The Least-Crowded Towns In South Dakota To Catch Fall Foliage

After a couple of months of summer heat, most people can’t wait for the cozy vibes of fall to roll in. In South Dakota, it’s especially delightful with the crisp air, crackling campfires, and, of course, the brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, and browns of the trees. From mid-September to mid-October, visitors can enjoy stunning fall foliage across South Dakota, from the heights of the Black Hills to foliage favorites like Spearfish Canyon. The following towns not only feature some of South Dakota’s best fall foliage but also host fun festivals and events, making them ideal spots to kick off the season.

Custer

Custer, nestled in southwestern South Dakota, is often overlooked, having a population of just under 2,000 residents. However, those looking to celebrate the start of fall have plenty to see in the town’s nearby natural wonders, such as Custer State Park and the Black Hills Parkway, with fall foliage colors generally peaking in the first weeks of October. Within Custer State Park, both the Cathedral Spires and Little Devils Tower are trails that will provide gorgeous views of the colorful autumn leaves.

Taking advantage of the season, travelers can also consider visiting Custer on the weekend of October 5th, when the town has a Harvest Moon Fall Festival event at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort, featuring a food and drink garden, a cozy chili cookoff, a cornhole tournament, live music, and more. The fall is also a great time to visit Mount Rushmore nearby, as crowds are typically lower due to kids being back in school!

Deadwood

Also in the Black Hills, connected to Custer by the Black Hills Parkway, is Deadwood—a historic town with a wild-west atmosphere and just over 1,200 residents. Similar to Mount Rushmore, Deadwood is the most popular among tourists in the summer months, making the fall a beautiful, calmer time to visit the town. The Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake are excellent places to drive to, not too far, to appreciate the fall colors.

The beginning of October is especially a beautiful time to visit Deadwood, not only for the prime foliage views but also for the town’s annual Oktoberfest, which takes place on October 4th and 5th. During the event, travelers can enjoy wiener dog racing, beer barrel games, lots of German music, free food, and games, among other unique activities!

Hill City

Hill City, located between Custer and Deadwood, has a population of just under 1,000. It's close to major natural parks like Black Hills National Forest and larger cities like Rapid City, making it perfect for day trips while enjoying a peaceful return in the evening. Just a 20-minute drive away, Black Hills National Forest has some of the best fall foliage in the state, peaking around the end of September through the first week of October. The Flag Mountain Lookout, Whitetail Peak, and Newton Fork Road are just a few spots in the forest with impressive fall colors for visitors to enjoy.

On October 26th, the town also rings in the fall with its annual Hill City Children’s Boo Bash & Pumpkin Festival, which has a pumpkin patch, fall-themed games, Halloween activities, trunk-or-treat, and more, making it the perfect fall getaway for those with families.

Canton

Canton, a small town of just over 3,000 residents in southeastern South Dakota near the Iowa border, embraces a pioneer spirit and a love for the wilderness. Those who venture to the little town around October will be able to appreciate beautiful fall foliage in a variety of nearby outdoor recreational spots, including Newton Hills State Park, Chautauqua Park, and the laid-back Hiawatha Golf Course.

Newton Hills State Park is particularly a gem that draws in many travelers each year, with its rolling hills shaped by ancient glaciers, the Coteau des Prairies plateau, and vibrant, lush forests. To celebrate fall and enjoy the foliage, the park will host its annual Fall Festival on October 5th, featuring a craft fair and a candlelight walk.

Spearfish

Spearfish, South Dakota, with a population of around 13,000, lies along one of the state’s most scenic routes, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway in the Black Hills. This Byway undergoes a fall transformation, beginning in September and often lasting until October as well, appreciating the bright colors scattered throughout the canyon. The Scenic Byway stretches some 19 miles, making it the perfect afternoon activity in the fall months. Spearfish Canyon is a great place for travelers to hike and enjoy foliage as well, with Roughlock Falls being particularly known for its brightly colored autumn trees.

From September 6 through October 31, the town is hosting its annual Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, where travelers can attempt to navigate through the elaborate maze as well as select a pumpkin to make their Halloween jack-o-lantern!

Sturgis

Sturgis, located in western South Dakota with a population of just over 7,000, offers a variety of fall events and activities. Visitors can enjoy the Fall Festival & Oktoberfest, a farm tour at a local farm, and a scenic foliage drive through Vanocker Canyon. Stretching through the northern Black Hills, from Sturgis to the town of Nemo, visitors can appreciate Vanocker Canyon’s vibrant yellows, golds, and oranges, reds, and browns of the aspen, cottonwoods, birches, hazelnut, and maple trees. The Sturgis City of Commerce recommends visiting the town for its foliage from mid-September through mid-October to experience the peak of the fall colors.

Regarding Sturgis’s fall festival & Oktoberfest event, taking place at the end of September, travelers can enjoy a Sein Crawl on the first day and more family-friendly activities on the second day, including free cider, cocoa, a hay bale maze, and more.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen, in the northeastern part of the state, is full of fall foliage and has an exciting fall and Halloween-themed event calendar that lasts from the end of September through October. For those seeking vibrant fall colors, Sica Hollow State Park in the Prairie Coteau Hills offers hikes and horseback riding through rugged, forested terrain. The main trail, Trail of the Spirits, follows Roy Creek and winds through a mix of colorful maples, oaks, and elms. To arrive, try taking US-281 instead of the interstate to appreciate scenic foliage views during the drive!

Taking a look at the town’s event calendar before visiting is a good idea as well. Throughout September and October, a few of the events the town has going on include the Back Forty Beef Adventure Farm & Corn Maze Fall Festival, the Groton Pumpkin Fest, the American Legion Post 24 Turkey Shoot, Trick or Treat on Main, and more!

Fall in South Dakota is truly something special, with its crisp air, colorful landscapes, and joyous small-town festivals. Whether you find yourself driving through scenic byways, hiking in vibrant forests, or enjoying a beer at Oktoberfest, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season. So grab your cozy sweater, hit the road, and get ready to make the most of fall in the heart of South Dakota.