The Largest Cities in South Dakota
The largest cities in South Dakota each bring their own unique personality, history, and culture to the state. They’re among my favorite places to explore in the Great Plains.
As someone who loves exploring underrated destinations, I’ve found South Dakota’s cities full of surprising character, blending small-town warmth with cultural depth, history, and access to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. After narrowing it down, these were the standout cities I think you should visit.
1. Discover Waterfalls, Art, and Downtown Energy in Sioux Falls
I flew in from Austin (round-trip deals often hover between $163 and $250, depending on the airline and stopovers).
Standing at Falls Park, watching water tumble over pink quartzite ledges, I thought, “This is the sound that built the city.” Sioux Falls, with a population of about 213,000 and covering roughly 80 square miles, felt vibrant and confident. Downtown streets bustled with murals, coffee shops, and the scent of fresh bread drifting from corner cafés.
The Big Sioux River curved gracefully through it all, tying the old mill ruins to glass-fronted offices. I left feeling like I’d been in a place that knew how to honor its roots while chasing something new.
2. Launch Your Black Hills Adventure from Rapid City
We drove about 5 hours west from Sioux Falls across the wide-open plains to Rapid City.
The Black Hills rose dark against the horizon before I ever reached the city. Rapid City, home to about 80,000 residents and stretching over 55 square miles, felt like an outpost at the edge of adventure.
Bronze presidents lined Main Street, each one a silent sentinel as the scent of grilling bison burgers drifted past.
The air was crisper here, and in the evenings, the hills glowed in soft amber light. It was a city with one foot in nature, the other in history.
What I Loved Most: Sunset from Dinosaur Park, the city’s lights flickering below like grounded stars.
3. If You’re Seeking Family Fun and Storybook Charm, Visit Aberdeen
I drove 2 hours northeast from Pierre to Aberdeen, a friendly prairie town with a strong community vibe.
Aberdeen, with about 28,000 people spread over 16 square miles, felt both playful and serene. The scent of fresh-cut grass mixed with the sweetness of kettle corn from a park vendor. Historic brick buildings framed downtown, and everywhere I turned, locals greeted me with a nod or a wave.
4. Explore Culture, College Spirit, and Parks in Brookings
I drove an hour north from Sioux Falls to Brookings, home to South Dakota State University and a lively college-town energy.
Brookings, with about 24,000 residents over 14 square miles, carried the hum of South Dakota State University. Tree-lined streets and small boutiques framed downtown, while campus lawns rolled out in perfect green.
The smell of fresh espresso from student cafés followed me past the art museum to the children’s museum, where laughter spilled out the doors. It was a place where youth and tradition blended without effort.
5. If You Love Lakeside Escapes and Art Trails, Head to Watertown
drove 45 minutes north from Brookings to Watertown, a small city with lakeside views and plenty of local character.
I arrived in Watertown just as the lake caught the last blush of sunset. Home to about 23,000 people across 25 square miles, the city felt calm and open. Pelicans skimmed the water near Sandy Shore Recreation Area, and the scent of blooming lilacs followed me downtown.
At the Bramble Park Zoo, children’s laughter mingled with the chatter of tropical birds.
What I Loved Most: The stillness of the lake at dawn, water glassy and untouched.
Conclusion
From Sioux Falls’ roaring falls to Watertown’s glassy lake, South Dakota’s largest cities each offered a distinct rhythm. The numbers (from 23,000 to over 200,000 residents) told part of the story, but walking their streets, breathing their air, and tasting their flavors filled in the rest. It was a reminder that size matters less than spirit, and here, every city carried plenty of that.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
