2025's Towns In South Dakota That Come Alive In The Fall

Arguably one of the best seasons, fall is magical and enchanting in South Dakota. As a part of the Midwest, the state becomes a living canvas from September on. With pleasantly mild days that slowly shift into the cool, crisp air of October, the region boasts some of the most enjoyable transitional weather of the year. Pack the cable knit sweaters, a light jacket, and some boots to explore this mesmerizing state. Home to the Black Hills Region, Custer State Park, and a bevy of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fall festivals, and more, embark on a journey this fall in South Dakota.

Custer

Custer is a top destination for basking in all the fall feels in South Dakota, especially at the iconic Custer State Park. Aim to visit around mid-October for peak foliage. Watch as the surrounding 71,000 acres in the Black Hills turn into fiery shades of reds, oranges, and golds. Whether by foot, bike, or horse, nothing beats soaking in all the colors at Custer State Park while the cool breeze bustles through the trees. Hike through the autumn wilderness to Sylvan Lake, often called the crown jewel of the park. With Black Elk Peak touching the sky in the backdrop of the glimmering waters, Sylvan Lake offers panoramic views for miles.

Held at the end of September, kick off the beginning of fall with the Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Bring a chair and the finest ranching attire, and be in awe as riders round up a massive herd of buffalo. Make it into a full-day adventure by grabbing breakfast and lunch at the event. This can’t-miss celebration brings together South Dakota’s cowboy culture and the beauty of the changing fall leaves.

Brookings

Brookings is an ideal spot for that cozy, small-town feel, with a close-knit community that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. There is no better place to chat with local farmers and snag some fresh, homegrown produce than at the Brookings Farmers Market. Pick up seasonal favorites like pumpkins and squash to whip up indulgent fall treats and comforting homemade soups. Stay awhile in Brookings to catch the Fall Festival at McCrory Gardens, held in October.

While McCrory Gardens and the South Dakota State University campus are beautiful year-round, they truly come alive in the colder months. Take a spellbinding hayride through the arboretum and be surrounded by a golden landscape with dazzling reds sprinkled throughout and quiet magic that floats with the cooler air. Spot all the friendly scarecrows at the scavenger hunt, join a hands-on fall floral arranging class, and hit up one of the food trucks to refuel after a long day of fall happenings.

Spend some time savoring a quiet afternoon in Dakota Nature Park. At the height of fall colors in mid-October, watch the vibrant 135-acre landscape burst into life. Home to nearly 200 bird species, the park is a top spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. From Blue Jays to Robins and Turkey Vultures, be sure to bring a camera to this flourishing wilderness.

Deadwood

Close to the Wyoming Border, Deadwood is a tucked-away South Dakota town. Located within the Black Hills, Deadwood’s atmosphere takes on an extra layer of enchantment during the fall, especially mid-October. Steeped in history and born from the gold rush era, it is no surprise that the town is filled with ghostly legends and eerie tales. Get the best of both worlds with a Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour. Embark on an hour-long journey with a local expert and visit the sites where history took place. Listen to stories of chilling murders and paranormal encounters while roaming the eerie streets of Deadwood.

For an exclusive peek underground, grab a ticket for a Haunted Tour of the Broken Boot Gold Mine, available for a limited time at the end of October. As the sun starts making its way down the horizon, make your way down this historic mine by candlelight.

Getting closer to Halloween, join the locals for the festivities during Deadweird. Dress up for the annual Monster Ball and dance to the live music. See who wins the award for best costume at the Historic Franklin Hotel and party all evening in creative attire. While both events are 21+, kids are welcome to join the fun at the other activities. Fill up a bag at the all-ages trunk or treat. Younger guests will also have a blast at KidWeird Halloween, featuring games, music, and plenty of fun.

Hill City

True to its name, Hill City is a sky-high masterpiece boasting a prime location in the Black Hills region. The quiet retreat is bursting with golden aspens, crisp mountain air, and a buzz of seasonal charm. Close to South Dakota’s main attractions, such as Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, Hill City has a calm, peaceful, and uncrowded atmosphere.

Take the scenic route with a fall drive on Iron Mountain Road. Winding through untouched wilderness, the scenic drive is breathtaking at every turn. Travel 17 miles of tunnels, curves, and switchbacks, all surrounded by a painted canvas of fall. Be englufed by striking reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows blanketing the hillsides. Along the way, lucky drivers might catch a glimpse of the area's wildlife. Bring a good eye to spot antelope, deer, wild turkeys, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, or even buffalo.

Dive into South Dakota’s bright fall foliage by riding through the landscape, either by train or horse. Hop on board the Oktoberfest Express and say Prost! Celebrate the excitement of a German-style Oktoberfest while riding through the majestic Black Hills region on board a steam train. Savor hearty German cuisine and top it off with a tall glass of authentic German beer. Pair this experience with the live polka music, and it is an unforgettable experience. For an early fall excursion, book a horse ride through High Country Trail Rides. Horseback rides are only available from May until September, but it is a fantastic way to begin the transition to the fall season.

Spearfish

Just a quick 15-minute drive to the Wyoming border, Spearfish is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With peak colors bursting in mid-October, grab a pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider and take a drive down the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Pass by staggering limestone cliffs and warm shades galore throughout the lush forestry on this 19-mile drive. Bring a camera and take a slight detour on a one-mile path to Roughlock Falls. Be in awe at the flowing waters front and center in this secluded paradise.

Spearfish is loaded with all the quintessential seasonal vibes. Venture to Spearfish Valley Produce for timeless, nostalgic joy at the Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch. Open on weekends only from September through October, navigate the giant corn maze, hop on the hayride, and take home a beautiful pumpkin as a souvenir. Choose the best one to carve or to use as decoration. Typically held in September, celebrate the arrival of fall with Autumn Fest on Main Street. Shop fall favourites from many vendors, including delicious eats, baked goods, and crafts.

Harrisburg

Just over 20 minutes from Sioux Falls, Harrisburg is surrounded by rolling fields, rural charm, and endless autumn adventures. Bring the family together to Country Apple Orchard, the ultimate place to be during September and October. Held every weekend, the Fall Festival is an exceptional choice. Make a new friend at the Funny Farm Petting Zoo, go round and round on the Ferris Wheel, cheer on competitors at the rubber duck races, and let little ones have a blast on the kiddie train ride. Before heading out, be sure to grab a sweet indulgence at the Candy Apple Shack Concession Stand.

Apple picking is one of the most essential activities in the cooler months. Fill up a bag and then head home to whip up a cozy apple pie or sweet and gooey apple crisp. Stroll through Country Apple Orchard for a pick-your-own experience, or simply grab a bag straight from the store. From classics like Honeycrisp and Cortland to intriguing tastes like Sweet Sixteen, Zestar, and Haralson.

For a more serene hideaway, the Lake Alvin Recreation Area is a solid choice, especially in mid-October. The area is renowned for being a phenomenal spot for heading out on the boat and going fishing. Take it easy for an afternoon and head out on an angling session. See if you can catch walleye, pike, catfish, or perch in this 105-acre lake. Surrounded by the rich colors of autumn, Lake Alvin Recreation Area offers a peaceful escape for those seeking a quieter fall experience.

Sturgis

Sturgis offers a compelling mix of attractions, from autumn celebrations and community events to serene, outdoor leaf peeping. Take a fall hike or gallop into the sunset at Bear Butte State Park. Wander through the prairies as they transform into rich hues of amber and honey, casting a warm, golden glow across the landscape. Back in town, get rowdy with the residents at the annual Sturgis Fall Festival and Oktoberfest. Purchase your passport and set off on the Stein Crawl, collecting stamps at participating bars throughout downtown. Activities vary by year, but previous festivities include beer tasting, a stein-holding contest, a cornhole tournament, and a chili tasting competition. Bring the kids along for the hay bale maze, hayrides, pumpkin painting contest, and live polka music.

For the bravest of travelers, The Chamber's Crypt Haunted House is a thrilling October event. Support the local spirit by giving back to Sturgis Brown High School. All proceeds raised benefit the school, as well as the student volunteers who help bring the haunted happenings to life. With popularity gaining over the years, a Teen Halloween Costume Party has been added to the bill.

Keystone

Keystone is renowned for its ghost stories, haunted landmarks, and eerie folklore, making it a hotspot for visitors in the fall. Open on weekends in October, The Haunting of Keystone is a ticket worth buying. When the sun dips below the horizon and darkness settles over Keystone, dare to visit three locations rumored to be paranormally active. Have a scare at the Rushmore Cave, Big Thunder Gold Mine, and the Victorian Schoolhouse Museum.

For a daytime excursion that is equal parts enchanting yet uncanny, visit the Keystone Cemetery, also known as the Mountain View Cemetery. Beneath the gaze of Mount Rushmore, wander among timeworn headstones, some dating as far back as the late 1800s. Perhaps a spirit or two may make itself known as the area is rumoured to be haunted.

It is not a true trip to Keystone without visiting the legendary Mount Rushmore itself. Best of all, the colder months draw fewer crowds, so fall is a prime time to view this famous landmark. After admiring the stone-carved presidents, make a pitstop at Horse Thief Lake. Get in a good leg-stretching session and stroll alongside the glimmering waters. With an eclectic mixture of Ponderosa pine, spruce, birch, aspen, and hardwoods, the area is a lush utopia with sprinkles of yellow throughout, adding a sunlit aura to the trails.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a bustling small town in North Eastern South Dakota with an array of autumnal activities enticing for all ages. Join the crowd for the Harvest Stroll taking place in the downtown area by the Dacotah Prairie Museum. Visit booths featuring crafts, pumpkin decorating, photo opportunities, a turkey shooting game, and a raffle. Take a break and feast on classic American fare, from the popcorn, hot dogs, and hot cider stands. Appealing to smaller guests, the Trick or Treat on Main is a joyful gathering. On October 31, bring the little ones in costume downtown to trick-or-treat at participating businesses.

Unwind with a beautiful walk through Kuhnert Arboretum. A mix of deciduous and coniferous trees keeps the landscape rich and green, while bursts of autumn color from changing leaves add a warm, seasonal touch. For a spookier time in Aberdeen’s natural surroundings, head to Wylie Park for the Aberdeen Haunted Forest. Dare to step foot in this chilling atmosphere with costumed actors dedicated to bringing chills down your spine. Previous scenes include clowns, zombies, magic mirrors, and Dr. Frankenstein. This beloved event is not to be missed and is the perfect way to commemorate the spooky season of October.

Watertown

Located roughly 40 minutes from the Minnesota border, Watertown wraps itself in the warm colors of autumn and the inviting spirit of a close-knit community. Grab the kids for end-of-October fun at the Bramble Park Zoo. Held during the afternoon, go trick-or-treating at the zoo while observing all the animals. October also brings the Fall Festival to Watertown, hosted by the Midwest Bible Camp. Join in on all the free festivities, including a corn maze, barrel train ride, and petting zoo. Purchase lunch and a pumpkin for a well-spent afternoon in Watertown.

Surrounded by Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, Watertown lives up to its name and is a friendly South Dakota town worth visiting. Spanning around 30 miles, get peddling around the sparkling waters of Lake Kampeska on the bike trail. Be sure to catch a sunrise or sunset as the surrounding area exudes a striking fall glow. On a warmer autumn day, head to the nearby Jackson Park for a round of golf. Perched in a prime spot overlooking Lake Kampeska, this 27-hole golf course offers a great game and unforgettable views.

Embrace Fall Thrills and Spooky Chills in South Dakota

Consider heading to South Dakota for an unforgettable fall season. As a Midwestern state, the region turns into a living postcard, especially in October, with trees in bright, flaming shades. Take a drive down the scenic byway in Spearfish or embrace Halloween the right way in Deadwood’s iconic Deadweird celebration. Relish in the quiet atmosphere in Hill City, a serene mountain town in the famed Black Hills region. Indecisive visitors will feel right at home in Sturgis, offering a checklist of magazine-worthy fall foliage and outdoor adventures, a classic autumn festival, and a haunted house. Regardless of which corner of the state you are in, South Dakota is an absolute wonderland.