The Best Small Towns in South Dakota to Chill Out In 2024

South Dakota is a prairie state, widely famous for Mount Rushmore National Park and the thousands of tourists it brings to the state around the year. However, this beautiful state is much more than that. In fact, its small towns are the most underrated features of the state. Be it history concerning the gold rush, driving through some of the best routes, or taking in some local color, the small towns in South Dakota can offer everybody something that they can cherish for years to come.

Deadwood

Deadwood is a charming river town very well known for its Wild West heritage. History indeed comes alive in this town with the Adams Museum. The museum has gathered an extensive collection of artifacts from the gold rush days of Deadwood. Other activities include touring the Broken Boot Gold Mine, where visitors are taken under the earth to learn of mining in the 19th century. The very scenic Mount Moriah Cemetery offers a glimpse into the final resting place of many of the West’s most notorious outlaws, with huge, lush landscapes to either side of innovative boutiques and restaurants chockablock full of old-time character.

Spearfish

Spearfish is a beautiful small town surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes. With the vistas of limestone cliffs, green forests, and tumbling waterfalls, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is undoubtedly not a road to pass by. Bridal Veil Falls, and Roughlock Falls are two favorites along this path—either for a casual hike or to indulge in a beautiful picnic. Back in town, the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives is very interesting; it’s where one learns the history of fish culture and conservation. The grounds are well kept for a very leisurely walk. Spearfish has a very lively arts community with many galleries and theaters featuring local talent where visitors can kill time.

Custer

Custer is described as the gateway to Custer State Park and is known as the oldest town in Black Hills. A trip here will open a new world for visitors, with numerous bison herds, scenic drives, and lakes such as Sylvan, offering not only kayaking and swimming but the tranquility of simply being on its shores. The 1881 Courthouse Museum, which is downtown in Custer, pertains to pioneer history in over a hundred exhibits, from Indian artifacts to displays on antiquated mining equipment. The Crazy Horse Memorial mountain carving project exhibits the culture and artistry of Native Americans in grand proportions. This tiny chartered town of less than 2,000 has this small, unique downtown area full of shops, galleries, and, of course, eateries loaded with local delights—way more than necessary for any easy getaway.

Hill City

Hill City packs a lot of punch when it comes to attractions and quaint charm. It is incredibly close to Rapid City. Dubbed the “Heart of the Hills,” it features the Black Hills Central Railroad, operating a scenic 20-mile round trip aboard vintage steam trains through Black Hills. Supplementing this experience is the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, a journey deeper into the history of railroads in the area. The Jon Crane Gallery – and his beautifully realized landscapes done in watercolor – will thrill any art lover. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research near here also maintains some interesting fossil and mineral exhibits for the more scientifically inclined.

Vermillion

Vermillion is a small town, vibrant and proud of itself concerning culture and learning. Located near the Missouri River, it is the birthplace of the University of South Dakota and is home to a few very edgy museums — the National Music Museum, for example, is home to one of the best collections of musical instruments in the world. The W. H. Over Museum has an interesting collection of the natural and cultural history of the area. Downtown Vermillion has been beautifully decorated with chic little shops, outdoor cafes, and restaurants displaying local artwork and foods. Visiting opportunities exist at the nearby Missouri National Recreational River for fishing, boating, and birdwatching in a pristine natural setting.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a scenic small town famous for its naturally warm mineral waters and historic charm. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, since 1890, beckons with indoor and outdoor pools supplied with the natural water that comes from the springs. Yet another really nice point of interest is the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site and museum portraying insight into prehistoric times. Many beautiful sandstone buildings adorn Hot Springs; one of the historic buildings is the Pioneer Museum, containing antiquities left behind by some of the early settlers in this area. There are parks and trails—among them, the Freedom Trail—with serene hiking and picnicking areas that allow for a great reason to be in Hot Springs for relaxation.

De Smet

De Smet is a charming, quaint small town that holds the nickname “Little Town on the Prairie,” all because of attracting tourists who were enthusiasts of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. The guided tours of Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes gave views of areas that were her childhood homes and the famous author, as well as areas that inspired her famous books. The Ingalls Homestead, located in the town, is actually a living history site where visitors can personally relive and learn how to live as pioneers. Other significant historical buildings that have been well-conserved are the Kingsbury County Courthouse of De Smet and its railroad history at the De Smet Depot Museum.

Explore the Charm of South Dakota’s Small Towns

Quietly nestled in these small towns of South Dakota are history, culture, and nature at their finest. Every town is different—there is the Wild West charm of Deadwood or the scenic beauty of Spearfish—suited to a lot of diversified interests. Whether visitors are hitting up historic landmarks, outdoor wonderment, or just soaking up some culture, these seven towns provide the perfect setting to kick it back a notch in 2024.