South Dakota

2024's 8 Most Beautiful Small Towns in South Dakota

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2024

2024's 8 Most Beautiful Small Towns in South Dakota

South Dakota contains the most well-known and highly praised American monuments in the United States. The recognizable faces of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are just the tip of South Dakota’s tourist iceberg. In the territory and former hunting grounds of the Lakota and Dakota Sioux peoples, you will find 2024’s most beautiful small towns in South Dakota. From the state capital of Pierre to Hill City and Custer, which are closest to the most mentioned landmarks in America, these beautiful small towns shine with their own features and factoids that will have you coming back for more. So charter a map and point your finger at the many landmarks in the geographical center of the US, particularly in 2024’s most beautiful small towns in South Dakota.

Custer

Aerial View of Custer, South Dakota, at Sunset.

Custer, almost 40 miles away from Rapid City, neighbors many of the most iconic national parks in America. Aside from the presidential countenances of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the one face in Crazy Horse Memorial, there are the sweeping woodlands of the Custer State Park and the deep caverns of the Wind Cave National Park. These oft-mentioned landmarks are certainly among the most beautiful and memorable attractions one can cherish around Custer. The town also happens to be the oldest town in the Black Hills, where one can observe dozens of modern-day cowboys corralling thousands of buffalo during the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival from September 26 – 28. There are also the Crazy Horse Volksmarch challenges on September 29, where thousands of people undergo an arduous 6.2-mile pilgrimage to the Crazy Horse Memorial. So if you are eager to see the masterful works of nature and man, you can stay a while in some of Custer’s best hostels, such as the Calamity Peak Lodge, Bavarian Inn, or Shady Rest Motel & Cabins.

Hill City

Hill City is another convenient stop-by towards South Dakota’s majestic monuments, such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more. However, unlike its close neighbor, Custer, Hill City happens to be much nearer to the Jewel Cave National Monument, the third largest and longest cave system in the world. There may be wonders to behold in the underworld, but the surface world also has its appealing attractions. The Museum @ Black Hills Institute, for instance, houses the prehistoric fossils of dinosaurs that were unearthed from the Black Hills and nearby regions. One can familiarize oneself with the vibrant cultures and indigenous histories of the Black Hills at the CCC Museum of South Dakota, or you can hitch a ride at the Train Depot of Hill City, which has been in operation since the year 1880. Only about 14 miles from Custer, the sublime accommodations of the Alpine Inn, the EverSpring Inn & Suites, or the Black Hills Trailside Park Resort will have you refreshed and renewed for more adventures in the Black Hills.

Pierre

Strangely enough, the capital city of South Dakota, Pierre, is the second least populous state capital in the US. Over 14,000 people live in Pierre compared to the 200,000 population in Sioux Falls. Regardless of the size difference, Pierre is a pleasant destination on the banks of the Missouri River. Originally, Pierre was an Arikara and Sioux that William Clark and Meriwether Lewis visited in their legendary expedition. Some of the oldest buildings in South Dakota can be found here, such as the governor’s mansion, which has endured the ages since 1937.

There is also the Cultural Heritage Center for those who want to know more about the history of Pierre and South Dakota, in addition to the Flaming Fountain, which honors many war veterans. History enthusiasts might fancy touring Fort Pierre, the original fur-trading center of the Northwest that operated from 1832 to 1855. Rumor has it that a monument in Fort Pierre supposedly marks the spot where a lead plate from 1743 was buried, which claims that South Dakota belongs to France. Other than these historic landmarks, you can also admire more modern wonders, such as the Oahe Dam, which manages the flow of Lake Oahe, the Cheyenne River, and the Missouri River. So, for those of you who want to explore more of the second least populous state capital in the US, you can enjoy accommodations at the Historic Farr House or Hitching Horse Inn.

Brandon

Approximately 18 minutes away from the dense city of Sioux Falls, Brandon is a hub of biodiversity and activity in South Dakota. Travelers can admire the untamed and ferocious wildlife of the Big Sioux Recreation Area, while the Great Bear Recreation Park is a perfect destination for those eager for snowboarding and skiing during the coldest season of the year. More animals and organisms can be admired at the Beaver Creek State Nature Area, just as the East Sioux Falls Historic Site and the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum are homes to many of South Dakota’s plant species and flowers. If there is sublimity to simplicity, then Brandon exemplifies this statement with its humble atmosphere and its proximity to some of the most serene and lush wilderness in South Dakota. So take a break from Sioux Falls and head over to the lovely community of Brandon.

Wall

About 50 minutes east of Rapid City lies the quaint town of Wall. As the gateway to the Badlands National Park, Wall is not the type of town to deter or repel travelers coming from all over the world. The Badlands Wilderness Overlook, the Pinnacles Overlook, the Yellow Mounds Overlook, and other locations that overlook striated mesas are just some of the many stellar regions in the Wall’s neighboring badlands. Making a home out of this arid and arduous land are the thousands of American bison at Sage Creek Wilderness Area. Aside from these natural features, you can traipse about in the Delta-09 Minuteman Missile Silo (a remnant of the Cold War); peruse paleontological items at the Wall Drug Backyard; and taste free ice water from the Wall Drug Store. If you ever get exhausted from traveling through the badlands of Wall, you can always settle down in a comforting abode like the Hansen Inn & Cabins.

Vermillion

Situated close to the state borders of Nebraska and South Dakota, Vermillion is a town of remarkable charm and vermillion hospitality. The town stands atop a bluff that overlooks the majestic Missouri River. Vermillion is also the headquarters of the University of South Dakota, one of the best college towns in South Dakota. Within those school grounds are the National Music Museum, also known as America’s Shrine to Music; the W.H. Over Museum; and the Austin-Whittemore House, which are all perfect places for travelers to become more acquainted with Vermillion’s inception. Do not miss out on the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival from June 6 – 9 for a grand appreciation of the Bard. Only about one hour away from Sioux City, stay in the soothing rooms of the Prairie Inn amidst the nightly splendors of Vermillion.

Deadwood

Historic saloons, bars, and shops bring visitors to Main St. in this Black Hills gold rush town, famous for Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Editorial credit: Kenneth Sponsler / Shutterstock.com

Deadwood has seen its fair share of swashbuckling brawls and shootouts in the era of the Wild West. When it first began in 1876, gold miners and prospectors founded Deadwood as a major treasure trove of resources. Even famous outlaws like Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and Wild Bill Hickok plundered the riches of Deadwood, as best seen in the 2004 TV series Deadwood, and whose remains can be seen at the Mount Moriah Cemetery.

Despite its chaotic past, Deadwood is now a vibrant and vivacious settlement in the Black Hills National Forest. Within these lively and towering trees, you can traipse through the Tatanka Story of Bison or ascend the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower to get a better view of the region. The Adams Museum, aside from chronicling Deadwood’s gold-mining heritage, also exhibits a plesiosaur fossil and buckets of gold nuggets. No need to worry about lodgings because the Lodge at Deadwood and Historic Bullock Hotel are some of the many excellent places that will keep you cozy and satisfied in Deadwood.

Spearfish

Spearfish is a gorgeous small town replete with verdant routes and trails in the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Follow the eternal waterfalls of these trails and head over to the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery to admire the many fishes in Spearfish. You might also fancy the unique natural pools called “Devil’s Bathtub” in Spearfish Creek. The avant-garde masterpieces of the Termesphere Gallery will leave you amazed by the masterful artistry of South Dakota’s residents, just as the High Plains Western Heritage Center—with its well-preserved models of stagecoaches, chuck wagons, and a model homestead—will offer you a glimpse of the pioneering past. Spearfish also happens to be the home of the prestigious Black Hills State University for those of you eager to be enlightened. Only 20 minutes from Deadwood, set your sights and aim for the arboreal beauties of Spearfish.

South Dakota certainly has a plethora of beautiful attractions, notably 2024’s most beautiful small towns in South Dakota. Education is prospering in university towns like Spearfish and Vermillion. The Wild West’s lawless adventures return to Deadwood’s thriving industry. The Black Hill towns of Hill City and Custer give visitors convenient access to monuments like Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and Wind Cave. So whether you are sightseeing the majestic animals in Brandon’s parks and landscapes or chatting with the many people in the least populous state capital of Pierre, you will not be disappointed by the sublimity and magnificence of South Dakota’s small towns.

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South Dakota

Poll: Johnson, Jackley and Rounds lead in SD GOP primary

Published

12 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Press Room

Poll: Johnson, Jackley and Rounds lead in SD GOP primary

Alexander Rifaat

Politics and Statehouse Reporter
605-736-4396
alexander.rifaat@sdnewswatch.org

Editor’s note: If you cite the results of this poll, credit South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy, per copyright law and our republishing policy.

PIERRE, S.D. – With seven weeks until the June 2 primary, U.S. House Rep. Dusty Johnson is close to avoiding a runoff in the race to secure the GOP nomination for governor, according to a new poll sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.

In the contests for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, state Attorney General Marty Jackley and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds have solid leads over their challengers.

The scientific survey of 500 registered Republicans, conducted April 7-11 by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, found Johnson leading the four-way contest for governor with 34% of likely GOP primary voters supporting his candidacy.

The other three candidates are effectively tied for second due to the margin of error being plus-or-minus 4.5%. State House Speaker Jon Hansen, of Dell Rapids, has 18% support from GOP voters, and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden both have 17%. Roughly 14% of those surveyed were undecided.

If no candidate receives at least 35% of the vote on the June 2 ballot, a runoff between the top two finishers will take place July 28. The winner of the contest will meet Democrat Dan Ahlers in the Nov. 3 general election.

Rhoden’s support drops; Hansen surges

While Johnson, who grew up in Pierre and lives in Mitchell, saw a 6-point increase from the News Watch/Chiesman poll conducted last October, Rhoden’s support fell 10 points.

Julia Hellwege, director of the Chiesman Center and USD associate professor in political science, said Rhoden’s association with his predecessor, former Gov. Kristi Noem, could be behind the drop in poll numbers.

“He has aligned himself closely with Noem. They worked closely together, and he continues to champion her and stand by her,” she said. “There’s a potential that has been a side effect.”

Rhoden served as lieutenant governor under Noem and became governor in January 2025 when President Donald Trump made her secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. He fired her last month after severe criticism.

Hellwege pointed out the poll found that Johnson even leads in West River, a stronghold for Rhoden, who is from Union Center east of Sturgis.

She said one candidate more than any other has been the main beneficiary of the declining support for the sitting governor.

“Anyone shifting from Rhoden is more likely to shift towards Hansen,” Hellwege said, noting that Hansen is a state lawmaker, like Rhoden was, who plays up his conservative Christian credentials.

Hellwege said in comparing the new poll results with those from last year, a certain pattern can be seen. That includes the surge in support for Hansen and Johnson, a decline in support for Rhoden, a stable level of support for Doeden and a lower number of undecided voters.

“My interpretation is many Rhoden voters in the last poll shifted to Hansen voters and the undecideds went to Johnson,” Hellwege said.

SD governor: Johnson in driver’s seat

Hellwege highlighted the extent to which the math favors Johnson.

“Even if all the undecided voters go to one of those second-place candidates, plus if you factor in the margin of error, they still would barely reach where Johnson is sitting right now,” Hellwege said.

Brad Coker, founder of Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, ranked as one of the least-biased and most-factual pollsters, also believes Johnson is in a comfortable position.

“Johnson is moving into the clear front-runner status,” he said.

“People know him. People like him, and that’s probably why he’s ahead right now. Whether he can hold on to that will depend on what the other campaigns – particularly Hansen’s – are able to do in the coming weeks,” Coker told News Watch, pointing to the poll results that found Johnson has a 47% favorability rating, the highest of any of the candidates.

South Dakota News Watch invests in scientific polls to let elected leaders know how constituents think they’re doing and also survey people’s opinions on important issues. But a good poll isn’t cheap, so if you value these stories, please consider helping cover the cost. Thank you!

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Coker said Hansen has the best chance to challenge Johnson not only because his candidacy has seen the biggest increase in support but also due to not many people knowing him – yet.

“Hansen’s name recognition is only 73%. He’s still got 27% of the voters who don’t know who he is, which I think gives him a much higher ceiling than Doeden and Rhoden,” Coker said. “That tells me Hansen is getting some traction.”

On the flip side, Doeden’s 35% unfavorable rating and high name recognition indicate his support has mostly peaked, Coker said.

“He has a higher negative rating than positive rating, which tells me he’s got a core group behind him, but his growth potential is far more limited, especially since he has 89% name recognition,” Coker said.

The poll was conducted after the four candidates met in the March 31 KELO-TV debate but before the April 13 SDPB and South Dakota News Watch forum.

US House: Jackley has comfortable lead

Since Johnson ran for governor, that opened up South Dakota’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In that contest, Jackley – who is from Sturgis and previously served as U.S. attorney for the District of South Dakota – has a comfortable lead toward securing the GOP nomination.

According to the poll, he has 68% support from South Dakota Republican voters surveyed, well ahead of challenger James Bialota Jr., who has 12%, with 20% of respondents undecided.

“This primary is definitely in Jackley’s favor, even if all the undecideds move to Bialota,” Hellwege said.

The winner will face Democrat Nicole “Nikki” Gronli in the November general election.

US Senate: Incumbent Rounds ahead by large margin

Rounds – who’s from Pierre and was South Dakota’s governor from 2003 to 2011 – also enjoys a sizable lead over his challenger.

He received 66% support from GOP voters surveyed, compared to 18% for challenger Justin McNeal, with 16% of respondents undecided.

“The fact that McNeal, who is vastly outspent by Rounds, is able to get up to 18% is commendable. But at the same time, I don’t think there’s any expectation that Rounds will not be able to hold on to that seat,” Hellwege said.

The winner will take on Democrat Julian Beaudion in November.

Favorability poll results for all governor, House and Senate candidates

The News Watch/Chiesman poll also asked Republicans their opinions of the candidates. To see results for each person, click the arrow below and the tab for each section: overall, by gender, age and region where they’re from.

Coming Tuesday

Tuesday’s story will focus on South Dakota News Watch/Chiesman Center for Democracy poll results on the job performance rating South Dakotans give Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. John Thune and other elected officials. The story also includes voter thoughts on Noem’s time as DHS secretary and President Trump’s decision to fire her.

South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit. Read, donate and subscribe for free at sdnewswatch.org. Contact politics and statehouse reporter Alexander Rifaat: 605-736-4396/alexander.rifaat@sdnewswatch.org.

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South Dakota

FCS Football Recruiting Roundup: South Dakota, Montana State Target 2027 Defensive Standouts

Published

24 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

FCS Football Recruiting Roundup: South Dakota, Montana State Target 2027 Defensive Standouts

Welcome to another edition of the FCS Football Central Recruiting Roundup.

As spring practice winds down, recruits are still continuing to get on campus to visit schools and meet with their coaching staff. I caught up with some of the latest prospects who received an offer from an FCS program after their visit.

Amarie King | 2027 | DB | 5’7″ 140 lbs | Case High School | Racine, WI

King received his latest offer from South Dakota on April 17 after speaking with defensive coordinator Billy Kirch.

“Coach Kirch told me bout the offer, and that conversation went well. He told me a lot about the school, and asked me what my family and parents do. He said that my film was amazing and that he wanted to offer me,” King said.

“My recruitment is going well, although it is a little stressful here and there, but I am really just being patient and trusting the process, and keep working.”

He has visits to South Dakota and Drake coming up. Last season, he finished with 44 tackles, eight pass breakups, and six interceptions for the Eagles.

After a great conversation with coach kirch I’m blessed to I’ve received my first division 1 offer from @SDCoyotesFB @AntonGraham_ @MJ_NFLDraft @CoachBKirch @joshmanchigiah pic.twitter.com/jaxIYac67A
— Amarie King (@Amarieking27) April 17, 2026

Jayden Harris | 2027 | ATH | 6’2″ 170 lbs | Manteca High School | Manteca, CA

Harris picked up his latest offer from Montana State on Friday when he was in Bozeman for the Bobcats’ Junior Day, and meeting with cornerbacks coach Jordan Lee, defensive coordinator Bobby Daly, and head coach Brent Vigen.

“First, it was Coach Lee, then I had meetings with Coach Daly and Coach Vigen, who broke the news while we were talking. They want me to come in and play early. They like my versatility as a defensive back, and that’s why they offered me,” Harris said.

“The visit was cool! The snow was coming down, and the coaches still showed love. Recruiting is going well right now. Most schools that are in touch with me see something in me for sure, especially since I’m a zero-star athlete, so that’s love. I feel like I’m the best DB in California, and my measurements and production speak for themselves.”

He also has offers from Idaho, Washington State, and Sacramento State. He has upcoming visits to Arizona State and New Mexico.

Last season, he finished with 63 tackles, 11 pass breakups, nine interceptions, six tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pick-sixes for the Buffaloes.

Blessed to receive an offer from Montana State University 🐾 @ballcoachLee @CoachBobbyDaly @CoachSauve @CoachSmith59 @bvigen @BrandonHuffman @Rivals_Recruits @GregBiggins pic.twitter.com/ofYdjJKcmK
— Jay Harris (@JaydenOHarris) April 18, 2026
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Maurice “MJ” Harrell | 2026 | DB | 6’1″ 170 lbs | Hutchinson CC | Hutchinson, KS

Harrell picked up his first Division I offer from Houston Christian on April 17 after he spoke with cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Coleman.

“Coach Coleman called and told me he liked what we saw from the videos I sent him, and that he wanted me to be a part of his program,” Harrell said.

Last season, he finished with 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery for the Blue Dragons. Mercyhurst, Division II UTPB, and Missouri Southern are some other schools he has been in contact with.

Blessed To Receive my first d1 offer from Houstan Christian University pic.twitter.com/OBD9ITQZHS
— MauriceHarrell (@M_Harrell19) April 18, 2026

Jadhari Young | 2026 | WR | 6’1″ 200 lbs | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA

Young received his latest offer from Eastern Illinois on April 15 after speaking with wide receivers coach Tino Smith.

“Coach Smith called me, and we had a long and great conversation. He told me he believes in me and that he thinks I can be great under his coaching,” Young said. “My recruitment has been going great since I graduated two weeks ago. A lot of coaches have expressed a lot of interest in me.”

Young also has offers from Sacramento State, Prairie View A&M, and Chicago State. Last season, he hauled in receptions for 559 yards and seven touchdowns for the Mountain Lions. He was named a Golden Coast Conference First Team selection.

He will be taking his official visit to Eastern Illinois on April 24. Gardner-Webb, West Florida, Monmouth, Stony Brook, and UMass are some other schools he is hearing from.

Blessed to receive my 5th D1 offer from Eastern Illinois University
Thank you Coach @coachtinosmith for believing in me💯 pic.twitter.com/yMZjnsfRvK
— Dhari Young “DEBO” (@dharigogetit) April 15, 2026

AJ Moore | 2027 | RB | 5’9″ 200 lbs | College of Dupage | Glen Ellyn, IL

Moore received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood on April 17 after speaking with running backs coach Lane Lawson.

“Coach Lawson called and offered me. He just told me he’d be really excited to have me over and thinks I could be a part of something special with the program they got going over there,” Moore said.

Last season, he finished with 81 carries for 518 yards and five touchdowns, while adding nine receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns for the Chaparrals, who won their fifth consecutive NJCAA Division III national championship. Moore is working on scheduling his official visit to Lindenwood.

#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachLawsonLU I am blessed to have my first division 1 offer from Lindenwood University @LindenwoodFB @Dupage_Football @JUCOFFrenzy @AllenTrieu @JordanWesty1 pic.twitter.com/DGLjZC4gIA
— AJ Moore (@ajmoore6_) April 17, 2026

Leshem Nyante | 2027 | OT | 6’5″ 265 lbs | Anna High School | Anna, TX

Nyante picked up his latest offer from Texas Rio Grande Valley on April 17 after he spoke with offensive line coach Jeff Bowen.

“Coach Bowen reached out this morning to officially extend the offer. It was a great talk, and he mentioned they really liked my film and how I would fit their system. So we are focused on building that relationship now,” Nyante said.

“I’m really grateful for how my recruiting process is unfolding so far. Things are definitely moving fast with spring ball right around the corner, and it’s been great seeing the increase in interest every week.”

He also has offers from Arkansas State, Division II Midwestern State, and East Central University. Old Dominion, Texas State, UTEP, and New Mexico are some other schools he is hearing from. Nyante will be taking an official visit to Arkansas State in June.

#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachJeffBowen , I am blessed to receive a D1 offer from @UTRGVFootball !!@8_parr @Coach_Rigg @tylerdedwards33 @Sevier5 @jessedstew @AnnaCoyotesFB @CoachTBush @Perroni247 @SWiltfong_ @CKennedy247 pic.twitter.com/6o9H13baAb
— Leshem (Shem) Nyantee (@leshemnyantee10) April 17, 2026

Matthew Lashley | 2027 | DB | 6’1″ 198 lbs | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA

Lashley received his latest offer from East Texas A&M on April 15 after speaking with safeties coach Luke Jaicks.

“Coach Jaicks called and offered me. He’s a great coach, and I would love to play for him,” Lashley said. “My recruitment is going well; it’s starting to heat up after spring ball.”

He also has an offer from Southern Utah. Last season, he finished with 14 tackles and two interceptions for the Tigers.

Blessed to receive another D1 offer to @Lions_FB! @JacksonSimon25 @nilsonsports pic.twitter.com/X4iLU8VRID
— Matthew Lashley (@MatthewLashley_) April 15, 2026

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