Redlin Art Center | Watertown

Introduction

The Redlin Art Center stands on the eastern edge of Watertown, South Dakota, as a generous gift from the artist Terry Redlin to his hometown. It’s a place to wander, reflect and enjoy nostalgic landscapes and wildlife scenes - all in one accessible setting.

History & Building

Terry Redlin, originally from Watertown, envisioned a space where his original oil paintings would remain intact and viewable by the public. With support from his son Charles and the community, the 52,000-square-foot center opened in June 1997. Its architecture is striking: a brick facade with towering 38-foot Rockville White granite columns that echo an Egyptian Revival style. Inside, polished granite floors and walls allow the vivid oils to stand out without distraction.
Each painting tells a chapter in Redlin’s life - from his early drawings through commercial work to his full-time wildlife and Americana art career.

The Gallery Experience

The heart of the center is the gallery, which houses over 160 original oil paintings by Terry Redlin - every original he painted from 1985 onward, plus select works from earlier years. Visitors walk along oak-railing lined hallways, surrounded by dramatic granite, which keeps the focus on the paintings. Rooms are dedicated to different formats: early sketches, photo archives of the artist’s life, and even a reconstructed log-cabin-interior from one of Redlin’s famous works (“Comforts of Home”).
While strolling, you’ll pick up little details in the paintings: a golden sunset behind a duck in flight, reflections on a frozen lake at dusk, a log cabin’s warm interior glowing through snow. The mood is nostalgic, tranquil, and quietly immersive.

Grounds & Atmosphere

Beyond the art inside, the center is surrounded by 30 acres of Conservation Park designed by Redlin, described as his “living painting”. A gentle walking trail winds through prairie grass, ponds, and observation points. You’ll hear birdsong, maybe see ducks gliding across water, smell fresh earth and wind off the nearby lake. It’s a chance to step outside the gallery and connect with the landscapes that inspired the art.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, the light slants low and golden through the trees - exactly the kind of light you’ll see in the paintings. It feels intentional.

Visitor Information

Admission is free year-round, making it an easy stop on a road trip.

Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00–5:00; Sunday 12:00–5:00. After Labor Day, hours shift and Sunday may be closed.

The address is 1200 33rd Street SE, Watertown, South Dakota 57201.

Expect to spend at least 1–2 hours inside and longer if you include the grounds. Many visitors say it’s even more compelling than they anticipated - a “hidden gem” for art lovers and nature lovers alike.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

Walking into the Redlin Art Center isn’t just about seeing paintings - it’s about encountering a love letter to rural America, as filtered through one man’s vision and a community’s gratitude. For tourism, it offers a blend: accessible art gallery, detailed and intimate, plus outdoorsy tranquility in its park setting. For those passing through Watertown or exploring South Dakota, it’s a meaningful stop.