7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns In South Dakota

The antidote to the rat race, with all its traffic nightmares and hard-to-beat deadlines, is a weekend trip to a quaint, slow-paced spot where the air is fresh and playful, a town with charm-soaked streets and a laid-back atmosphere. Unfortunately, with the developments taking place in many towns in the country, such spots are becoming fewer and far between. Trust the Midwest, however, to surprise you with its array of laid-back towns and warm, welcoming communities. Ready to switch to a relaxing mode? The following towns in South Dakota beckon.

Brookings

Although Brookings is just an hour north of Sioux Falls, it beats to a much slower, leisurely rhythm. It is home to South Dakota State University, the largest higher-education institution in South Dakota. Most of the time, students just want to have fun learning — even as they explore the entertainment and cultural landscape of an area. To an extent, this accounts for the homey and relaxed atmosphere in Brookings. The town features some nice bike paths for cruising along, restaurants that serve a delicious range of cuisine, and a commercial historic district with many buildings predating the Great Depression. With its luxury reclining seats, Brookings Cinema is a cozy space to catch new releases on wall-to-wall screens. There is the Children’s Museum of South Dakota as well, housed in a 1936 school. Other attractions include the nearby Brookings County Museum and the Brookings Arts Council, which displays works of local artists.

Vermillion

Vermillion is a lovely college town that is homey, laid-back, and welcoming. If you are scoping for a yummy eatery that any local will easily give a nod to, Café Brulé is what you have in mind. From its friendly atmosphere to its outstanding desserts to its ample parking, it will be difficult to find fault with this Main Street establishment. That said, one can sip her way through the town during the Great Dakota Wine Fest, enjoy a soul-moving sonnet during the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, and savor local tunes when Thursdays on the Platz come around. A one-day visit can commence with a hearty breakfast at the Bean Community Coffeehouse, then marveling at the most extensive collection of natural and cultural history in South Dakota at the W. H. Over Museum before catching an afternoon show at Coyote Twin Theater.

Madison

Madison is yet another college town that seems unbothered by the rat race — and is just enjoying life on the low and slow side most of the time. With Lake Herman on the west and Lake Madison on the east, there are ample opportunities for getting out and enjoying nature’s pristine beauty. With just $5, one will enjoy a movie at the Dakota Cinema, situated on the west side of town. Wondering how to crown the day? How about a yummy burrito deluxe chicken at Los Tapatios, a family-owned establishment that serves authentic Mexican cuisine? If spending the night and looking for a quiet, nature-themed experience, grab a rustic cabin at the nearby Lake Herman State Park.

Deadwood

If there is a South Dakota town that does not need any introduction, especially in the nation’s vacation landscape, it will have to be Deadwood. With its Old West legends (think of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane) — historic sites, and awe-inspiring architecture — this 19th-century gold rush town often leaves first-time visitors spoilt for choice. Its setting in the northern region of the Black Hills, in a canyon formed by Whitewood Creek, gives it a nice, laid-back backdrop most movie directors would swoon over. There is the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where the body of Wild Bill rests. Wild Bill helped bring order to the Wild West, albeit many times through unconventional means. Look for his revered pistol at Adams Museum, before heading over to Saloon #10, where visitors witness a re-creation of his shooting. What’s more? Try panning gold at Broken Boot Gold Mine, as you relive the everyday life of a 19th-century miner.

Yankton

Yankton is heaven, especially if one loves camping — or a camping-based vacation. From the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area to Cottonwood Campground to the Yankton / Missouri River KOA Journey, this cute, laid-back town provides an experience most towns will struggle to match. Plus, it is right on the Missouri River, whose rustic ambiance rubs off on the town. An outdoor enthusiast will enjoy a world of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities, whether fishing, boating, or hiking. There are some nice bike paths one will enjoy zipping along — as well as Riverboat Days, the ultimate Yankton festival. If you think Yankton already has enough, wait until you hear that it boasts some of the best disc golf courses in the state.

Watertown

It could be because of its location in rural South Dakota, but whatever the reason; Watertown is a friendly, laid-back community that first-time visitors often find endearing and charming. You will love many things here, including the Redlin Art Center, which many believe is the town’s cream of the crop. The center displays many works of Terry Redlin, one of America’s most popular wildlife artists. For avid movie-goers, however, there is the Odyssey Grand 8 Theater, loved for its comfortable reclining seats, clean environment, and amazing sound system. That said, the award for the best whole-family entertainment venue in Northeast South Dakota goes to Thunder Road. They have go-karts, a mini golf course, an arcade, and a fun, lovely atmosphere.

Spearfish

It does not matter who you ask. Spearfish is among the most loveable and lively towns in South Dakota. Life is slow-paced here and laid-back — while the environment is authentic and unassuming. Expect lovely biking trails, some unexpectedly good restaurants, a walkable downtown area, a fairly good music scene, and a delightful range of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities, especially in the surrounding Black Hills region. You will enjoy the trails at Spearfish Canyon Disc Golf Course, a hearty breakfast at Green Bean (it is on Main Street), plus good wine and good music at Spearfish Creek Wine Bar, a lively space with a fun outdoor area. If you want to be with the wind, the trees, and the azure sky, Lookout Mountain Trail features a cool stroll underneath the interstate — and serves beautiful views of downtown Spearfish.

The Takeaway

You know it; the craving to look for a peaceful spot where you can move at a much slower pace, if just to experience a rebirth and regain your serenity. For such an experience, the Midwest can just be what the doctor ordered. And it is not just about the Wild West history or the charming streets. It is something to do with the character of the towns; how they are authentic and laid-back. They don’t care if you have bills to pay. They will just somehow slow you down. For specific recommendations, check out the towns highlighted here, from Brookings to Spearfish.