9 Small Towns in South Dakota with the Best Downtowns

South Dakota's downtowns are full of memorable attractions, top colleges, and noteworthy architecture. Aberdeen puts local history right in the heart of town at the Dacotah Prairie Museum. Watertown's historic core still turns heads with landmarks like the Codington County Courthouse and its cathedral-glass dome. Vermillion brightens its streets with murals and SculptureWalk installations, while Brookings splashes color across its alleyways through the Downtown Urban Canvas Project. These towns pair lively main streets with nearby state parks and attractions that make each stop worth a visit.

Aberdeen

Home to Northern State University, Aberdeen is one of South Dakota's best college towns. Aberdeen's downtown region plays host to the Dacotah Prairie Museum for a taste of local history, while the Aberdeen Community Theatre hosts live theater performances and special events, as well as running theater classes for up-and-coming talent. The Downtown Association was created to celebrate and uplift the town's downtown region, and runs events throughout the year to draw visitors to downtown Aberdeen. Take a stroll through the Aberdeen Community Gardens, or enjoy a trip through Storybook Land, the local amusement park inspired by children's books.

Watertown

With 60 of its buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Watertown is home to one of the state's most memorable historic downtowns. A visit to The Codington County Heritage Museum to learn about the region's history, or to the Codington County Court House to see the building's original cathedral glass dome, is a must-see for history lovers, while the Goodwin Lodge and Music Hall is the perfect venue for lovers of arts, culture, and live performances. With over 800 animals on display, the Bramble Park Zoo is a great, family-friendly day trip, and Pelican Lake Recreational Area is one of the many parks in the area. With access to both Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Watertown.

Yankton

A small town on the Missouri River, Yankton, South Dakota, is packed with history, culture, and recreation. The Mead Museum provides an authentic historical experience, with interactive exhibits for children, as well as an exhibit dedicated to Lewis and Clark. Arts and culture lovers should visit the Bede Art Gallery at Mount Marty University or the G.A.R Hall Art Gallery to enjoy a glimpse of the region's local art scene. In the autumn, locals and tourists alike can enjoy fall activities at the Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch Experience, while the Chief White Crane Recreation Area, located on the shores of Lake Yankton, is available for outdoor activities year-round.

Vermillion

Voted the Best Small Town Arts Scene in USA Today's Reader's Choice Awards, Vermillion, South Dakota's downtown is a must-see. With vibrant murals celebrating local artists' stories and spirit, and a rotating display of sculptures, called Sculpture Walk, the Vermillion arts scene is one of a kind.

The town hosts several events throughout the year, including Wacipi, the longest-running student and campus-run powwow in South Dakota, where the University of South Dakota celebrates the region's Native culture. Near the University campus is the National Music Museum, which features exhibits celebrating music from a variety of cultures across history. Visitors can also enjoy a hike on Spirit Mound, a confirmed stopping point on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Brandon

Located on the Big Sioux River, Brandon, South Dakota, hosts plenty of recreational opportunities. With many parks dotted throughout the town, there are plenty of green spaces to unwind and enjoy nature. The Big Sioux Recreation Area, a gorgeous state park located on the banks of the Big Sioux River, is home to several hiking trails, including the Valley of the Giants Trail, and a suspension bridge overlooking the greenery surrounding the river. The park also features campgrounds, horse trails, and snowshoe trails for year-round recreation. On the edge of town, Wilde Prairie Winery offers wine tasting and tours of the facilities.

Huron

Located in east-central South Dakota in the heart of the state's glacial lakes and prairie region, Huron, South Dakota, is packed with entertainment opportunities. The town is home to the South Dakota State Fair, where visitors come to enjoy games, rides, and petting zoos. Spend some time with your family at Splash Central Waterpark, or hike through Maga-Ta-Hopi Waterfowl Protection Area for bird watching and outdoor recreation activities. Each summer between June and mid-August, Huron hosts a Family Night in Campbell Park, where you can enjoy family-friendly live entertainment in the park.

Harrisburg

A tight-knit community, Harrisburg, South Dakota, offers recreational activities alongside hospitality and small-town spirit. The town works hard to create a sense of community with events taking place throughout the year, including the Harrisburg Days Event and the homecoming parade, which runs every year.

The Lake Alvin Recreational Area is one of the many parks and green spaces in the area, where visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking, as well as hiking on the trails in the park and a beach on the lakeside. In autumn, you can visit the Country Apple Orchard or the Heartland Country Corn Maze for seasonal festivities.

Madison

Home of Dakota State University, Madison, South Dakota, is entrenched in history and culture. The town is home to Prairie Village, a local living history museum featuring turn-of-the-century buildings from around the state, offering visitors a glimpse of what life was like for historic prairie inhabitants. Enjoy shopping at local businesses in the historic downtown district, or visit the Lake County Museum on the Dakota State University campus. Nature lovers can visit Lake Herman State Park to enjoy the trails and access to the lake, or enjoy a walk through Gerry Maloney Nature Area near the university campus.

Brookings

Located in Eastern South Dakota, Brookings combines recreation with history and culture. The Downtown Urban Canvas Project washes the downtown area in color, painting the alleyways with bold pieces that bring the area to life. These murals provide a beautiful backdrop to any downtown visit, whether you are stopping by for shopping or dining experiences.

Brookings is home to both the South Dakota Art Museum and the Children's Museum of South Dakota, celebrating the history and culture that the state has to offer. Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to Dakota Nature Park, with multiple hiking and cycling trails to enjoy, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views of the water in this nature preserve.

The Best Downtown Strips in South Dakota

With an unbeatable sense of community and plenty of activities to indulge in and explore, South Dakota is a highlight among the prairie counties. Celebrate local arts and culture, or take a step back in time in these small South Dakota towns. A stroll through these downtown strips reveals the heart of each community, where historic character, local shops, and hometown pride come together.