Beadle County: History, Trails and Culture

Beadle County offers a variety of experiences for different kinds of visitors. Huron is at the heart of the James River Valley and the expansive Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota. In Huron, public art and distinctive landmarks sit alongside cultural attractions; other parts of your trip might focus on trails, golf or seasonal events. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay. Huron is a useful starting point for exploring the area.

History, Art and Theater

Completed in 1894, the Pyle House is an example of Queen Anne architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Tours of the first floor are available by appointment and share the history of the Pyle family. If you plan to visit, arrange your appointment in advance.

The Dakotaland Museum began in 1960 as The Pioneer Museum. It is located in the Dairy Exhibit Building, which was built on the State Fairgrounds in 1913. The museum displays more than 15,000 artifacts and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Beadle County. This connects the history of the institution with that of the building that houses it.

In Huron, the public art project Murals on the Town turns city buildings into canvases for colorful murals that pedestrians can enjoy. Also along Highway 14 in Huron stands The World's Largest Pheasant, a 28-foot-tall, 22-ton model made of fiberglass and steel. For performing arts, there is a theater at the Fine Arts Center/Huron Community Campus, which is used for local productions. The Huron Area Community Theatre presents live theater for Huron and surrounding communities.

Trails, Water and Nature

Ravine Lake Park has a sandy beach and accessible fishing spots. Its loop trail is approximately 4,600 feet long, with markers every quarter mile. Memorial Park offers a different kind of trail: a 1.2-mile concrete path runs alongside the James River, and its disc golf course has nine holes with concrete tee pads. These trail lengths and surfaces can help you choose outings to suit your preferred distance and surroundings, without treating the routes as interchangeable.

Maga Tahopi has a paved walking trail, accessible from 392nd Avenue west of Huron along Highway 14. Lake Byron is 15 miles northeast of Huron and offers opportunities for fishing, water skiing, boating and camping. Those interested in snowmobile trails will find 73 miles of groomed trails in the Huron area, connected to other trail systems in the state. Grooming depends on snow conditions.

Golf and Seasonal Experiences

Golf options vary in scope and type. Broadland Creek National Golf Course offers 18 holes of public golf; Memorial Golf Course is a nine-hole executive course in Huron’s park system. Huron Country Club is north of the city, is semi-private and still welcomes the public. Putters and Scoops at Ravine Lake Park adds an 18-hole adventure golf course to the mix. Together, these options offer traditional golf courses and a distinct adventure golf experience.

Splash Central in Huron is a seasonal attraction with water slides, swimming pools and a lazy river. Check operating details before your visit. This makes it quite different to plan for than the museums and cultural attractions described as open year-round: the water park needs to be included in your seasonal planning, while a tour of the Pyle House must be arranged in advance.

Events and Getting Around

The DEX is a 150,000-square-foot multipurpose arena for concerts, rodeos, and livestock and trade shows. The annual South Dakota State Fair also brings together agriculture and entertainment, including a carnival, 4-H and FFA exhibits, and livestock shows. The Antique Tractor and Power Show at the State Fairgrounds features about 150 exhibits, as well as displays, entertainment, demonstrations, a flea market, a parade, and tractor and car games.

The Huron Ringneck Festival and Bird Dog Challenge are annual weekend events. Teams with participants from more than 20 states take part in the competition. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the latest event dates and, for the competition, the entry requirements. Free public concerts are held in Campbell Park during the summer; Huron Public Library also hosts its annual Great Scarecrow Festival there. The Original SD BBQ Championships are held annually alongside Wheel Jam and include chili and BBQ tastings. At the State Fairgrounds, Huron Connect hosts a family-friendly harvest festival with a children’s costume contest, craft activities and games.

Huron is located at the junction of U.S. Highway 14 and South Dakota Highway 37, 50 miles north of Interstate 90. Huron Regional Airport is just north of the city. Revv Aviation offers fuel, charter flights, maintenance and flight instruction there; confirm services before your trip. The Huron Visitor Center provides regional and statewide information materials and answers questions about the area in person. When looking for a vacation rental in Beadle County, it helps to match your choice to your planned activities: culture, trails, golf and events each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Tripp County, Brookings, Perkins County, Spink County, Lyman County, Davison County, Grant County

Return to the main travel guide: South Dakota.