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.

RAPID CITY — Authorities are advising some residents on the western edge of Rapid City to be ready for a potential evacuation order as a wildfire burns nearby.

A pre-evacuation notice was in effect Tuesday morning.

“We’re not evacuating anybody right now,” said Lt. Jason Mitzel of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. “However, I would urge the public that lives in the vicinity to be prepared, and get documents, medications and animals ready to go, just in case the wind switches and the fire does expand.”

Mitzel said some of the areas of concern include neighborhoods along Sheridan Lake Road from Norseman Lane to Victoria Lake Road, as well as the Red Rock, Dark Canyon, Falling Rock and Hisega residential areas. By Tuesday morning, authorities had closed Norseman Lane and Victoria Lake Road from Sheridan Lake Road to Taylor Ranch Road, and additional closures were under consideration.

Mitzel urged the public to stay out of the affected area to avoid endangering themselves and fire crews.

If evacuations are ordered, Mitzel said the information will be shared with local media and posted to social media accounts managed by the sheriff’s office. He said authorities would also make efforts to go door-to-door in affected areas.

The wildfire, named the First Thunder Fire, was reported at 6:15 p.m. Mountain time on Monday. The cause is under investigation, and there are no damages to structures or injuries reported so far.

About 150 acres (roughly one-fourth of a square mile) had burned as of Tuesday morning. The location is several miles west of Rapid City in a forested, rocky area cut by deep canyons. Land in the area is a mixture of private ownership and the Black Hills National Forest.

To establish a containment perimeter, firefighters are digging earthen lines by hand and by bulldozer, utilizing logging roads and physical features that could help halt the fire’s advance, and applying fire retardant chemicals. But authorities said containment Tuesday morning stood at 0%.

An estimated 75-100 people were involved in the response as of Tuesday morning, including firefighters from local, state and federal agencies. The response also included two helicopters, four air tanker planes and multiple fire trucks.

The temperature in Rapid City was expected to rise above 95 degrees Tuesday, and the forest at the city’s edge is in a dry condition, said Brandon Sanchez, the incident commander for the U.S. Forest Service.

“The warm weather, for how late it is in the season, is really alarming for us as we try to get containment around the fire,” Sanchez said. “Hopefully the weather does cool down and we get higher humidity at night.”

The Wisconsin Badgers face an FCS opponent, the South Dakota Coyotes (1-0), at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

If you are looking for Badgers vs. Coyotes tickets, information is available below.

Wisconsin vs. South Dakota game info

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How to buy Wisconsin vs. South Dakota tickets for college football Week 2

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Wisconsin Badgers schedule

• Week 1: August 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET vs. Western Michigan Broncos – 28-14 win
• Week 2: September 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET vs. South Dakota Coyotes
• Week 3: September 14 at 12:00 p.m. ET vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
• Week 5: September 28 at 1:00 p.m. ET at USC Trojans
• Week 6: October 5 at 1:00 p.m. ET vs. Purdue Boilermakers
• Week 7: October 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
• Week 8: October 19 at 1:00 p.m. ET at Northwestern Wildcats
• Week 9: October 26 at 1:00 p.m. ET vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
• Week 10: November 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET at Iowa Hawkeyes
• Week 12: November 16 at 1:00 p.m. ET vs. Oregon Ducks
• Week 13: November 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET at Nebraska Cornhuskers
• Week 14: November 29 at 12:00 p.m. ET vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

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Wisconsin Badgers stats

• Wisconsin is putting up 388.0 yards per game on offense (79th in the FBS), and rank 51st on the other side of the ball, yielding 261.0 yards allowed per game.
• The Badgers are averaging 28.0 points per game on offense, which ranks them 81st in the FBS. On the defensive side of the ball, they rank 57th, surrendering 14.0 points per contest.
• Wisconsin is totaling 192.0 passing yards per game on offense, which ranks them 89th in the FBS. The defense ranks 46th, surrendering 141.0 passing yards per game.
• The Badgers are averaging 196.0 rushing yards per game on offense, which ranks them 51st in the FBS. On the other side of the ball, they rank 68th, surrendering 120.0 rushing yards per contest.

South Dakota Coyotes schedule

• Week 1: August 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET vs. Northern State Wolves – 45-3 win
• Week 2: September 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET at Wisconsin Badgers
• Week 3: September 14 at 4:00 p.m. ET at Portland State Vikings
• Week 4: September 21 at 2:00 p.m. ET vs. Drake Bulldogs
• Week 5: September 28 at 2:00 p.m. ET vs. Southern Illinois Salukis
• Week 6: October 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET at Murray State Racers
• Week 7: October 12 at 3:00 p.m. ET vs. Northern Iowa Panthers
• Week 8: October 19 at 6:00 p.m. ET at Youngstown State Penguins
• Week 9: October 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET at South Dakota State Jackrabbits
• Week 11: November 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET vs. Indiana State Sycamores
• Week 12: November 16 at 1:00 p.m. ET at North Dakota Fighting Hawks
• Week 13: November 23 at 2:00 p.m. ET vs. North Dakota State Bison

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South Dakota Coyotes stats

• South Dakota has been excelling on the defensive side of the ball, surrendering only 207.0 total yards per game (fourth-best). On offense, it ranks 39th by accumulating 351.0 total yards per game.
• The Coyotes have been a top-25 unit on both offense and defense this season, as they rank eighth-best in points per game (45.0) and second-best in points surrendered per game (3.0).
• South Dakota ranks 23rd-worst in passing yards per game on offense (85.0), but at least it has been dominating on the other side of the ball, ranking second-best in passing yards allowed per contest (60.0).
• The Coyotes’ run defense ranks 41st in the FCS with 147.0 rushing yards surrendered per game, but they’ve been carried by their offense, which ranks fourth-best by generating 266.0 rushing yards per contest.

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