Garfield Bridge – Dell Rapids
Welcome to Dell Rapids, South Dakota, home of the Dells of the Big Sioux River. On behalf of its’ residents, we extend this invitation for you to get to know our fine community. Dell Rapids enjoys a comfortable, pleasant community, offering many opportunities in education, agriculture, commerce and industry. Dell Rapids continues to grow with several housing developments currently being constructed. Our location offers our residents the security of small-town living with big city attractions close by and the beauty and majesty of the Dells of the Big Sioux river.
History
Dell Rapids’ history dates back to 1859. Dells obtained its’ name from the dells and rapids of the Big Sioux River. The township was first surveyed in 1859, subdivided in 1864 with the first settlement being built in 1868. A boom period followed in 1871. The Dell Rapids Historic District consists of 39 buildings in the town’s business center. The district reflects late 19th century architecture which presents a picture of what life was like in South Dakota at that time. The majority of the buildings were built before 1903. The main architectural influences are Victorian, Romanesque, Revival and Neo Classical Revival. The striking factor of this district is the use of rose colored quartzite as a facing material.
Recreation / Community Events
Cootie Days is sponsored by the Dell Rapids American Legion and is a carnival located in the City Park during the second weekend in June.
The last full weekend in June, Quarry Days is sponsored by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce (it’s free to the public except special events). This 3-day event starts on Friday with a golf tournament and a free baseball game (Mudcats vs. PBR). Saturday kicks off with a parade which ends in the City Park with vendors exhibiting. There are cardboard boat races, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, burn outs and a tractor pull. Sunday the vendors in the park are selling goods and the annual car show, local entertainment Junior Ambassador’s Scholarship Awards and fireworks at night.
Main Street Dell Rapids
Christmas at the Dells is sponsored by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce and is free to the public. This 1-day event is the first weekend in December with shopping, free horse drawn carriage rides, a free Christmas movie and free bowling. At 6 pm is the parade of lights. After the parade, all the children go visit Santa at the Dells Museum. The Dells Museum also has a celebration during Christmas at the Dells that is a 2-day event ending with an Auction and a guest performance by the Cartwright Brothers.
Farm & Home Show, held the first weekend in February, is sponsored by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce and is free to the public. This is a 2-day event with vendors showing and selling their goods and prizes are given out that are donated by various business. On Sunday, there is a grand prize for children under 12, and an adult grand prize. There is a pancake feed hosted by the Dell Rapids Optimist Club on both days.
Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce. This is an annual egg hunt located in the City Park for children up to 9 years old. The egg hunt usually starts at 1pm. This event is free to the public and is held the Saturday before Easter. The Easter Bunny is there for photos.
Contact Information
- Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 81, Dell Rapids, SD 57022
- Phone: 605-428-4167
- Website: dellrapids.org
Source: City of Dell Rapids
