Every town, from the lovely streets of Spearfish, tucked away in the picturesque Black Hills, to the rustic façade of Deadwood, where the essence of the Wild West still permeates the air, uses its buildings and monuments to tell a tale about its past.
We’ll explore Custer’s hidden treasures, take in the preserved military outpost of Fort Pierre Chouteau, and meander through Deadwood’s historic Old Town, where there are many tales of pioneers and outlaws.
Come tour these living museums with us, where each building is a window into a bygone period and the magnificence of South Dakota’s architecture is carved into every piece of stone and wood.
Keystone
The small community of Keystone, home to 250 people, is the ideal place to begin a day journey to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Situated somewhat beyond the town borders, the well-known site displays one of the most remarkable sculptures in human history.
With sites like the National Presidential Wax Museum and the Keystone Historical Museum, which both have a historic feel, Keystone can also transport visitors back in time.
After several decades, the Black Hills Central Railroad’s steam locomotives are still in operation, providing passengers with a picturesque ride into the heart of the Black Hills.
Mitchell
The charming village of Mitchell in Davison County is perfect for families. An annual labor of love, the World’s Only Corn Palace is its most well-known attraction. An architectural marvel seen only here, this Moorish-style edifice was painstakingly constructed from over 275,000 ears of corn.
In August, Mitchell also organizes the Corn Palace Festival, a five-night event that features rides, carnival food, and live music, to commemorate the colorful palace’s redecoration.
The Dakota Discovery Museum and the Carnegie Resource Center provide historical exhibitions, while Mitchell’s Historic Downtown offers locally crafted goods. In the end, adventure can be found around every corner.
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Hot Springs
Nestled within the expansive Black Hills of South Dakota, Hot Springs is a hidden gem with many opportunity. But because of Fred Evans’ vision, this quaint village has a distinctive feature: sandstone architecture.
When Evans first went to the Black Hills in search of gold, the sight of the resort city made of red sandstone enthralled him. Hot Springs’ historical structures, such as the Pioneer Historical Museum, showcase the region’s architectural design to visitors.
This historic structure was constructed in 1893 and used as a school until 1961.
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Milbank
Milbank, a charming town in Northeast South Dakota and the birthplace of American Legion Baseball, is located along the historic Yellowstone Trail. Visit Milbank to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover its history, beginning at the Milbank Grist and Mill Park.
This piece of local history has stood thirty feet long and forty feet high, with sails that extend seven feet, since 1884.
Another hidden treasure in the area is the Grant Historical Museum, run by the Grant County Historical Society and housed in a Carnegie Library from 1906.
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Ipswich
In northeastern South Dakota, Ipswich is just 25 miles west of Aberdeen and is home to a mix of historically significant structures that are brimming with personality.
Standing tall in the heart of Ipswich, the Edmunds County Court House is distinguished by its vivid tan brickwork, white stone pilasters, and pink Tennessee marble interior decor. The town’s other architectural gem is the J.W. Parmley Museum, which was the home to J.W. Parmley, the man who created the Yellowstone Trail.
Cement, masonry, and plaster were used in the construction of this historic house turned museum, which houses two stone fireplaces filled with stones and seashells gathered from Parmley’s travels.
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To Conclude
So grab your sense of adventure and lace up your walking shoes! The distinctive blend of architectural elegance and engrossing tales that beg to be uncovered can be found in South Dakota’s historic towns.
Every site, from the recognizable Mount Rushmore to the oddball Corn Palace, offers a window into the past.
Discover the stories of presidents, outlaws of the Wild West, and pioneers by exploring these living museums. Discover the architectural marvels of South Dakota!
