These Towns in South Dakota Have The Best Main Streets
South Dakota, in the heartland of America, is more than just vast prairies and the ever-watchful Mount Rushmore. It is a state teeming with small towns, each housing a blend of history, culture, and charm. Often overlooked in favor of their larger counterparts, these towns are not to be dismissed so easily. From the remnants of the gold rush era to a bustling college town ambiance, these locales provide a unique snapshot of life in the state. A stroll down the main streets of these towns is akin to listening closely to the heartbeat of South Dakota.
Deadwood
Established during the flurry of the 1876 gold rush, Deadwood is one of the last bastions of the Wild West. The town's Main Street is a living museum along which many shops, restaurants, and historical relics reside. Retail therapy in Deadwood offers a unique experience. Mustang Sally's, for instance, is a treasure trove of local sports memorabilia. Visitors can browse through an eclectic mix of items while enjoying a proper American burger. The culinary scene in Deadwood is as diverse as its history. At Pump House at Mind Blown Studio, the breakfast menu is absolutely stacked with delicacies like cinnamon rolls, hearty teas, and classic BLTs.
Deadwood also embraces its historical reputation as a hub of gambling. Unlike many other American towns, street gambling is legal here, harking back to the free-spirited days of the gold rush. It is one of few cities where pedestrians can pass by an Amish craft store that sits near a handful of functioning casinos. Last, there are available tours throughout an old (and no longer functioning as intended) brothel, which details how the women of this establishment played a part in managing the town's community.
Hill City
An iconic facet of the Black Hills region, Hill City is a charming mountain town with a story to tell. The town's Main Street is a striking amalgamation of both its past and present, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of the Old West while embracing modern convenience. Established during the Black Hills Gold Rush in the late 19th century, Hill City was a miners' encampment. Farther back, anthropologists discovered that humans have settled in the area for at least 9,000 years. Today, the gold rush history is proudly displayed in the rustic architecture that lines Main Street. The street is home to numerous vintage-style storefronts, with some converted historical buildings housing contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.
One of Main Street's most prominent features is the 1880 Train, an operating steam train that offers scenic tours through the Black Hills, departing from a depot that harkens back to the city's mining and railroad roots. The train's whistle is a familiar and cherished sound that echoes through the town daily. Local shops provide a quirky mix of offerings—from the classic Dakotan fare in Prairie Berry Winery to the fascinating geode and fossil specimens in the rock shops. In 1990, paleontologist Sue Hendrickson found a nearly complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex in Hill City. That is one more incredible thing to imagine wandering about this town, which has witnessed so many different periods of human and ancient history.
Custer
Custer is yet another vintage Black Hills settlement. This locale showcases its heritage most prominently along Mt. Rushmore Road, the town's main thoroughfare. This avenue serves as the town's backbone, lined with businesses that echo the town's rich past. The architecture itself is a notable characteristic, as many buildings date back to the late 19th century, reflecting the design choice of frontier days.
Among the establishments, there are a diverse array of shops, ranging from unique local boutiques to antique stores. For example, the Dakota Territory Trading Post carries beautiful collections of taxidermied animals, indigenous artwork, and even classic "Coca-Cola" memorabilia. Cuisine in Custer varies greatly. Old school, yet somehow still "hipster," joints dot the street, such as Denial and The Custer Wolf, which are in competition for the town's best burger (Black Hills Burger and Bun across the street are also top contenders).
An interesting quirk of Custer's main street is the annual Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, when the street transforms into a vibrant festival ground. Spectators transport back in time while viewing cowboys and cowgirls drive buffalo herds through the area. If you want to volunteer and join the parade, there are applications, and names are drawn at random. However, successful applicants must be fit, along with the horse they bring, as the ride can be very physically strenuous and there is steep terrain. For adventure seekers or those seeking a true Wild West experience, there is nothing quite like the thrill of assisting in the corralling of the animals.
Spearfish
Spearfish, a place that is famous for its vibrant landscapes, is an enchanting town that takes pride in its well-preserved Main Street. Historically, Spearfish exists thanks to the Black Hills Gold Rush but subsists mostly on farming and market gardening these days, which follows its tradition of providing sustenance for the nearby miners. Moreover, this stretch of road becomes fairly crowded (in the best of ways) during the Spearfish "Festival in the Park." This festival is an annual event that breathes life into the town with music, art, and communal camaraderie. But most importantly—food.
Furthermore, as visitors stroll down Main Street during the rest of the year, they will come across the Spearfish Creek Wine Bar, a lively spot offering wines and artisan cocktails that are as colorful as they taste. The venue's cozy ambiance encourages relaxation and conversation, making it a local favorite. Rolling Bones Outdoors, on the other hand, caters to the town's outdoor enthusiasts. This well-stocked store is a one-stop shop for hunting, shooting, and archery gear, which is vital for those spending a week in the nearby wilderness (do not forget to bring a permit).
Vermillion
Moving southwards, the college town of Vermillion has an old-fashioned Main Street. On vacation days and Saturday nights, one can expect to see students from the University of South Dakota shopping, relaxing, and enjoying their well-earned time off here at the center of Vermillion. The street itself is marvelously packed with sights and options to invest time into. Some of the stores, like Ot N Dots, offer a brilliant collection of Native American goods and crafts. The nearby Treasure Trove also purveys "thrifts and gifts" for remarkably affordable prices.
Moving on to the culinary nature of Vermillion, Café Brulé adds a caffeinated beat to Vermillion's rhythm, serving a mix of drinks and baked goods that locals love. There are some surprisingly creative dishes that the chef and owner have come up with, such as the cape cod sandwich, which comprises "turkey, gruyere cheese, spinach, & cranberry mustard sauce, all hedged between craisin-walnut bread." So whether one is seeking education, a unique souvenir, or a place to put their feet up, Vermillion answers the call.
Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche, known as the geographical center of the United States, has a distinct pride that extends to its Main Street. The town's annual July rodeo is a transformational event that injects a distinct Western spirit into Belle Fourche's quiet routine. It is a lively carnival that indulges in concerts, local food, a cattle drive, and a dazzling fireworks display.
Among the quaint shops of Belle Fourche, The Olive Branch is a standout. This boutique rocks a wide selection of elegant yet expressive garments that tend to adorn customers as they walk out. In terms of sports in the town, the Stadium Sports Grill, a local favorite, promises hearty meals and a selection of drinks that cater to both locals and visitors alike. Yet, the sweetest part of any visit to Belle Fourche is arguably a stop at 8th Avenue Bakery. The handcrafted pastries are arguably some of the best in the entire state, with goodies like cherry cobbler cruffin and novel approaches to chocolate chip cookies. With such a healthy mix of both innovation and tradition, it is clear that Belle Fourche is also a cultural center of the United States.
Lead
Once the heartbeat of a bustling gold-mining community, the town of Lead carries its history into the present day. The tangible echoes of this heritage are particularly evident on Main Street, where the past and present merge to create a captivating atmosphere. One place where this historical resonance is palpable is the Miners & Merchants Trading Post. Upon entering, visitors will experience a colorful selection stacked to the ceiling, containing beautiful assorted goodies that will turn any house into a home.
A few steps away, the Stampmill Restaurant & Saloon brings Lead's history to the culinary realm. Housed in a building that has stood since the gold rush, the restaurant offers a menu that reflects South Dakota's culinary traditions. A particular favorite is the Miner Burger; this half-pound patty is guaranteed to re-energize the dustier folk who stroll in so that they can complete an honest day's work in the depths of the earth.
Perhaps the most emblematic symbol of Lead's history is the Homestake Opera House. This gorgeous performing arts theater has maintained its 19th-century aesthetic for over a hundred years, and this integrity injects a certain immersion into the tales that grace its well-worn stage. Overall, Lead is a place that celebrates the lives of those who formed the culture of a long-forgotten America and that preservation is something to cherish and enjoy.
Unearthing the charm of South Dakota's small towns involves more than just reading about them. Each town, from Deadwood's historic gambling tradition to the annual rodeo in Belle Fourche, calls for a personal encounter. It is in the uncovering of a legendary antique, the sight of a historic opera house, or the scent of locally made baked-good that these towns truly come alive. So, the next time you find yourself in South Dakota, venture off the beaten path. You might discover that the essence of the American heartland lies not in its expansive landscapes or cramped urban sprawls, but in the quaint main streets of its small towns.
