Nestled within the majestic Black Hills and the rugged landscapes of the Badlands, South Dakota is home to some of the most picturesque mountain towns in the US. These hidden gems offer more than just breathtaking views – they combine adventure, community, and the stillness of nature. So, if you’re dreaming of living near South Dakota’s mountains, look no further.
At Rent., we’ve collected a list of the best mountain towns in South Dakota to call home this year. Whether you’re looking for a city with historic charm or one close to Custer State Park’s serene beauty, there’s a mountain town on the list for everyone. Read on to find out which South Dakota towns made the list.
1. Belle Fourche
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Average rent price: $1,350
Population: 5,560
Houses for rent in Belle Fourche, SD
Apartments for rent in Belle Fourche, SD
Homes for sale in Belle Fourche, SD
Belle Fourche serves as a gateway to the majestic Black Hills, a region brimming with history and outdoor adventures. Famous as the Geographic Center of the Nation, where you can find a monument, Belle Fourche has plenty of unique places to explore. For example, you can visit PaleoAdventures and the Tri-State Museum which showcase the town’s history.
Home to the Belle Fourche National Wildlife Refuge and the River Walk trail, there are a variety of outdoor spaces to check out. The town’s proximity to Spearfish Canyon, Crow Peak Trail, and other natural attractions makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a blend of small-town tranquility and the great outdoors.
2. Custer
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Average rent price: $2,200
Population: 1,900
Apartments for rent in Custer, SD
Custer is an iconic city in the Black Hills, known for its proximity to the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Home to Custer State Park, there are countless scenic spots and hiking trails to explore. Some include the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, Mt Coolidge, and the Barnes Canyon West Trail.
This town is a hub for those looking to explore the vast trails, clear mountain lakes, and the iconic Needles Highway, which features the Needles Scenic View and the Needles Eye Tunnel. Custer has a historic downtown area that offers a glimpse into the town’s past. For example, you can check out landmarks like the Four Mile Old West Town Museum, the Gordon Stockade Historical Landmark, and the 1881 Courthouse Museum, among many other historic buildings in town.
3. Deadwood
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Population: 1,250
Houses for rent in Deadwood, SD
Apartments for rent in Deadwood, SD
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Steeped in Wild West lore, Deadwood is like a living museum with its well-preserved historic district and tales of legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Visitors and residents alike can immerse themselves in the town’s rich history through guided tours, museums, and reenactments. Some of the popular spots include Adams House, the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel, the Tatanka Story of Bison, the Adams Museum, and the Days of ’76 Museum.
Beyond its historical allure, Deadwood offers modern entertainment with its casinos, annual events, and outdoor activities in the surrounding Black Hills. Outside of town, you can visit spots like the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower, Terry Peak Ski Area, Walls of Galena, and the Camp 5 Trailhead. This unique blend of history and recreation makes Deadwood an intriguing mountain town to call home.
4. Hill City
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Population: 960
Houses for rent in Hill City, SD
Apartments for rent in Hill City, SD
Homes for sale in Hill City, SD
Hill City is known for its artistic community and proximity to both Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. This town is a centerpiece for the arts, with galleries, studios, and the famous 1880 Train that offers scenic rides through the Black Hills. You can also find landmarks like the Museum at Black Hills Institute, the CCC Museum of South Dakota, and the Gold Mountain Mine Interpretive Site.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, from hiking and biking to fishing in the nearby lakes. Hill City’s small but vibrant community and its blend of cultural and outdoor attractions make it a great place to call home.
5. Hot Springs
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Population: 3,590
Houses for rent in Hot Springs, SD
Apartments for rent in Hot Springs, SD
Homes for sale in Hot Springs, SD
Hot Springs is aptly named for its natural warm waters, which draw people from all over. Some of the popular hot springs in the city include Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Springs and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. The town is home to the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site and museum, the Pioneer Museum, and the Hot Springs Waterfall, all adding a unique blend of nature and history to the town.
Surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills, Hot Springs also provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. For example, you can visit places like the Angostura Recreation Area, Wind Cave National Park, and the Wildlife Loop Road, which have great trails, roads, and parks for enjoying South Dakota’s mountains.
6. Keystone
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Population: 240
Houses for rent in Keystone, SD
Apartments for rent in Keystone, SD
Homes for sale in Keystone, SD
Keystone is a small town with a big reputation, nestled at the base of Mount Rushmore. This town is a tourist hotspot, offering a close-up view of one of America’s most iconic landmarks. Keystone is also close to the Cosmos Mystery Area, the 1880 Train, the Big Thunder Gold Mine, and the Norbeck Overlook, among many other sites.
Despite its bustling tourist industry, Keystone maintains a close-knit community atmosphere. The town serves as a perfect base for exploring the Black Hills, with easy access to hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Keystone’s unique position as both a historical landmark and a gateway to outdoor adventures makes it a one-of-a-kind mountain town.
7. Lead
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Population: 3,000
Apartments for rent in Lead, SD
Located just south of Deadwood is Lead, a small town in the Northern Black Hills. This town stands out for its rich mining history and subsequent transformation into a community focused on preservation and outdoor recreation. The Black Hills provide a stunning backdrop for Lead, with numerous trails and outdoor activities available year-round, like the George S Mickelson Trail.
The town’s historical significance is celebrated in local museums and attractions, like the Black Hills Mining Museum, Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, and the Historic Homestake Opera House, offering residents a glimpse into its storied past. If you move to Lead, you’ll be sure to see the town’s heritage and the beauty of its natural surroundings.
8. Piedmont
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Population: 1,040
Houses for rent in Piedmont, SD
Apartments for rent in Piedmont, SD
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Piedmont is a tiny town located in the Black Hills, north of Rapid City. It’s close to outdoor attractions like Black Hills Petrified Forest, the Little Elk Creek Trailhead, and the Wonderland Cave. This town is a haven for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with the convenience of city amenities just a short drive away. Piedmont’s scenic beauty and location make it a great location for those wanting a more remote town to call home, but quick access to a big city.
9. Rapid City
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Average rent price: $1,553
Population: 73,880
Houses for rent in Rapid City, SD
Apartments for rent in Rapid City, SD
Homes for sale in Rapid City, SD
Rapid City is known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” and is a vibrant city offering a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles. With Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills National Forest, and Custer State Park nearby, residents have unparalleled access to outdoor adventures. In Rapid City, you can check out parks like the Skyline Wilderness Area Park, Memorial Park, The Outdoor Campus, and Black Hills Buzzard’s Roost Trailhead.
The city itself is rich in culture and history, with a thriving arts scene, numerous museums, and a bustling downtown area. For example, you can visit museums like the Dahl Arts Center, the The Journey Museum, and the Museum of Geology. Rapid City’s diverse dining and shopping options cater to all tastes, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate the conveniences of city life alongside the beauty of nature.
10. Spearfish
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Average rent price: $808
Population: 10,960
Houses for rent in Spearfish, SD
Apartments for rent in Spearfish, SD
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Spearfish is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Most well-known for Spearfish Canyon, which offers breathtaking views and a plethora of hiking trails, like Spearfish Community Caves, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lookout Mountain Trail.
The town’s commitment to community and the arts is evident in its local festivals, farmers markets, and events. You can also visit museums like the High Plains Western Heritage Center and the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives. Spearfish’s scenic surroundings and vibrant community make it a great place to call home.
11. Sturgis
Mountain Range: Black Hills
Population: 7,170
Houses for rent in Sturgis, SD
Apartments for rent in Sturgis, SD
Sturgis is internationally known for hosting the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, drawing visitors from around the globe. Beyond this event, Sturgis offers a peaceful living environment with easy access to the Black Hills’ extensive outdoor activities. Some of Sturgis’ popular outdoor areas are Ft Meade Recreation Area Park, Veteran’s Peak Trail, Bear Butte State Park, and the Wonderland Cave.
The town has a rich history and a strong sense of community, with local businesses and events that cater to both residents and tourists. There are plenty of one-of-a-kind museums and landmarks in town like the Saab Heritage Car Museum USA, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Fort Meade Museum. Sturgis’s unique blend of small-town charm and world-renowned events make it a fascinating place to live.
12. Wall
Mountain Range: Badlands National Park
Population: 695
Apartments for rent in Wall, SD
Wall is famously home to Wall Drug Store, the iconic roadside attraction that has welcomed travelers to the Badlands for decades. This small town serves as a gateway to the Badlands National Park, offering stunning landscapes and unique geological formations. Some of the Badlands most iconic spots include Pinnacles Overlook, Yellow Mounds Overlook, and Panorama Point.
Wall’s community is welcoming, with a variety of local shops and eateries that capture the spirit of the American West. For those seeking a quiet life amidst some of the country’s most striking natural beauty, Wall is a great South Dakota mountain town.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the mountain towns in South Dakota. Average rental data from Rent.com during September 2024. Population data is sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
