8 Most Beautiful College Towns In South Dakota
Some people travel to South Dakota to visit Mount Rushmore, others go to hike through Badlands National Park, and then there’s the population that ventures to learn the history of Crazy Horse, at his memorial, which has been under construction since 1948. But then there are folks who are there for a completely different reason, to further their education. These students who head to South Dakota for college not only get an education but also get to enjoy the surrounding areas and the widely known attractions. Visit South Dakota and make sure to get in a stop, or plan your post-secondary adventure, at any of these eight beautiful college towns.
Spearfish
Students at Black Hills State University have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors right in their backyard. Bridal Veil Falls, located in Spearfish Canyon, is a 60-foot waterfall most accessible within the canyon. Three waterfalls are found within the canyon, and Bridal Veil Falls is a bit off the beaten path, but worth every step. Another enticing adventure in Spearfish is to hike through Lookout Mountain Park. Just over 700 acres of park encompass the trademark mountain, Lookout Mountain, that peaks at 4,452 feet. Hike the summit or enjoy the trails by hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Enjoy the contrast of the white gypsum and red sandstone against the green vegetation. One final unique destination in Spearfish is the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives. A museum on the grounds preserves American fisheries workers with over 185,000 items, making it the largest collection of fisheries artifacts in the U.S. Other attractions can be found on the grounds as well, but most importantly, the fish! Feed the trout or view them through an underwater viewing glass.
Madison
Madison is home to Dakota State University, and students can get an education not only in the classroom but also through the attractions within the town. Start the historical tour at Prairie Village, a living museum, focused on preserving the region's past. Access to historical buildings, carousel and train rides, as well as tours of the grounds, are all offered at the village. Stay for the day or camp overnight in this small village trapped in time. Continue learning at Lake County Museum. Interpretive and interactive exhibits ranging from westward expansion to 1870s Lake County life to hometown heroes and more, the museum provides an engaging and educational experience. Immerse yourself in the life of the local pioneers and how they lived. After some educational experiences, partake in some outdoor activity at Lake Herman State Park. Featuring ample opportunities for exploring and relaxing, the park and campground allow visitors to hike woodlands and prairie fields, play disc golf, boat, fish, and cross-country ski in the winter.
Mitchell
The town of Mitchell has a mix of educational and niche tourist attractions available to entertain guests of all interests. Dakota Wesleyan University offers a public attraction within its campus library. The McGovern Legacy Museum features photographs, campaign memorabilia, personal and political files and papers, manuscripts, and more from Senator George McGovern, a 1972 presidential hopeful. Another enticing learning experience in Mitchell is the Mitchell Indigenous Archeological Site and Museum. Their focus is on protecting the over four million artifacts uncovered at their site. Visitors are provided an experience learning about the achievements of the site’s findings. From bison bone to ancestral pottery, the museum exhibits years of findings from distant trade and travel. This National Historic Landmark is the only archeological site in South Dakota that is open to the public. For one last stop, make it a truly corny one. Visit the only corn palace in the world, aptly named Corn Palace. Learn about the history of the palace, view the mural that is constantly changing, or attend one of the establishment’s events. For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your visit around the Corn Palace Festival. With rides and entertainment, there is something for everyone.
Watertown
Lake Area Technical Institute is located in the town of Watertown, a town that offers many public educational and outdoor happenings for students, locals, and visitors. Start with a stop at the Watertown Veterans Memorial. Installed in 2006, the memorial features 23 misty granite tablets with veterans’ names engraved on them. Over 2,900 names from 39 different states, Germany, and England are found on the tablets. The display also includes an Army Cobra helicopter, globe, and a kneeling soldier statue, besides 15 flags representing the branches of the armed forces. The park honors soldiers from Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, WWI, WWII, Korea, and other wars. The Mellette House is another historical attraction that features opportunity for education. Calvin Mellette, South Dakota’s first governor, resided in the home turned museum. Free guided tours of the house feature a massive circular staircase, a tower room, a double parlor, a carriage house, and more. The Italianate-style home was originally built in 1885. After a few enlightening tours, spend some time outside at Sandy Shores Recreation Area. Located along the shoreline of Lake Kampeska, the sandy beach offers camping and fishing, while the rest of the rec area includes water activities, hiking, biking, bird watching, and more. Spend some leisurely time in the sun and sleep under the stars while indulging in the amenities offered.
Yankton
Students at Mount Marty University are encouraged to participate in community activities both on and off campus. One activity located near campus is outdoor enjoyment at the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Featuring Lewis and Clark Lake, the park offers ample opportunity for water-based sports as well as land amusement, including hiking, biking, basketball, archery, fishing, and camping. Hailed as one of the park system's most popular resort areas in South Dakota, this rec area attracts visitors all throughout the Midwest. For more enticing spots, visit the Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery. Located near the Missouri River, the hatchery has been providing fish for sport fishing for over 60 years. Browse the grounds and walk the ponds that include bluegill, bass, perch, walleye, trout, and more. Fish that are released into the Missouri River. As one last stop, head to the Mead Museum. Exhibits include Journeying Forward, Yankton State Hospital, Heritage Park and more. The museum is part of the Yankton County Historical Society, which aims to provide its visitors with a full historical experience of the Yankton area from pre-Dakota Territory to modern day.
Aberdeen
Students and Aberdeen residents alike are encouraged to visit Northern State University and partake in its community building, the Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery. On display at the gallery are nationally and internationally recognized pieces from contemporary artists, in addition to student artwork and pieces from the permanent collection at Northern State University. The fine arts center that holds the gallery also includes a theater that puts on over 65 shows a year! Off campus, take a visit to the Dacotah Prairie Museum. Exhibits include the Hatterscheidt Wildlife Gallery, Prehistoric Brown Country, New Dawn on the Prairie, the Railroad car and more. Take a self-guided tour of the exhibits and check out the events calendar to attend their hands-on learning experiences. For another enlightening stop in town head outside to Kuhnert Arboretum. The objective of the arboretum is to encourage relationships between people, trees, plants and nature in a place equipped with opportunities for education and discovery. Educational opportunities include learning about the plants while learning amongst them. Additional learning exhibits include water systems, wetland communities, and more.
Brookings
One of South Dakota State University’s main attractions available to the public is the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Since 1884, the museum has showcased a collection of diverse attractions crucial to the state's history, science, and culture of agriculture. Located on campus in the Stock Judging Pavillion, the museum also sells locally made products capturing the spirit I South Dakota. Another campus attraction is the McCrory Gardens. The 25-acre botanical garden and 45-acre arboretum are also available for events, meetings, weddings, and banquets. Host your own event or visit one listed on their calendar and take in all the beauty of the gardens. For another outdoor excursion, head over to Dakota Nature Park. Over 135 acres of park include ponds for kayaking, fishing, or canoeing. And plenty of opportunity for fishing, bird-watching, hiking, or picnicking. In the winter, don’t miss your chance to ice skate or cross-country ski in the park.
Vermillion
Tour the National Music Museum in Vermillion and enjoy their permanent exhibits, including one that involves learning about how the instruments cross time and space, translating into a message of personal expression. Don’t forget to also peruse the exhibit that relates to the spirituality of instruments within the church. Another learning experience in town is the W.H. Over Museum. Located next to the campus of the University of South Dakota, the museum was founded in 1883 and has one of the most captivating collections of fossils, botanical and biological specimens, and other culturally related items of the history of the Indigenous people and land seeker histories. For one final picturesque town site, hike to Spirit Mound Historic Prairie. To get the full experience Lewis and Clark did, the site's restoration takes place within the prairie grass and other native plants. The grounds are still open for hiking, bird watching, and participating in historical interests.
South Dakota takes on many shapes and sizes with its opportunities for learning, adventuring, exploring, and more. Within the state are national landmarks, establishments found on the National Register of Historic Places, and national parks. The students attending university at any of these schools found in these eight beautiful college towns have multiple opportunities to enjoy these parks and areas. Whether you're visiting your child or making South Dakota the destination, you will not be disappointed in these college town offerings.
