Best Places to Visit in South Dakota: South Dakota is a sparsely populated mid-west state that neighbors with Nebraska, Wyoming and Minnesota. It has a great many neighbourhoods and communities offering outstanding schools, low crime rates, and reasonably priced homes. With Rapid City, Custer State Park and Wild Cave National Park all on your doorstep, there is plenty to explore in South Dakota. Whether it’s taking a weekend adventure or settling down to enjoy the outdoors every day, here are the 15 best places to live in South Dakota.
25 Best Places to Visit in South Dakota
| City | Attraction | Location | Opening Hours | Fee (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings | South Dakota Art Museum | 1036 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD 57007 | Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm | Free |
| Dakota Dunes | Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve | 272 Westshore Dr, North Sioux City, SD 57049 | Daily: 6am-10pm | Free |
| Sioux Falls | Falls Park | 131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 | Daily: 5am-12am | Free |
| Brandon | Big Sioux Recreation Area | 410 W Park St, Brandon, SD 57005 | Daily: 6am-11pm | $6/vehicle |
| Madison | Prairie Village | 45205 SD-34, Madison, SD 57042 | May-Sep: 10am-5pm | $6/adult, $2/child |
| Spearfish | Spearfish Canyon | 10619 Roughlock Falls Rd, Lead, SD 57754 | Open 24/7 (visitor center hours vary) | Free |
| Yankton | Lewis & Clark Recreation Area | 43349 SD-52, Yankton, SD 57078 | Daily: 6am-11pm | $6/vehicle |
| Sturgis | Sturgis Motorcycle Museum | 999 Main St, Sturgis, SD 57785 | Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm | $10/adult, $5/child |
| Watertown | Bramble Park Zoo | 800 10th St NW, Watertown, SD 57201 | Daily: 10am-4pm | $6/adult, $4/child |
| Mitchell | Corn Palace | 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301 | Mon-Sat: 8am-5pm | Free |
| Huron | World’s Largest Pheasant | 2611 US-14, Huron, SD 57350 | N/A (outdoor attraction) | Free |
| Vermillion | National Music Museum | 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069 | Tue-Sat: 10am-5pm | $10/adult, $5/child |
| Aberdeen | Storybook Land | 2300 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401 | Daily: 10am-8pm | Free |
| Lead | Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center | 160 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754 | Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm | Free |
| Hot Springs | Mammoth Site | 1800 US-18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747 | Daily: 9am-5pm | $10.14/adult, $7.53/child |
| Pierre | South Dakota State Capitol | 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 | Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm | Free |
| Rapid City | Mount Rushmore National Memorial | 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751 | Open 24/7 (visitor center hours vary) | $10/vehicle parking |
| Tea | Tea Community Park | 100 W Brian St, Tea, SD 57064 | Daily: 6am-10pm | Free |
| Madelia | Watona Park | 500 1st St SW, Madelia, MN 56062 | Daily: 6am-10pm | Free |
| Wagner | Wagner Lake | Wagner, SD 57380 | N/A (outdoor attraction) | Free |
| Pierre/Ft. Pierre | Oahe Dam | 27950 Oahe Dam Access Rd, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 | Visitor Center: Daily: 8am-4pm | Free |
Brookings
Brooking is out and out the best place to live in South Dakota. It has the best public schools, low crime rates, and reasonably priced homes. This small town provides residents with a large variety of student bars providing vibrant nightlife and an atmosphere where people feel right at home. Median rent comes in well below the national average at $664 a month. The median home value is also attractive with it sat at $159,400.
Dakota Dunes
Dakota Dunes is a popular place to buy property in South Dakota. The median home value is $266,400, however you can get a 3-bedroom family home with two bathrooms for $129,950. There are many local stores around providing all sorts of amenities for the community. It’s also known for its low crime levels, making it a safe and welcoming neighbourhood.
Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is a charming city in South Dakota that has a large population of 164,000 people. It’s also one of the best cities to buy a house in the USA with the median home value at $157,800. You can even find a 4-bedroom family home with a garden and driveway for $129,500! The top five public schools all have an A-Rating, which is significantly above average and consistently high performing.
Brandon
Brandon is a medium-sized suburb located south of highway Route 90. Just under 10,000 people call this place home, which has the perfect mix of town amenities but with lots of village vibes. It is considered the best place to raise a family in South Dakota with outstanding public schools, great access to outdoor activities, and commuting opportunities for parents. 73% of residents own their homes, and the median home value is $177,300.
Madison
Madison is a great spot for those who need to travel for work. With its own airport that connects you to other South Dakota cities, it is easy to reach other parts of the state. It also offers reasonably priced homes as the median home value falls at $167,900. Madison also provides a low cost of living, meaning residents aren’t breaking the bank to live here.
Spearfish
Spearfish is an exciting small town near the beautiful Black Hills. It is a nature lover’s paradise with plenty of parks and trails around. The median home value is $199,100 and median rent is $721 a month. Schools are highly rated and the crime rate is incredibly low. Plus, Spearfish houses plenty of dining spots, entertainment, and shopping options available.
Yankton
If you want to experience the beauty and culture of South Dakota, then Yankton is the place to be. Located along the Missouri River, it’s a fantastic spot for outdoor adventurers and even beginners. With median home values at $109,700 and median rents at $617 a month, it is an affordable place to live. Schools are great and the crime rate is low too.
Sturgis
Sturgis is an awesome neighborhood situated in Meade County. It is home to the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, giving the place plenty of excitement and energy. Homes are reasonably priced with median home values set at $150,900 and median rents of just $660 a month. Schools are highly rated and crime is low.
Watertown
Watertown offers a tranquil setting for families and retirees looking for a slower pace of life in South Dakota. It is situated on the eastern edge of the state, near the banks of Lake Kampeska. The median home value comes in at $136,600, while the median rent is $605 a month. Schools are great and the crime rate is low.
Mitchell
Mitchell is located in the south-central part of South Dakota and is an excellent spot to live. It has a tight knit community and the cost of living is lower than the national average. The median home value is $120,300 while the median rent is $554 a month. Schools are highly rated and crime is low.
Huron
In the rural Midwestern town of Huron, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere and lots of recreational activities. It houses beautiful parks, golf courses, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. The median home value is $106,100 and rent is $542 a month. Schools are good and crime is low here.
Vermillion
Vermillion is a university town located near the Missouri River. With median home value at $163,200 and median rent of $717 a month, it makes an appealing spot for college students. It is also a great place to raise a family as schools are highly rated and the crime rate is low.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a great place for anyone looking for a rural setting that’s still close proximity to plenty of amenities. Median home value sits at $77,100, while median rent is $518 a month. t has a population of over 28,000 people and a vibrant nightlife scene. The city is home to great schools and a very low crime rate.
Lead
Lead is another fantastic small town in South Dakota. It is situated close to the Black Hills, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures. Median home value is $123,700 and rent is $548 a month, making it an affordable place to live. Plus, schools are highly rated and crime is low.
Hot Springs
For those who love spa towns, Hot Springs is an ideal place to settle down in South Dakota. It has a peaceful atmosphere, hot springs, and a few resorts if you feel like pampering yourself. The median home value is $139,700 while the median rent is $570 a month. Schools are good and crime is low.
Pierre
Pierre is the capital of South Dakota and offers plenty of attractions for residents and visitors alike. There are plenty of parks and trails to explore, along with a bustling downtown area that’s filled with shops, restaurants, and other amenities. The median home value is $188,000 and median rent is $695 a month. Pierre is also well-known for its low crime rates and high-performing schools.
Rapid City
Rapid City is one of the most popular cities in South Dakota and it’s no wonder why. It’s packed with outdoor activities and attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial and Reptile Gardens. The median home value is around $168,000 and the median rent is $717 a month. Schools are highly rated and crime is low.
Tea
Tea is a quiet suburb located near Sioux Falls. The median home value stands at $193,400 and the median rent is $666 a month. It has some great public schools, plenty of parks and trails to explore, and a very low crime rate. Tea is a great spot for families, retirees and people who want to be close to the big city without feeling overwhelmed.
Madelia
Madelia is a rural community situated in Watonwan County. It offers plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, including the Big Island State Park and a nearby golf course. The median home value is $70,500 and rent is just $462 a month! Schools are highly rated and crime is incredibly low.
Wagner
Wagner is a small town located in Charles Mix County. It has a population of less than 2,000 people but still packs lots of amenities including a hospital, interesting attractions, and great public schools. The median home value is $118,100, while rent is $513 a month. Crime is low here too.
Pierre/Ft. Pierre
Pierre/Ft. Pierre is a dual community located on the Missouri River. It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts but also has a wide array of amenities and attractions for those seeking a more upbeat lifestyle. The median home value is $154,700, while the median rent is $767 a month. Schools are highly rated and crime is very low.
Conclusion
South Dakota is a great place to live with so many amazing neighborhoods and towns to choose from. From outdoor loving atmospheres to small-town vibes, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.
We have covered Best Places to Visit in South Dakota in which Brookings is the overall best place to live in South Dakota, with Dakota Dunes and Sioux Falls also among the top five. Brandon, Madison, Spearfish, Yankton, Sturgis, Watertown, Mitchell, Huron, Vermillion, Aberdeen, Lead, and Hot Springs are all excellent places to start or raise a family. With great schools, low crime rates, and reasonably priced properties, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home in South Dakota.