10 Fun Things To Do Near Canton, South Dakota (Lincoln County)
Looking for a laid-back Midwest getaway that still has plenty to do?
Canton, South Dakota, in
Lincoln County, is a small town with big charm. It sits just southeast of Sioux Falls, close to the Big Sioux River and rolling farm country, and it makes a great home base for a quiet weekend trip.
Whether you’re road-tripping across South Dakota or visiting family nearby, here are
10 fun things to do in and around Canton that give you a real feel for this part of the state.
1. Paddle, Fish, or Camp at Newton Hills State Park
Just a short drive south of Canton,
Newton Hills State Park is the area’s outdoor superstar.
This park sits in the
Coteau des Prairies, a region of wooded hills that almost feels like a surprise after miles of open farmland. If you like getting outside but don’t want anything too extreme, this is your spot.
- Hiking and biking: There are several miles of trails that wind through thick trees and rolling hills. Most are easy to moderate, so they work for families or casual walkers.
- Camping: Bring your tent or RV and spend a night under the stars. Waking up to birds and quiet woods is a nice change from city noise.
- Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys, and lots of songbirds.
If you’re planning a South Dakota road trip and need a place to stretch your legs, Newton Hills is an easy choice near Canton.
2. Stroll Canton’s Historic Downtown
Canton’s downtown district is small, but it has that classic Midwestern main street feel that many travelers look for.
Walk along
Main Street and you’ll find:
- Locally owned shops and boutiques
- Casual cafes and small-town diners
- Historic brick buildings with old-style storefronts
If you enjoy photographing small towns, this is a great area to snap a few pictures. Try visiting in the late afternoon when the sun hits the buildings just right.
I once grabbed a simple burger and fries at a local spot here and ended up talking with a couple who had lived in Canton their whole lives. That’s the kind of town this is—people still take time to chat with strangers.
3. Relax by the Big Sioux River at Canton City Parks
The
Big Sioux River curves near Canton, and the town’s parks make it easy to enjoy the water without a big hike.
Two local favorites are:
- Homestead Park: Great for families, with open grassy areas, a playground, and spots to sit and watch the river flow by.
- Riverside or river-access areas: Depending on water levels, you can skip stones, look for birds, or just sit and enjoy the peaceful view.
Bring a picnic, a camp chair, and a good book. On a warm summer afternoon, this is about as relaxing as it gets in southeast South Dakota.
4. Learn Local History at the Siouxland Heritage Museums & Area Sites
While Canton itself is small, the whole region around it has a rich story, especially if you’re interested in
South Dakota history.
In nearby Sioux Falls (about a 30–40 minute drive), check out:
- Old Courthouse Museum: A beautiful 1800s building with exhibits on local history, Native American culture, and pioneer life.
- Pettigrew Home & Museum: A preserved Victorian home that gives you a peek into life over 100 years ago.
These museums help put Canton and Lincoln County into context. After you learn about the early settlers and the Sioux tribes who lived in this region, driving back through the countryside feels different—you can almost imagine what it looked like before paved roads and power lines.
5. Day Trip to Sioux Falls: Falls Park and Downtown Fun
One perk of staying in Canton is how close you are to
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota. It’s an easy day trip and adds a bit of “big city” energy to your small-town stay.
Top things to do in Sioux Falls include:
- Falls Park: A must-see. The Big Sioux River tumbles over pinkish quartzite rocks, and you can walk along paved paths, climb up a viewing tower, or enjoy a picnic with a waterfall view.
- Downtown Sioux Falls: Full of shops, restaurants, street art, and seasonal events. It’s a nice place to wander in the evening.
- SculptureWalk: An outdoor art gallery with sculptures spread through downtown. It’s free and fun to follow.
Spending a few hours in Sioux Falls, then returning to the quiet of Canton at night, gives you the best of both worlds.
6. Tee Off at a Local Golf Course
If you like golf, this part of South Dakota might surprise you. The rolling landscape around Canton and Lincoln County makes for scenic fairways.
Around Canton and just across the border into nearby towns, you can find:
- Local 9-hole or 18-hole courses: Often more relaxed and less crowded than big-city courses.
- Reasonable green fees: A round of golf here is often much cheaper than in larger metro areas.
Bring your clubs on your South Dakota road trip and sneak in a morning round before exploring more of Lincoln County.
7. Enjoy Seasonal Festivals and Small-Town Events
One of the charms of visiting a place like Canton is catching a local event. Throughout the year, Canton and nearby Lincoln County communities host:
- Summer festivals and town celebrations
- Parades, car shows, and local fairs
- Holiday events like Christmas tree lightings or small craft markets
These events might not be huge, but they’re full of heart. You’ll see kids riding bikes, neighbors chatting on the sidewalk, and lots of homemade treats.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking the
Canton, SD or
Lincoln County community calendar online to see what’s happening while you’re there.
8. Take a Scenic Drive Through Lincoln County Countryside
Sometimes the best thing to do near Canton is simply
drive.
Head out on the county roads and you’ll find:
- Wide-open fields that change color with the seasons
- Classic red barns and old farmhouses
- Quiet gravel roads where you might not see another car for miles
If you’re from a big city, the open sky here can feel almost unreal. On clear nights, pull over safely on a side road, turn off your engine, and look up. The stars seem brighter when there aren’t many streetlights around.
It’s a simple experience, but sometimes those are the ones that stick with you.
9. Taste Local Flavors: Diners, Cafes, and Farm Country Eats
You won’t find fancy celebrity restaurants in Canton, but you will find
comfort food and friendly service.
Look for:
- Small-town diners serving burgers, fries, and classic breakfasts.
- Local cafes where people linger over coffee and pie.
- Nearby farm stands or seasonal markets with fresh produce when in season.
In towns like this, the best tip is simple:
ask a local. If you’re at a gas station or park, just ask, “Where’s your favorite place to eat in Canton?” Most folks are happy to share their go-to spot.
10. Explore More of Southeast South Dakota From Your Canton Base
Canton’s location makes it a handy base for seeing more of
southeast South Dakota and even nearby states.
Within an easy drive, you can:
- Hop over the border into Iowa or Minnesota for a quick multi-state trip.
- Visit more small towns in Lincoln County and beyond, each with its own little main street and story.
- Plan a loop that includes Sioux Falls, Canton, Newton Hills State Park, and nearby lakes or wildlife areas.
If you like to avoid crowds, this region is perfect. You can see a lot in a weekend without ever fighting big-city traffic.
Planning Your Visit to Canton, South Dakota
To make the most of your time in and around Canton:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall is ideal, especially if you want to hike, camp, or enjoy the parks.
- How long to stay: A weekend is enough for the main sights, but 3–4 days lets you add Sioux Falls and more countryside exploring.
- Who it’s great for: Road-trippers, families, couples looking for a quiet getaway, and anyone who loves small towns and nature.
If you’re searching for
things to do near Canton, SD or planning a
South Dakota road trip, this little corner of Lincoln County offers a calm, friendly side of the state that many travelers never see.
Share Your Canton Experience
Have you visited Canton or Lincoln County? Did you hike at Newton Hills, wander downtown, or discover a favorite local restaurant?
I’d love to hear your story.
Share your tips, memories, or questions about Canton, South Dakota in the comments, and feel free to pass this guide along to a friend who’s planning a trip through the area. The more we share our small-town finds, the easier it is for other travelers to enjoy them too.
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