The Western Region of South Dakota is one of the state’s most popular destinations for travelers, with some of the most historic cities in the state. From the gold rush to the creation of the Crazy Horse Monument, western South Dakota's cities capture the spirit of the west.

Popular Western Region Cities

• Deadwood
• Rapid City
• Spearfish
• Keystone

Deadwood

This restored Old West mining town carries a rich and riotous legacy. The entire city is registered as a National Historic Landmark, home to carefully preserved historic casinos and storefronts. It’s widely acclaimed as the former stomping grounds of several infamous outlaws and lawmen. Learn more about Deadwood.

Hill City

Small in terms of population, Hill City is considered a vital tourism community due to its location near the center of the widely popular Black Hills, a proximity that has earned it the nickname “Heart of the Hills.” Learn more about Hill City.

Hot Springs

The beautiful town of Hot Springs is nestled in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota. It's home to soothing natural springs, great year-round weather, fantastic outdoor activities, scenic beauty, world-class golfing, beautiful sandstone architecture, and always, the inviting, friendly people. Learn more about Hot Springs.

Kadoka

The City of Kadoka was originally named Willard but was eventually renamed Kadoka, which originated from "Hodoka", meaning "Hole in the Wall". The Indians thought Kadoka was a fitting name because it sits at the mouth of a gap leading into the Badlands. With a population of 760 in Kadoka, there's a town to welcome those entering Badland territory. Learn more about Kadoka.

Keystone

A small South Dakotan town with a rich mining heritage, Keystone was established in 1883, several years after the 1876 Black Hills Gold Rush. Keystone’s scenic trails and mountain summits, including Mickelson Trail and Harney’s Peak, promote picturesque and challenging hiking. Learn more about Keystone.

Lemmon

Lemmon was organized in 1906, and is rich in history and culture of "taming the plains." Surrounded by sprawling ranches, farms and magnificent prairies teaming with wildlife, Lemmon is an all-season kind of place. Learn more about Lemmon.

Nisland

Nisland is located 16 miles east of Belle Fourche with a population of about 204. The community is in the Mountain Standard time zone. There is a fire and rescue department with several active members. Learn more about Nisland.

Rapid City

Nestled along the eastern edge of the Black Hills, Rapid City is second in size only to Sioux Falls. A central mountain range runs down the middle of the city, dividing it neatly into two halves. Rapid City is home to the nationally acclaimed Mount Rushmore monument, as well as a large number of restored mining towns and beautiful national forests. Diverse restaurants, shopping centers, and recreational pursuits abound. Learn more about Rapid City.

Spearfish

Its close proximity to the Mount Rushmore memorial, the historic town of Deadwood, and the Black Hills National Forest make Spearfish a popular tourist destination. The charming community is nestled in the center of three major mountain summits: Crow Peak, Spearfish Mountain, and Lookout Mountain. Learn more about Spearfish.

Sturgis

Normally a sleepy, quiet town, Sturgis is transformed each August with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which attracts more than half a million biking enthusiasts to the city and its outlying areas. Learn more about Sturgis.

Summerset

Summerset has over 1,200 residents within the city limits and many more nearby. The city is located between Exit 46 and mile marker 49 between the community of Black Hawk and the town of Piedmont.  New areas of residential and commercial development make this an exciting decade for the City and the surrounding area. Learn more about Summerset.

Wall

Wall is a very progressive community, made possible by the large sales tax base. The small town of Wall is located 50 miles west of Rapid City, SD on Interstate 90. Learn more about Wall.

Whitewood

Whitewood is a city in Lawrence County, South Dakota, slightly north on the eastern border. The population nears 900, and annual events such as the winter "Parade of Lights" and "Parade of Wreaths" have the community bustling from the volunteer fire department hosting to children voting for their favorite parade entry. Whitewood also holds a Chili Cook-off to warm up those winter months. Learn more about Whitewood.

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