12 Serene South Dakota Towns For A Weekend Retreat
South Dakota is one of the best choices anyone can make for a weekend retreat. Sliced through by America’s longest river, this interesting state in the Midwest has so much under its sleeves, from breathtaking natural wonders to world-famous landmarks. Despite all of its exciting features, it remains one of the most sparsely populated states in the US, with around 11 people per square mile according to the 2020 US Census Bureau data. Its towns are particularly the worst hit by this lack of crowds, and that is precisely why they are perfect for weekend retreats.
Some of these towns may appear deserted on paper, but in reality, they are surrounded by incredible attractions that will make any vacation memorable. In Keystone, for instance, the 200 residents downplay the fact that the town is full of attractions such as Mount Rushmore and Rushmore Mountain Adventure Park. So while these serene South Dakota towns are ideal for relaxing weekend retreats, travelers are advised to come with good shoes, as it will be difficult to ignore the exciting attractions waiting to be explored at almost every turn.
Garretson
Nicknamed the City of Parks, Garretson is a beautiful little town, ideal for a weekend retreat full of outdoor adventures. This town is best known for its proximity to Palisades State Park, home to stunning Sioux quartzite formations said to be more than a billion years old and rising up to 50 feet. Retreat seekers are invited to hike through the park to explore these rock formations, and climb some, or camp at one of the dozens of campsites and cabins in the area. Similarly, the Split Rock Park is in town and features quartzite rock formations and campsites. A river also flows through the park and offers opportunities for swimming, paddling, and fishing.
Nearby, the Devil’s Glutch is another fascinating attraction visitors will love. This quartzite rock chasm is beautiful and surrounded by interesting legends. Notably, an outlaw by the name Jesse James is said to have jumped over this gorge to evade capture. Today, a short hiking trail leads to scenic views of the formation, the waterfalls, and the native plants around.
For something away from the natural formations around Garretson, travelers are invited to sample local wine at the Humble Hill Winery or shop for everything from antiques to gourmet food at The Treasure Chest. Meanwhile, clean and affordable accommodation is available at the nearby Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sioux Falls-Brandon by IHG. The hotel has a pool, recreation area, and offers a complimentary hot breakfast.
Milbank
Milbank is a serene town on Whetstone River with a few attractions that make a weekend vacation memorable. For starters, the town is home to the 44-foot-high Milbank Grist Mill, which was built in 1884 by English settler Henry Holland, and now offers tours and live demonstrations. The town also boasts Lake Farley Park, where visitors can enjoy swimming, paddling, picnicking, and camping. Every summer, this park hosts the Farley Fest, one of the most exciting events in South Dakota. Held on a weekend in late June, this event features food, arts, crafts, as well as outdoor concerts, a parade, a car show, and other fun activities.
Nearby, Hartford Beach State Park on Big Stone Lake is an excellent place for camping and picnicking. The lake is also ideal for boating, canoeing, and fishing, and the park has a few hiking trails. Super 8 by Wyndham is a recommended place to stay when visiting Milbank. This pet-friendly hotel has air-conditioned rooms, free breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
Pierre
South Dakota’s capital city also turns out to be a quiet and charming getaway for weekend travelers. Located next to the Missouri River, this town is famous for hosting the Trail of Governors, the only one of its kind in the US, featuring life-size statues of South Dakota’s former governors. Lovers of South Dakota are invited to walk through this trail and then tour the State Capitol later to see its iconic murals, stained glass windows, more sculptures, and artworks. For a more historic immersion, the South Dakota National Guard Museum is a worthy place to visit to see military equipment, records, and memorabilia highlighting the history of the Dakota Militia and South Dakota Army and Air National Guard.
Away from the history, Pierre is near the Farm Island Recreation Area, where visitors can cool off with water-based adventures like boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. For a more pleasant weekend experience in Pierre, a stay at the ClubHouse Hotel & Suites is recommended. This luxury hotel is the best in the area, featuring cozy rooms, a complimentary deluxe breakfast, an Italian-American restaurant, and a fitness center, among other premium amenities.
Keystone
At first glance, Keystone might be a turn-off as its year-round population of around 200 people evokes ghost town vibes. However, this serenity is one of the reasons the town is perfect for a weekend retreat away from the chaos. The other reason is its proximity to Mount Rushmore National Monument, one of America’s most iconic attractions. This monument alone is worth a weekend visit to Keystone to see the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt engraved into a mountain.
Besides this monument, however, Keystone surprisingly has dozens of other thrilling attractions to delight weekend travelers. Rush Mountain Adventure Park is one of these attractions, featuring the Rushmore Cave, a mountain coaster, a zipline, a challenge course, and a gemstone mining area.
Keystone also hosts the National Presidential Wax Museum, home to over 100 realistic wax figures, including every US President. Visitors will best enjoy all of these exciting attractions while staying at the town’s best accommodation, like the Rushmore Express Inn & Family Suites. This inn is affordable and offers a wide variety of rustic rooms and suites with log furniture and amenities such as free parking, free continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
Hill City
Hill City is one of the best-kept secrets of the Black Hills, ideal for a weekend retreat full of historical discoveries. Here, it is easy to step back in time, especially with attractions like the 1880 Train, which offers a two-hour ride on a steam train through verdant forests to nearby Keystone. Adjacent to the railroad depot, the South Dakota State Railroad Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of the train companies that have served South Dakota since 1872. This railroad and train experience can be followed up by a visit to the Museum at Black Hills Institute for a journey into the prehistoric world. This museum focuses on the paleontology of the Black Hills, with over 1,300 fossils on display, including original dinosaur bones, minerals, marine fossils, and meteorites.
In the meantime, the Dakota Stone Rock Shop is in town for those who love the idea of browsing through a wide variety of rocks and purchasing some as souvenirs. The Comfort Inn and Suites Mount Rushmore is a recommended hotel to stay at while visiting Hill City for a pleasurable access to amenities like free parking, an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, a hot tub, and free Wi-Fi.
Mitchell
The town of Mitchell puts its name on the global map for hosting the World’s Only Corn Palace. This attraction alone is worth a weekend in Mitchell if you love creativity and the arts. Interestingly, this Corn Palace takes a different theme each year, and is usually designed with up to 12 different colors of locally grown corn. Even more interesting, the Corn Palace serves as a venue for concerts, exhibits, and other community events, and it hosts an annual corn festival every summer. Additionally, Mitchell is home to the Dakota Discovery Museum, a great place to learn about the lives of the Plains Indians, the Fur Trade, and the Dakota Territory. Visitors can check out this museum and then head to the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village to learn about the first people who inhabited the region more than a thousand years ago.
Nearby, Lake Mitchell is a great place to cool off with exciting activities like paddling and fishing. The area around the lake also has trails for hiking and biking, and a campground for extended stays. For a more luxurious lodging experience, however, the new My Place Hotel is recommended as it is affordable and features clean, modern rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, plus free parking and laundry facilities.
Madison
Madison is the perfect town in South Dakota for a lakeside weekend retreat. Located between Lake Herman and Lake Madison, travelers here will enjoy exciting water adventures like boating, paddling, and fishing, especially at Lake Herman State Park. Camping, cross-country skiing, swimming, and wildlife watching activities are also offered in the park, plus cabins are on-site for comfortable lodging. Meanwhile, the Walker’s Point Recreation Area on Lake Madison is another great place for water-based activities and camping.
Besides the lakes, retreat seekers are invited to the Historic Prairie Village to see dozens of restored historic buildings filled with artifacts, a steam carousel offering rides, and agricultural displays showcasing life in the area years ago. As for the best place to stay in town, the Best Western Plus Lakeview Hotel is an ideal choice. Like its name suggests, this hotel offers lake view rooms and suites, alongside complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Vermillion
Vermillion is a charming college town along the banks of the Missouri River that is great for a retreat with a mix of relaxation and fun activities. Here, the Clay County Park invites laid-back travelers to camp and picnic on the banks of the river. In the spirit of relaxation, the Valiant Vineyards Winery and Distillery can be the next stop for a wine tasting experience in South Dakota’s oldest winery. The winery is located at the Buffalo Run Resort, which also has rooms for lodging.
Moreover, a visit to Vermillion is always an opportunity to explore the National Music Museum, one of the largest of its kind in the US. This museum is home to a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments from America, Europe, and other parts of the world. Some of the earliest and rarest instruments can be found in this museum, reflecting the evolution of music. While in town, retreat seekers are invited to hike to the top of Spirit Mound Historic Prairie like Lewis and Clark did in August 1804. According to native American folklore, this site was inhabited by little spirit people with massive heads who terrorized visitors to the hill. Unfortunately, no spirit is waiting to terrorize anyone on the site today, only breathtaking scenery.
Also, a weekend experience in Vermillion can be made more pleasurable with a stay at the Prairie Inn, which is affordable and offers free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, in-room coffee, and a fitness center.
Deadwood
Deadwood is one of South Dakota’s coolest towns with much to offer, especially in terms of Western history. It is possible to spend all weekend here, just immersing in the past, starting from 1892 when the Historic Adams House was built. Today, this historic structure is now a museum reflecting the era’s prevalent architecture, the Queen-Anne Style, and featuring original furnishings and oak interiors.
Elsewhere in town, the Adams Museum stands as one of the best places to learn about the history of the Black Hills. Founded in 1930, it is considered the oldest history museum in the region, and its exhibits and artifacts cover everything from the region’s legends to its paleontology, geology, crime, and more. A weekend in Deadwood is also an opportunity to explore an Old West cemetery on a steep hill. This experience is offered at the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where the town’s earliest legends and personalities were laid to rest.
As a town rich with gold mining history, visitors are always invited to walk in the footsteps of miners of the Black Hills at the Broken Boot Gold Mine, established in 1878. The Lodge at Deadwood is a great place to stay for the weekend, with amenities including an indoor pool, a casino, and free parking.
Spearfish
A weekend retreat in Spearfish is a gateway to adventures, breathtaking natural scenery, and mind-blowing hospitality. First off, this town is home to Spearfish Canyon, one of the most popular attractions in the Black Hills, offering thrilling sights and adventures. A 19-mile scenic byway slices through the canyon, offering easy access to its treasures like the 60-foot Bridal Veil Falls. Plus, a creek presents opportunities for fishing in the canyon, while several hiking trails bring people close to the area’s streams, waterfalls, and wildlife such as mountain goats, deer, chipmunks, and over 200 species of birds.
As for history lovers, the 20,000 square foot High Plains Western Heritage Center Museum is a must-visit. This museum is an amazing place to immerse yourself in the history of the High Plains, with artifacts and exhibits from South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. The museum’s displays cover everything from the region’s transportation history to its native Americans, mining, rodeo, cattle and ranching, and pioneering. Moreover, art enthusiasts will be delighted with the uniquely painted spheres at Termesphere Gallery.
Retreat seekers are advised to stay at the Best Western Black Hills Lodge Inn for a more memorable weekend experience. In addition to its spacious, well-furnished rooms, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast, among other great amenities.
Yankton
Yankton is a serene town on the Missouri River, offering endless opportunities for water-based recreation. Entire weekends in this town can be spent boating, paddling, swimming, and fishing at the nearby Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. The park also has campsites, cabins, and a full-service restaurant. Also nearby, the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery is a great place to spend the weekend learning about fish hatcheries and the marine species found in the Missouri River basin. Moreover, walking or biking on the iconic Meridian Highway Bridge is always a cool thing to do in Yankon, as it offers scenic views of the Missouri River.
Yankton also hosts the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center, the largest archery center in the world, featuring an indoor range, multiple outdoor field ranges, a 3D range, and a fitness studio. Kids and adults are invited to enjoy a fun experience shooting at targets indoors and outdoors at this center. In the meantime, the Best Western Kelly Inn is a great place to stay when visiting Yankton. The hotel features complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a restaurant.
Custer
Custer is a small town and a paradise for outdoor adventures. For starters, the town is the closest to Custer State Park, South Dakota’s first and largest state park, covering a whopping 71,000-acre area in the Black Hills. In this park, one can lose track of time enjoying a myriad of adventures from camping and hiking to swimming, paddling, fishing, and biking. Additionally, this park is a haven for wildlife watching as it has a herd of about 1,300 bison, as well as white-tailed deer, coyotes, elk, bighorn sheep, and cougars, among others. Thankfully, the 14-mile Needles Highway runs through the park, offering easy access to the park’s natural treasures, including its spruce forests and rugged granite mountains.
Those who love the idea of sharing the road with wildlife or waiting patiently for them to cross the road have to take the Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway. This byway stretches for 18 miles through parts of the park where wildlife sightings are most common. Additionally, Custer is a few miles from Jewel Cave National Monument, where one of the world’s longest caves awaits to offer an underground adventure of a lifetime. As for history buffs, the 1881 Custer County Museum is in town and contains exhibits highlighting Lakota Native American culture, the expedition of George Custer, and the lives of Victorian-era settlers.
The Bavarian Inn Black Hills is a recommended place to stay while in Custer for maximum comfort and easy access to the area’s top attractions. Features of the hotel include spacious rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant, a hot tub, an outdoor heated pool, and a playground.
These towns in South Dakota are ideal places for weekend retreats. Far from just escapes from the norms and busy city vibes, these towns are destinations for adventurous and culturally enriching experiences in the Great Plains. Across these towns, you will find everything from awe-inspiring natural wonders like the longest river in the US to historic attractions like Mount Rushmore. Whatever your idea of the perfect weekend retreat might be, these towns will surely live up to your expectations. Book a stay at the recommended hotels and head to these towns next weekend for a memorable experience in one of America’s least-visited states.
