De Smet

Travel Guide

Photo provided by De Smet Development Corporation
Photo provided by De Smet Development Corporation
Photo provided by De Smet Development Corporation
Photo provided by De Smet Development Corporation
Photo provided by De Smet Development Corporation
Discover the original little town on the prairie where the author Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family lived. Enjoy superb walks and fascinating museums.

Sleepy, picturesque De Smet has a big history as the town that inspired the Little House on the Prairie books. Spend a few days here enjoying the stunning countryside. The peaceful feeling may just inspire your inner author as well. 

Whether or not you have read the books, a visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society is a highlight. Step into the Surveyors’ House which Laura and her family called home. See the schoolhouse and “the house that Pa built.” Listen to guides in period dress describe some of the more than 2,000 original artifacts.

Once you have seen the houses, visit the Ingalls Homestead to enjoy a hands-on experience of history. Twist hay, grind wheat and take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon to experience some of the daily life of one of America’s most celebrated authors.

Walk along the Silver Lake Walking Trail, which is located east of the city. The lake, which was formed by melting glaciers, was the site of the Ingalls’ first home upon arrival in the area. As well as a historical spot, the lake, now more of a marsh, is home to many animals and birds.

De Smet has a reputation as one of the best hunting spots in South Dakota. Each spring and fall thousands of geese are hunted as they pass through on their seasonal migration. During the rest of the year, pheasants, ducks and deer are prominent in the area. South of the city, visit Lake Thompson for exceptional fishing as well as a beautiful campground suitable for tents and RVs.

Relive memories of the stories you loved in your childhood and introduce your own children to the magic of Wilder’s Little House in De Smet.

De Smet Super Deluxe Inn and Suites
De Smet Super Deluxe Inn and Suites
2.5 out of 5
288 Highway 14 East, De Smet, SD
The price is S$103 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$103
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in De Smet. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (265 reviews)
"Everything was as advertised. Will stay there again."

Reviewed on 5 Mar, 2025

De Smet Super Deluxe Inn and Suites
Brookings Inn
Brookings Inn
3.5 out of 5
2500 6th Street, Brookings, SD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$102 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$102
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Brookings. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in ...
6.4/10 (1,002 reviews)
"My first time at the Brookings Inn, and I can't find anything to complain about. There's a free continental breakfast, and its in a convenient location. I will stay again for my next trip."

Reviewed on 15 Apr, 2025

Brookings Inn
My Place Hotel - Brookings, SD
My Place Hotel - Brookings, SD
3 out of 5
711 32nd Ave, Brookings, SD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$118 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$118
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Brookings. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (665 reviews)
"Ice maker in the room was great"

Reviewed on 14 Apr, 2025

My Place Hotel - Brookings, SD
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
660 Disk Dr, Rapid City, SD
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,472 reviews)
"Even though property was going through a renovation it was clean, quiet and staff was beyond amazing and very friendly"

Reviewed on 5 Apr, 2025

GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
Spearfish Cottages
Spearfish Cottages
3.5 out of 5
514 W Mason St, Spearfish, SD
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Spearfish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (430 reviews)
"Such a nice crew and very good communication! Check in and out was a breeze and the cottage was so cute!"

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

Spearfish Cottages
Pine Haven Lodging
Pine Haven Lodging
3 out of 5
13514 U.S. 16, Rapid City, SD
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Rapid City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"This place is amazing. Little cabins, so you get a place to yourself. Incredibly clean. Microwave, refrigerator, and even a small two burner stove top. Coffee maker, plates, etc. Very comfortable!"

Reviewed on 1 Nov, 2024

Pine Haven Lodging
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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