10 Easy Road Trips From Mitchell, South Dakota (All Outside Davison County)
If you’re based in
Mitchell, South Dakota and love a good day drive, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can hit small towns, quiet lakes, and classic Midwestern scenery in every direction.
The best part? All of these ideas are
outside Davison County, in neighboring places like
Aurora, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, and Sanborn counties. So if you’re trying to explore beyond your own backyard, this list is for you.
1. Aurora County Backroads & Stickney Stop
Head west on I‑90 from Mitchell and you’ll roll into
Aurora County, where the pace slows down and the sky somehow feels bigger.
Why go:
You won’t find huge attractions here, but you will find that “real South Dakota” feeling—quiet farms, small cafes, and roads that seem to stretch forever.
What to do on a short road trip:
- Take a slow drive through the farmland around Stickney and White Lake.
- Stop in town for a burger or slice of pie at a local café (these spots change, so ask a local where they like to eat).
- Pull off on a gravel road for sunset photos of barns, windmills, and open fields.
If you enjoy photography, this is a simple trip with big payoffs. On one of my drives west from Mitchell, I pulled over just to listen to the wind in the cornfields—10 minutes later, I’d forgotten I was only a half-hour from home.
2. Small‑Town Stroll in Plankinton (Aurora County)
Just off I‑90,
Plankinton is a classic South Dakota small town that makes a nice half‑day visit from Mitchell.
Things to do:
- Walk the main street and check out any local shops that are open.
- Look for community murals, historic buildings, and old signs—these tell the story of the town better than any brochure.
- Grab a cup of coffee or a simple diner meal and chat with locals. Ask where they’d send a visitor for a drive or a walk.
It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm. If you like slower travel and quiet streets, Plankinton is a gentle change of pace from Mitchell.
3. Corsica Country Drive (Douglas County)
Drive south into
Douglas County and aim for
Corsica, another tiny town with a cozy, close‑knit feel.
Why visit Corsica:
- Get a relaxed look at rural life—grain elevators, tractors, and tiny churches.
- Take a loop drive around the surrounding farms; in late summer, fields are bright green or golden.
- Watch for wildlife along the roadside—pheasants, hawks, and deer are common.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to go for a drive,” this is exactly the kind of easy road trip you’re talking about.
4. Picnic & Prairie Views Near Armour (Douglas County)
Continue exploring
Douglas County by heading toward
Armour, another small town that makes a simple day trip from Mitchell.
Simple ideas for your visit:
- Pack a cooler with sandwiches and have a picnic at a local park.
- Take a slow walk around town to see historic homes and churches.
- Drive the country roads outside town for wide open prairie views.
You know those days when you just need some quiet and fresh air? Armour and the surrounding countryside are perfect for that.
5. Rural Hanson County Loop Drive
Head northeast from Mitchell and cross into
Hanson County. While the towns are small, the open land is beautiful in every season.
What makes this drive special:
- Easy loop routes on well‑kept county roads.
- Rolling fields and big‑sky views that change with the light.
- Minimal traffic—great if you like peaceful drives with fewer semis and RVs.
Bring a thermos of coffee or iced tea, put on your favorite playlist, and just let the miles roll by. Sometimes the journey itself is the activity.
6. Alexandria: Small‑Town Break Just Outside Davison (Hanson County)
While you’re exploring Hanson County, stop in
Alexandria, just east of Davison County but still a different county, so it fits the “out‑of‑county” rule.
What to do in Alexandria:
- Walk or drive around town to see the classic South Dakota neighborhoods.
- Look for any local events or ball games—small‑town sports can be surprisingly fun to watch.
- Use it as a starting point for more country‑road exploring deeper into Hanson County.
If you have kids, this can be a quick, low‑stress outing that still feels like “going somewhere” without being far from home.
7. Mennonite Country Around Freeman (Hutchinson County)
Head southeast from Mitchell into
Hutchinson County and make your way toward
Freeman, a community known for its Mennonite roots and rich farm culture.
Why it’s a great road trip:
- Scenic farm country with a slightly different look and feel from the areas closer to Mitchell.
- Opportunities (depending on the season) to find local produce, baked goods, or small‑scale farm stands.
- Friendly towns where you can learn about the area’s cultural background.
If you enjoy learning how different communities live and work the land, a drive around the Freeman area will keep you curious and engaged.
8. Park & Play Time in Parkston (Hutchinson County)
Another easy stop in Hutchinson County is
Parkston, a family‑friendly town that makes for a nice afternoon outing.
Good for:
- Letting kids run off energy at local parks or playgrounds.
- Breaking up a longer drive with a snack stop and quick walk.
- Simple people‑watching in a laid‑back setting.
It’s not about huge attractions here—it’s about having a gentle, relaxed day where no one has to rush.
9. Sanborn County Lake & Backroad Getaway
To the north of Mitchell,
Sanborn County offers quiet drives and, depending on the exact route you take, access to small lakes and sloughs.
How to enjoy Sanborn County:
- Head toward one of the local lakes or ponds for a peaceful shoreline walk or some fishing.
- Bring lawn chairs and just sit by the water with a book.
- Drive the grid of country roads to catch glimpses of wetlands full of birds.
When you’re standing by a calm lake with barely any noise around you, it’s hard to believe you left Mitchell only a short while ago.
10. Wolsey–Sanborn County Scenic Route
For a slightly longer out‑and‑back drive, work your way up through
Sanborn County toward the Wolsey area and nearby small towns.
Trip ideas:
- Turn it into a full afternoon drive, looping through several small communities.
- Stop often just to look around—old barns, long fence lines, and open sky are everywhere.
- Time your trip for golden hour; the late‑day light over the fields can be stunning.
This is a great option when you want to clear your head, talk with your travel buddy, and just enjoy the road without a strict schedule.
Tips for Road Trips From Mitchell, SD
Before you set out from Mitchell to explore Aurora, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, or Sanborn counties, keep a few basics in mind:
- Fuel up first: Some stretches don’t have many gas stations—top off in Mitchell.
- Pack snacks and water: Small‑town cafés are great, but hours can be limited.
- Check the weather: South Dakota wind and storms can move in fast.
- Download maps: Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
- Respect private land: Enjoy the views from the road unless you have permission to enter.
Ready to Explore Beyond Mitchell?
Living in or visiting
Mitchell, South Dakota doesn’t mean you have to stay put. In under an hour, you can:
- Visit friendly small towns in Aurora County and Douglas County.
- Take a peaceful drive through Hanson County farm country.
- Learn about local culture in Hutchinson County.
- Relax by the water and backroads in Sanborn County.
Each of these short road trips gives you new views and a fresh perspective, without needing days off work or a huge budget.
Have you taken a favorite out‑of‑county drive from Mitchell? I’d love to hear about it.
Please share this post with friends or family who are looking for easy things to do near Mitchell, and
drop a comment with your own tips, routes, or must‑see spots around Aurora, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, and Sanborn counties. Your ideas can help other travelers discover hidden gems too.
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