Discover Jones County
Accommodation in Jones County
Vast prairie, open spaces, and unusual collections give Jones County its own distinctive character. Anyone looking to combine nature experiences, regional history, and family-friendly activities on a trip will find a variety of starting points for planning here. Accommodation in Jones County can serve as a base when you want to divide your days between Murdo, waterways, culture, and outdoor activities.
Murdo as a Center of Special Discoveries
In the vicinity of the host community of Murdo, the Pioneer Auto Show awaits visitors with an extraordinary collection. It includes more than 275 rare and hard-to-find automobiles, and the exhibition presents its holdings in 42 buildings. Those with a particular interest in two-wheelers can take a self-guided motorcycle tour through the collection of rare motorcycles. A diner serving burgers, milkshakes, and daily changing specialties is also part of the visit.
Murdo combines this exhibition with a much older local history. The host community was named by a railroad after cattle rancher Murdo MacKenzie. The sale of building lots took place on July 12, 1906. More than 40 businesses and several homes had already been built before this sale. Recurring cowboy events also shape the events calendar, including the annual Pioneer Auto Show and Flea Market, the Rising Sun Rodeo, and the Ranch Rodeo.
Prairie, Water, and Trails
Jones County is characterized by wide-open spaces and prairie, where the landscape seems to meet the sky. Its diverse wildlife adds to this impression. Fort Pierre National Grassland also extends partly across the county. Travelers who want to experience nature rather than simply view it from a window can choose from various activities, without these forming one uniform type of excursion.
At Draper Dam, shore fishing for bass and catfish is possible. You can also fish for catfish from the shore along the White River; at the same time, access to the White River is limited. North Dam has a weatherproof dock, and boating is possible there. These differing conditions should be taken into account when planning your day and choosing a suitable base.
Combining Active and Relaxed Days
Murdo City Park combines a wheelchair-accessible walking path with covered picnic areas and its own water feature. This offers a different way to spend time outdoors than visiting the large vehicle collection. The Murdo area also has a nine-hole golf course with grass greens, where golf carts are available for rent. The Jones County Sportsmen's Club offers opportunities for target shooting and archery.
If you are traveling with young children, the Murdo Municipal Swimming Pool is another specific option. The large swimming pool ranges from 3 to 10 feet in depth. There is also a one-foot-deep wading pool for small children. For a cultural and historical focus, the Freier Round Barn is another option. It is considered the only known example of a wood-frame catalog round barn built in South Dakota from prefabricated components that has retained its historical integrity.
The Right Base for Planning Your Trip
Your choice of vacation rental or vacation home can be guided by the experiences you want to prioritize: Murdo offers collections, history, and recurring cowboy events, while waterways, prairie, and open landscapes suggest other ideas for your days. Murdo is located at the junction of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 83. For further orientation, you can also explore Lyman County, Brule County, Clay, Spink County, Union, Perkins County, and Hughes County.
Whether you are planning a short cultural break, a day by the water, a round of golf, or a stay featuring distinctive landscape impressions, Jones County brings together several travel interests without losing its open prairie character.
For the overarching travel overview: South Dakota.
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