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

Black Hills Adventure Tours

Black Hills Adventure Tours

Rapid City

Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant

Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant

Interior

Cottonwood Coffee

Cottonwood Coffee

Brookings

Klock Werks

Klock Werks

Mitchell

K Restaurant

K Restaurant

Sioux Falls

Mad Mary’s Steakhouse

Mad Mary’s Steakhouse

Flandreau

Vinyl Taco

Vinyl Taco

Sioux Falls

Lintz Bros. Pizza

Lintz Bros. Pizza

Hermosa

My Place Hotel

My Place Hotel

Rapid City

Quality Inn

Quality Inn

Brookings

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe

Sioux Falls

Bertz Sports Bar & Grill

Bertz Sports Bar & Grill

Beresford

Java Hut Quilts & More/Java Hut Coffee Shop

Java Hut Quilts & More/Java Hut Coffee Shop

Huron

Big D’s Timeout Sports Bar & Grill

Big D’s Timeout Sports Bar & Grill

Huron

BackYard Grill

BackYard Grill

Sioux Falls

Gallery Six13

Gallery Six13

Rapid City

Silver Spur

Silver Spur

Fort Pierre

Rapid Escape Rooms

Rapid Escape Rooms

Rapid City

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.