7 Idyllic Small Towns In South Dakota To Visit In 2025
The infamous Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Wind Cave National Park are just a few of the monumental landmarks in South Dakota. The state is replete with vast areas of deserted land engulfing prestigious landmarks, excellent recreation, and quaint communities. In these seven idyllic small towns, one can relish in the rich ambiance, be it historical or cultural, of the Mount Rushmore State this year.
Spearfish
The grounds of the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives include many opportunities for exploring and learning about the history of not only fish production, but also the hatcheries themselves. Visit The Museum, The Booth House, The Railcar, The Yellowstone Boat, and also the fish hatched in the park. To continue historical learning, visitors will want to stop at the High Plains Western Heritage Center. The heritage center aims to preserve and protect the rich history of the High Plains. The learning space provides widespread collections, archives, and live events. As a final enlightening visit, art enthusiasts will want to make their way to the Matthews Art Gallery. Opened in 1906 the gallery first presented its patrons with a live reenactment of The Lion and the Mouse. Besides live production, the gallery also features artwork of other mediums. Displayed all throughout the building, including the ceiling, the gallery also partners with Black Hills State University students and faculty to further their art education.
Deadwood
The town of Deadwood has had a lot of Wild West history since its early days as a state. Multiple opportunities are presented for tourists to learn about that history. One spot visitors can learn about it is at the Adams Museum. The museum was created to preserve and promote the history of the Black Hills. Among the displays are crucial fragments of the past that include Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, a pencil sketch of Wild Bill Hickok drawn by N.C. Wyeth, a rare plesiosaur, and more. Even more about the history of the Black Hills can be found at the Days of 76′ Museum. Built to honor the town’s early pioneers, prospectors, miners, muleskinners, and madams, the museum also hosts an annual event including a parade and rodeo. The updated facility displays wagons, stagecoaches, carriages, clothing, memorabilia, and archives. Since prospectors were some of the first residents of Deadwood, there are multiple entertainment areas where you can embark on your own gold rush journey. The Broken Boot Gold Mine gives an underground tour of miners’ caves. After touring the same mine prospectors visited over 100 years ago, partake in your own adventure of panning for gold.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs offers visitors an opportunity to visit an active dig site at The Mammoth Site. Take a self-guided tour to view the ice age fossils at the world’s largest mammoth research facility. Over 60 mammoths and at least 87 late ice age creatures have been discovered at the dig site. For another naturally found tourist attraction, be entranced by the Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa. The 1913 Pool was built in the year it was named after, and a dam was built halfway across it, which was constructed during its renovation in 2018. In between pool stops, relax in the Pool House, a warming hub that was once used by the Indigenous people and has a swimming path from the archway to the 1913 Pool. For more interesting artifacts and exhibits from the early days of Hot Springs, those interested will want to explore the Fall River Pioneer Museum. Travel back in time and explore the 19th-century sandstone schoolhouse while perusing the ancient artifacts of washing machines, wood cook stoves, kerosene lamps, and more.
Wall
Arguably, the most famous attraction in the town of Wall is Wall Drug. The drug store offers dining, gifts and souvenirs, activities, visitor information, and free ice water, which is what made it popular early on. Since 1931, weary travelers have stopped at Wall Drug for the free water, and to this day, travelers passing by continue to stop for the courtesy water and other amenities offered. Space enthusiasts in Wall will enjoy a trip to The Delta-09 Missile Silo. Up until the early 1990s, the missile silo at Delta-09 contained a fully operational Minuteman Missile that included a nuclear warhead. The Delta-09 missile silo was one of 150 found across the western part of the state. The launch facility contains a silo 12 feet in diameter and 80 feet deep, made of reinforced concrete. Visitors can view the silo from the ground, looking down through the door to the silo that has been welded shut and fitted with a glass roof. A non-active missile sits inside. For a unique artistic source of entertainment, Dahls’ Chainsaw Art has just the attraction. The internationally recognized chainsaw artist brothers create intricate works from Black Hills pine and other local woods. From Bigfoot, to eagles to archways, the artwork can be found against the picturesque backdrop of the Black Hills.
Sturgis
Sturgis has made itself well known far and wide for its annual event, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Every year, thousands of bikers from all over the U.S. ride in droves to celebrate this coveted event. Learn more about the rally with a visit to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. The museum aspires to collect, preserve, and showcase the history of motorcycling and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally's impact on the community. Exhibits include a photo gallery from past rallies, collections of exotic bikes, antique bikes, and a replica of a 1920s cycle shop. Another establishment in Sturgis that caters to the riders is the Iron Horse Saloon. Rally concerts are held for all spectators and are free to attend. The saloon is a sprawling 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor entertainment space. The building has three stories, each with a balcony to oversee the events or enjoy a meal. If you’re paying a visit to Sturgis and not too interested in motorcycle-related venues, a trip outdoors would be enjoyed at Bear Butte State Park. Formed millions of years ago in the Black Hills from igneous rock, the mountain is still a sacred ground to American Indian tribes to hold religious ceremonies. Hike, fish, and boat in the historical area, but be respectful of the prayer cloths and tobacco ties scattered amongst the branches. These items represent offerings and prayers left behind.
Vermillion
Music enthusiasts will appreciate touring the National Music Museum while in Vermillion. On the first floor of the museum, six separate galleries each showcase a different aspect of musically related history. From church to chamber, how music crosses time and space, and guitars of the past, are just some of the permanent fixtures. For nature lovers, the town of Vermillion features ample opportunities for hiking, one of those being at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie. Lewis and Clark passed through what is now Vermillion over 200 years ago, and during that journey, they made an unplanned nine-mile trek to a lone hill. The 320-acre mound was later purchased by the state parks and restored to its condition from when Lewis and Clark originally ventured over it, with a trail covering their original route, leading to the top of the mound. For another locally favored pastime, visit the Vermillion Area Farmers Market. Locally grown produce, grain, dairy, and other food items are available for purchase, as well as local artisan crafts. The market not only sells local goods, but also educates its patrons about agricultural products and the benefits of locally grown and organic foods.
De Smet
Best known for her novel, Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wilder is a household name in any book lover’s home. And De Smet is where Wilder called home. Multiple attractions around town honor her legacy and past. Start with a visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes compound. The homes and school from her life and novels can be found here, starting with the Original Ingalls Home, which was built by her father in 1887 and completed in 1889, as well as the Original First School of De Smet. Another Wilder site is the Ingalls Homestead. Providing multiple events, including covered wagon rides, pony rides, and hands-on activities, the homestead is a unique way to view life and experience it like the Ingalls family and others did back on the prairie. Dive even deeper in the history of De Smet through the Depot Museum. The museum contains historical information and artifacts related to vintage clothing, wildlife, appliances, musical equipment, childhood toys, and more. The building itself provides historical relevance as well, lasting since 1906, the Ingalls family lived in the original Surveyor’s Shanty.
Motorcycle rallies, historical authors, gold mines, and a drug store, believe it or not, are some of the biggest attractions in South Dakota, even with all it has to offer. The open landscape provides immaculate views, ample outdoor activities, and historical landmarks for all to enjoy. To experience a truly unique trip, partake in any of these ventures in these seven idyllic small towns in South Dakota.
