7 Stress-Free South Dakota Towns For A Weekend Retreat
When the weeks seem almost endless, you need a stress-free retreat to cure you of your weekday blues. And there is no better spot to shrug off the stress of the week than these small, South Dakota towns. They are where you can relax along the beach at Lake Thomson in Brookings, or take a train ride through the Black Hills in Hill City. Time in these small communities moves just a little slower, so a short weekend retreat feels like a full-fledged vacation. When you are ready to hit the road and leave your stress behind, check out these fantastic South Dakota retreats.
Spearfish
Nestled in the Black Hills, Spearfish is a small community where scenic vistas are in high supply. While there are plenty of amazing parks in Spearfish, few hold a candle to Spearfish Canyon. As one of the most beautiful attractions in South Dakota, it’s well worth the drive. You’ll discover stunning waterfalls, like Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls, that stand nearly 60 feet tall. The canyon offers picturesque hiking trails and observational decks so you can get the best photo of the falls.
One of the more unlikely attractions in Spearfish is the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives. Exploring one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the country may not sound immediately appealing, but the site is rich in history with stunning buildings, manicured gardens and ponds, and an underwater viewing area where you can get up close and personal to the fish. In central Spearfish, you can grab a cup of coffee at Green Bean, and then end your day at the cozy Inn at Spearfish Creek.
Custer
It’s hard to pack in all the sights of Custer into a weekend retreat, but you can surely try! Located in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, Custer is a place where scenic beauty meets historical attractions. The most notable attraction in Custer is the Crazy Horse Memorial. Dedicated to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse, the memorial is the biggest mountain sculpture anywhere in the world, although it isn’t finished quite yet. While it’s still a work in progress, it’s still an amazing human feat worth checking out, and the museum detailing the Native American history of Custer is fully finished and ready for guests!
If you want to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails, the Custer State Park is one of the best parks in the area. It’s a great place to hike along the impossibly calm waters of Sylvan and Legion Lake, or maybe catch a rare glimpse of the native wildlife of the area, like bison herds or wild burros. Custer isn’t too far from Wind Cave National Park, an amazing underground park with amazing boxwork formations and massive underground chambers. After a long day of exploring the natural wonder of Custer, Rock Crest Lodge and Cabins is an idyllic retreat within the beauty of the Black Hills.
Brookings
On the other side of the state in Eastern South Dakota near the Minnesota border, is the vibrant, yet often overlooked, city of Brookings. Home of South Dakota State University, Brookings has a youthful vibe with modern amenities and unique attractions, like the South Dakota Art Museum and the stunning McCrory Gardens. Downtown Brookings has plenty to do to keep you occupied over the weekend, but if it’s natural beauty and crowd-free parks you’re after, they have those, too!
If you want to relax on the shores and pretend you’re at the beach, Lake Thompson is one of your best options. Located west of Brookings, it’s one of South Dakota’s largest natural lakes. It’s a great place to canoe, swim, or hike one of the trails that offer stunning views of the lake, where the land stretches as far as the eye can see. When you’re ready to hang up your hat at the end of a long day exploring Brookings, the accommodations at My Place Hotel are comfortable, affordable, and convenient!
Belle Fourche
Ever wanted to stand in the geographical center of the continental United States? In Belle Fourche, you can do exactly that! Known as the ‘Center of the Nation’, Belle Fourche is where you’ll find the Center of the Nation Monument, perfect for photos (and to brag to your friends). The monument may make the perfect photo-op, but there’s so much to discover within walking distance of the iconic monument. You can walk over to the Tri-State Museum, displaying anything from old pioneer artifacts to dinosaur bones, or explore the Johnny Spaulding Cabin. This historical cabin stands in stark contrast to the booming downtown of Belle Fourche and is a pleasant look back into the early days of the area.
If you prefer more scenic escapes, the Rocky Point Recreation Area is a great place to unwind after a long week. It has beautiful hiking trails that trace the lake, boat launches to spend a day out on the water, and rocky beaches where you can cool off in the summer. One of the best aspects of Belle Fourche is that nightly accommodations are incredibly affordable. The AmericInn by Wyndham blends modern accommodations with surprisingly low rates and keeps you right in the center of all the action!
Hill City
Hill City is yet another gem tucked away in the stunning Black Hills region. It’s often referred to as the ‘Heart of the Hills’ thanks to its lovely, welcoming community and distance from some of the best vistas in the state! The best way to experience Hill City isn’t by foot, but by train. The 1880 Train, aka the Black Hills Central Railroad, takes passengers through the best parts of the Black Hills on an iconic steam-powered passenger locomotive. The train travels through some of the most iconic scenery of the Black Hills, like Harney Peak, Indian Cliffs, and Old Baldy Mountain. If you prefer to travel on foot, the Mickelson Trail is a trail that spans over 100 miles, cutting through Hill City.
The natural landscapes of Hill City are enough to steal your breath, but its vibrant downtown area has plenty to discover. The Museum at Black Hills Institute is perfect for those who love everything dinosaur. The museum has an extensive collection of fossils and replicas. It even has a replica of one of the most complete T. rex dinosaurs ever found! After a good meal and a tiring day of exploring, Hill City has plenty of accommodations to choose from. The Spring Creek Inn may be the best, with its rustic decor and idyllic country setting.
Madison
Madison is in the southeastern South Dakota region, known for its stunning water views and lakeside attractions. The biggest draw to Madison is Lake Herman State Park, a quiet public space where the air smells a little fresher. Nestled along the banks of Lake Herman, this 1,350-acre park offers ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, or canoeing on its pristine waters. There are also a few hiking trails that wind along the water, with plenty of opportunities to admire local wildlife. There’s also Lake Madison, located to the east, perfect for an afternoon of fishing.
If you prefer more historical attractions, Madison has those, too! The Historic Prairie Village of Madison is a quaint, recreated turn-of-the-century village that feels like stepping back in time. You can explore historical buildings furnished with antiques, or walk the quiet prairie streets where time moves just a bit slower. While the sights in Madison are rustic, that certainly isn’t the case at the Best Western Plus Lakeview Hotel. If you want to end your stay with comfortable accommodations that don’t break the bank, it’s one of the best hotels in the area!
Yankton
Along the banks of the Missouri River near the Nebraska border is the small community of Yankton. A wonderful blend of historical sites and natural landscapes, it's a fantastic place to let your weekday worries melt away. The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is one of the best attractions in Yankton. It offers relaxing beaches with a view of Lewis and Clark Lake, amazing hiking trails that traverse prairie, woodland, and lakeshore habitats (you may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle!). If you’re into wildlife views, be sure to check out the Chief White Crane Recreation Area. Located on the banks of the Missouri River, it offers visitors opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking sunsets over the river.
The great thing about visiting Yankton is that you can get lost in nature without straying too far from exciting attractions. Central Yankton has fun and funky restaurants like Czeckers Sports Bar and Grill, famous among the locals for their insanely good chicken wings. But the best surprise in Yankton is the Lewis and Clark Resort, located on the banks of the Missouri River just outside the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. It offers cozy accommodations with fantastic wooded and river views right from your room.
Find Your Calm in South Dakota
South Dakota has a way of making time slow down, if only for a weekend. From the majesty of the Black Hills to the quiet calm of the Missouri River or natural lakes, your work week stress will just melt away. From breathtaking monuments in Custer that rival Mount Rushmore to the beach vibes of Brookings, South Dakota is full of surprises. So, when you’re ready to shed your weekday woes for a pair of hiking boots or a train ride through the mountains, pack up the car and hit the road!
