Centerville is a family-oriented town with agricultural roots and is known by its’ Scandinavian heritage. Located in the center of several metropolitan areas, Centerville is ten miles west of Interstate 29 in southeastern South Dakota. Fine dining, art, movies, fishing, boating, camping and much more are all just minutes away. Visit here and you may be entertained by our small school rivalries at a Friday night football game, meet your friends at the annual Fireman’s Street Dance or purchase a cup of lemonade from the local kid’s lemonade stand in their front yard “ enjoying a relaxed Midwestern lifestyle without big city concerns.
History
Centerville’s story is one woven with the threads of pioneering spirit and resilience. Established in 1874 by settlers seeking fertile lands and a promising future, Centerville grew rapidly as an agricultural hub. The town’s strategic location along the banks of the Vermillion River facilitated trade and commerce, fostering economic prosperity for its residents.
For a number of years Centerville was spelled Centreville, with an “re” rather then “er.” When the railroad came through the area in 1883, the buildings from “Old Centreville” were moved to the new site, and the little town flourished. The residents felt that they were connected to the world. Immediately a school and churches were built in addition to the numerous business places and homes. There have been three locations for the Centerville Post Office, each within a few miles of the present day location.
Throughout the years, Centerville weathered the challenges of economic downturns and natural disasters, emerging stronger each time. The town’s historic downtown district still retains its old-world charm, with Victorian-era buildings lining the streets, offering glimpses into its storied past. The population has varied from 1200 to 870, but is now seeing a period of growth.
Recreation / Community Events
Peder Larsen Park, located in the northeast section of town, offers family activities year round. It contains a swimming pool, volleyball and tennis courts, picnic shelters, camping pads with electrical hookups, horseshoe pits and a multi purpose court/ice skating rink.
The Stan Schmiedt Athletic Complex in Peder Larsen Park, with a football field and paved running track, serves as a training center for all school sports. Nearby Pascale Field has two baseball diamonds. Gunderson Park, located in the northwest section of town, has been a gathering place for local town folk for the last 100 years. It offers primitive camping, fishing, boating, rafting, canoing, a hiking trail and ice skating in the winter.
For a taste of rural life, visitors can tour the area’s family-owned farms and orchards, where they can pick fresh produce or indulge in homemade treats like apple cider and pumpkin pie. And no visit to Centerville would be complete without savoring a hearty Midwestern meal at one of the town’s charming diners or cafes.
Centerville boasts an outstanding museum and a downtown community garden outfitted with park benches for a quiet place to reflect and enjoy nature. Centerville also has numerous civic organizations including the American Legion, Rotary and a 4-H club. Whether it’s watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, cheering at the annual homecoming parade downtown every fall or reveling at the Festival of Lights in the winter, Centerville keeps an active pace.
School District
The Centerville School District encompasses the community and the surrounding 10 mile radius. The elementary (K-8) and high school (9-12 grade) are housed in one large building. With approximately 250 students enrolled, the Centerville Public School is reports they have met the Federal guidelines for the No Child Left Behind program in reading and math, known as AYP (adequate yearly progress) for three consecutive years as the program has evaluated schools in the US. The Centerville students have surpassed the recommended scores. Centerville sports revolve around school activities with two gymnasiums as well as offering football, boys and girls basketball, volleyball, wrestling, boys and girls track, golf and cross country.
Contact Info
- City Hall: 741 Main Street Centerville, SD 57014
- Phone: 605-563-2302
- Email: cvillecity@hcinet.net
- Website: centervillesd.org
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature or a journey through history’s annals, Centerville, South Dakota, offers an idyllic escape that captivates the senses and soothes the soul. Come and discover the magic of this hidden gem in America’s heartland.
Source: City of Centerville
