Canton, South Dakota: 10 Short Road Trips for Scenic Weekend Escapes

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10 Easy Road Trips from Canton, South Dakota: Fun Things To Do Nearby (But Outside Lincoln County)

If you live in Canton, South Dakota (in Lincoln County), you know it’s a quiet, friendly place. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, drive an hour or less, and discover something new. This guide is all about short road trips from Canton that take you outside Lincoln County into nearby counties in South Dakota and Iowa:
  • Minnehaha County, SD
  • Union County, SD
  • Clay County, SD
  • Turner County, SD
  • Sioux County, IA
  • Lyon County, IA
No long drives. No huge planning. Just simple day trips with plenty of things to see, eat, and do.

1. Explore Downtown Sioux Falls & Falls Park (Minnehaha County, SD)

If you’re in Canton, chances are you’ve driven through Sioux Falls. But have you ever spent a full day there as a tourist? From Canton, it’s about a 30–40 minute drive north to Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County. Start with the city’s heart: Falls Park. At Falls Park you’ll find:
  • Beautiful waterfalls right in the middle of the city
  • Paved walking paths and overlooks
  • Old mill ruins and a visitor center with great views
After that, head into downtown Sioux Falls. Park the car and simply walk:
  • Check out the local shops and boutiques
  • Grab coffee or ice cream
  • Follow the SculptureWalk and hunt for your favorite piece
It’s an easy way to turn a normal Saturday into something that feels like a mini vacation, without ever leaving the region.

2. Walk the River Greenway & Eat Local in Sioux Falls (Minnehaha County, SD)

If you like simple outdoor time, the Sioux Falls River Greenway is an easy win for a road trip from Canton. The Big Sioux River curves through town with paved paths that are:
  • Great for walking, jogging, or biking
  • Mostly flat and family-friendly
  • Scenic in all seasons, especially fall
Plan a loose route:
  • Park near downtown or Falls Park
  • Walk or bike for a couple miles along the river
  • Stop for lunch at a local café or burger spot
If you’re from a small town, the Greenway feels like a nice mix of city and nature. You’re close to restaurants and shops, but you still hear the water and the birds more than the traffic.

3. Discover Elk Point & Missouri River Views (Union County, SD)

Head southeast from Canton and you’ll hit Union County. About 45–60 minutes away, Elk Point is a small community with a big river history. Here’s a simple way to enjoy the area:
  • Walk around Elk Point’s quiet streets and parks
  • Check out any local cafés or diners for a small-town meal
  • Drive the back roads toward the Missouri River for scenic overlooks and photo stops
This makes a great lazy Sunday drive:
  • No tight schedule
  • Lots of farmland views and open sky
  • Easy to explore side roads you’ve never tried before
If you enjoy peaceful drives, Union County is a good place to slow down and breathe a little deeper.

4. Visit Vermillion & the National Music Museum (Clay County, SD)

For a mix of college town energy and culture, head to Vermillion in Clay County. It’s usually about an hour’s drive from Canton, depending on your route. Vermillion is home to the University of South Dakota and the famous National Music Museum, which features:
  • Rare instruments from around the world
  • Historic pianos, guitars, violins, and more
  • Exhibits that even non-musicians can enjoy
After the museum:
  • Stroll around the USD campus
  • Grab a coffee or snack at a local shop
  • Walk through Vermillion’s downtown streets
If you like road trips that mix learning with fun, this is an easy go-to from Canton.

5. Enjoy the Missouri River Bluffs near Vermillion (Clay County, SD)

While you’re in Clay County, don’t just stick to town. The land near the Missouri River has rolling hills, bluffs, and views that feel far from everyday life. Plan a simple scenic drive:
  • Take county roads west or south of Vermillion
  • Pause at safe pull-offs for pictures of the river valley
  • Watch for wildlife and changing light in the late afternoon
You don’t need a packed schedule here. Sometimes the best thing to do is:
  • Roll down the windows
  • Turn on a favorite playlist
  • Just drive until you feel like turning around
It’s a great reset after a busy work week in Canton.

6. Step into Dutch Heritage in Orange City (Sioux County, IA)

Drive east from Canton into Iowa, and you’ll eventually reach Orange City in Sioux County, known for its strong Dutch roots. In town, you’ll notice:
  • European-style building fronts
  • Windmill-inspired touches and bright colors
  • A clean, walkable downtown
A simple Orange City day trip plan:
  • Walk the downtown streets and look for Dutch details
  • Try a bakery with Dutch treats if you find one open
  • Check for local events or festivals, especially in spring and summer
If you’re used to plain Midwestern buildings, Orange City feels like a little change of scenery without a long-distance drive.

7. Explore Sioux Center & Farm Country Drives (Sioux County, IA)

Another stop in Sioux County is Sioux Center. It’s a practical, friendly town that makes a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. When you arrive, you can:
  • Walk through local parks and trails
  • Look for small shops or coffee spots
  • Stretch your legs after the drive
Then, do what many locals love: take the long way home.
  • Pick a different route back to Canton than the one you came in on
  • Drive by farms, barns, and open fields
  • Stop for photos if the sky puts on a show at sunset
If you like calm, quiet road trip vibes, this corner of northwest Iowa is perfect.

8. Head North to Rock Rapids (Lyon County, IA)

Rock Rapids in Lyon County is another easy drive from Canton, especially if you enjoy small-town parks and water views. What to do there:
  • Explore local parks with river access and walking paths
  • Look for any historic buildings or markers in town
  • Grab a bite at a local restaurant and chat with the staff
This makes a good low-pressure trip:
  • Not a lot of crowds
  • Easy parking
  • A nice excuse to get out of your usual Canton routine
Think of it as a “Sunday drive with a destination.”

9. Meet the Neighbors in Parker (Turner County, SD)

To the west of Canton, you’ll find Turner County. One of its small hubs is Parker, about a short drive away depending on your chosen route. In Parker, keep it simple:
  • Walk around the main streets
  • Visit a local park or playground if you have kids
  • Stop for lunch or a snack at a local diner or café
Sometimes we overlook nearby towns because they seem “too close” to feel like travel. But Parker can surprise you with:
  • Friendly conversations with locals
  • Historic buildings you’ve never noticed before
  • A different small-town feel than Canton
It’s a reminder that you don’t have to drive hours to go somewhere “new.”

10. Take the Back Roads Through Turner County (Turner County, SD)

Instead of heading straight to a single town, you can make Turner County itself the destination. Here’s a relaxed route idea:
  • Leave Canton on a different highway than you usually take
  • Wander through Turner County’s gravel and paved roads
  • Pass through small communities like Marion or Viborg
What makes this kind of trip fun?
  • You can stop whenever something catches your eye
  • You might find a hidden café, a quiet churchyard, or an old barn that’s perfect for photos
  • There’s no pressure—if you get tired, just loop back toward home
If you grew up in the Midwest, this probably feels familiar: just driving, talking, and seeing where the road goes.

Tips for Planning Your Canton Road Trips

To make these short trips from Canton even better, keep a few things in mind:
  • Check the weather: Roads, views, and walking trails are very different in winter than in summer.
  • Call ahead: For museums or special attractions, check hours before you go.
  • Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
  • Bring a friend: Road trips are almost always better with good company.
  • Take the scenic route: Don’t be afraid to leave the highway and follow a county road.

Ready to Hit the Road from Canton?

Living in Canton, South Dakota puts you in a great spot. In less than an hour, you can:
  • Watch waterfalls in Sioux Falls
  • Walk a college campus in Vermillion
  • Soak in river views along the Missouri
  • Experience Dutch charm in Orange City
  • Wander quiet small towns in Turner, Union, Lyon, and Sioux Counties
You don’t need a plane ticket, a ton of money, or a week off work. Just a tank of gas, a free day, and a little curiosity. Now it’s your turn: Have you taken any fun day trips from Canton into these nearby counties? Did I miss one of your favorite spots? Share your ideas in the comments and tell us:
  • Your favorite road trip from Canton
  • A hidden gem you think more people should know about
  • Any tips for first-time visitors to these towns
And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who live in or near Canton. You might just inspire their next weekend adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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