South Dakota has a wonderful diversity of beauty. From the lush forests of the Black Hills to the vast prairies to the stark landscape of the Badlands, we’re pretty much surrounded by beauty all the time. No matter where you live in this state, you’re likely to find a pretty landscape, but here are 13 towns that have particularly breathtaking scenery.
1. Chamberlain
Snuggled on the banks of the Missouri River, Chamberlain commands some serious river views. You'll find it along I-90, just east of the middle of the state.
2. Spearfish
The folks who live in Spearfish are lucky indeed - this landscape is jaw-dropping. It was also recently named the
most hippie town . See if you agree!
3. Sioux Falls
South Dakota's largest city is also one of its prettiest. The Big Sioux makes an impressive appearance as it meanders through town, and both Falls Park and the Big Sioux Recreation Area provide plenty of natural beauty.
4. Lead
Surrounded by the jaw-dropping scenery of the Black Hills, residents of Lead have unlimited recreation opportunities, and a picturesque view everywhere they turn.
5. Dell Rapids
Just 20 miles north of Sioux Falls, the little town of Dell Rapids also benefits from the breathtaking Big Sioux River. The stunning quartzite cliffs give this town some unique scenic beauty.
6. Yankton
If you have any question in your mind about Yankton's scenery, all you have to do is visit Riverside Park.
7. Custer
Of all the South Dakota towns with spectacular beauty, Custer might win the prize. It's surrounded by Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave National Monument and Crazy Horse Memorial.
8. Rapid City
South Dakota's second-largest city deserves a place on this list for sure. As if Black Hills and big skies weren't enough, Rapid City makes it's own beauty - you'll find sculptures all around town, and an art alley full of color and artistic expression.
9. DeSmet
You can see why the Ingalls-Wilder family settled here - it really is the Little Town on the Prairie. That iconic South Dakota prairie view is everywhere here - nothing but waving grasses and big skies.
10. Deadwood
Sure, Deadwood is a popular tourist town, and it has a cool Wild West history. But it's also surrounded by the fragrant pines of the Black Hills National Forest. There's nothing like a charming Main Street set against a mountain covered in trees.
11. Presho
The tiny town of Presho (population around 500) is just one of many rural South Dakota towns that are surrounded by this kind of beauty. It's hard to beat a South Dakota sunset on the farm.
12. Brookings
With its quaint downtown, pretty bike paths and gorgeous college campus, Brookings pretty much has it all - including stunning scenery.
13. Keystone
Not only is the little town of Keystone (population 342) picturesque, but it has the nation's most iconic memorial right in its backyard. Mount Rushmore draws tourists from all over the world, and they're undoubtably jealous that they can't call this pretty Black Hills town home.
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