9 Prettiest Small Towns In South Dakota
The 40th State to enter the Union in 1889, South Dakota is a sparsely populated land, with just under 1 million residents statewide! But for what it may lack in demographics, South Dakota is filled with abundant natural beauty and charming small towns all around. This article looks at the Nine Prettiest Small Towns in South Dakota.
Dell Rapids
Affectionately known as “The Little City with Big Attractions,” Dell Rapids is a town of just under 4,000 inhabitants, situated in the southeastern portion of South Dakota. A perfect place to experience the great outdoors and 19th-century history, visitors can enjoy camping activities and beautifully scenic bike trails. Meanwhile, in the town center, historic buildings like the Carnegie Public Library from 1910 and the restored Grand Opera House built in 1888 are splendid to view. Indeed many of the buildings in Dell Rapids are composed of Sioux Quartzite rock, abundantly found in the region.
Keystone
With a permanent population of just 240 residents, the town of Keystone, nestled in the Black Hills, is seemingly just another highway pitstop. But for those looking to visit the famed Mount Rushmore monument, Keystone is undoubtedly the place to be. Conveniently located just a short 11-minute drive from the Monument, Keystone attracts millions of tourists each year who are embarking onward to see the carved Presidents. Originally a mining town founded in 1883, Keystone today also hosts the Big Thunder Gold Mine Museum and the National Presidential Wax Museum, sure to inform and entertain.
Spearfish
Founded in 1876, Spearfish is considerably larger than some other small towns, with a population of just over 12,000. Yet, at its heart, this community still maintains the spirit of small town USA, full of charming activities, residents, and fun for the whole family. Right in the Black Hills region, tourists may enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing, all in a beautiful, forested area. Further, explore the campus of Black Hills State University and the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives for a unique perspective on nature conservation in the region.
Wall
Though it is the home of only 700 residents, the town of Wall openly welcomes all who pass by with its quaint charm and special attractions. Known in the Lakota indigenous language as the “Town alongside the Badlands,” Wall is just a 10-minute drive from Badlands National Park, where tourists can enjoy camping and explore the unique geological formations that are millions of years old. Back in town, the famous Wall Drug Store, which first opened in 1931, continues to operate and offers an assortment of restaurants, gift shops, cowboy-themed stores, a drug store, an art gallery, and even a giant 80-foot dinosaur sculpture!
Deadwood
Once the center of gold rush mining, the town of Deadwood was established in 1876 and was initially home to 25,000 residents. Today under 2,000 residents live in town, which as a whole was designated a National Historic Landmark. Tourists who descend on Deadwood are thus in for a unique historical trip back in time. One must experience the 19th-century town with preserved buildings or visit the Mount Moriah Cemetery and see the graves of famous Western figures such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. At the Adams Museum, visitors can learn more about the town’s gold mining history and even view a giant golden nugget!
Hill City
Just an hour’s drive south of Deadwood, Hill City was officially founded in 1876 but traces its human activity several thousand years ago, when many indigenous groups settled the land. The town of only 872 residents is home to two splendid railway attractions, perfect for both aficionados and casual tourists. At the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, one can learn all about the development of steam engines and their role in the growth of the Western United States. Meanwhile, at the Black Hills Central Railroad, why not take a ride on an authentic 1880 steam engine that has been lovingly restored.
Mitchell
Well-known as the home of the Corn Palace, Mitchell attracts around 500,000 tourists a year. The seat of Davison County, the town, was incorporated in 1883 and experiences hot summers and mild winters. Surrounded by a great forested area perfect for camping and other outdoor activities, visitors to Mitchell can also explore the Dakota Discovery Museum and learn more about the State’s history. And, of course, a stop at the aforementioned Corn Palace, a multipurpose arena completed in 1921, is a visual delight for all. Designed in the Moorish Revival Style, the exterior of the building is adorned with crop art made from corn and other grains, and that is regularly changed. It means no two visits are ever the same!
Pierre
Though it is still considered a small town with a population under 15,000, Pierre serves as the State Capital of South Dakota. The second least populated capital in America after Montpelier, Vermont, Pierre is still a charming and quaintly beautiful place to visit for anyone in South Dakota. Right on the shores of the Missouri River, visitors can enjoy the grounds of the South Dakota State Capitol Building and marvel at its interior during a guided tour. Stroll through the historic downtown for a plethora of great stores, restaurants, and other charming lodgings. For the outdoors enthusiast, an excursion to LaFramboise Island Nature Area is a truly special place to enjoy the natural beauty and American history. The famed duo of Lewis and Clark charted the area at the turn of the 19th century, and the site today is one of Pierre's great historic attractions.
Custer
Just outside Custer State Park, the forested area around the town of Custer is a great place to get acquainted with some of South Dakota's best natural scenery. Whether it is a hiking, biking, or even mountain climbing, the outdoor adventures never disappoint in Custer. Though it has a population of under 2,000 residents, Custer offers plenty of small-town charm and special shops, boutiques, and local restaurants, especially perfect after a day exploring nature and enjoying the hot sun.
South Dakota may be overlooked by those who travel the northwest United States, but like some of America's greatest spots, it offers plenty of fascinating history and splendid natural attractions. From a stop at Mount Rushmore to the beautiful capital of Pierre to the truly unique Corn Palace, the small towns of South Dakota are indeed a great place to discover some of the country's most beautiful treasures.
