7 Darling Small Towns In South Dakota
South Dakota is a sprawling Great Plains State known for its vast, wide open spaces and breathtaking natural beauty. Measuring over 77,000 square miles, South Dakota is the 16th largest US state鈥攈owever, its large size belies its lack of big cities and relatively small population size. But what The Mount Rushmore State lacks in populous metropolitan areas, it makes up for with an abundance of lovely small towns known for their culture, character, and charm. From pretty Missouri River communities and iconic Black Hills towns to cultural, natural, and historical landmarks charting the state鈥檚 rich heritage, South Dakota鈥檚 most darling small towns provide endless opportunities to explore.
Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids is an adorable South Dakota small town in the Dakota Plains. Named for the Dells of the Big Sioux River, Dell Rapids鈥檚 riverside locale offers both scenic views and an abundance of outdoor activities. Often referred to as the 鈥淟ittle City With Big Attractions,鈥� Dell Rapids also has many distinctive destinations that lend the darling small town its character and charm.
The Big Sioux River is both a pretty backdrop and a source of recreation. Popular town spots like Dell Rapids City Park offer walking, biking, and picnicking opportunities and are also home to the lovely landscapes of the Sioux River Red Rick Trail. At the same time, nearby destinations like Palisades State Park feature panoramic views and iconic Sioux quartz formations.
Established in 1859, Dell Rapids also has a storied history. Today, visitors can get a glimpse into the town鈥檚 past by exploring the Dell Rapids Historic District. Additionally, Dell Rapids also has a Downtown Walking Tour featuring three commercial blocks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This quaint tour reflects the community's commitment to preserving its heritage, including many fine examples of 19th and 20th-century architecture鈥攕uch as The Grand Opera House, the Dieson Department Store Building (now the Dell Rapids Museum), and The First National Bank Building.
Vermillion
Located in Southeastern South Dakota, less than an hour from Sioux Falls and Sioux City, Vermillion is a bustling college town home to the University of South Dakota. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Vermillion鈥檚 vibrant downtown is extremely walkable, with notable historic and cultural attractions around every corner. Delve into the darling South Dakota town鈥檚 heritage by visiting town favorites like the Austin-Whittemore House Museum and the WH Over Museum or by attending the annual South Dakota Shakespeare Festival. For another signature Vermillion attraction, visit the University of South Dakota campus and explore The National Music Museum, home to a diverse collection of musical instruments spanning hundreds of years.
Vermillion also has plenty of recreational activities for both outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both Lewis & Clark Recreation Area and Clay County Park are home to stunning waterfront settings and swimming, biking, bird-watching, and hiking opportunities. Another must-visit Vermillion attraction is the Spirit Mound Historical Prairie. Featuring a short hike with panoramic views, the popular spot also has a sense of history鈥攁llowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of famed explorers Lewis and Clark.
Hill City
Known as the 鈥淗eart of the Black Hills,鈥� Hill City is an ideal base camp for those looking to explore South Dakota鈥檚 legendary Black Hills region. Proximity to top nearby destinations鈥攊ncluding the Crazy Horse Memorial, Black Elk Peak, and Mount Rushmore鈥攎akes Hill City one of Mount Rushmore State鈥檚 most sought-after small-town destinations. Famed attraction Custer State Park is also less than 30 minutes from Hill City. A convenient way for outdoor adventurers to access some of the area鈥檚 best hiking, horseback riding, and biking, Custer State Park is also home to picture-perfect backdrops, including the dramatic Cathedral Spires.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding countryside on the Black Hills Central Railroad鈥檚 1800 Train. A signature Hill City attraction, the railroad offers a two-hour round-trip journey to neighboring Keystone and provides a detailed glimpse into the region鈥檚 distinctive heritage and history. While in Keystone, be sure to take a Visitor Center Walking Tour and soak up the stellar views of Mount Rushmore from its charming Main Street. For a more relaxed Hill City experience, explore the beautiful small town鈥檚 many eclectic shops, wineries, and restaurants.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain is a darling small town in central South Dakota. Though home to a mere 2,500 residents, Chamberlain鈥檚 Missouri River locale and picturesque setting offer visitors a host of things to see and do that rival any big city destination. Many destinations throughout Chamberlain鈥攕uch as Barger Centennial Park and Roam Tree Park鈥攑rovide recreational opportunities like hiking and biking, while outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy top Missouri River activities like kayaking, tubing, canoeing, and fishing. Additionally, Chamberlain鈥檚 sister city, Oacoma, also has its share of epic river recreation, including popular spots like the Roland L. Dolly Memorial Recreational Trail.
Though known for its outstanding outdoor recreation, the Missouri River is also a significant source of the region鈥檚 cultural and historical heritage鈥攁nd one of the area鈥檚 most notable sights is the fifty-foot tall stainless steel sculpture, Dignity: Of Earth & Sky honoring the Lakota and Dakota peoples. Visitors can also explore South Dakota history with a visit to the Lewis and Clark Information Center or discover Native American history at the Akt谩 Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. From rich Indigenous traditions to the footprints of early American explorers, Chamberlain has something for every traveler. Those looking to delve more deeply into Mount Rushmore State lore can also visit another Chamberlain favorite, the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Pierre
Pierre has served as South Dakota鈥檚 capital city since its inception in 1899. However, with just under 15,000 residents, Pierre is also the second least populated state capital in the US鈥攍ending it the cozy, welcoming atmosphere South Dakota small towns are famous for. Additionally, Pierre has a rich tapestry of culture and history that can be seen throughout its many attractions, including the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society and the State Capitol. To learn more about the area鈥檚 storied past, visit Pierre鈥檚 sister city, Fort Pierre. Located across from Pierre on the opposite side of the scenic Missouri River, Fort Pierre also has plenty of must-see destinations, including scenic LaFramboise Island and Fischers Lilly Park.
Its Missouri River locale also gives Pierre a well-deserved reputation for outdoor recreation. Known for watersports like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, top local spots like Lake Oahe offer spectacular diving opportunities. Hiking is another popular Pierre pastime, with destinations like The Capitol Creek Walk and The Governor鈥檚 Walk providing spectacular views as well as outdoor activities. For the perfect combination of natural scenery and historical interest, visit LaFramboise Island Nature Area. Mentioned in the journals of Lewis and Clark, the notable destination is also a mecca for biking, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. The nearby Fort Pierre National Grassland is another can鈥檛-miss site ideal for both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to appreciate the area鈥檚 signature prairie landscapes.
Deadwood
A historic small town 鈥渆ntertaining guests since 1876,鈥� Deadwood is one of South Dakota鈥檚 top tourist destinations--and a US favorite in 2024. Located in the Northern Black Hills region, Deadwood is a former gold mining town steeped in culture, legend, and Wild West lore. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Deadwood is not only a town but a living history museum dedicated to preserving the Black Hills鈥檚 iconic past鈥攁 time when legendary Western characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane called South Dakota their home. Today, visitors can experience South Dakota history by exploring Deadwood鈥檚 historic streets, complete with action-packed daily re-enactments and events. Destinations like Mount Moriah Cemetery are also monuments to famed Deadwood residents and are spots where visitors can take a walk through history.
Deadwood (and the surrounding area) also offers plenty of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, the area has its share of scenic spots perfect for outdoor adventure. Explore the region鈥檚 most breathtaking sites at nearby locales like Spearfish Canyon, the Mickelson Trail, and the Homestake Trail, home to some of the region鈥檚 best scenic hikes. The Black Hills town is also close to other popular South Dakota small towns, making it easy to explore the region鈥檚 history and heritage. For an exciting day trip, visit nearby Lead, a former mining town hosting landmarks like Cheyenne Crossing and the Historic Homestake Opera House and Recreation Building; Spearfish, home to Spearfish Canyon; and the iconic South Dakota landmark, Devils Tower National Monument.
Watertown
Located in Northeastern South Dakota, Watertown is a picture-perfect town packed with history. To get a glimpse of its storied heritage鈥攆rom pioneer times to the Prohibition era鈥攅xplore the Coddington County gem鈥檚 Historic Downtown area. With 60 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the M.L. St. Railroad Depot and the Codington County Courthouse, the area is also home to an eclectic variety of shops and restaurants. Popular downtown attractions like the Codington County Heritage Museum, The Goss Opera House, Mellette House, Redlin Art Center, and the Watertown Artwalk highlight the town鈥檚 diverse cultural and historical tapestry, while off-the-beaten-track locales like the railroad tunnels used during Prohibition (by none other than Al Capone), explore the town鈥檚 iconic lore.
For outdoor activities in Watertown, look no further than the beautiful Big Sioux River with its variety of watersports, including canoeing, boating, and kayaking. Lake Kampeska, located in western Watertown, is another scenic recreation destination showcasing the town鈥檚 natural beauty. Home to over 30 miles of trails, the local lake is home to many parks and golf courses and offers boating, fishing, waterskiing, and swimming. More popular Watertown attractions include The Bramble Park Zoo, featuring 800 animals across 15+ acres, and the nearby Pelican Lake Recreation Area, home to watersports, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and an observation tower providing some of the region鈥檚 best panoramic views.
South Dakota鈥檚 diverse natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and historic landmarks have garnered it the nickname "the land of infinite variety.鈥� However, it is South Dakota's abundance of breathtaking small towns that lends the Great Plains state its reputation as a beautiful vacation destination. Each of these small towns is unique鈥攆rom Wild West gems like Deadwood to historic heartlands like Pierre, all have a distinctive blend of heritage, culture, and scenic beauty. On the doorstep of famous landmarks like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore, these picturesque communities offer a signature South Dakota blend of larger-than-life locales and welcoming, small-town charm in the heart of the Great Plains.
