These Towns in South Dakota Come Alive in Spring
South Dakota, one of the least populated states in the US, is a wonderful destination for tourists. The state stays particularly quiet in the spring, with nature waking up along Custer State Park, the first town at the gateway to the 71,000-acre truly wild park with 1,300 free-wandering bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and burros. Many small towns shine in South Dakota, showcasing true spring charm. For example, Hill City and Custer are charming mountain towns, while the riverfront capital and Yankton, originally part of the Louisiana Purchase territory, abound in big city amenities.
Custer
Come meet spring face-to-face in Custer, the area's oldest town, in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest. Abounding in restaurants, unique shops, and museums, the historic downtown is great to poke around. Here, there are plenty of stops with trinkets and bites between historical sites, providing a rustic ambiance. For example, sites like the 1881 Courthouse Museum and Custer Post Office charm with their historic appeal.
The town offers outdoor adventurers for nature lovers and history buffs without leaving the proper. One of South Dakota's most impressive natural attractions is just minutes away from the charming mountain town, Custer State Park. This 71,000-acre wild place in the state hosts over 1,000 free-wandering bison, among species like pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and a band of burros. Particularly fascinating to young minds and city dwellers, you may feel like an odd bunch in this outdoor zoo.
From trail rides to scenic drives, bike rides, and safari tours, it is a whole other natural world to behold and explore in any way. Driving the Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway takes at least an hour. At the southern tip, it is common to watch wild burros beg for snacks from passing drivers. Two hiking trails along the Wildlife Loop allow for a close look at these docile donkeys. One is the moderate Prairie Trail, a three-mile loop through grasslands. It ends at a picnic spot amid wildflowers that bloom even in summer.
De Smet
De Smet, a friendly prairie town in eastern South Dakota, is full of historical character. It is the place to be in the spring on a getaway from the city, with plenty to explore. From parks to lakes and some trivial wanderings, literary fans can discover the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the famous author of the Little House on the Prairie books. The historic Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes is open for tours of her family’s dwellings. Similarly, the Depot Museum has unique artifacts and is near the old Harvey Dunn School.
Just one block north of Hwy 14 on 3rd Street and Harvey Dunn Ave., Washington Park is the largest city park for recreational activities, including two picnic shelters, beautiful landscaping, and a small bridge. The scenic bridge stands out, with annual and perennial flowers and great playground equipment. For those who want a more immersive experience, the park boasts RV and tent camping with water, electricity, and warm showers. It is perfect for the first getaway of the season on a budget, at only $20 per night, with electrical hookups along its shaded trails and horseshoe pits.
Water lovers should seek no further than eight miles southeast of town to Lake Thompson, South Dakota’s largest natural lake. At 16,000 acres, Lake Thompson brims with northern pike, walleye, perch, and crappies to fish or relax along the immense shore with bird-watching trails among flocks of Snow Geese. There's also a playground, beach, boat dock, and various stations, while the surrounding Lake Thompson Recreation Area features 100+ campsites and cabins, perfect for a reunion.
Hill City
Hill City, as the name suggests, is a charming town near iconic landmarks in the heart of the picturesque Black Hills. The town combines its outdoor scenery with a charming historic downtown that caters to all kinds of travelers. Adventurous souls head straight to the nearby mountains, caves, and forests. They are along the incredible 109-mile Mickelson Trail which slices Hill City right through the heart of the Black Hills.
Visit the coal museums to learn about the region's rich history. They have something for everyone, like the South Dakota State Railroad Museum and the nearby 1880 Train Depot. Here, one can take a scenic ride to Keystone on a vintage steam train. Similarly, the Museum @ Black Hills Institute displays dinosaurs, fossils, and fascinating collectibles.
While the outdoors is enticing, nothing matches the vibe of downtown Hill City. First settled in 1876 upon discovering gold in the Black Hills, the downtown area abounds in historic buildings and businesses. This is evident through the vibrant arts scene with Western-themed art galleries, street entertainment, and local wineries. Together with access to many of the region's top attractions, like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park, it is no wonder that Hill City is becoming a real hotspot.
Pierre
Since its founding in 1880, Pierre, the second-smallest state capital in the nation, has been charming summer visitors along the banks of the Missouri River. The small city has a real open door to the landscapes around it. It reflects the rich early American West history and heritage through many historical landmarks. These include markings of events from its development and exploration of the area. Visitors can engage in a fun hunt around the sites in the famed Lewis and Clark footsteps and stop at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for early US history. From the beautiful tree-lined streets, nearby Fort Pierre National Grassland offers 116,000 acres of open space and forested trails for hiking and biking.
The majestic State Capitol building has been an unmissable primary attraction since 1910. It tells stories of the city's diverse sides through elaborate murals, tile work, art galleries, and memorials. The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center displays aboriginal exhibits and artifacts of the Sioux people, as well as those of the later European settlement. The charming capital is excellent for discovering things in the spring without crowds. Being proximate to water bodies like the nearby man-made Lake Oahe, it is a natural choice for copious spring fishing, boating, jet skiing, and swimming in the later months.
Spearfish
Nicknamed Queen City, Spearfish is a charming town in the Northern Black Hills that is perfect to visit anytime. From hiking to fishing, rock climbing, and skiing in the winter, the refreshing waters of Spearfish Creek are perfect for a summertime dip. But nature wakes up first in the spring, through the Black Hills National Forest and the stunning beauty of Spearfish Canyon. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a 22-mile drive to enjoy breathtaking waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush forests. The town is quiet in the downtown area in the first months of spring. But, it is full of people during the Festival in the Park, a large outdoor arts festival bustling with life.
This gorgeous town with outdoor adventures for every fitness level was incorporated in 1888, leaving tons of culture all around. Between the array of shops, galleries, restaurants, terrific food joints, and breweries, many historic buildings unite modern culture with history. Matthews Opera House and Art Center offer live shows and exhibits in every medium. Blending outdoor adventure into the mix, the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery is a popular free attraction with aquariums and wildlife exhibits from the Black Hills.
Yankton
Yankton is a must-visit during spring, particularly for its advantageous location, which is a dream for watersports. Earning the nickname River City, the small town of nearly 16,000 lies along the Missouri River banks and its Rhine Creek tributary near the James River. Once a layover for traveling steamboats during the Black Hills Gold Rush, the historic city unites old charms and modern vibes downtown. One can find plenty of eclectic gift shops, antique spots, art galleries, and specialty stores within unique architecture without feeling overcrowded. From cultural museums to art galleries, visitors can explore some of the historic homes in the area on a residential community guided tour, like the 1886 Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home, and stop by Jo Dean’s Steakhouse for a filling bite afterward. The Dakota Territorial Museum and Bede Art Gallery are not to be missed for those interested in local culture.
Yankton's strategic holding grounds on the Nebraska border make it an easy destination, abounding in natural beauty and diverse culture. Go on the water or hit a Lewis and Clark Recreation Area trail. It has a resort vibe on its sandy beaches with campsites, cabins, boat rentals, fishing, and even a horse camp! Finally, seek out the photogenic, historic Meridian Bridge before stalling at the Meridian District over boutiques, galleries, and eateries.
With sage-colored prairie to the horizon and a big blue sky, South Dakota is a mid-spring dream come true, with unique and beautiful towns dotting the Black Hills. The early birds for the water will find Lake Thompson, South Dakota’s largest natural lake at 14,000, brimming with fish, as a boater's paradise near the small town of De Smet. Meanwhile, history lovers flock to the stories of Spearfish, creating an environment that comes to life for tourists in South Dakota.
