The Best College Town In South Dakota

While there are plenty of worthy candidates for the title of the best college town in South Dakota, one name stands out above all others: Vermillion. Despite being one of the smallest college towns in “Mount Rushmore State,” its annual enrollment of close to 10,000 students a year sees the community’s population nearly double when school’s in. That school? The University of South Dakota (USD), the state’s second-largest public university.

Located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota and close to shared borders with Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota, Vermillion was established in 1859 as a French fur-trading outpost and later attracted pioneers for its proximity to the Missouri and Vermillion Rivers. Named after the unique color of the clay soil exposed in its riverbanks and cliff faces, it soon took on a central role in the growth of the Dakota Territory, evolving from a frontier settlement into a place with deep connections to industry, culture, and learning.

What sets Vermillion apart from other college towns in South Dakota, like Brookings, Madison, and Sioux Falls? While they all provide excellent educational opportunities, Vermilion’s small-town vibe and the unique synergy between “Town and Gown” is hard to match.

The University of South Dakota Finds a Home

Founded in 1862 and the state’s oldest public university, the University of South Dakota became a reality when the Dakota Territorial Legislature granted a charter for a public institution that would serve the educational needs of the region. Why Vermillion? Not only was the town centrally located along a crucial transportation route connecting the Midwest to the eastern states, but the ace up its sleeve was the strong support the initiative garnered from residents. In fact, community leaders recognized early on that a thriving college would cement a prosperous future for the town and, by default, its citizens.

Classes began in earnest in 1882, with a handful of instructors leading the charge. Students who enrolled in those early days often arrived with limited resources, but a strong belief in the power of learning propelled them forward, and gradually, USD expanded in both size and scope. Fast forward to today, and USD now offers a wide range of academic disciplines, including law, medicine, business, and the liberal arts. The university’s Sanford School of Medicine and the Beacom School of Business stand out as pillars of excellence, while its prestigious law school, the Knudson School of Law, is the oldest in the state and is where many of South Dakota’s legal professionals began their careers.

USD has also been recognized nationally for its research initiatives, civic engagement, and provision of meaningful education at a reasonable cost. Famous USD alumni include Tom Brokaw, a longtime television journalist and former NBC Nightly News anchor; Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today; and Tim Johnson, a former U.S. senator and representative for South Dakota.

The Relationship Between “Town and Gown”

As soon as students arrive in Vermillion to begin classes, the economic effect immediately ripples through the community. In fact, they may already have left an impression with visits with family or friends, contributing to the economy with stays at local hotels and sampling the town’s attractions. Then, once school starts, rental properties, cafés, shops, and entertainment venues all benefit from each semester’s new or returning crowd.

And let’s not forget that cultural exchanges are just as important as economic activity. With students coming from across the United States and from around the globe, Vermillion experiences a steady flow of fresh viewpoints, while campus events draw state-wide and out-of-state visitors to town. The USD football team, the South Dakota Coyotes, is an especially big draw, with game days filling the DakotaDome with cheering crowds made up of students, locals, tourists, and supporters of the “away” team.

The annual Dakota Days homecoming celebration in late September is another time of college and community bonding, with alumni from across the country returning to their alma mater to let their hair down and reconnect with former faculty and friends. In addition, university-sponsored programs such as music recitals, theater performances, and academic conferences add a diversity of experiences for residents and guests alike to enjoy.

Things To Do on Campus

Visitors to Vermillion, especially those eager to see the university, have several attractions to include on their travel itineraries. One of the most prominent is Old Main, an iconic structure with a long history as an academic center. One of four campus buildings granted status on the National Register of Historic Places, this attractive red-brick building was constructed in stages in the 1880s and has since been fully restored. Although still in use, you can pop inside to learn more about USD’s past through its architecture and galleries.

Another noteworthy stop is the National Music Museum. This campus attraction houses an impressive array of instruments from around the world and showcases centuries of musical evolution. Informative displays range from classical violins to experimental jazz pieces, each telling a story about performance traditions and global culture. Cultural events also play out at the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, where you can catch theater productions, concerts, and dance recitals.

And for athletic enthusiasts, the DakotaDome doesn’t only host the Coyotes. This indoor stadium has also hosted countless other sporting events, including track and field competitions, and has invited participants from across the region. On game days, you’ll see a wave of fans who line the streets and fill the stands in school colors, creating an atmosphere that demonstrates just how central athletics is to a college town’s identity.

Located next to the stadium, the W.H. Over Museum chronicles natural and cultural history from across South Dakota with exhibits on local wildlife, fossils, and the everyday lives of past generations. This museum has a particularly strong connection to USD’s academic roots as it began as a teaching collection for students and later evolved into a resource for the entire community to enjoy.

Exploring Vermillion’s Off-Campus Attractions

Thanks to the town’s size, the heart of Vermillion, its downtown area, is easy to get to from the USD campus. And there’s nowhere better to begin having fun off-campus than in the Downtown Vermillion Historic District with its well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Highlights include the First National Bank building featuring a brick façade and intricate stonework, as well as the nearby Austin-Whittemore House with its splendid Victorian design and small museum dedicated to local history (guided tours are available). The Clay County Courthouse, set along Main Street in the town’s historic district, certainly adds a stately touch with its clock tower being a much-photographed spot.

Just a few miles outside of town, the Missouri River offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie, located about six miles north of Vermillion, is another great spot to visit. This historically significant location was visited by the Lewis and Clark expedition in August 1804, and though it’s only raised 70 feet above the surrounding plain, it offers spectacular views of the natural ecosystem of the tallgrass prairie. An easy trail leads to the summit, with interpretive signs sharing details of the site’s significance.

Where To Stay and Dine

Those planning to stay overnight have several options within walking distance or a short drive of USD. Favorites include the Prairie Inn, a budget hotel located close to the downtown core that’s convenient for fans attending a game or families visiting students. At the other end of the spectrum, the Main Street Inn is a high-end B&B that’s just a block away from the downtown area and occupies a former historic frat house.

Dining spots are plentiful and reflect both the university's influence and homegrown flavors. Must-dine locations include Café Brulé, a favorite for breakfast dishes, comfort foods, as well as sweet and savory pastries, while Silk Road Café brings an international twist to the local dining scene with Asian-inspired dishes. Those who enjoy American fare will want to reserve a table at Red Steakhouse which offers a great menu in an atmosphere that balances casual and special-occasion dining.

The Final Word

Vermillion shines as South Dakota’s best college town by balancing academic pursuits with strong community ties. The presence of the University of South Dakota has not only shaped the town’s identity but has also fueled economic growth and generated a steady stream of cultural events. Students who attend USD will find a warm welcome at every turn, whether it’s from local businesses or accommodation providers. Residents, for their part, benefit from the energy of campus life as well as from participating in programs that keep the city engaged with fresh ideas. In short, Vermillion very much deserves its title as the best college town In South Dakota.