9 Prettiest Downtown Strips In South Dakota
Some of the Midwest's most quaint and attractive downtown strips may be found nestled among South Dakota's small towns and cities, despite the state's famous monuments and expansive plains. These pedestrian-friendly major streets are lively representations of the local way of life, history, and community in addition to being places to shop and eat. From sandstone storefronts and vintage theaters to riverside trails and boutique-lined avenues, these downtowns invite visitors to slow down and savor the spirit of small-town South Dakota. Whether you’re road-tripping through the state or planning a weekend getaway, these are the nine prettiest downtown strips worth exploring in South Dakota.
Mobridge
There are benefits to traveling to a small town like Mobridge, such as friendly locals and attentive service that will make your stay unforgettable. In the heart of downtown, the Scherr-Howe Event Center showcases a striking series of murals by renowned Native American artist Oscar Howe, offering a vivid glimpse into Sioux life and culture. Just a short stroll away is the A.H. Brown Library, which was established in 1929 as a generous gift to the community and has served as a crucial hub for education, entertainment, and connections for over 90 years.
Because of its cultural significance and stunning Egyptian Revival architecture, which features imposing columns, delicate brickwork, and sloped walls, the Mobridge Masonic Temple is another building that has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. To complete a trip to this town, KT's Fireside Supper Club offers warm, welcoming service that embodies the town's commitment to hospitality, a well-stocked soup and salad bar, and dishes like steak and walleye.
Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids is one of the most distinctive and dynamic villages on the Dakota Plains. A stroll through its historic downtown will reveal its rich architectural past and unique local character. One prominent example is the beautifully restored Opera House, originally built in 1888 and restored by Joan Rasmussen in the Romanesque Revival style with arched windows and an elaborate cornice. Nearby, the First National Bank Building (1889) adds to the area's architectural charm with its castle-like towers. The Dell Rapids Museum offers visitors a look into the town's past through local artifacts and is located in the former Dieson Department Store from 1902.
The Dell Rapids Bridge, also called the Old Settlers Bridge, crosses the Big Sioux River just a short way south of Main Street, linking downtown with City Park and the Dell Rapids Campground. Constructed in 1878, it continued to be a cherished historical building and a picturesque connection between the town's past and its scenic splendor.
Brookings
Brookings is undoubtedly energized by its college-town spirit and a growing commitment to tourism and community events. Public art is abundant downtown thanks to the Urban Canvas, a collection of twelve vibrant murals painted by local and regional artists that give passageways personality and provide a great opportunity for photos. The Children's Museum of South Dakota, located a few blocks away, welcomes children to explore 44,000 square feet of interactive indoor exhibits and a four-acre outdoor prairie playscape. The museum is home to the only full-size, permanent animatronic T. Rex in the nation, Mama, and her baby, Max.
Tourists should visit Dakota Nature Park, a 135-acre green space featuring ponds, paths, bird-watching opportunities, and an Outdoor Learning Center that offers archery and precision sports shooting for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can relax in Brookings' oldest full-service restaurant, The Pheasant, after a day of exploring. Established as a humble gas station café in 1949, it has grown into a cherished landmark renowned for its warm ambiance, traditional recipes, and freshly prepared food.
Vermillion
Located along the Missouri River, Vermillion is also a college town where restaurants, movie theaters, and museums are all within a simple walking distance. A must-see is the National Music Museum on the University of South Dakota campus, featuring one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of musical instruments. In August 2023, the museum reopened its first floor of permanent exhibitions in the historic Carnegie Library, featuring 12 freshly redesigned galleries.
For an intimate glimpse into 19th-century life, the Clay County Historical Museum, housed in the 1881 Austin-Whittemore House, has period furnishings and local artifacts. Locals love Mister Smith's for its delicious sandwiches and freshly baked bread when they're craving something to eat. Not to mention, with a baseball diamond, disc golf course, and swimming pool, Prentis Park has an outdoor entertainment area that's amazing for a laid-back hangout.
Custer
In the heart of South Dakota’s southern Black Hills, Custer has a mix of culture, flavor, and entertainment. Visitors can sample award-winning wine — handcrafted right in the Black Hills — at the acclaimed Prairie Berry Winery, which boasts over 1,000 international accolades. For a nostalgic yet modern experience, Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In, opened in 2012, features 80-foot-wide screens and was the first all-digital drive-in built in the U.S.
Theater lovers can catch a summer performance at the historic Black Hills Playhouse, established in 1946 and dedicated to showcasing diverse stories through professional, nonprofit productions. When it’s time to dine, Skogen Kitchen delivers globally inspired cuisine in a chef-driven setting that brings bold flavors to this small mountain town.
Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche, which translates to "beautiful fork" in French, is a charming community of around 5,000 residents located where the Redwater, Hay Creek, and Belle Fourche rivers converge. This undiscovered treasure lies tucked away on the northern slopes of the Black Hills. At the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center, visitors may learn local history with changing displays such as Tribal Artifacts and By the Sea, as well as exhibits on Native American culture and regional development.
The charming Belle Fourche River Walk, located just a short distance away, offers a scenic path for bicycling, running, or walking along the town's lovely canals. In a friendly neighborhood environment, The Wild Magnolia Coffee Bar & Eatery crafts exquisite coffee, teas, and freshly prepared dishes and sweets for a quick bite. The Belle Fourche Area Community Theater enriches the town's cultural heritage by showcasing local artists and fostering a passion for the performing arts.
Wessington Springs
Named for the neighboring Wessington Hills, Wessington Springs is a serene retreat full of beauty and history. The Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage is a nearby location downtown with more than 150 flora referenced in Shakespeare's writings and South Dakota's only thatched roof. The historic 1905 Opera House, which has hosted performances and community gatherings since it was first used as a location for anything from movies to trapeze acts, will be appreciated by culture lovers.
The town’s Carnegie Library, over a century old, stands as both a literary hub and historical resource, offering materials for all ages and genealogy research. For those looking to get outside, the Old Grade Trail begins near downtown and winds through forest, grassland, and wetlands, offering scenic views of the James River Valley and interpretive signs highlighting local nature and history.
Madison
Madison can be seen between Lake Madison and Lake Herman, and it certainly packs a punch when it comes to small-town charm. Along with a number of activities, visitors can make use of picturesque parks and a brand-new walking track here. The Dakota Prairie Playhouse is a large, contemporary space on the Dakota State University campus that accommodates live events and performances.
Art lovers can explore the downtown gallery of John C. Green, a nationally recognized wildlife artist. Lake Herman State Park provides opportunities for camping, hiking, boating, and more amid oak woodlands and prairie views. The Lake County Museum, also on the university campus, is a must-see for anybody with an interest in history, with exhibits that vividly portray pioneer life.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs has a lot more than its well-known thermal waters, making it an underrated spot for tourists. Take a walk along the Fall River Trail to begin your vacation. The trail runs through the downtown area past the aged Kidney Springs Gazebo and the Hot Springs Waterfall. With continuous excavations and exhibits showcasing more than 60 mammoths, the Mammoth Site, a world-renowned paleontological dig just outside town, provides an intriguing insight into Ice Age life.
For a dose of local history, the Pioneer Museum, set in a 19th-century sandstone schoolhouse, showcases artifacts from over a century ago across 25 exhibit areas. End your day with a movie at the beautifully preserved 1920s art deco theater downtown, where old-world elegance and contemporary conveniences coexist.
The plentiful cafes, historic buildings, local shops, and easy-going walks are just a few of the reasons that drive people to South Dakota's small-town downtowns. Although all of the attractions offered may be different, the nine prettiest downtown strips worth exploring in South Dakota all encompass an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the state. You'll find that, sometimes, taking your time and taking in the sights, sounds, and smiles that fill South Dakota's main streets is the best way to appreciate these downtown strips.
