These 6 Towns In South Dakota Have Bustling Main Streets
Boasting a blend of natural beauty and cultural history, South Dakota has much to offer those wanting to visit this fascinating part of the American Midwest. If that sounds like you, here’s a great travel tip: plan your adventure around visits to South Dakota’s best small towns. These must-visit communities not only serve as great jumping-off points for top attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park, but they also feature bustling main streets that are full of charm and character.
In addition to being hubs of activity, South Dakota’s best main streets are lined with historic buildings that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as extremely picturesque backdrops to fun day trips, weekend getaways, or even extended vacations. To find out more about what the “Mount Rushmore State” has to offer, read through this list of six towns in South Dakota with bustling main streets.
Spearfish
Located on the northern edge of the scenic Black Hills region of South Dakota, Spearfish is an hour west of Rapid City on the I-90 and makes for an excellent excursion. Its historic downtown is centered on Main Street and features an interesting mix of modern amenities and historic charm. Highlights include The Matthews Opera House& Arts Center, built in 1906, thoroughly modernized, and offering live performances and art exhibits year-round. From here, it’s just a 15-minute stroll to Spearfish City Park, a popular spot for its walking trails along Spearfish Creek and proximity to the fascinating D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Museum.
Spearfish Main Street also gets busy during town happenings like the Festival in the Park in July which features live music, food trucks, and local craft vendors. From the downtown area you’re also just a short drive from Spearfish Canyon, a designated National Scenic Byway that’ll leads to one of the best places to stay in the Black Hills: Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
Deadwood
Famed for its Wild West past, Deadwood is another northern Black Hills destination that comes with a busy downtown area. Just 40 miles from Rapid City and close to the border with Wyoming, Deadwood Main Street retains much of its historic character with buildings like the Franklin Hotel, built in 1903 and still providing overnight stays. Historic Downtown Deadwood, a bustling tourist district designated in 1961, spans the entirety of Main Street and features other iconic attractions like Saloon No. 10 where Wild Bill Hickok met his fate and was murdered during a poker game in 1876 (it doesn’t get any more “Wild West” than that!).
A great time to visit Deadwood Main Street is during the Days of ’76 Rodeo. Held in July, this popular event sees the downtown area come alive with historic reenactments, a Wild West-themed parade, and a thrilling rodeo. A seasonal attraction, the Days of '76 Museum is located a short distance from the downtown and is worth a visit if you can’t make it to the rodeo. And be sure to pop into the nearby Mount Moriah Cemetery, another notable landmark where you can pay your respects to famous Old West figures, including Calamity Jane and even ol’ Wild Bill himself.
Vermillion
The small town of Vermillion, home to the University of South Dakota, is located an hour south of Sioux Falls and boasts a main street that exudes a contagious college-town energy. Wander Vermillion Main Street, and you’ll find the elegant Austin-Whittemore House, built in 1882 and now a museum and local history center. Main Street is also where you’ll find Ratingen Platz (named after the town in Germany), a quaint public space for events including free live music on Thursdays throughout the summer, and the XIX Brewing Company, a great spot to sample local brews.
Although a few blocks walk from downtown Vermillion, the National Music Museum makes for a pleasant hour or two exploring its collection of rare instruments. From here, you’re just a minute away from the university campus, so keep exploring. The South Dakota Shakespeare Festival takes place along Vermillion’s main drag in June and provides an excellent excuse to visit. So, too, does the town’s proximity to the Missouri River, with the North Alabama Bend Wildlife Area being a great spot for birdwatching.
Brookings
Located along the I-29, some 55 miles north of Sioux Falls, downtown Brookings features many local businesses occupying historic buildings dating from the early 1900s. The main drag here is lined with great cafés like Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie, while just a block off Main Avenue the popular Wooden Legs Brewing Company attracts beer fans. A block the other side of Main and you’ll find yourself at the Children's Museum of South Dakota, a must-visit for families. Housed in a restored 1930s-era school building, highlights include colorful displays and interactive exhibits for kids to get busy with.
From Main Avenue you’re only a 20 minute stroll from the campus of South Dakota State University and the South Dakota Art Museum which showcases regional artwork and rotating exhibits. Speaking of art, Main Avenue is also the hub for July’s Brookings Summer Arts Festival which takes over the downtown area with artisans, food vendors, and live music.
Yankton
Yankton’s location on the Missouri River an hour northwest of Sioux City, Iowa, certainly adds to its road trip appeal. The town's main thoroughfare, Broadway Ave, is part of the Meridian District, a lively part of town where a bustling riverport once operated. Highlights of a stroll (and it’s pleasant to walk) are historic structures like the Gurney Seed & Nursery Company Building, constructed in 1914, now home to retailers and eateries.
It's also where you’ll find the Meridian Bridge, a unique double-deck pedestrian bridge that crosses the Missouri River, connecting downtown Yankton to neighboring Nebraska. The Yankton Riverboat Days in August is a great time to really experience the area and draws crowds from across the region for its parades, concerts, and fireworks along the riverfront.
Huron
Situated 130 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, Huron is well-known for its agricultural roots and small-town charm. Main Street Huron is very much the heart of this small rural community and is where you’ll find historic buildings like the Huron Historic Depot, built in 1907, and the old Centennial Stone Church, a pretty place of worship built in 1887. Though a few blocks from the downtown core, the Pyle House Museum offers a fascinating insight into a mother and daughter who played active roles in the state’s Women’s Suffrage movement.
Best time to visit? Shoot for September when Huron hosts the South Dakota State Fair. One of the state’s most significant events, the fair sees the main street come alive with parades and other fun activities.
The Final Word
There’s little doubt that South Dakota's small towns provide curious travelers with a fascinating glimpse into the state's history and culture, especially along their bustling main streets. These busy thoroughfares not only serve as the community’s lifeblood, they’re also great starting places for tourists to begin exploring places like Mount Rushmore. From the Wild West feel of Deadwood to the college-town vibe of Vermillion, these six towns provide a range of fun experiences that guarantee visitors a dose of authentic South Dakota.
