The Strangest Road Names in South Dakota and How They Got Them
Driving through South Dakota offers more than just sweeping prairies and rolling hills—sometimes it presents a delightful puzzle in the form of strange and memorable road names that hint at quirky local stories and histories. Near Rapid City, just under an hour’s drive west, you’ll find the scenic Spearfish Canyon, a favorite for its rugged beauty and thrilling waterfalls. Along the way, you might encounter a road like “Go Devil Road,” which snakes through the Black Hills’ outskirts. This oddly named stretch reflects the tough, rugged conditions early settlers faced, and today, it serves as a reminder of the pioneering spirit that shaped the area. Exploring the trails around Spearfish Canyon, especially the Roughlock Falls Trail, reveals why these roads needed such devilish names—it’s a challenging hike with steep climbs and cascading waters that dazzle in spring’s melt or summer’s lush bloom.
Heading east toward Sioux Falls, the state’s largest city, lies the historic district around Falls Park. Within the cityscape, you can spot streets with names that seem to come out of local legends or early settler humor. A good example is “Pettigrew Avenue,” named after a territorial governor but surrounded by side streets with more playful or puzzling names. Sioux Falls itself is a city where the Big Sioux River’s waterfalls contrast with the urban vibe, offering a mix of nature and culture. Walking through Falls Park, you’ll appreciate the blend of old and new, and understanding the origin of the nearby streets’ names adds a layer of charm to this urban oasis, especially on crisp fall afternoons when the golden leaves frame the rushing water.
In the southwestern corner near the Badlands National Park, roughly an hour and a half from Rapid City, the Flat Iron Butte Road stands out with its unusual title. This road leads visitors to a lesser-known but striking viewpoint of the Badlands’ jagged spires and deep canyons. The road’s name comes from a distinct rock formation resembling an old-fashioned flat iron, a tool familiar to early ranchers and homesteaders. Driving this road during the golden hour—just before sunset—casts dramatic shadows and brings the eroded landscape to life, making you appreciate why such a distinctive name stuck to this route.
Travel north to the small town of Deadwood, perched about 45 minutes northwest of Rapid City amid the Black Hills. This town, famous for its Wild West history, boasts streets with names that conjure images of outlaws and miners. “Boulder Canyon Road,” while straightforward, is the gateway to a twisting path that climbs into the hills and was once used by prospectors rushing to claim their fortunes. The road today gives access to hiking and mountain biking trails that offer breathtaking views of Deadwood’s historic district below. Visiting in the summer, when the town’s festivals bring its storied past to life, enhances the experience of driving these evocative roads.
Near the eastern border, in the quaint town of Madison, about 90 minutes northwest of Sioux Falls, lies the curious “King Street.” While it sounds regal, King Street’s name reportedly honors a local figure with a knack for farming innovation rather than nobility. Madison itself is home to Lake Herman State Park, where visitors can enjoy kayaking or fishing on a peaceful, scenic lake surrounded by hardwood forests. Strolling or biking along King Street in late spring, when the town’s flower beds bloom vibrantly, offers a glimpse into the warm, community-centered life far from the interstate’s rush.
In the far north, close to the border with North Dakota and Canada, the town of Faulkton presents “Soda Butte Road,” a name that might prompt curiosity. This road leads out toward areas where natural mineral springs bubble up, historically used by Native American tribes and settlers alike for their believed healing properties. Faulkton’s proximity to the Prairie Village Museum makes it a great starting point for understanding the natural and cultural history behind these road names. Visiting in the late summer, when the prairie grasses sway golden and wildflowers bloom, gives a sense of the untouched landscape that inspired such evocative names.
Finally, near the Missouri River in Pierre, South Dakota’s capital, you can explore “Capitol Avenue.” While not strange in name, the avenue’s significance lies in its location and the layers of history it represents. The South Dakota State Capitol building, with its stunning classical architecture and golden dome, anchors the street. Walking this avenue during a summer day when the capitol’s gardens are in full bloom connects visitors with the political heart of the state and the stories behind the city’s development. Many lesser-known side streets around the capitol have names linked to early legislators or local landmarks, each with its own tale waiting to be uncovered.
These roads and their names are more than just quirky markers on a map; they are threads woven into South Dakota’s landscape, culture, and history. Exploring them with an eye toward their stories enriches any visit, turning a simple drive into a journey through time and character. Whether winding through the Badlands, tracing old mining paths in Deadwood, or strolling tree-lined streets in Madison, these roads invite travelers to discover the unexpected narratives hidden just off the beaten path.