Gary, South Dakota lies on the very eastern edge of the state, butted up against Minnesota in Deuel County. It is in the glacial lakes region, high on the Coteau Prairie, just east of the Buffalo Ridge. Gary is a small community, having a population under 250, but projects a big personality. It’s known far and wide in this area as the place you go to relax and have a good time. Gary and its immediate surroundings provide many diverse businesses with people just as diverse. From farming and ranching to trucking and wind generators – you’ll find it in Gary.
History
Gary was one of the first settlements in Dakota Territory. The railroad, which later helped build many other towns along its tracks, first entered Dakota Territory at Gary in 1872. The Gary Historical Association sponsored a monument honoring the coming of the railroad with a commemorative monument dedicated on July 3, 1976, as part of their Bicentennial celebration.
Recreation/Community Events
As for entertainment opportunities in the area you’ll find access to lakes for water fun and fishing, as well as plenty of game for hunting. Wintertime brings snowmobile fun with miles and miles of groomed trails to roam.
Gary has a third of July celebration with children’s events, a horse pull, tractor pull and volunteer firemen water fights. The Gate City to the West still provides some of that old “cow town” activity as well. Certain times of year you’ll see cattle drives down the streets of town, as well as a couple of rodeos in the area and trail rides for the horse lover.
Contact Information
- City of Gary
- (605)272-5651
- citygary@itctel.com
- www.garysd.com
