South Dakota's 7 Most Laid-Back Towns For 2025
South Dakota is home to one of America’s most visited attractions, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, but there is more to this central state than its presidential peaks. From the sweeping Black Hills to the sparse beauty of the Badlands, South Dakota makes an impression. Exploring this scenic state from its cozy and welcoming small towns makes for a laid-back but unforgettable vacation. Escape into the heart of the Midwest and Great Plains region to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating break.
Spearfish
Sandwiched between two major landmarks, Mount Rushmore and Devil’s Tower, Spearfish is a vibrant small town in the Black Hills region known for its incredible scenery. Nearby Spearfish Canyon is home to several stunning waterfalls, including the 60-foot Bridal Veil Falls, which has an accessible observation tower from which you can take pictures of the dazzling cascade. See the falls on a drive through the canyon, taking Highway 14A, which runs south from Spearfish through the rocky gorge.
Take a laidback wander through downtown Spearfish to see the town’s unusual Clock Tower, located in front of the Visitor Center. The tower is topped by a hand-painted globe created by renowned artist Dick Termes. Passers-by are invited to turn the gear shaft and watch the globe spin. You can see more of Termes’ work at the Termesphere Gallery, which exhibits 30-70 globes at any one time, each with its own unique illustration.
Vermillion
Nestled in the southeastern corner of the state, Vermillion is a lively but laidback college town overlooking the Missouri River. Legendary explorers Lewis and Clark travelled through this area in the 1800s. Walk in their footsteps at the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, a natural grassland preserve visited by Lewis and Clark in 1804. The park is open year-round and is the perfect place to spend a day hiking, birdwatching, or enjoying a lazy picnic.
Vermillion is home to the University of South Dakota, where you will find the National Music Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum established in 1973. The museum contains seven galleries stocked with musical instruments and memorabilia from around the world. Visit in the fall to catch a performance of its NMM Live! concert series.
What could be more laidback than sipping award-winning wines on the patio of a historic vineyard? Visit Valiant Vineyards, South Dakota’s oldest winery, to sample its local grapes and handcrafted spirits. There is also a boutique Bed and Breakfast onsite, so you won’t have far to go after an afternoon in the tasting room.
Custer
You can’t visit the former mining town of Custer without seeing its most famous attraction, the Crazy Horse Memorial. Located a short drive north of Custer, the face of legendary Lakota hero Crazy Horse is carved into the mountain and is still being constructed, more than 75 years after it was first begun. Also at the site is the Indian Museum of North America, where you can learn about the memorial, the man it honours, and the diverse cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of North America.
Another popular destination near Custer is the stunning Wind Cave National Park. The park includes a large preserve of prairie grassland, while, below ground, you will find one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Access to the cave is only by guided tour. There are also over 30 miles of hiking trails to explore and plenty of opportunities to view native wildlife, including the park’s resident bison.
After a day outdoors, enjoy a well-deserved meal at the Mt Rushmore Brewing Company, a bar, brewery, and restaurant that specializes in fine dining and craft beers.
Yankton
Founded in the 1800s, Yankton is a historic town on the banks of the Missouri River. It is home to the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, a tranquil park that includes the picturesque Lewis and Clark Lake. Hike the nature trails or enjoy a paddle at the sandy swim beach. The park is open year-round and has four campgrounds.
As the former capital of the Dakota Territory, Yankton is steeped in history. Visit the Mead Museum, housed in a 1909 mansion, to see three floors of exhibits on the town’s role in the creation of the state and its development over the decades. Highlights include the Children's Transportation Museum and a fascinating Lewis and Clark exhibit. Outside the museum is Heritage Park, where you will find a restored 1906 Gunderson schoolhouse, the former Great Northern Railroad Depot, and the 1861 Dakota Territorial Council Building.
Hot Springs
As the name suggests, Hot Springs is known for its natural springs—making it the perfect destination for a laidback getaway. Treat yourself to a relaxing dip at Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, where a Soak Pass gives you two hours of bliss at their six outdoor mineral spring pools. The resort also offers a full menu of spa services, a restaurant, sauna, and salt room.
If you are travelling with family, take the kids to Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, a spring-fed water park. Established in 1890, Evans Plunge is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills and features two kids' pools, a hot tub, sauna, water slides, and a steam room.
Hot Springs isn’t just famous for its water. It is also home to the world’s largest mammoth research facility, where over 60 mammoths have been excavated from the dig site. Visit the Mammoth Site to tour the dig, see ice age fossils, and view the skeletons of the massive animals that once roamed South Dakota.
Dell Rapids
Situated on the banks of the Big Sioux River, Dell Rapids is known as ‘the little city with big attractions.’ The town dates back to 1871 and has a striking historic district, noticeable for its pink-hued buildings, which were constructed from rose colored quartzite.
Three blocks of the downtown area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and include landmarks such as the 1889 First National Bank Building, the 1908 Rose Stone Inn, and the 1888 Grand Opera House.
After exploring downtown, take a wander along the Sioux River Red Rock Trail, a pathway that winds through town from Centennial Place and out to a scenic overlook in the Dells of the Sioux Recreation Area.
Mitchell
Mitchell is a fun, quirky town that doesn’t take life too seriously. Its most iconic attraction is the Corn Palace, the world’s only corn maze. Open year-round, the Corn Palace is definitely a one-of-a-kind day out. Visit in August to attend the Corn Palace Festival when it is redecorated for the season and celebrates with live music, games, rides, and food vendors.
See more local color at the Dakota Discovery Museum which showcases the art, history, and culture of Native American and immigrant people, from 1600 through to 1939. You may also want to explore the Carnegie Resource Center, built in 1903 and home to the Mitchell Area Historical Society, as well as a permanent collection of Corn Palace memorabilia from 1892 to present day.
When you are done downtown, take a break in the tranquil surroundings of Lake Mitchell. A man-made reservoir created in 1928, the lake is now a popular recreation spot for picnickers, hikers, swimmers, and boaters.
Lounging in Laidback South Dakota
The best vacations are when you escape from the noise and stress of daily life and take a much-needed rest. In these quaint South Dakota communities, you will find that time moves slower and welcomes are warmer. While there is plenty to keep you busy, you won’t lose that carefree vacation feeling as you explore the best of the Mount Rushmore State. Dig up mammoth bones, do a deep dive into an underground grotto, get lost in a corn maze, and hike through a canyon. There is something different around every corner in South Dakota, and it all adds up to a laidback, stress-free break that you will never forget.
