Click on one of the towns below to explore everything that South Dakota has to offer.
Aberdeen
Welcome to Aberdeen, South Dakota, a charming town founded in 1881 with a population of approximately 26,091 residents. Known for its rich history, Aberdeen was once home to L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wizard of Oz," and boasts sister city relationships with Vimmerby, Sweden, and Zhuhai, China. Explore the quaint downtown area, filled with boutique shops and delicious eateries, or immerse yourself in the town's cultural heritage at the Dacotah Prairie Museum. With friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere, Aberdeen is a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of small-town Americana with a touch of literary magic.
Belle Fourche
Welcome to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a charming town founded in 1894 and known as the geographical center of the United States. With a population of approximately 5,594 residents, Belle Fourche offers a mix of Wild West history and modern charm. Fun fact: Belle Fourche is the home of the famous Black Hills Roundup Rodeo, drawing in visitors from far and wide. This hidden gem is also a sister city to the Canadian town of Saint-Lazare, Quebec, adding an international flair to its small-town appeal.Big Sioux
Welcome to Big Sioux, a charming town nestled in the heart of South Dakota, founded in 1879. Known for its rich history, this town was once home to renowned author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who drew inspiration from the prairies surrounding the area. With a population of around 3,259, Big Sioux offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Sister cities include Sioux City in Iowa and Sioux Falls in South Dakota.Box Elder
Welcome to Box Elder, South Dakota, a hidden gem founded in 1880 that boasts a population of around 2,706 residents. This charming town is not only home to Ellsworth Air Force Base but also offers a rich history, including being a key stop on the Deadwood Stagecoach route. Box Elder is also proud to be a sister city to Ellsworth, Maine, further connecting communities across the country. Join us as we explore the unique flavors and stories that make Box Elder a must-visit destination.Brandon
Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, Brandon is a charming town founded in 1883 that seamlessly blends small-town charm with modern amenities. With a population of approximately 8,785 residents, this hidden gem boasts a rich history dating back to its founding by homesteaders. Known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly locals, Brandon offers a unique blend of outdoor recreational activities and cultural experiences. Sister cities include Brandon, Manitoba in Canada, making it a truly international destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.Brookings
Welcome to the charming town of Brookings, founded in 1879 in the heart of South Dakota. This vibrant community is not just known for being home to South Dakota State University, but also for its rich history tied to notable figures like Laura Ingalls Wilder, who lived here in the late 19th century. With a population of around 22,056, Brookings boasts a bustling downtown, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. Sister cities include Gjøvik, Norway and Lichtenfels, Germany.Canton
Welcome to the charming town of Canton, South Dakota, founded in 1866 and home to approximately 3,057 residents. This quaint town boasts a rich history as the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved "Little House on the Prairie" series. With a sister city relationship with Gravenzande in the Netherlands, Canton offers a unique blend of small-town hospitality and international connections. Get ready to explore historic sites, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the heart of the Midwest.Central Pennington
Welcome to Central Pennington, a hidden gem in South Dakota founded in 1883. This quaint town of approximately 13,643 residents is steeped in history, with landmarks like the Old Fort on Main Street, a relic from the pioneer days. Central Pennington prides itself on its sister city relationship with Kyoto, Japan, enriching its community with cultural exchanges. Explore the town's charming Main Street lined with local boutiques and eateries, or embark on a scenic hike along the nearby Black Hills National Forest.Chamberlain
Welcome to Chamberlain, a charming town in South Dakota founded in 1880, nestled along the majestic Missouri River. Known for its rich history, Chamberlain is where Lewis and Clark made their historic expedition stop in 1804. With a population of around 2,387, this town offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a warm community spirit. Chamberlain is twinned with the sister cities of Mobridge in South Dakota and Oacoma in South Dakota, making it a destination that celebrates both its past and its present with open arms.Custer
Nestled in the majestic Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer is a charming small town with a population of around 2,067. Founded in 1875 during the Black Hills Gold Rush, Custer offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and rich history. Known for its close proximity to famous landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer is a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Sister cities include Hermann, Missouri, and Aix-en-Provence, France, making Custer a global hub with a small-town feel.Dell Rapids
Welcome to Dell Rapids, a charming town nestled in the heart of South Dakota, founded in 1871. This historic gem is known for its picturesque downtown area, scenic nature trails, and vibrant arts scene. Fun fact: Dell Rapids is the sister city of Ås, Norway, adding an international flair to its small-town charm. With a population of approximately 3,633, this town is a hidden treasure waiting to be explored.East Corson
Welcome to East Corson, a hidden gem founded in 1879, nestled in the heart of South Dakota. This charming town, with a population of roughly 2,284, boasts a rich history tied to the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, making it a haven for history buffs. East Corson is twinned with its sister city, Yankton, forming a unique cultural exchange that adds to the town's vibrant tapestry. With its small-town charm and historical significance, East Corson is a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into America's past.East Shannon
Ah, East Shannon, a hidden gem in South Dakota with its rich history dating back to its founding in 1868. This quaint town of approximately 5,325 residents is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant local culture, and warm hospitality. As you stroll through its charming streets, you'll discover traces of its past, including notable historical figures who shaped the town's identity. East Shannon also proudly boasts sister city relationships with charming locales around the globe, enriching its cultural tapestry. Come experience the magic of East Shannon and uncover its timeless allure.East Todd
Welcome to East Todd, a charming town nestled in the heart of South Dakota, founded in 1868. With a population of approximately 2,858 residents, this quaint town boasts a rich history dating back to the pioneer days. East Todd is known for its picturesque landscapes, small-town hospitality, and a strong sense of community. Sister cities include West Toddville in Iowa and North Toddham in Maine.Flandreau
Welcome to Flandreau, a hidden gem founded in 1869 with a population of around 2,341 residents. This charming town is steeped in history, as it was named after Charles Eugene Flandrau, a prominent figure in Minnesota history. Flandreau is also known for its sister city relationship with Montreuil-Bellay in France, adding an international flair to its small-town charm. So, if you're looking for a quaint slice of Americana with a touch of European influence, Flandreau is the place to be.Fort Pierre
Make way for Fort Pierre, a charming town founded in 1859 along the mighty Missouri River in the heart of South Dakota. With a population of around 2,078 residents, this historic gem is not to be missed. As the sister city to Pierre, it boasts a rich history intertwined with Native American culture and was once a bustling fur trading post. Explore the scenic beauty, immerse yourself in local traditions, and get ready to be captivated by the small-town charm of Fort Pierre.Harrisburg
Welcome to Harrisburg, South Dakota! Founded in 1879, this charming town with a population of approximately 4,089 is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Known for its rich history, Harrisburg was once a bustling railroad town, and today it boasts a quaint Main Street lined with unique shops and cozy eateries. With sister cities around the globe, Harrisburg offers a small-town feel with a touch of international flair. Whether you're exploring the local history or enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area, Harrisburg has something for every traveler.Hartford
Welcome to Hartford, a charming town founded in 1880 in the heart of South Dakota. This hidden gem is known for its rich history, including being the birthplace of artist Harvey Dunn. With a population of around 2,534 residents, Hartford offers a small-town feel with easy access to big-city amenities. Sister cities include Hartford, Wisconsin and Hartford, Connecticut, adding a touch of global connection to this quaint Midwestern town.Hot Springs
Welcome to Hot Springs, South Dakota, founded in 1890 and known for its healing mineral springs that have attracted visitors for centuries. This town is not just about relaxation; it boasts a rich history, being home to the renowned Mammoth Site where Ice Age fossils are unearthed. Hot Springs is twinned with the city of Minneola in Kansas, adding to its charm and global connections. Soak in the soothing waters, explore archaeological wonders, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of this hidden gem of a town.Huron
Welcome to Huron, established in 1880, a hidden gem in the heart of South Dakota with a population of around 12,592. This charming town is not only known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities but also for being the hometown of former South Dakota Governor Joe Foss. Huron boasts sister city relationships with Wakayama, Japan, and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, adding to its global appeal. Whether you're exploring the historic downtown area or attending the annual South Dakota State Fair, Huron offers a blend of small-town charm and rich history that is sure to captivate any traveler.
