**Top 5 Cities to Film in South Dakota**
South Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about filming locations, but it offers some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the United States. From wide open plains to historic towns, South Dakota has a variety of settings that can bring any film to life. Whether you’re looking for a quiet small town or dramatic scenery, this state has it all. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of South Dakota. In this article, we’ll explore the top five cities to film in South Dakota. These cities are popular with filmmakers for their beauty, history, and film-friendly atmosphere.
1. **Rapid City**
Rapid City is one of the largest cities in South Dakota and offers a great mix of urban and natural locations for filmmakers. Known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” it’s close to some of the state’s most famous landmarks, like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Park. These nearby locations provide breathtaking backdrops for films that require stunning outdoor scenes.
In the city itself, filmmakers will find a charming downtown area with historic buildings, unique shops, and art galleries. The streets of Rapid City have a classic, small-town feel while also offering modern conveniences. This combination makes it easy to film both contemporary and historical scenes in the city.
Additionally, Rapid City is film-friendly, and its local government is known for being supportive of filmmakers. The city’s proximity to natural wonders and its vibrant downtown make it a top choice for filming in South Dakota.
2. **Deadwood**
If you’re looking for a city with a rich history and plenty of Old West charm, Deadwood is the perfect place to film. This small city is famous for its role in the American Gold Rush and is filled with historic buildings that capture the spirit of the Wild West. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark, and it feels like you’ve stepped back in time when you walk down its streets.
Deadwood’s historic saloons, old-fashioned hotels, and rugged hills make it an excellent setting for Westerns or period films. Many movies have used Deadwood as a filming location, including HBO’s *Deadwood*, which brought the town’s wild past to life on screen.
Filmmakers can also take advantage of the nearby Black Hills for stunning outdoor scenes. The town is surrounded by scenic mountains, forests, and rivers, giving filmmakers even more options for different types of shots. With its rich history and striking landscape, Deadwood is a top choice for filmmakers looking to capture the Old West.
3. **Sioux Falls**
Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and offers a diverse range of filming locations. The city’s downtown area is modern and bustling, with tall buildings, trendy restaurants, and urban parks. Filmmakers looking for a cityscape will find plenty of options here, as Sioux Falls has a lively urban vibe that can be used for contemporary films.
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River cascades over a series of beautiful waterfalls. This park is one of the most scenic spots in the city and provides a peaceful, natural setting for outdoor scenes. Whether you’re filming a romantic scene by the water or capturing a dramatic moment with the waterfalls in the background, Falls Park is a popular location for filmmakers.
Sioux Falls is also home to many historic neighborhoods with beautiful old houses and tree-lined streets, giving filmmakers a range of urban and suburban settings. With its combination of modern city life and natural beauty, Sioux Falls is a versatile location for many types of films.
4. **Custer**
Custer is a small town located in the heart of the Black Hills, and it’s a hidden gem for filmmakers. The town itself is quiet and quaint, with historic buildings and a friendly community. But what makes Custer stand out is its location near some of South Dakota’s most famous natural landmarks, including Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.
Custer State Park is known for its wide-open prairies, scenic roads, and large herds of buffalo. Filmmakers looking for breathtaking outdoor scenery will find plenty to work with here. The park’s rolling hills, winding roads, and iconic wildlife provide a dramatic backdrop for adventure films, nature documentaries, or Westerns.
Nearby Wind Cave National Park offers unique underground settings, with its vast network of caves and tunnels. This location is perfect for films that require something mysterious or otherworldly. Custer’s proximity to these natural wonders makes it a top location for outdoor filming in South Dakota.
5. **Pierre**
Pierre, the capital of South Dakota, is a small city with a lot of character. It’s located on the banks of the Missouri River and offers a variety of scenic views and historic sites. The city’s government buildings, including the State Capitol, provide impressive backdrops for films that need a political or historical setting.
One of Pierre’s biggest attractions is the Oahe Dam, which creates Lake Oahe, a massive reservoir that stretches for hundreds of miles. The lake and the surrounding area offer filmmakers a wide range of water scenes and open landscapes. Whether you’re filming a serene boat ride or a dramatic moment by the water, the lake’s vastness makes for beautiful, cinematic shots.
Pierre also has several historic districts, where you can find old houses and quiet streets that are perfect for period films or small-town settings. With its peaceful atmosphere and access to the Missouri River, Pierre is a great location for filmmakers who need both urban and outdoor settings.
Why South Dakota is a Great Place to Film
South Dakota offers filmmakers a unique combination of historic cities, natural wonders, and film-friendly communities. The state’s wide open spaces and dramatic landscapes make it an ideal place for Westerns, adventure films, and nature documentaries. At the same time, its cities offer a variety of urban settings, from historic downtowns to modern cityscapes.
One of the biggest advantages of filming in South Dakota is the state’s affordability. Production costs are lower here compared to other parts of the country, making it a great choice for filmmakers on a budget. Additionally, South Dakota’s local governments are often very supportive of film projects, helping with permits, location scouting, and other logistics.
The state’s central location in the U.S. also makes it easily accessible from other major cities, allowing filmmakers to bring in crews and equipment without much hassle. South Dakota’s diverse locations, affordable costs, and film-friendly attitude make it an appealing place for filmmakers.
South Dakota may not be the first place filmmakers think of, but it should definitely be on their radar. The state’s top cities—Rapid City, Deadwood, Sioux Falls, Custer, and Pierre—offer filmmakers a wide range of unique and beautiful settings. From the historic streets of Deadwood to the stunning waterfalls of Sioux Falls, each city has its own special charm.
Whether you’re filming a Western in the Black Hills or capturing a romantic moment by the Missouri River, South Dakota has the perfect location for your project. The state’s natural beauty, historic sites, and welcoming communities make it a fantastic place to bring your story to life on screen.
