Bear River State Park | Evanston

The Surveyors’ House is a historical structure located in De Smet, South Dakota, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The Surveyors’ House is a single-story wooden structure, approximately 20 feet by 30 feet. It is constructed from rough-hewn logs, with a steeply pitched gable roof covered in wooden shingles. The exterior is unpainted, showing the natural weathered wood. A single wooden door is present on the south-facing facade, and two small, multi-paned windows are located on the east and west walls.

Location & Access Logistics

The Surveyors’ House is situated at 210 Third Street SE in De Smet, South Dakota. It is located approximately 0.5 kilometers south of the De Smet city center. Parking is available on the street directly in front of the structure. No public transport routes directly serve the immediate vicinity of the house.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Surveyors’ House was constructed in 1879 by the Chicago & North Western Railway. Its original purpose was to provide temporary lodging for surveyors mapping the land for the railroad's expansion into Dakota Territory. It is one of the earliest surviving structures associated with the railroad's development in the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the original log construction and interior layout. Interpretive signage provides information on the building's history and the surveying process. The site is primarily for historical observation; no specific activities are offered.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no restrooms or food vendors directly at the Surveyors’ House. Shade is limited to the immediate vicinity of the structure. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in this area of De Smet.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during daylight hours, with morning light offering softer illumination on the west-facing side. Weather is generally most favorable for visiting between May and October, avoiding the harsher winter conditions.

Facts & Legends

This structure is famously associated with the Ingalls family, who lived in De Smet during the late 19th century. While not directly inhabited by them, it represents the type of early settlement housing common during that period.

Nearby Landmarks

• Kingsbury County Courthouse (0.3km North)
• De Smet Depot Museum (0.6km North)
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society (0.7km North)
• De Smet Public Library (0.4km North)