10 Easy Road Trips from Huron, South Dakota: Small-Town Adventures Worth the Drive
If you’re based in
Huron, South Dakota in Beadle County and you’ve ever said, “There’s nothing to do around here,” this guide is for you.
You don’t have to drive across the country for a little fun. Within about an hour or so from Huron, you’ll find quiet lakes, quirky museums, old-town main streets, and even a few “blink and you miss it” places that are surprisingly charming.
All of the ideas below are
outside Beadle County and highlight nearby counties like Clark, Hand, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Sanborn, and Spink. Think of them as
short, simple road trips—perfect for a Saturday, a lazy Sunday, or a summer evening drive.
1. Clark, SD – Mashed Potato Wrestling & Small-Town Charm (Clark County)
Clark might be small, but it has one of the most talked-about events in eastern South Dakota: the famous
Mashed Potato Wrestling during Potato Day. Even if you visit when the event isn’t happening, the town still makes a fun little road trip from Huron.
- Stroll the quiet main street and check out local shops.
- Grab a bite at a local cafe and chat with the regulars.
- Take a short drive out on the backroads and enjoy classic South Dakota prairie views.
From Huron, you’re looking at about a
45–60 minute drive north. It’s the kind of place where you can roll down your windows, slow down a bit, and remember what small-town life is all about.
2. Lake Kampeska near Watertown – Beach Day without the Ocean (near Clark County)
If you don’t mind stretching your road trip a bit farther,
Lake Kampeska, just west of Watertown, makes a great getaway for folks from Huron.
Why go?
- Sandy swimming areas for a simple beach day.
- Boat ramps and fishing spots (bring your rod and bait).
- Picnic shelters that are perfect for family cookouts.
It’s the kind of place where you pack a cooler, throw some towels in the back seat, and make a day of it. No ocean? No problem.
3. Miller, SD – Classic South Dakota Town Vibes (Hand County)
Head about an hour west from Huron and you’ll hit
Miller in Hand County. This is a great spot if you love small-town main streets and quiet, friendly communities.
Things to do in and around Miller:
- Walk the downtown and check out local businesses.
- Grab lunch at a hometown diner—where the coffee is strong and the pie is usually homemade.
- Drive the outskirts of town and watch for wildlife, especially in the early morning or evening.
If you grew up in a small town, Miller feels familiar. If you didn’t, it gives you a taste of that slower, easygoing pace.
4. Scenic Drives & Prairie Views in Rural Hand County
Sometimes the best road trip doesn’t have a big attraction at the end of it. In
rural Hand County, the drive itself is the main event.
Consider:
- Taking a sunset drive on quiet county roads.
- Stopping safely at a gravel pull-off to snap a few photos of wide-open skies.
- Looking for old barns and farmsteads—perfect for photography or just admiring a piece of history.
Have you ever noticed how different the prairie looks in the early morning light compared to just before a thunderstorm? Out here, you really feel those changes.
5. Wessington Springs, SD – A Hill Town with History (Jerauld County)
Just over an hour southwest of Huron,
Wessington Springs sits in the rolling Wessington Hills, giving it a different feel from the flat prairie you might be used to.
Why make the trip?
- Enjoy the hills and winding roads that break up the flat landscape.
- Walk around town and look at historic homes and buildings.
- Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot to relax.
If you like drives with a bit more rise and fall in the road, this area is a nice change of scenery.
6. Jerauld County Backroads – Perfect for a Sunday Drive
Beyond Wessington Springs, the rest of
Jerauld County is full of gentle hills, farm fields, and big sky views.
Try this:
- Plan a loop drive: Huron → Wessington Springs → small rural roads → back to Huron.
- Stop at any small-town park you find along the way for a break.
- Bring a camera or just your phone—this is great country for cloud and sunset photos.
On a quiet Sunday, with the radio on low and the windows cracked open, this is one of those drives that resets your mind.
7. De Smet, SD – Laura Ingalls Wilder Country (Kingsbury County)
If you grew up reading the
Little House books, this trip is a must.
De Smet, about an hour east of Huron, is known as the “Little Town on the Prairie” and is one of the most iconic road trips from Huron.
In De Smet, you can:
- Visit Laura Ingalls Wilder–related sites and museums.
- Walk around town and imagine what it looked like in pioneer days.
- Check out local shops and get a snack or ice cream.
This is a great trip for families, book lovers, or anyone curious about South Dakota’s pioneer history.
8. Kingsbury County Lakes – Simple Days on the Water
Kingsbury County has several small lakes that are perfect if you want a quick escape from town. Think low-key, bring-your-own-gear adventures.
Depending on where you go, you might:
- Fish from the shore or a small boat.
- Have a lakeside picnic.
- Enjoy peaceful views without big crowds.
If you’re from Huron, these lakes are close enough for a few hours after work in the summer or a spontaneous weekend outing.
9. Forestburg & Rural Sanborn County – Quiet Country Escapes
South of Huron you’ll find
Sanborn County, home to small communities like Forestburg and miles of laid-back farmland and prairie.
Make it a mini road trip by:
- Driving down to Forestburg and exploring the surrounding country roads.
- Watching for deer, pheasants, and other wildlife along the fields.
- Stopping to take in the view at any safe roadside spot that catches your eye.
This is one of those drives where you can actually hear the wind when you step out of the car.
10. Redfield, SD – The Pheasant Capital of the World (Spink County)
North of Huron in
Spink County,
Redfield proudly calls itself the “Pheasant Capital of the World.” Even if you’re not a hunter, it’s a fun small-town day trip.
In and around Redfield, you can:
- Explore town and learn about its pheasant-hunting history.
- Check out local parks and walking areas.
- Take a slow drive in the surrounding countryside, especially beautiful in fall when the fields turn golden.
For folks in Huron, Redfield is a simple drive that feels far enough away to be “a trip,” but close enough to do in just one day.
Tips for Planning Easy Road Trips from Huron
To make these short drives from Huron even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather: South Dakota skies can change quickly, especially in spring and summer.
- Fuel up early: Some stretches between towns don’t have many gas stations.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket go a long way.
- Download maps: Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
A little planning helps you relax and enjoy the ride instead of worrying about the basics.
Why These Short Trips from Huron Are Worth It
You don’t need a plane ticket or a long vacation to explore new places. From Huron, you can:
- Discover small towns you’ve only seen on road signs.
- Experience quiet lakes, rolling hills, and open prairie.
- Connect with South Dakota’s history and local culture.
Sometimes the best part of living in Huron is how easy it is to escape for a few hours and come back feeling like you went much farther than you actually did.
Share Your Favorite Huron-Area Road Trips
Have you taken a fun
day trip from Huron to a nearby town or county? Maybe you’ve got a favorite lake in Kingsbury County, a go-to cafe in Hand County, or a secret scenic road in Jerauld County.
I’d love to hear about it.
- What’s your favorite short road trip from Huron?
- Which of these 10 ideas would you try first?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and share your own tips and hidden gems. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family in Huron who are looking for new things to do near home. Your next adventure might be just an hour’s drive away.
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