6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In South Dakota
South Dakota is home to charming small towns that pair scenic beauty with a rich sense of history. From the rugged peaks of the Black Hills to the sweeping banks of the Missouri River, each community captures a different side of the state’s character. You can find everything from the historic museum of Custer to the Termesphere Gallery of Spearfish, and enjoy easy access to natural wonders that make for unforgettable adventures. Here are six undisturbed towns to have on your bucket list.
Custer
Custer, the oldest European-American settlement in the Black Hills, is a town where history, nature, and community spirit intertwine. Founded after the 1874 Custer expedition’s gold find in nearby French Creek, its roots run deep, and every last full weekend in July, the town celebrates Gold Discovery Days with parades, fairs, and festivities that honor its storied beginnings.
Surrounding the town, Custer State Park stands as one of South Dakota’s crown jewels. Spanning over 71,000 acres, the park captivates with its rugged granite peaks, sweeping grasslands, and pristine lakes. Wildlife roams freely—bison graze the plains, prairie dogs pop from their burrows, bighorn sheep scale the cliffs, and the famously friendly “begging burros” wander up to greet visitors along Wildlife Loop Road. Adventurers can hike the Little Devils Tower Trail for breathtaking views or spend the day swimming, boating, or fishing in one of the park’s five sparkling lakes.
Nestled within this natural splendor, Sylvan Lake is a favorite for kayaking, paddle boating, or scrambling over the surrounding rock formations. In town, the 1881 Courthouse Museum preserves the area’s history with engaging exhibits on local culture, industry, and early life in the Black Hills, making Custer a destination where the past and present meet in remarkable ways.
Spearfish
Spearfish rests in the northern Black Hills, surrounded by landscapes that seem almost untouched by time. The town is perhaps best known for Spearfish Canyon, a breathtaking 19-mile drive where towering limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the winding Spearfish Creek create a setting that feels more like a lush rainforest than the rugged West. For those who enjoy a hike with a refreshing reward, Devil’s Bathtub provides a scenic 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that follows a clear stream to a secluded waterfall and natural pool—perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day.
History enthusiasts can step into the High Plains Western Heritage Center Museum, a five-state regional museum honoring Old West pioneers and American Indian heritage. Its collection spans western artifacts, regional art, live animals, and detailed displays tracing the stories that shaped the plains. At the same time, art lovers will be drawn to the Termesphere Gallery, home to the world’s largest display of Dick Termes’s extraordinary spherical paintings. These intricate, perspective-defying works invite visitors to see the world from every angle at once.
Hill City
Hill City, proudly known as the “Heart of the Hills,” earns its title from its central location in the Black Hills and its proximity to many of the region’s most renowned destinations. Just minutes away, the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial rises from Thunderhead Mountain, an ongoing tribute to the famed Lakota leader. Alongside the carving, visitors can explore an expansive Native American museum filled with artifacts, art, and history.
Railroad enthusiasts will be drawn to the 1880 Train - Hill City Depot, where vintage steam locomotives have been carrying passengers through the pine-clad hills since 1957. The scenic route between Hill City and Keystone shows views that connect past and present timelessly. Fossil lovers can step inside the Museum @ Black Hills Institute, home to an impressive collection of fossils and minerals gathered over nearly five decades of dedicated work. For a deeper look into 20th-century history, the CCC Museum of South Dakota preserves photographs, artifacts, and records of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose labor left an enduring mark on the region’s parks and forests.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs, nestled in the southern Black Hills, carries a reputation for its rich history, warm waters, and welcoming community spirit. Each year, the town hosts the Miss South Dakota pageant, drawing visitors and locals together for a beloved tradition. History and science enthusiasts can explore the Mammoth Site, where an ancient sinkhole has preserved the remains of Columbian and woolly mammoths, now showcased in a working museum and research center.
On the other hand, the World Fossil Finder Museum showcases groundbreaking fossil discoveries from around the globe, sparking curiosity in visitors of all ages. For a journey through local heritage, the Pioneer Museum houses countless artifacts within a 19th-century sandstone schoolhouse, with 25 distinct exhibit areas that transport guests back over a century.
For recreation, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs stands as the world’s largest indoor natural warm-water pool, maintained at a steady 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Fed by mineral-rich springs that refresh its waters multiple times daily, this landmark has been welcoming swimmers since 1890 and remains the oldest attraction in the Black Hills.
Vermillion
Vermillion, resting along the banks of the Missouri River, pairs small-town warmth with remarkable cultural and historic treasures. Just north of town, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie rises from the Great Plains, a site long regarded by Plains Indians as the dwelling place of mysterious “little people.” Today, visitors can hike to its summit for panoramic views and a connection to centuries of Native tradition.
Music lovers can explore the National Music Museum, established in 1973 on the University of South Dakota campus. Housing an extraordinary collection of instruments from across the globe and spanning hundreds of years, it ranges from rare Italian violins and ornate harpsichords to celebrity guitars and global percussion. Equally important, the W.H. Over Museum, the oldest in the state, preserves artifacts that tell the story of South Dakota’s cultural, natural, and historical heritage, while also providing educational programs for all ages. For a more indulgent experience, Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery—the state’s first—invites guests to sample locally crafted wines, enjoy a glass on the balcony overlooking the valley, browse the gift shop, or stay overnight in its charming bed-and-breakfast.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain, whose name in Lakota means “earth dwelling,” rests gracefully along the Missouri River, where history, culture, and sweeping landscapes converge. Rising high above the bluffs, the Dignity of Earth and Sky statue honors the Native Nations of the Great Plains. Standing 50 feet tall and weighing 12 tons, this stainless steel masterpiece depicts a Native woman holding a star quilt made of 128 blue and silver diamonds that mirror the surrounding water and sky.
The Akta Lakota Museum provides a vivid journey into the heritage of the Northern Plains Tribes, with remarkable cultural artifacts, historical displays, and art that speak to traditions both past and present. Nearby, the Chamberlain Lewis & Clark Welcome Center & Rest Area is a good place to explore scenic walking trails, shaded picnic spots, and interactive exhibits, including a full-size keelboat that recalls the Corps of Discovery’s legendary expedition. At the same time, spanning the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark Memorial Bridge connects Chamberlain to Oacoma, its views framed by a historical marker at the interpretive center.
Wrapping Up
From the cultural depth of Chamberlain to the fossil treasures of Hot Springs, and from Hill City’s mountain charm to Vermillion’s rich history, each of these South Dakota towns holds its own quiet magic. They invite travelers to step away from the rush, breathe in wide-open skies, and connect with places where heritage, nature, and community intertwine. Whether your passion is history, art, or the outdoors, these destinations leave lasting impressions that linger long after the journey ends.
