South Dakota, home to some of America’s most amazing natural wonders, from the legendary landscapes of the Black Hills to soothing waters if the Missouri River.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing getaway these towns offer a wide variety of fun and entertainment. From scenic drives to hot air balloon rides and art galleries to ghost journeys there’s a little something for everyone. Dotted out amongst this wide open state are some of the most quaint and beautiful towns that you’ll have to visit on your travels. Here’s our list of the top 10 most beautiful towns and things to do while you’re there.

Best Small Towns in South Dakota

Table of Contents

• 1. Deadwood
• 2. Custer
• 3. Keystone
• 4. Pierre
• 5. Spearfish
• 6. Mitchell
• 7. Hill City
• 8. Wall
• 9. Vermillion
• 10. Sturgis

1. Deadwood

Deadwood is a historic town located in the Black Hills of South Dakota notable for its connection to the Wild West era.  In the late 1800s the town was a hotspot for gold miners, gamblers and outlaws. It was here, in the Number 10 Saloon, that Wild Bill Hickok was famously shot while playing poker in 1876.

Top things to do in Deadwood.

1. Visit the Adams Museum & House, which displays artifacts and exibits about the history of the Black Hills and Deadwood.
2. Touring the Broken Boot Gold Mine, which offers guided tours of an authentic gold mine and a chance to pan for gold.
3. Visiting the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried.
4. Taking a guided walking or trolley tour of the town to learn about its history and architecture. Explore the Main street while you’re at it.
5. Explore the Days of 76 Museum which is dedicated to the history of the Deadwood area
6. Visit the Black Hills National Forest Park

2. Custer

Custer, a town with a population of just over 1,900, is often overlooked by travellers.  However, once discovered, visitors soon realize the abundance of activities the town has to offer.

On the edge of Custer National Park, the town is surrounded by natural beauty, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, and camping.

1. Book a hot air balloon ride with Black Hill Balloons.
2. Go on a buffalo safari Jeep tour.
3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
4. Custer State Park: offers visitors the opportunity to hike, camp, fish, and spot wildlife such as bison, elk, and pronghorn.
5. The 1881 Courthouse Museum: This museum showcases the history of Custer and the Black Hills region.
6. Crazy Horse Memorial: This massive sculpture is still under construction, but visitors can tour the site and learn about the history of the Native American leader Crazy Horse.
7. Jewel Cave National Monument: This limestone cave offers guided tours to visitors of all ages.

3. Keystone

Keystone is in the Black Hills region of the state. The town is best known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is only a short drive away. Keystone is also the home of the Black Hills Playhouse, an outdoor theatre that has been offering professional productions since 1933, and the Black Hills Central Railroad, a historic steam train that offers scenic rides through the beautiful hills.

1. National Presidential Wax Museum
2. Take a scenic ride on the Black Hills Central Railroad: This historic steam train offers scenic rides through the beautiful hills.
3. Attend a performance at the Black Hills Playhouse: This outdoor theater offers professional productions during the summer months.
4. Go hiking in the Black Hills National Forest: Keystone is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, offering plenty of hiking opportunities.
5. Visit the Keystone Historical Museum: Learn about the history of Keystone and the Black Hills region at this local museum.
6. Of course visit the historical Mount Rushmore.

4. Pierre

If you’re looking for a small town with a big history, look no further than Pierre, South Dakota! As the state capital, this city of around 13,000 people packs a punch when it comes to culture and architecture. The South Dakota State Capitol building is a must-see, showcasing the town’s past through its stunning design. Founded in 1880 on the banks of the Missouri River, Pierre’s historic downtown is full of local shops, hotels, and restaurants that give visitors a true taste of the town’s culture.

For history buffs, there’s plenty to explore here. Take a tour of the National Guard Museum or check out the great exhibits at the South Dakota State Historical Society. The LaFramboise Island Nature Area is also a must-see, as it was first explored by Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery Expedition. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports.

1. Visit the South Dakota State Capitol building
2. Explore the historic downtown area
3. Take a tour of the National Guard Museum
4. Visit the exhibits at the South Dakota State Historical Society
5. Walk or hike in the LaFramboise Island Nature Area
6. Explore the Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe for fishing, boating, and other water sports
7. Take a stroll along the Missouri River
8. Visit the local shops and restaurants to experience the town’s culture
9. Visit the state theater or catch a local sports game
10. Relax and unwind in one of the city’s parks or nature reserves.

5. Spearfish

Spearfish is a city located in Lawrence County, South Dakota. It is situated in the northern Black Hills region and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is home to around 11,000 people and is a popular destination for tourists.

Some popular things to do in Spearfish include:

1. Hiking and exploring the Black Hills National Forest
2. Visiting the nearby Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which offers beautiful views of the canyon and the Spearfish Creek
3. Fishing and fly-fishing in the nearby streams and rivers
4. Skiing and snowboarding at the Terry Peak Ski Area
5. Taking a walk through the historic downtown area, which features local shops and restaurants
6. Visiting the High Plains Heritage Center and learn about the history of the area
7. Visiting the Spearfish City Park and the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery
8. Enjoying the annual events such as the Spearfish Festival of the Arts
9. Take a trip to the nearby Devil’s Tower National Monument
10. Mountain biking in the Mickelson Trail State Park

Spearfish is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to people of all ages and interests.

6. Mitchell

Mitchell, South Dakota! This charming town is home to the world’s only Corn Palace, a one-of-a-kind attraction that features intricate Moorish architecture made entirely out of corn. The palace attracts around half a million visitors each year, so it’s definitely worth stopping by for a photo op.

But the Corn Palace isn’t the only thing to see in Mitchell. The Dakota Discovery Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the region, while the Carnegie Resource Center is a great place to learn more about the town’s unique past.

Mitchell is also home to a variety of other historical and cultural attractions, such as the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society, and the Mitchell Area Arts Council. If you’re looking for a small town with a big personality, Mitchell is the place to be!

1. Visit the Corn Palace and admire its unique Moorish architecture made entirely out of corn.
2. Explore the Dakota Discovery Museum and learn about the history and culture of the region.
3. Visit the Carnegie Resource Center and learn more about Mitchell’s unique past.
4. Explore the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village and learn about the history of the area’s indigenous people.
5. Visit the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society and learn more about the state’s history.
6. Enjoy the arts scene by visiting the Mitchell Area Arts Council
7. Take a stroll through the historic downtown area, which features local shops and restaurants.
8. Visit the McGovern Legacy Museum.
9. Take a trip to the nearby Lake Mitchell and enjoy fishing, boating, and other water sports. 10.Relax and unwind in one of the city’s parks or nature reserves.

7. Hill City

Hill City, South Dakota is a charming mountain town located in the Black Hills region. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Hill City is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Visitors can explore the nearby Black Hills National Forest, hike or bike on the Mickelson Trail, and visit the famous 1880 Train. Hill City also boasts a lively downtown area with unique shops, galleries and restaurants, as well as a variety of museums and cultural attractions, making it a great destination for a getaway or a family vacation.

1. Explore the Black Hills National Forest, which offers hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.
2. Take a ride on the 1880 Train, a historic steam train that travels through the beautiful Black Hills.
3. Hike or bike on the Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile trail that runs through the heart of the Black Hills.
4. Explore the downtown area of Hill City, which features unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
5. Visit the Museum at Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of fossils.
6. Visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary and see wild mustangs roaming free.
7. Visit the Hill City Arts Council and see works of art made by local artists.
8. Visit the Black Hills Mining Museum and learn about the area’s mining history.

8. Wall

Wall, South Dakota is a small town located in the Badlands region of the state. Known for its proximity to Badlands National Park and the famous Wall Drug Store, Wall is a popular destination for nature lovers and road trippers. Visitors can explore the rugged beauty of the Badlands, hike or bike on the Badlands Loop Road, and visit the Wall Drug Store, a historic landmark that offers free ice water and a variety of unique souvenirs. The town also offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to RV parks, making it a convenient stop for travelers.

1. Explore the Badlands National Park, which offers hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.
2. Take a drive on the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic road that offers views of the Badlands formations.
3. Visit the Wall Drug Store, a historic landmark that offers free ice water and a variety of unique souvenirs.
4. Take a guided tour of the Badlands with a park ranger.
5. Visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, which offers tours of a decommissioned missile silo.
6. Visit the Badlands Petrified Gardens, which features a collection of fossils and petrified wood.
7. Visit the Badlands Cowboy Hall of Fame, which honors cowboys and cowgirls who made significant contributions to the western way of life.
8. Visit the Badlands Wildlife Loop, a drive-through wildlife area that offers a chance to see bison, bighorn sheep, and other native animals.
9. Visit the Wall City Campground and RV Park and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

9. Vermillion

Vermillion, South Dakota is a small town located in the southeast of the state. It is known for its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and the presence of the University of South Dakota. Visitors can explore the historic downtown, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as the W.H. Over Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the region. There are over 90 destinations to explore and the town is also home to the National Music Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of historical instruments and artefacts.

1. Visit the W.H. Over Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area.
2. Visit the National Music Museum and take a tour of the collection of historical instruments and artifacts.
3. Take a walk or hike in the beautiful natural surroundings, such as the nearby Palisades State Park.
4. Visit the University of South Dakota, take a campus tour, and attend a sporting event or cultural event.
5. Go fishing or boating on the Missouri River.
6. Visit the Clay County Courthouse which is a National Historic Landmark.
7. Visit the DakotaDome, which is a multi-purpose indoor arena on the University of South Dakota campus.
8. Attend a local festival or event such as the Vermillion Area Farmers Market, the Vermillion River Valley Fall Festival, and the Clay County Fair.

10. Sturgis

Sturgis, South Dakota is a small town that is famous for one thing: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Every August, bikers from all over the world flock to this small town for a week of riding, music, and partying. The rally has been happening since 1938 and has grown to become one of the biggest motorcycle events in the world.

But Sturgis is not only about motorcycles, it also offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area, such as the City of Sturgis Historic District and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing in the nearby hills and lakes. The Sturgis rally is a must-see event for motorcycle enthusiasts, but the town has a lot more to offer year-round, making it a great destination for a summer trip.

1. Attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
2. Visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
3. Explore the City of Sturgis Historic District
4. Go for a motorcycle ride on the scenic roads around Sturgis
5. Check out the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, a famous biker campground and entertainment venue.
6. Visit the Bear Butte State Park, a sacred site for the Native Americans
7. Take a guided tour of the Sturgis Iron Horse Memorial
8. Visit the Fort Meade Museum to learn about the town’s military history