If you ever read the Little House on the Prairie books as a child and were fascinated by life back in the 1800s, this town is the perfect place for you. What better way to spend a summer’s day than to get out on the homestead? This small town just north of Sioux Falls is the perfect place to escape modern life for awhile, while still being near the big city. Every South Dakotan needs to visit this tiny historic town, and summer is the perfect time.

Welcome to De Smet!

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

This town might be small at only roughly 1,000 residents, but it holds a lot of history.

Tony Lynn B/TripAdvisor

De Smet is most famous for being the real town Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up in and told stories about in Little House on the Prairie.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Many of the town’s residents are familiar with the family and can even tell tales from when they arrived in 1879.

There are many historical sites in De Smet dedicated to the Ingalls family, though the homestead is by far the most popular attraction.

3450/TripAdvisor

On the homestead you can take covered wagon rides, or learn about life on the prairie. Spending a day at the homestead is a must if you’re visiting De Smet.

Erika K/TripAdvisor

Walking around town, you’ll find many other historical sites like where the Ingalls kids grew up and went to school. This town is full of small-town charm wherever you go.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Near De Smet is Lake Thompson, if you need to escape small town life for a day and get out on the water.

Martens Campground/Facebook

Spending a summer day in this historic town is the perfect way to get away from it all and see small town South Dakota.

Janine C/TripAdvisor The De Smet Wilder Welcome Center is located at 201 Calumet Ave., De Smet, SD.

Looking for more summer fun in South Dakota? Check out one of our coolest swimming holes!

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Tony Lynn B/TripAdvisor

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Many of the town’s residents are familiar with the family and can even tell tales from when they arrived in 1879.

3450/TripAdvisor

Erika K/TripAdvisor

Martens Campground/Facebook

Janine C/TripAdvisor

The De Smet Wilder Welcome Center is located at 201 Calumet Ave., De Smet, SD.

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