De Smet, SD

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 ¥13,152 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
¥13,152
¥14,296 total
Sep 26 - Sep 27
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (304 reviews)
"This hotel is always so nice and helpful staff as well."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2025

De Smet Super Deluxe Inn and Suites
Modern meets historic charm! Unique stay in historic little town on the prairie

Modern meets historic charm! Unique stay in historic little town on the prairie

De Smet
The price is ¥19,042 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
¥19,042
¥23,652 total
Oct 8 - Oct 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in De Smet. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Loftus Store and De Smet Depot Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"The accommodation was splendid! The Ingall’s Flat was beautiful and spacious. Would recommend it to anyone visiting DeSmet."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

Modern meets historic charm! Unique stay in historic little town on the prairie
The 605 House

The 605 House

De Smet
The price is ¥19,042 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
¥19,042
¥23,081 total
Sep 26 - Sep 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in De Smet. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Loftus Store and Washington Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"We loved our stay at the 605 house during our road trip from the west coast. This home was pristine clean with all current comfort features. Our check in was seamless. If ever back in this area we’d definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

The 605 House
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.
Modern meets historic charm! Unique stay in historic little town on the prairie

Modern meets historic charm! Unique stay in historic little town on the prairie

De Smet
Stay at this apartment in De Smet. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Loftus Store and De Smet Depot Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"The accommodation was splendid! The Ingall’s Flat was beautiful and spacious. Would recommend it to anyone visiting DeSmet."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

Modern meets historic charm! Unique stay in historic little town on the prairie
Wild Rose Cottage



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Wild Rose Cottage Save

2 out of 5
De Smet
Stay at this vacation home in De Smet. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Loftus Store and De Smet Depot Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Great stay for our family of 6. Much more spacious, comfortable and hospitable than a hotel. Only wish we could have stayed another night."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

Wild Rose Cottage Save
The 605 House

The 605 House

De Smet
Stay at this vacation home in De Smet. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Loftus Store and Washington Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"We loved our stay at the 605 house during our road trip from the west coast. This home was pristine clean with all current comfort features. Our check in was seamless. If ever back in this area we’d definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

The 605 House
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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