The plains stretched far beyond the highway, a quilt of gold and green under a sky that seemed too big to fit in a single glance. Driving from one city to the next, I felt South Dakota’s character change in subtle shades — from the lively hum of Sioux Falls to the quiet steadiness of Watertown. Each stop carried its own pace, its own rhythm, and by the end, it felt less like a list of places and more like one long, unfolding story.
The Largest Cities in South Dakota
Discover Waterfalls, Art, and Downtown Energy in Sioux Falls
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.
What I Loved Most: Morning light spilling over the falls, catching droplets mid-air like tiny sparks.
My highlights? A stop at Queen City Bakery for a slice of sour cherry pie — buttery crust, sweet-tart filling, and the faint smell of cinnamon that lingered even outside on the sidewalk.
Plan your Sioux Falls visit:
- Population: ~213,000
- Size: ~80 sq mi
- Highlights: Falls Park, SculptureWalk, Butterfly House & Aquarium
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for warm weather
Launch Your Black Hills Adventure from 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.
My highlights? Dinner at Tally’s Silver Spoon — a perfectly cooked trout, tender and flaky, with lemon and herbs that brightened every bite.
Plan your Rapid City visit:
- Population: ~80,000
- Size: ~55 sq mi
- Highlights: Main Street Presidents, Dinosaur Park, Museum of Geology
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for nearby Mount Rushmore and Black Hills trails
If You’re Seeking Family Fun and Storybook Charm, Visit Aberdeen
“It feels like time runs slower here,” I thought as I wandered through Storybook Land. 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.
What I Loved Most: The gentle nostalgia of the carousel turning at twilight.
My highlights? A late lunch at The Flame — roast beef sandwich, tender and juicy, with warm au jus and the faint aroma of pepper.
Plan your Aberdeen visit:
- Population: ~28,000
- Size: ~16 sq mi
- Highlights: Storybook Land, Dacotah Prairie Museum, Wylie Park
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for park activities
Explore Culture, College Spirit, and Parks in Brookings
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.
What I Loved Most: Afternoon walks under elm trees, their branches arching into a leafy tunnel.
My highlights? A hearty breakfast-for-lunch at Nick’s Hamburger Shop — mini burgers, hot and savory, with the smell of grilled onions curling into the air.
Plan your Brookings visit:
- Population: ~24,000
- Size: ~14 sq mi
- Highlights: South Dakota Art Museum, Children’s Museum, Coughlin Campanile
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for campus events and changing leaves
If You Love Lakeside Escapes and Art Trails, Head to Watertown
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.
My highlights? Dinner at Harry’s Haircuts & Hot Towels Café — yes, a café in a barbershop — where the grilled chicken panini came hot, the bread crisp, with melted cheese oozing just enough to make a small mess worth savoring.
Plan your Watertown visit:
- Population: ~23,000
- Size: ~25 sq mi
- Highlights: Bramble Park Zoo, Redlin Art Center, Sandy Shore Recreation Area
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring for lake activities and blooming parks
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.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Discover Waterfalls, Art, and Downtown Energy in Sioux Falls
- • Launch Your Black Hills Adventure from Rapid City
- • If You’re Seeking Family Fun and Storybook Charm, Visit Aberdeen
- • Explore Culture, College Spirit, and Parks in Brookings
- • If You Love Lakeside Escapes and Art Trails, Head to Watertown