Hosting golden prairies, rolling hills, lush forests, and crisp rivers, South Dakota is truly an underappreciated gem in the US West. Additionally, with famous historic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, the state recounts important details of the American story. For those thinking about how to make their upcoming summer unforgettable, look no further than some of South Dakota’s coolest small towns. These incredible destinations promise an experience so memorable that reminiscing about the trip will endure for years to come.

Keystone

Surrounded by lush forests, historical monuments, and granite tunnels, Keystone has scenery that belongs on the front of a postcard. In less than a ten-minute drive from Keystone’s center, travelers can arrive at the world-renowned Mount Rushmore to appreciate the majestic, colossal carvings of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln in person. If Mount Rushmore was not enough reason to visit, Keystone also sits in the center of the Black Hills National Forest, a gorgeous accumulation of forested mountains and hills where hikers can explore canyons, streams, wide grasslands, and more. For visitors who want to learn more about presidents after visiting Mount Rushmore, the National President Wax Museum contains wax replicas of all 46 presidents that immerse its visitors in iconic moments from their presidencies.

Custer

Neighboring Keystone is Custer, a lively town encompassed by natural beauty. Visitors will love the cozy downtown area, filled with boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and local cuisine. Additionally, a short drive away lies Jewel Cave National Monument, one of the longest caves in the world at over 215 miles of known passages which visitors can immerse themselves in with a guided tour. The Crazy Horse Memorial, the longest mountain carving in the world, is also nearby. Lastly, nature lovers can check out Custer State Park, which hosts an abundance of rolling plains, granite peaks, and mountain waters and has opportunities to hike, bike, camp, swim, and more.

Deadwood

Having been a key part of the Wild West narrative in the 19th century, the entire town of Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark. Although centuries have passed, the town maintains much of its Wild West town historic vibe. Lodging in the excellently located, historic 1899 Inn is a great way for travelers to start off their vacation immersed in the town’s history. Visitors can begin their day by visiting the historic district, lined with cobblestone streets and historic buildings that house antique and jewelry shops, boutiques, sweet shops, and more. Deadwood has a variety of wineries and breweries that are perfect for sipping a drink on a summer evening, such as Belle Joli Winery Sparkling House, featuring a gorgeous patio overlooking the vineyards. The surrounding Black Hills are filled with natural beauty and feature lush, lively forests with many opportunities to hike, picnic, and see native wildlife.

Wall

Wall, serves as a gateway to a variety of South Dakota natural attractions. Its Western spirit and small-town charm immerse visitors in peace and relaxation. Strolling down its main street, visitors can visit quaint local businesses, such as jewelry stores, wine and fudge shops, souvenir shops, and more. Perhaps one of its most well-known attractions is Wall Drug, an oasis in the middle of the West that draws in an estimated two million visitors per year and offers activities, dining, souvenirs, gifts, and more, guaranteeing fun for the whole family. A mere 10-minute drive from Wall sits Badlands National Park, a park with stunning geological formations, fossil beds, and wildlife such as bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and ferrets.

Brookings

Brookings is a vibrant college town, home to South Dakota State University, and hosts a variety of attractions for all kinds of travelers. Visitors can see cultural attractions such as the South Dakota Art Museum and families can enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. The cuisine in Brookings will pleasantly surprise you, with mouthwatering restaurants such as George’s Pizza, which in addition to pizza, serves delicious Greek dishes such as gyros and baklava! A night would not be complete without a stop at the cozy Mosaic Wine Bar, which offers an array of wines and beers. Brookings also has its fair share of natural attractions, such as the McCrory Gardens, an immaculate set of gardens featuring an impressive variety of native and exotic plants.

Hot Springs

For those looking for a relaxing, stress-relieving destination, Hot Springs is the perfect town. A morning soak in the Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, with waters varying between 88°F to 102°F, will leave visitors feeling refreshed and relaxed. For lunch or dinner, travelers must try the beloved Wooly’s Grill & Cellar, a family-owned restaurant and coffee bar providing homemade food. History and archeology fans must visit the Mammoth Site, the biggest active dig site in the Western Hemisphere. If you are visiting on the weekend, finish off the evening with a film and buttery popcorn at the Hot Springs Theater, a community favorite.

Pierre

While Pierre is the capital of South Dakota, it has a population of around 14,000 people, making it the second smallest capital in the US. This results in the city having a more laid-back and relaxing small-town vibe that visitors will love for a summer vacation. The best way to start the day in Pierre is with fresh coffee from one of Pierre’s many coffee shops, such as Scooter’s Coffee in the downtown area. While in the downtown area, visitors can appreciate the historic central area, with tree-lined roads, boutiques, and all kinds of restaurants. A short drive away, travelers can visit natural beauties such as the Oahe Dam, the fourth biggest man-made lake in the US, or Fort Pierre National Grassland, composed of prairies, rolling hills, creeks, and an abundance of unique native plants and wildlife.

Mitchell

Mitchell, with its mild summers, golden prairies, and scenic Great Plains landscapes, is the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable trip to the American West. The town celebrates its history through facilities such as the Prehistoric Indian Village, a museum that showcases indigenous artifacts and acts as a live excavation site that visitors can see in action. History buffs can continue their exploration of Native American culture by visiting the Dakota Discovery Museum. Mitchell’s Corn Palace is also an unmissable landmark, as it is a building decorated with intricate designs made of corn and native grasses. For nature lovers, Lake Mitchell is mere minutes from the downtown area, where visitors can partake in a variety of recreational activities.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, South Dakota offers an array of picturesque landscapes and rich historical sites, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable summer adventure. From the iconic Mount Rushmore to the tranquil prairies of Mitchell and the historic charm of Deadwood, each town tells a unique story. Whether appreciating natural wonders, exploring cultural attractions, or simply savoring local cuisine, travelers are sure to create lasting memories that will last for years to come in the heart of South Dakota’s coolest small towns.