed, one can visit numerous times and take spectacular photos that will never repeat themselves. When inside, be sure to catch fun events like concerts, sports games, rodeos, and even dancing competitions.
Deadwood
Near the border with Wyoming, Deadwood serves as the seat of Lawrence County, where during the South Dakota Gold Rush in the late 1800s, it was a veritable boom town. Today, just over 1,000 permanent residents call this old-fashioned place home, which continues to maintain a most intriguing historic ambience. Listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, visiting Deadwood can certainly create the impression of having stepped back in time, and many preserved 19th-century buildings (including saloons, of course) dot the town center. And with a number of fascinating museum experiences to be had, learning about the Old West has never been easier. Spend time at the Days of ’76 Museum and the Brothel Deadwood, which immerses guests in the life of the 1870s and 1880s and the height of the Gold Rush. One can even learn more about the lives of such famed names as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Deadwood offers such a unique environment that it was even used as the setting for the popular television series of the same name, which first aired in 2004.
Finally, enjoy warm summers and mild winters here, while hiking, biking, camping, and fishing opportunities at Sheridan Lake are always in demand. Fishing off with a great American-style meal at such local eateries as Saloon No. 10 and the Horseshoe Restaurant, it becomes clear what makes this South Dakota town such a perfect example of the Wild West.
Custer
Custer was founded in 1875, predating South Dakota’s admission to the Union by some 14 years. As such, it is the oldest non indigenous settlement in the State, where today a modest population of just under 2,000 resides. Seat of the same-named County, Custer is scenically situated within the Black Hills region and next to the immense Custer State Park, covering some 71,000 acres! Featuring a hot summer climate, outdoor adventurists will surely relish time spent in Custer, where chances to go mountain climbing, cycling, hiking, and camping abound in a most panoramic and breathtaking environment. There is also the nearby Jewel Cave National Monument, a geologic wonder that is definitely not to be missed.
Additionally, for those looking for some historic intrigue, Custer stands out with its past as a former gold mining center. Explore several 19th-century landmarks here, like the Garlock House (1890) and the County Courthouse (1881), amongst others, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And do not forget about the summer Gold Discovery Days, featuring fun for the entire family. Running from July 18 to 20th, 2025, see colorful parades, vendors, food trucks, car shows, live music, and more in an exciting outing set against a most stunning South Dakotan backdrop!
Spearfish
Just some 15 miles northwest of the previously discussed town of Deadwood, Spearfish also lies within the State’s beautiful Black Hills, where it too was founded during the Gold Rush in the 1870s. Now with a population of just over 13,000 residents, this historic and naturally splendid town continues to charm guests with its special ambience. Enjoy a quiet and relaxing natural environment with hot summers and mild winters, and go hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and camping in the surrounding Black Hills, while the nearby Spearfish Canyon never disappoints. Full of lush greenery and awesome waterfalls, this is truly a photogenic delight that all ages will not want to miss.
Additionally, historic intrigue is not hard to find in Spearfish, and many landmarks continue to transport guests back to the 19th and early 20th century. Among the properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places are the Arthur Hewes House (1905), the Knight House (1892), and the Frawley Ranch (1880). And of course, be sure to spend some time on the pretty campus of Black Hills State University (1883), for a picturesque and reflective afternoon. Finally, enjoy a fine assortment of local businesses and eateries like the Farmhouse Bistro and the Freckled Fox Boutique Store, for a genuine slice of small-town USA with a South Dakota flavor.
Pierre
The second least populated state capital in the country (with just 14,000 residents), Pierre is still the most welcoming and exciting place to discover, and any visitor to South Dakota will not want to miss out. Founded in the 1880s and named for a prominent fur trader, this charming capital city lies beautifully along the Missouri River right in the heart of South Dakota. Offering hot summers and cool winters, enjoying the scenery in Pierre is a delight no matter what the season. From lush greenery to snow-capped trees, to sparkling river waters and frozen landscapes, Pierre's photogenic character truly stands out. Add in an awesome skyline that includes the historic South Dakota State Capitol Building (1910) and a historic district full of preserved 19th-century landmarks, and an old-fashioned charm will surely be felt.
Furthermore, be sure to visit the nearby LaFramboise Island Nature Area, where picnicking, cycling, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching remain popular activities. This area was even charted in the early 1800s by the famed expeditionary duo of Lewis and Clark!
Keystone
Known as a gateway to the famed Mount Rushmore, the town of Keystone lies less than a 10-minute drive from the beloved presidential monument. Located within the Black Hills, anyone travelling to or from Mount Rushmore will love stopping by Keystone and its charming ambience. Home to a population of just under 250 permanent residents, millions visit each year for a comfortable rest stop full of inviting Americana. Established as a mining center in the 1880s, among the unique attractions here are the Big Thunder Gold Mine, the National Presidential Wax Museum, and a stop on the Black Hills Central Railroad. Add in tasty dining options like the Ruby House Restaurant and the Front Porch, and some of the best in home-cooked American-style cooking can be enjoyed by all ages. Finally, with its mountainous geography, there are always splendid photo opportunities in Keystone, and a cute assortment of gift shops offer awesome pieces of the “Mount Rushmore State” to take home.
When travelling through the North Central United States, the great State of South Dakota is a definite must-visit destination. Covering a vast area rich in natural beauty, this outdoors allure is only rivalled by the State’s fascinating 19th century history and special Old West culture. Also named the “Mount Rushmore State”, the pretty towns in South Dakota are central to what makes it such a special place to visit. From the Wild West centers of Deadwood and Custer, the small but extraordinary capital of Pierre, to the outdoor delights of Spearfish, these towns define what it means to be “cannot miss”. So come see South Dakota through a journey to these awesome towns and see firsthand why the “Mount Rushmore State” has become a cherished part of many tourists' vacation plans!
