Garretson, SD

Quick City Facts

County: Minnehaha
Population (2019): 1,147
Population (2010): 1,166

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

Welcome to Garretson, SD. You’ll find nature at its finest only 20 minutes northeast of Sioux Falls just north of I-90. Explore red quartzite pinnacles and chasms along Split Rock River in three Garretson parks. Back road scenery, geology, history of prairie pioneers and legendary bandits Jesse and Frank James are waiting for you to discover in Garretson.

History

The town of Garretson was named after A.S. Garretson of Sioux City, IA.  He was instrumental in moving the little town of Palisades to the present site of Garretson because of the Sioux City and Northern Railroad. The move from the Palisades to the Garretson site took place in 1889, the same year that South Dakota became a state. The legacy of the James Boys dominates area folklore. Devil’s Gulch is a popular spot for those who are intrigued with the history of the site.

Recreation / Community Activities

Home of Jesse James Pontoon rides-Great Family Attraction!  This 45-minute back-to-nature guided tour takes rides over calm waters past Majestic red Sioux quartzite cliffs to view wildlife, nature’s splendor and the cave where Jesse James hid. For reservations call 605-594-2225.

At Devil’s Gulch, stand on the footbridge spanning the chasm that Jesse James jumped over during a pursuit. Enjoy quartzite rock formations at Palisades State Park and Split Rock Park. You can camp, fish, hike and picnic at both facilities.

Garretson is a busy community that has many events throughout the year for families to enjoy. We are particularly well known for the way we celebrate the Christmas season. The first Saturday in December is the annual “Old Fashioned Christmas” in Garretson, which is our kickoff for the holiday season. Please check our community calendar for more information of this event and other family activities.

While you’re in Garretson, check out the variety of unique businesses. There are several restaurants and gift shops that you can visit. We invite you to browse and find out more about our community.

Contact Information

Popular Attractions

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Keystone

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

Brookings

Alternative Fuel Coffee & Smoothies

Alternative Fuel Coffee & Smoothies

Rapid City

Dinosaur Museum

Dinosaur Museum

Rapid City

The Outdoor Campus-West

The Outdoor Campus-West

Rapid City

South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum

South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum

Brookings

I-90 Speedway

I-90 Speedway

Hartford

Dave’s World Tours & Shuttle Service

Dave’s World Tours & Shuttle Service

Custer

Wonderland Cave

Wonderland Cave

Nemo

Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille

Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille

Sioux Falls

Fox Run Golf Course

Fox Run Golf Course

Yankton

Swift Family Enterprises

Swift Family Enterprises

Burke

City of Summit

City of Summit

Summit

Cosmos Mystery Area

Cosmos Mystery Area

Rapid City

Expressions / Knit Nook

Expressions / Knit Nook

Watertown

Gallery Six13

Gallery Six13

Rapid City

Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort

Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort

Deadwood

Town Hall Inn

Town Hall Inn

Lead

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.