Watertown | USA South Dakota

Watertown is an incorporated city and the seat of Codington County, situated in the Glacial Lakes region of northeast South Dakota. Known as the "Garland City" and the birthplace of the Woolworth’s five-and-dime concept, it is defined by its position between Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake, its robust manufacturing economy, and its role as a regional hub for healthcare and technical education.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Founded in 1878 as a rail terminus for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; named by founders John and Oscar Kemp after their hometown of Watertown, New York. A critical historical event occurred in 1889 when local resident Arthur C. Mellette was inaugurated as the first Governor of South Dakota, briefly making Watertown a center of state political gravity. In the 20th century, the city transitioned from an agricultural rail-head into a diversified manufacturing center. In the 21st century, it remains one of the state's five most populous cities and a destination for wildlife art enthusiasts.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 population is approximately 23,500. The demographics are White (90%), Two or more races (4.6%), and Native American (2.3%). The economy is driven by High-Tech Manufacturing (electronics, utility equipment, and custom magnetics), healthcare (Prairie Lakes Health System), and value-added agriculture (turkey processing and ethanol).

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Watertown is organized on a grid system flanked by major water bodies.

Historic Downtown: Centered on Kemp Avenue; contains over 60 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Goss Opera House.

Lake Kampeska: The city’s western recreational district, featuring high-end residential areas, parks, and marinas.

Pelican Lake: Situated to the southwest, primarily focused on state park conservation and quiet residential pockets.

Industrial Parks: Located on the city’s southern and eastern fringes, housing major employers like Terex Utilities and Sparton.

Top City Landmarks

Redlin Art Center: A massive brick gallery housing over 160 original oil paintings by Terry Redlin, one of America's most popular wildlife artists.

Bramble Park Zoo: A 15-acre facility housing over 500 animals, including jaguars and diverse North American species.

The Mellette House: The 1883 Italianate-style home of South Dakota's first governor, preserved with original family furnishings.

The Goss Opera House: A restored 1889 performance venue and cornerstone of the downtown revitalization.

Codington County Heritage Museum: Housed in a historic 1906 Carnegie Library, documenting regional history and the city's rail origins.

Lake Kampeska & Pelican Lake State Recreation Area: Offering over 2,000 acres of water for year-round fishing, boating, and snowmobiling.

Transportation Network

Movement is automotive-centric. The city is a major stop on I-29 and is the junction of US-212 and US-81. Public transit is provided by Watertown Area Transit. Commercial air service is via Watertown Regional (ATY), providing daily flights to major hubs like Denver or Chicago.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is high. Property crime is the most common issue, typical for a regional retail hub. There are no definitive "red zones." Environmental hazards include extreme winter blizzards, high-velocity winds, and seasonal severe thunderstorms.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds average 300–1,000 Mbps with fiber availability via Midco and Vast Broadband. Main mobile carriers are Verizon and AT&T. Card acceptance is universal. South Dakota has no state income tax. Sales tax is 4.2% (plus 2% city tax).

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -14°C to -1°C in winter and 16°C to 30°C in summer. The "Glacial Lakes" influence provides slightly higher humidity than the western plains. Air quality is consistently high.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20%. A "Pragmatic-Midwestern" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Casual." The city is culturally defined by Wildlife Art, Lake Culture, and its status as a "Manufacturing Powerhouse."

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.25 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $15.00 (USD)

1 Redlin Art Center Admission: Free (Donations encouraged).

Nearby Day Trips

Sioux Falls, SD: (155 km south; the state's largest city).

Brookings, SD: (85 km south; home of SDSU).

Dakota Sioux Casino: (15 km north; tribal gaming and entertainment).

Facts & Legends

Frank W. Woolworth conceived the idea for his "Five and Ten Cent Store" while working as a clerk in a Watertown retail shop in 1878. Historically, the city was the site of "Kampeska City," a settlement abandoned in 1874 due to a devastating grasshopper plague. A local legend involves the "Ghost of the Goss," an actor rumored to haunt the opera house's third floor. Another legend concerns "Bootlegger Tunnels" beneath Kemp Avenue used to transport spirits from the railroad to downtown hotels during the 1920s.