8 Cutest Small Towns In South Dakota To Visit In 2024

The region of South Dakota was first acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Over the years the borders of the region would evolve. In 1861, President James Buchanan signed the Organic Act, leading to the establishment of the Dakota Territory. By 1889 President Benjamin Harrison signed the Enabling Act dividing the Dakota territory into Northern and Southern states. On November 2, 1889, South Dakota was officially admitted to the American Union as its 40th state.

South Dakota is in the North Central region of the United States. It is bordered by Minnesota, and Iowa to its East, and Nebraska to the South. Over 880,000 residents live within the state, with its most populous cities being Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The state is composed of 66 counties. The state capital of Pierre is found within Hughes County, in the center of the state.

The state of South Dakota is highlighted by its historic attractions. This list includes the infamous Mount Rushmore, 25 miles southwest of Rapid City, within the Black Hills region of the state. Several cute towns within the state have unique beauty and cultures that are ideal to visit in 2024.

Keystone

Within the Blackhills of South Dakota lies the town of Keystone. This Pennington County locale first was settled in 1883 as a mining community. Many people have called the town home over the years. One name was Carrie Ingalls, the sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder, bestselling author of the Little House series.

Just a short drive south of Keystone takes visitors to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The monument is the defining symbol of the state. The construction team was overseen by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Visitors to the monument can gaze in awe at the large sculptures of the faces of four American Presidents. These presidents are, Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.

The 1880 Train Depot is a two-hour venture between the towns of Keystone and Hill City. Over this journey, the majestic views of the Blackhills can be taken in, as visitors travel through a region with over a century of history. Just like pioneers of the past traveled from Chicago to mine in the Black Hills, today, travelers can experience a journey that goes along the same route.

In 1892 German immigrants W.B. Krupp, and J.A Engle discovered the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Upon that discovery, the following decades were spent searching for large pockets of valuable minerals. Today, the mines provide visitors a unique experience, as they walk past its distinctive arrays of rock structures and minerals.

Lead

Lead is in Western South Dakota, near the Wyoming Border. The history behind this Lawrence County locale dates back to 1876, when two brothers, Fred and Moses Manuel, found a significant amount of gold. Soon after the Homestake mine was created, it eventually led to the incorporation of a town on July 10, 1877. While the Homestake Mine was shut down in 2001, the town of Lead is still a beautiful, thriving community years after the fact.

The Homestake Opera House is a 1,000-seat auditorium built in 1914. For several decades, the theatre entertained local guests and provided an adjoining billiards hall and a heated indoor pool. In 1984, a fire caused severe damage to the theatre and other parts of the building. Over a decade later, the city engaged in a restoration project, raising 3 million dollars for repairs. Today, the theatre once again entertains its local audience through live events and historical tours.

Local to Lead is the Black Hills Mining Museum. The Museum provides a great educational lesson on the decades of mining history within the region. It houses numerous exploratory exhibits and provides a unique guided tour of the historic mining experience.

The Handley Recreation Centre is a great environment for recreational activities. From a running track to community events like annual basketball tournaments, the center has plenty of ways to improve your physical well-being.

Another spot worthy of exploration is the Dakota Shivers Brewing Company. Visitors can spend the day relaxing with one of several unique drink choices. The list includes the Screamin' Jerry served with Hatch chili cream and the locally inspired Dark Matter RyePA.

Wall

Wall is in Pennington County, in the Western region of South Dakota. The name is inspired by an eight-mile natural barrier in the Badlands region. Wall was first established in 1907 thanks to the building of a station on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. Today, Wall is a thriving community that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The Badlands National Park is one of the multiple natural wonders in South Dakota. It is just 8 miles south of the town. Visitors can take in the majestic geographical formations found in the region. The Park is home to miles of trails, where visitors can take in the natural scenery while exploring the centuries of history in the region.

Wall Drug Store is a local establishment, which first opened in 1931. Over the decades it has evolved into a thriving establishment attracting countless annual visitors. The list of available amenities includes choices of dining, to live entertainment such as the 'Spirit of 76' trio. The store offers a memorable experience for all ages.

The Wounded Knee Museum tells the story of the Wounded Knee Massacre, which took place on December 29, 1890. Visitors can gain a greater perspective of this moment in American history. Also in the Museum is a remembrance room that honors the dead from that incident.

Mitchell

Mitchell sits within Davison County, in the James River Valley region. The town is named after Alexander Mitchell, president of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad. In the 1870s, settlers first arrived in the area, and in the following decade, a village was officially incorporated. Today South Dakota is a prosperous small community, with its unique local heritage.

The Mitchell Corn Palace is one of the state's popular tourist attractions. Approximately 500,000 annual visitors make their way to the Palace. The defining feature of the palace is its colorful exterior, which gets redecorated annually. The Palace also offers visitors guided tours of the premises, providing many unique historical facts. While the exterior is a great place for photographs, the interior of the building has its use. It is a 3,200-seat auditorium used for concerts and many other scheduled events.

Big Dummy's Bar is a popular local dining establishment. It is the perfect party spot. Visitors can select their food and alcohol choices and spend their time playing a pool game.

Another popular tourist spot is Mitchell Aquatic Center. The recreation space was officially completed in 2020. There is a waterslide, multiple swimming lanes, and more activities for all ages.

The Dakota Discovery Museum is at the Local Dakota Wesleyan University. Visitors can peruse the exhibits and learn about prior generations who lived in the region. Highlights of the museum include exhibits by the painter Charles Hargens.

Sturgis

Sturgis is along the western edge of Meade County. The community was first settled in 1878 near the site of Fort Meade. It would officially get incorporated over a decade later. There are many inviting features in Sturgis, highlighted by the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The City also provides centuries of cultural history, within a naturally beautiful setting.

Sturgis is home to the largest annual motorcycle rally in the world. The first noted year of these rallies occurred in 1938, when nine participants rode and did stunts in front of the guests. Today, hundreds of thousands of visitors converge on the city for activities with live musical entertainment, all set in the lovely Black Hills region. The 2024 Rally is scheduled to take place from August 2nd to August 11th, marking its 84th celebration.

The Sturgis Car Museum tells the history of SAAB automobiles. There are over 80 Saab automobiles on display in the museum, one of which is the oldest existing model of that car. The Museum creates a wonderful opportunity to learn learn more about a brand that helped influence the history of automobiles in the United States.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the history of the locale. There are countless tidbits of information to be found within the exhibits, and memorabilia from the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Each year a new group of inductees are submitted into the hall of fame, each being chosen for the impact they have made on the local community as a whole.

Hill City

Hill City is within Pennington County, in the western region of the state. The town was first settled in 1876 amidst the discovery of gold in the nearby French Creek. Centuries later, Hill City remains a thriving community with a unique cultural heritage and attractions worthy of a visit. Hill City is also near some of the major national attractions in South Dakota.

The Black Hills Institute Museum is in Hill City. Visitors can stare in awe at STAN, a mounted Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil skeleton. The Museum also possesses an extensive collection of prehistoric fossils and minerals. Open January to December, the Museum is a great place for a fun adventure learning about history.

The Crazy Horse Memorial is to the south of Hill City. The Monument was constructed as a memorial to the legacy of a major Native American figure. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski worked on the project for over three decades until his death in 1982. Today visitors can stare in awe at one of South Dakota's man-made wonders.

Warriors Work Studio & Gallery is located in Hill City and is open to the public year-round. The gallery first began with the purpose of showcasing Native American Art before expanding to include other modern artists. Also featured are hand-crafted watches and bracelets.

Brandon

Brandon is in Minnehaha County, in the Southeastern region of the state. The first European settlers were attracted to the region thanks to sources of fresh water. Over the next century the community grew steadily, thanks to the development of the Worthing and Sioux Falls Railroad in the area. By 1973, with a population in the thousands, Brandon officially became incorporated as a city.

The Huset Motor Speedway is a 1/3-mile dirt oval track that first opened in 1954. Races occur throughout the summer months, from May to early September, and are sure to provide guests with an evening of entertainment. The timed one-lap record at Huset Motor Speedway was set on May 10, 2009, at 10.317 seconds

Big Sioux State Recreation Area, is 270 acres of land just south of Brandon. The region is favored by local residents, as it provides a lot of space for several amenities. Whether it's hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and much more, there are many ways to experience this natural region of land.

The annual Brandon Farmers Market takes place from May through October. Guests to the Farmers Market can find a wide range of delicacies, from fresh produce, to Duane's Local Raw Honey, and much more. The Purpose of the Farmers Market is to showcase local small businesses.

Wilde Prairie Vinery is a local family-owned establishment. The winery grew out of a local farmhouse and prides itself on drinks made with ingredients featuring produced fruit. Today, the winery provides wine tastings and a tour of the premises.

Yankton

Yankton is along the Missouri River. Its name comes from the Yankton tribe of Sioux Native Americans who arrived in the region centuries prior. The town was first plotted in 1859 and served as the capital of the Dakota territory from 1861-1883. Today the town is defined by its natural setting and historic monuments.

Just west of Yankton is Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery. The Hatchery has been operational for for over 50 years, and today offers summer tours of its facilities. The list of species that can be found there include Bluegill, Rainbrow trout, and Redear Sunfish.

In Yankton is the highly acclaimed Charles Pizza House. Established in 1956, it is amongst the oldest operational pizza places in the state of South Dakota. Some Pizza are named after famous actors. The list includes the Clint Eastwood Pizza, made with chicken, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce.

The Mead Cultural Education Center is the culmination of decades of historical preservation by the Yankton County Historical Society. Exhibits include a collection of over 1,500 historic South Dakota postcards, showing unique locations within the state. The Museum is open throughout the year, and new exhibits get added in annually.

Plan Your Visit to South Dakota's Charming Small Towns

South Dakota is a state filled with wonder and adventure. Across the state are towns filled with historic landmarks. A trip to South Dakota is well worth the price, so book your tickets now!