6 Romantic Small Towns In South Dakota For A 3-Day Weekend
South Dakota is one of the nation's least populated states with a vast natural landscape, as seen on La Framboise Island and the Custer Skywalk. This combination of low crowds and beautiful views makes it a lovely place for a romantic getaway. Deadwood and Hill City offer a mountainous experience in the Black Hills region with their rustic hotels and museums, while Watertown offers scenic views of the lake. Each of these communities offers people a blend of rural and rustic charm alongside incredible amenities, making them must-visit destinations during a romantic weekend away from home.
Watertown
Watertown is an incredibly laid-back city to enjoy during an extended weekend due to its alluring downtown and access to Pelican Lake, Goose Lake, and Lake Kampeska within its boundaries. On the northern end of the city is the Bramble Park Zoo, the second-largest zoo in the state, which houses over 600 animals, offers group tours, and is a wonderful place to spend a romantic weekend. Just near Interstate-29 is the My Place Hotel-Watertown, a tranquil hotel offering its guests comfortable rooms, some with kitchens, complimentary coffee, and a wonderful place to enjoy a hot breakfast.
The Town Players Community Theater is a wonderful place in town to enjoy local plays and musicals. The theater allows local actors and artists to present their work in the performing arts, and provides educational programs for those wanting to learn more about theater, along with new plays every few months. Off the coast of Lake Kampeska is the Cattail Crossing Golf Course, a 27-hole public golf course providing golfers with newly renovated greens, driving ranges, and people can get lessons from skilled golfers. The course also has a nice clubhouse and is within walking distance of Jackson Park and the Jackson Crossing Disc Golf Course.
Hot Springs
In the southern part of the Black Hills region is Hot Springs, a city renowned for its natural warm spring-fed waters, historic architecture, and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. On the northern end of town is the Highland Meadows Resort, a luxurious hotel offering its guests a relaxing experience with campgrounds and cabins to unwind in. It features a wellness retreat, and it is a marvelous place to host a wedding, meeting, or event. Further in town is the Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Springs and Spa, an outdoor hot spring with soak passes, spa services, outdoor pools, salt rooms, and visitors and residents can enjoy hearty meals at the Dragonfly Restaurant, which is right on the premises of the spa.
On the southern part of town is the World Fossil Finder Museum, where visitors and residents can view early fossil discoveries, have educational programs for everyone to enjoy, and see incredible exhibits to learn about the prehistoric creatures that roamed the earth. The Upper Chautauqua Park in town is a peaceful place to unwind, enjoy the fresh air, listen to the sounds of a moving creek, and have a picnic in scenic bliss.
Hill City
Behind Mount Rushmore is the quaint and historic Hill City, a natural getaway from reality full of outdoor adventure, historical charm, and culture. In the heart of downtown, McGregor and Main is a luxury loft hotel offering year-round comfort in style. The rooms are spectacular, making people feel like their home. Each room has a full kitchen, and the hotel is within walking distance of all the local shops, museums, and restaurants. Within the lobby is the With the Wind Winery tasting room, which provides patrons with incredible wine, tasty meals like hot melted sandwiches and cheese boards, and can host events and weddings.
Further up the street is the Museum at Black Hills Institute, which has a collection of fossils, minerals from the Black Hills, and amber. The museum also hosts local events and has the Everything Prehistoric gift shop with all kinds of unique dinosaur-related gifts. Up the street is Dahl's Chainsaw Art, a space dedicated to chainsaw-carved wood art. Artpieces include bears, eagles, and other unique wooden sculptures.
Deadwood
On the northern end of the Black Hills region is the city of Deadwood, renowned for its outdoor activities, history, and tourism. A hidden gem to spend the extended weekend in town is the 1899 Inn, a historic Inn with modern amenities and a wonderful homemade breakfast to begin the day. Just near the Inn is the White Rocks and Seth Bullock Grave Trail, a 2.4-mile trail showcasing a mix of historical landmarks and stunning natural scenery, making for a moderately challenging route to enjoy with friends and loved ones during the extended weekend. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but must be on a leash at all times.
The Adams Museum is a wonderful place to unwind and take a deep dive into the city's history. The museum was established in 1930 to preserve the history of the Black Hills region. The exhibits in the museum show its visitors numerous artifacts, well-preserved furniture, a general store on the main floor, and group tours with a minimum of 10 people. On Main Street is Mavericks Steak and Cocktails, serving patrons amazing high-quality steak dinners, ribs, and bourbon-glazed salmon, to name a few exciting entrees to try. Just next to Mavericks is the Gold Dust Casino and Hotel, which has 75 slot machines, table games, and awesome hotel rooms to unwind in.
Custer
14 miles south of Hill City is the historic city of Custer, which was founded in 1875, making it the oldest town in the Black Hills, and is full of outdoor recreation and history. On the outskirts of downtown is the Rock Crest Lodge and Cabins, a delightful home away from home, offering its guests log cabins, relaxing rooms, suites, and the French Creek Ranch to enjoy. A few of the cabins have hot tubs, while some of the rooms and suites have wet bars, making the stay more enjoyable. Not too far from Rock Crest is the Skywalk Trail Overlook, a 0.5-mile-long trail that delivers a quick and intense hike, with stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The best times to visit the trail are around late spring and early fall.
In downtown, people can take a stroll in the 1881 Courthouse Museum, as it preserves the history of the city and the Black Hills region. The museum has Native American artifacts, mining tools, historical relics, and the original courtroom preserved for all to enjoy. About a two-minute walk away from the museum is the Skogen Kitchen restaurant, which was established by California natives wanting to bring flavors from all over the world to the Black Hills region, and serves exciting menu options like red beet risotto and Japanese hamachi sashimi in a warm, welcoming, and rustic setting.
Pierre
In the middle of the state is Pierre, the state capital, offering its visitors a relaxing and alluring atmosphere mixed with scenic beauty and local charm. Right as people enter town, the Clubhouse Hotel and Suites await, welcoming people with its diverse amenities, modern comfort, and the RedRossa Italian Grill right in the lobby, serving people incredible Italian cuisine. The rooms and suites in the clubhouse are comfortable, luxurious, and there are also dog-friendly options. The hotel can also host weddings, has a fitness center, and an indoor pool.
Not too far from the Clubhouse Hotel across the Missouri River is La Framboise Island. The island is a peaceful place to go birdwatching, go on a calm walk, go canoeing, go boating, and have a picnic. Further in town, on Pierre Street, is the Pierre Players Community Theater, where people can enjoy the theatrics, get educated on theater and arts, and watch live local shows performed by local talent. The theater is within walking distance of the State Capitol Building, where people can take tours and see an incredibly historic building.
A Romantic Journey in the Mount Rushmore State
South Dakota is filled with rustic charm, local amenities, and unforgettable memories within these captivating communities. Places like Custer and Deadwood highlight Wild West history, while Hill City is a hidden treasure behind Mount Rushmore, offering memorable amenities. Pierre is full of delightful surprises as the state capital. Romance and adventure await in the "Mount Rushmore State," which provides a more relaxed romantic experience during extended weekends, along with breathtaking natural wonders to explore in the Black Hills and near the Missouri River.
