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The history of South Dakota comes alive in its quaint small towns, some of which date back to the state’s earliest days in the era of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark’s famous cross-country expedition. South Dakota’s first American settlement was established in 1804, and the territory was officially welcomed into the Union in 1889. Now, tourism is a major part of the state’s economy, as visitors from all over America and beyond flock to see legendary attractions such as Mount Rushmore. But there’s more to South Dakota than presidents on a cliff face. Explore the state’s oldest small towns to find history, culture, arts, and outdoor adventure. These beautiful communities blend old and new to create the perfect vacation destination.

Fort Pierre

Fort Pierre is South Dakota’s oldest continuously occupied white settlement. Sitting on the banks of the Missouri River, the town began life as a key fur trading hub in the 1700s and was a thriving center of commerce by 1830. Fort Pierre was eventually eclipsed by the South Dakota state capitol, Pierre, which expanded the original settlement across the river and was officially established in 1880. But there’s still lots to explore in Fort Pierre, which has retained its Old West charms and small-town appeal.

Check out the Verendrye Museum for a detailed look at the town’s long history. Exhibits include homesteading equipment, fossils, Native American artifacts, cowboy memorabilia, photographs, and period clothing. Take a walk up to the Verendrye Monument overlooking the town for more fascinating trivia. The monument marks the spot where French explorer Pierre Gaultier de la Verendrye buried a lead plate in 1743 to signify French sovereignty over the upper Missouri region.

The Verendrye Monument offers stunning views over the town and the river, but for another beautiful walk, take the Oahe West Shore Trail. Just north of Fort Pierre, this 11-mile trail gives hikers and bikers the chance to retrace the footsteps of pioneers as they traversed the unspoilt beauty of the Lake Oahe area.

Vermillion

Tucked into the southeast corner of South Dakota, Vermillion is a vibrant town that’s º£½ÇÉçÇøs away from its earliest days as a pioneer encampment. Founded in 1859, this historically significant community once hosted legendary explorers Lewis and Clark, who camped here. After packing up their site in the Vermillion Bluffs, they headed to Spirit Mound, a conical land formation with sweeping views over the area. Today, Spirit Mound has a three-quarter-mile trail path to its peak, giving visitors the chance to explore the historic site and its 320 acres of surrounding grasslands.

Vermillion is also home to South Dakota’s oldest natural and cultural history museum, the W.H Over Museum which was founded in 1883 and has one of the most extensive collections in the state. For a very different museum experience, head to the National Music Museum. Founded in 1973, this speciality museum features over 15,000 traditional and modern instruments from priceless violins to celebrity guitars.

Deadwood

The entire town of Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark, making it a must for history lovers and fans of the Old West. Founded in 1876 when prospectors found an area covered in dead trees but with a promising creek that yielded gold, Deadwood is the kind of place where you expect to run into Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane around every quaint corner.

Call into the Adams Museum downtown to learn about the lives of these iconic legends. After your visit, stroll over to Outlaw Square off Main Street, which houses an event space and pavilion. In the summer months, the square hosts weekly concerts. In winter, it becomes a family-friendly skating rink where you can ride ice bumper cars. Go underground any time of year to get a different view of Deadwood at the Broken Boot Gold Mine. This unique attraction offers a fascinating underground mine tour. Visitors can also take a lesson in gold panning or enjoy the thrills of the candlelight ghost tour.

Madison

Between Lake Herman to the west and Lake Madison to the east sits the town of Madison, which can trace its history back to the late 1800s. Once a pioneer stop, Madison is now a busy college town and home of Dakota State University, which was founded here in 1881. The must-see attraction in Madison for history lovers is the Prairie Village on the west side of town. This living museum consists of 40 restored turn-of-the-century buildings, agriculture displays, steam tractors, a sawmill, and an operating railroad. Camping is available at the village, along with a gift shop, special events, and train rides. You’ll find more history at the Smith-Zimmermann Museum on the university campus. Browse Victorian furnishings in this small speciality museum which features four period rooms as well as transportation and agricultural exhibits.

Yankton

Yankton’s town motto is ‘where history meets hospitality,’ and you’ll find plenty of both in this charming village, which dates back to the 1860s when it was a popular hub on the busy Missouri River. Today, the iconic Meridian Bridge serves as a timeless reminder of the days when Yankton was a river port but had dreams of expanding its transportation links to a cross-country railroad and highway. Dedicated in 1924, the bridge celebrates its centennial in 2024 with a series of events, including concerts and festivals.

Yankton has welcomed some famous faces in its time. Some of which never left. Wild Bill Hickok is buried here at the border of the Yankton City Cemetery. The explorers Lewis and Clark also passed through town. At the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area on the outskirts of town, you’ll find beautiful biking and hiking trails, along with swimming beaches, boat launches, and a marina. To do some sightseeing in town head to the Historical Homes District between 4th Street and 8th Street. These stunning streets are lined with turn-of-the-century homes, classic examples of beautifully preserved Victorian architecture.

Spearfish

Spearfish was founded in 1876 by gold prospectors hoping to strike it lucky in the nearby Spearfish Creek. The High Plains Western Heritage Center is the best place in town to learn about the Gold Rush era. You’ll see history brought to life in its interactive displays and curated exhibits, which cover pioneering, ranching, rodeo, American Indian settlements, and mining.

The beautiful D.C Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery is a must-see stop in Spearfish. The hatchery opened in 1896 and closed in the mid-80s, reopening as a museum and recreation area. The scenic grounds contain ponds with underwater trout viewing, curated gardens, hiking trails, the Booth house, a rail car, and an ice house. Take a four-block walking tour of Spearfish’s Historic Commercial District to learn more about the town’s industrial past. Information about the tour is available at the Visitor Center on Main Street, and stops include the 1893 Lown Mercantile, the 1889 Mail Building, and Spearfish’s first hotel, built in 1892.

Custer

The oldest white settlement in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, Custer, was staked out in 1875 by gold miners. The gold is long gone, but Custer is still a thriving town thanks to its main industry, tourism. Conveniently situated close to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, the town is the gateway to some of South Dakota’s most historic sites. It’s also incredibly picturesque with dazzling views and perfect picnic spots at nearby Sylvan Lake. To see the local wildlife up close, take the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road, which meanders through wide prairies covered with herds of elk, buffalo, deer, and antelope. Back in town, be sure to visit the 1881 Courthouse Museum, packed with interesting artifacts and rare relics.

Historic South Dakota’s Oldest Small Towns

South Dakota’s most famous tourist attraction, Mount Rushmore, welcomes just over two million visitors a year, but there are plenty of hidden gems in the historic state’s fascinating and inviting small towns. This is not a state to rush through. Venture off the highway and meander South Dakota’s backroads and byways to discover centuries-old settlements whose rich heritage is evident in their architecture and attractions. These charming streets have seen it all — settlement wars, pioneer expeditions, the boom and bust of the gold rush — making them the perfect destination for your next adventure.