Here we go on our South Dakota road trip via US Highway 281. Our digital journey will be south bound on the great ribbon of a Highway, U.S. Route 281. All populations here are approximates. On the Eastern side of the mighty Missouri River will be our journey.
South Dakota is the land of the famous Sioux or Dacotah Indians. Dakota Territory and later South Dakotans were named for the tribe. Their greeting, "Hau Kola!" means "Hello Friend". Rodeo is South Dakota’s official state sport and can be found in arenas through the state and throughout the year.
Frederick, South Dakota our first sizable community on 281 as we roll south, with a population of less than 300 folks in this friendly town in northern SD. Frederick, South Dakota Website:
Up ahead of us is Westport, 121. A town in Brown County, South Dakota. A spot on the road big enough to get a Wikipedia® entry. If you would like to do some fishing, head east off 281 on 10 a couple of reservoirs over there, Columbia Road and Mud Lake.
Back here on 281 down into Aberdeen, 24,410. Lets take a cruise around the area for a look see before we travel south again. Third largest city in South Dakota, the county seat and the center of commerce for the region. Here are some links to the area you may find helpful when planing your road-trip.
Visit Aberdeen Website: Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce:
Parks are a nice place for travelers, pets and kids love them. Stretch your legs, have a picnic snack or relax awhile. Most communities have them. The Aberdeen Park System has its own website. 300 acres of park land with fourteen different parks. With two sports complexes for baseball, softball and soccer. How about driving a few balls or chasing one around the course while we are in town? There are a couple of public golf courses close to highway 281. Aberdeen Parks Website:
Community theatre is always fun and they can use the economic support. Performances are at the historic downtown Capitol Theatre, looks like a neat place. Aberdeen Community Theatre:
Over 100 years of local history in the Dacotah Prairie Museum, can be found right on Main Street, in historic downtown Aberdeen. Dacotah Prairie Museum Website:
This whole area would make for a nice summer retreat for those folks on the Southern end of U.S. Highway 281 who would like to escape the brutal heat of July and August. Let's get on down the road to the other towns on our tour thru The Dakotas 281.
Warner, South Dakota up ahead. The towns population is around 400. Home to the Warner Monarchs, the school bell plaque says 1918.
Rolling south on 281 thru Mellette, 219. Headed to Redfield, South Dakota, 2,630. Self proclaimed Pheasant Capital of the World. A wide variety of activities locally: historical, shopping and many sporting opportunities. The quality of life here can't be beat in Redfield. It is All American as any town in the country. Hunters coming to the area, please purchase your hunting license in Spink County. 10% of the hunting license money is used to maintain and repair township roads. Check the Chamber of Commerce Website out for events and lodging info. Redfield South Dakota Chamber:
The Chinese ring-necked pheasant is the State Bird. Introduced to South Dakota in 1898 and is easily recognized by its colorful plumage. Also known for its delicious meat. Since it is primarily a Midwestern bird, pheasant is considered a delicacy in many other states.
Here we are back on the road to go again south bound. Tulare, South Dakota, 195. The town of Tulare is located on Highway 281 approximately 36 miles northwest of Huron and 9 miles south of Redfield. "The little city with a big heart" The town of Tulare grew from a small village to a flourishing trade center that became incorporated as a town in 1916. The history of the churches in the Tulare area date back to 1883. Tulare South Dakota Website:
We are going to take a side trip off Hwy 281 our favorite highway, onto 14 East over to Huron. With a population around 10,902. The site of the South Dakota State Fair. Who doesn't love a State Fair? In this community you will find dining, shopping and recreation. Have a leisurely time along the James River, just blocks from downtown. Fish the Ravine Lake located right in Huron, handicapped accessible fishing dock available.
For the winter outdoors person, the Huron area offers 73 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The "World's Largest Pheasant", is located on Highway 14. Lake Byron, Water skiing, fishing and camping, located 15 miles northeast of Huron.
Launch your canoe at the Southern James River Canoe Trail. The adventure generally takes five days to canoe the entire 76 miles but there are eight access points along the trail that allow for a shortened trip or some camping. The James River is popular with canoeing enthusiasts and is one of the major fishing rivers in the eastern part of the state. Visiting Huron Home Page:
Back on the all American Main Street south bound on our Highway 281 tour thru the Dakotas.
Armour, is South of I 90. West of Sioux Falls, about 90 miles. Armour’s Lions Park on 281 features many amenities perfect for a break. Armour, SD. Community Website:
Lake Andes, 832. is located near many attractions. As County Seat, Lake Andes, SD serves the needs of over 9000 people. Lake Andes is centrally located to multiple Lewis and Clark Region Parks on the very popular lower Lake Francis Case. Lake Francis Case is situated on the Missouri River with numerous tributary streams. Lake Andes Website:
Pickstown on US Hwy 281. This South Dakota Community has about 200 people. With outdoor recreational opportunities O' plenty. Located 1 mile W of Pickstown off US 281 is the Randall Creek Recreation Area. On the banks of the Missouri River immediately downstream from Fort Randall Dam. Start of the 39-mile Wild and Scenic section of the National Recreational Missouri River Trail.
Randall Creek Website: and Ft. Randall Dam Lake Francis Case SD:
In South Dakota, the Missouri River enters the state in the north-central region near Pollock and flows south. Near Pickstown, in south-central South Dakota, the river turns southeast, forming a common boundary with the state of Nebraska, until it leaves South Dakota at the southeast corner near Jefferson. It is fed by seven major tributary rivers and streams: the Grand, Moreau, Cheyenne, Bad, White, James, and Big Sioux rivers in SD.
The Dakotas on U.S. Highway 281 is an opportunity for a road-trip that is filled with All American things to see and do. Hope you enjoyed the ride.
Drive safely and Ya'll come back.
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