De Smet Travel Guide

Tourist 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 ₹9,205 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,205
₹10,006 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in De Smet. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (282 reviews)
Ok place to stay.
"It was a decent place to stay. Large TV, mattresses were thin but did the job. Pool was closed before 10:00. We thought it was open until 10. Door to the room was super hard to open. Toilet need to be updated to handicapped (higher and elongated). Scrambled eggs at breakfast were cold. Enough food ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

De Smet Super Deluxe Inn and Suites
Brookings Inn

Brookings Inn

3.5 out of 5
2500 6th Street, Brookings, SD
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Brookings. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in ...
6.4/10 (1,001 reviews)
Great stay. Spotty wifi.
"Great hotel. Only drawback was the wifi was very spotty. No serice most of the stay."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Brookings Inn
My Place Hotel - Brookings, SD

My Place Hotel - Brookings, SD

3 out of 5
711 32nd Ave, Brookings, SD
The price is ₹9,293 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹9,293
₹10,274 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Brookings. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (682 reviews)
"Very nice for the price! Will definitely be coming back"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 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.
Lakefront Vacation Rental With Fire Pit & Dock!

Lakefront Vacation Rental With Fire Pit & Dock!

3 out of 5
Castlewood, SD
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Castlewood. Enjoy free parking, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lake Poinsett and Lake Poinsett Recreation Area ...
Lakefront Vacation Rental With Fire Pit & Dock!
Waterfront Lake Poinsett Retreat w/ Fire Pit!

Waterfront Lake Poinsett Retreat w/ Fire Pit!

3 out of 5
100 N Lake Dr, Castlewood, SD
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Castlewood. Enjoy free parking, a marina and patios. Popular attractions Lake Poinsett and Lake Poinsett Recreation Area are located ...
Waterfront Lake Poinsett Retreat w/ Fire Pit!
Lakefront Cabin w/ Patio & Views in Lake Norden

Lakefront Cabin w/ Patio & Views in Lake Norden

3 out of 5
Lake Norden
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Lake Norden. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lake Poinsett and Lake Poinsett Recreation Area are ...
Lakefront Cabin w/ Patio & Views in Lake Norden
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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