For tourists, little in eastern or central South Dakota can be considered essential. Sioux Falls , the state's biggest city, is faceless but handy. As one of the country's quietest and smallest capitals, Pierre has its charms. Mitchell has a few curiosities, while Yankton , comfortably ensconced beside the Missouri across from Nebraska, is a gem-like historic town draped with parks and picket fences, with the excellent Lewis and Clark Recreation Area on its doorstep. The town marks the start of an alternative cross-state route to I-90, trundling through nearby Vermillion , home to the exceptional Shrine to Music Museum (where the collection of musical instruments from all over the world now includes one of Bill Clinton's saxophones), plus the Rosebud and Pine Ridge reservations. About sixty miles northwest of Sioux Falls, De Smet is known as "Little Town on the Prairie" thanks to the autobiographical books of Laura Ingalls Wilder. You can tour eighteen sites she mentions for smatterings of history, pretty scenery and homely pride. Chamberlain , where I-90 shoots down a steep bluff and over the Missouri River, provides the most spectacular vistas in the eastern part of the state and is home to the worthwhile Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center.

East of the Missouri

• East of the Missouri

Explore East of the Missouri

• Mitchell
• Pierre

South Dakota cities


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