Hill City, South Dakota

Hill City is just an hour’s drive away from Deadwood. And while it used to be the home of indigenous tribes over the centuries, the town was formally founded in 1876 as a mining hub and still maintains a splendid 19th-century charm.

History lovers and casual visitors alike will love the sites of two unique railroad interests: the Black Hill Central Railroad and also the South Dakota State Railroad Museum.

At Black Hill, you can take a ride on an authentic 1880 steamer, carefully restored and preserved, while at State Railroad Museum, you’ll get to hear an intriguing tale on the exploration of the development of steam engines in the Western US.

And since you’re already in the area, you should visit the iconic Mount Rushmore. It’s just a short 20-minute drive from town in Hill City, perfect for a stopover before or after.

Let us know in the comments if you live in the Midwest or have visited and wish to share another charming small town with us!

And if you’re a big fan of the Midwest, you might want to check this out: 4 Best Midwest Road Trips in the US