There are tourist towns in South Dakota with plenty of things to see and do, but there are also hidden spots in the state that get past the tourism and give you a true experience of small-town SD. This town is a perfect example of that. Not only is it picturesque and surrounded by beautiful scenery, but it also has enough to do to fill up an entire day and more. Check out these incredible things to do in Platte, South Dakota.

This delightful town has a population of only 1,300 residents. But don't be put off by its small size, there's plenty of charm to be found in this pint-sized town.
Nicholas Ng/Flickr
Platte was first settled by Europeans in 1880 and was explored early on by the famous exploring duo Lewis and Clark. You can follow their exact trail by following the Lewis and Clark trail signs that can be found throughout the town.
While traveling through Platte may not look like this anymore, it's that kind of rich history that makes the town fascinating to visit today.
Internet Archive Book Images / Flickr
Be sure to drop by the Platte Heritage Society & Museum to learn more about the founding of the town.
Platte is located right by Lake Francis Case, a reservoir on the Missouri River.
ShanOC/Tripadvisor
The beautiful views created from this lake are pretty obvious here. With the high bluffs on either side, it is a secluded and lovely place to be. It feels like a vacation right in Platte's own backyard.

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The lake is very popular for all things recreation. You're more likely to find the citizens of Platte outside rather than in during the warm months.
David Wipf / Flickr
Fishing and hunting around the lake are very popular, and many people simply enjoy a lakeside picnic on a nice day. The natural areas around this lake are a great place to relax and escape the busyness of life. This peaceful lake is part of what makes Platte one of the best small towns in South Dakota.
Downtown is full of things to see, places to shop, and more.
Armmodramus/Wikimedia
The downtown area of Platte has quite a bit to do. There are historical buildings such as the Lyric Theater, a former opera house built in the early 1900s now turned into a movie theater that still plays movies every weekend. There is also the Cecil & Phyllis Melcher Museum, which contains memorabilia from the town and other neat antiques. These items and photographs go back quite a ways and are fascinating to see.
Plenty of shopping and dining options can be found downtown, too.
ShanOC/Tripadvisor
There are a lot of unique and cute places to stop by here. There is anything from an art gallery to boutique stores, even a historic bank turned into the combination flower shop and coffee shop shown above called Starbanks (yep, really). Which, by the way, also serves great food! Other dining options include an awesome bakery, a retro drive-in, and a pub & grill known as Fergie's that has delicious burgers. Patronizing local businesses is a great way to meet people around town and get to know the true character of Platte.

As far as places to stay, there are exquisite lodges, comfortable bed and breakfasts, and everything in between – even a spot on a ranch called The Homestead that will really take you away from it all, while still being conveniently close to everything Platte has to offer. Staying there will give you a taste of what it feels like to live in small-town America and in this charming town in Wyoming.

This is just scratching the surface, as there is a lot more to see and do here. It’s best experienced in person. If you want to know more and find exact addresses, check out the official Platte, SD website.

Have you been to Platte South Dakota before? Let us know in the comments below, we love hearing your firsthand accounts about these unique places around the United States.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In South Dakota

CC | March 23, 2023

What are other small towns in South Dakota?

Don’t worry; Platte isn’t the only charming town to explore in this great state. Check out these other small towns in South Dakota while you’re at it.

  • Bonesteel, SD
  • Henry, SD
  • Gayville, SD
  • Kennebec, SD
  • New Effington, SD
  • Toronto, SD
  • Alpena, SD
  • Colome, SD
  • Egan, SD
  • Bruce, SD
  • Faith, SD

 

What state parks should I explore in South Dakota?

Once you’ve gotten your fill of small towns, consider heading for the woods and checking out these state parks in South Dakota.

  • Custer State Park, Custer
  • Newton Hills State Park, Canton
  • Lake Herman State Park, Madison
  • Palisades State Park, Garretson
  • Bear Butte State Park, Sturgis
  • Sica Hollow State Park, Sisseton
  • Hartford Beach State Park, Corona
  • Snake Creek Recreation Area, Platte
  • Oakwood Lakes State Park, Bruce
  • Rocky Point Recreation Area, Belle Fourche

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Featured Addresses
Platte, SD 57369, USA