It seems that so many little South Dakota towns have a certain element that can immediately draw you in. Whether it’s a quaint downtown area, a unique shop, a historical center, or an abandoned structure, there’s always something unique to explore and experience. Below are 9 South Dakota towns we featured in 2016 that we think are well worth your visit in 2017! Some of these are thriving small towns, while others have sadly dwindled to almost nothing. Regardless, every single one of them is downright intriguing.
Note: If you want to learn more about a town, feel free to click on the title to view the original article.
1.Dimock
Natalie / Only In Your State Home to our state’s oldest cheese plant, this tiny town is a must visit if you’re craving some delicious, South Dakota cheese. From Aged Cheddar to Salsa Cheese, they have so many delicious flavors distributed in 5 or 10 pound blocks, slices, bits, or cheese spreads. Yum!
- Spearfish
Visit Spearfish / Facebook Home to Spearfish Canyon, the DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery, The Matthew Opera House & Arts, and the breathtaking Termesphere Gallery, you’ll never run out of things to do in this charming little town nicknamed “Queen City.”
- Bell Fourche
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Explore historical buildings filled with unique artifacts from the 1870s and visit the town’s fantastic local businesses, including Green Bean Coffeehouse. One of the most fascinating aspects about Belle Fourche is that it’s the geographical center of the entire United States; visit this monument, and you can stand at the center of it all!
- Platte
Armmodramus/Wikimedia Located by a reservoir on the Missouri River, Platte is a delightful and charming community to spend the day exploring. With spectacular lake views, a vibrant downtown filled with adorable stores, boutiques, and places to eat, you’ll have plenty of things to do and see!
- Fort Pierre
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr As the oldest town in South Dakota, Fort Pierre is a must-experience. Spend the day learning about our state’s history by meandering through the Verendrye Museum, Casey Tibbs Rodeo Museum, and the Buffalo Interpretive Center.
- Scenic
Adam Singer / Flickr This abandoned, desolate South Dakota town has a rather eerie ambiance. Although many people stay far away from it, it’s certainly an intriguing place to explore if you’re in the mood for adventure. The deteriorating, but still standing, buildings include the post office, a dance hall, a train depot, and a couple of stores.
- Armour
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr This 700 population town is downright picturesque. Visit the retro Lorain Theater, tour their county museum, and enjoy the small town vibes!
- Henry
Double Barrel Steakhouse / Facebook If you ever find yourself anywhere near this itty-bitty town, do yourself a favor, and stop for a visit. Dine at The Double Barrel Steakhouse and indulge in a mouthwatering meal. There’s a reason this steakhouse draws in people from all over the state; it’s top notch!
- Capa
Paul Williams / Flickr The remnants of this empty town really do look like they could have been featured in a horror movie. Founded in 1908, this town now remains virtually lifeless, as the rotting, uninhabited structures are slowly decaying. Needless to say, this is an intriguing place to visit and see for yourself, if you can handle the creepiness.
Have you ever visited any of these 8 small towns? What was your experience like? On another note, are there any others that you think we missed?
Natalie / Only In Your State
Home to our state’s oldest cheese plant, this tiny town is a must visit if you’re craving some delicious, South Dakota cheese. From Aged Cheddar to Salsa Cheese, they have so many delicious flavors distributed in 5 or 10 pound blocks, slices, bits, or cheese spreads. Yum!
Visit Spearfish / Facebook
Home to Spearfish Canyon, the DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery, The Matthew Opera House & Arts, and the breathtaking Termesphere Gallery, you’ll never run out of things to do in this charming little town nicknamed “Queen City.”
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Explore historical buildings filled with unique artifacts from the 1870s and visit the town’s fantastic local businesses, including Green Bean Coffeehouse. One of the most fascinating aspects about Belle Fourche is that it’s the geographical center of the entire United States; visit this monument, and you can stand at the center of it all!
Armmodramus/Wikimedia
Located by a reservoir on the Missouri River, Platte is a delightful and charming community to spend the day exploring. With spectacular lake views, a vibrant downtown filled with adorable stores, boutiques, and places to eat, you’ll have plenty of things to do and see!
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
As the oldest town in South Dakota, Fort Pierre is a must-experience. Spend the day learning about our state’s history by meandering through the Verendrye Museum, Casey Tibbs Rodeo Museum, and the Buffalo Interpretive Center.
Adam Singer / Flickr
This abandoned, desolate South Dakota town has a rather eerie ambiance. Although many people stay far away from it, it’s certainly an intriguing place to explore if you’re in the mood for adventure. The deteriorating, but still standing, buildings include the post office, a dance hall, a train depot, and a couple of stores.
This 700 population town is downright picturesque. Visit the retro Lorain Theater, tour their county museum, and enjoy the small town vibes!
Double Barrel Steakhouse / Facebook
If you ever find yourself anywhere near this itty-bitty town, do yourself a favor, and stop for a visit. Dine at The Double Barrel Steakhouse and indulge in a mouthwatering meal. There’s a reason this steakhouse draws in people from all over the state; it’s top notch!
Paul Williams / Flickr
The remnants of this empty town really do look like they could have been featured in a horror movie. Founded in 1908, this town now remains virtually lifeless, as the rotting, uninhabited structures are slowly decaying. Needless to say, this is an intriguing place to visit and see for yourself, if you can handle the creepiness.
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