If there is one thing that outsiders should know about living in South Dakota, it is that no matter the size of the village, town, or city, residents are extremely tight-knit and will make you feel like family. If you think this is charming amongst the bigger towns like Sioux Falls and Rapid City, wait until you get a load of this tiny South Dakota town that is full of not only friendly folks but other surprises as well. You simply won’t believe all of the fun things that there are to do in Alcester South Dakota.

Located in Union County (and serving as part of the Sioux City, IA–NE–SD Metropolitan Area) is Alcester, whose motto is the fitting "Small Town Treasure."
Google Street View
Founded in 1879 by Chicago's Western Town Lot Company, Alcester was once a booming railroad town that has continued to flourish on its own in terms of not only prosperity, but agriculture and education as well.
Google/Joshua Baker
The Alcester-Hudson School is considered to be one of the best schools in the state and continually scores high academically, AND boasts a number of award-winning clubs, classes, and other specials.
While strong academics and agricultural scenes are nothing to shake a stick at, what makes Alcester such a great place to visit? Despite the fact that the town has less than 1,000 residents (748, to be exact), it still houses a number of must-visit attractions, like mouthwatering restaurants...
Google/L Owen
Arlene's Sunny Side Cafe (pictured) isn't the only must-visit restaurant in town, as there is also the Alcester Bar and Dakota Earth bakery.

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...a darling/well-stocked quilt shop...
Google/My Timeless Day Sewing and Quilting
...historic treasures...
Google/Zeke Hanson
If you are a long-time reader of Only in South Dakota, you know why we love the Nora Store.
...and awesome events like a farmers market.
Alcester Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
As if you needed another reason to love Alcester, it is obvious that its residents take pride in their town, as demonstrated by both its appearance and welcoming folks.
Alcester Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook

 

What do you love most about Alcester? Let us know in the comments! To discover even more tiny SoDak towns, check out this list of 11 fantastic small towns in Dakota. Many people don’t even know some of these towns exist!

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More to Explore

Charming Places in South Dakota

Sara Dager | March 24, 2023

What are the best small towns in South Dakota? 

There are so many charming small towns in South Dakota just waiting to be discovered. You have got to check these one-of-a-kind towns out:

  • Deadwood was the seat of the gold rush in 1876 and to this day they honor this history with museums and historical reenactments.
  • It may be a small town, but Keystone houses Mount Rushmore so it's fair to say there is never a dull moment here. You can even ride a train from the 1800s through the city!
  • De Smet is home to the Ingalls Household (where the writer of the Little House on the Prairie books spent part of her life,) and you sure won't forget it while you're there with how well this town honors its past.

Which day trips in South Dakota should I go on? 

You'll have an absolute blast with friends or family on any of these fun day trips in South Dakota:

  • Spend the day in Sioux Falls! The state's largest city has a gorgeous park, a free outdoor sculpture walk, and a charming butterfly house and aquarium.
  • Visit Badlands Park to spot all sorts of wildlife and gorgeous rock formations. You can even go on a hike that involves climbing a rope ladder for the most impressive views of the park.
  • Discover Hill City. Here you can ride a nearly 200-year-old train that provides breathtaking views of Black Hills National Forest.

Are there any good road trips through South Dakota? 

Pack up the car, load up on snacks, and hit the highway for these super fun road trips through South Dakota, there's something for everyone:

  • The haunted places in South Dakota leads you to five incredibly creepy spots with just about nine hours of driving. There's even a haunted hotel you can stay at.
  • The waterfalls in South Dakota road trip is under three hours but leads to four breathtaking waterfalls that are perfect for a visit in all seasons.
  • The one tank of gas in South Dakota road trip takes you to a delightful bakery, a dinosaur-themed park, and the world's only corn palace all on one tank of gas! Perfect for those looking to save money.

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Alcester, SD 57001, USA