Gary, SD

Quick City Facts

County: Deuel
Population (2019): 229
Population (2010): 227

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

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

Popular Attractions

Dakota Emporium Trading Post

Dakota Emporium Trading Post

Fort Pierre

Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge

Rapid City

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

Rapid City

The Leaky Pot Cafe

The Leaky Pot Cafe

Belle Fourche

White River Drive-In

White River Drive-In

White River

Black Hills Mining Museum

Black Hills Mining Museum

Lead

Papa’s Pub & Eatery

Papa’s Pub & Eatery

Dell Rapids

Ruby House

Ruby House

Keystone

Dakota Sky Stone

Dakota Sky Stone

Deadwood

Gary’s Bakery

Gary’s Bakery

Madison

I-90 Speedway

I-90 Speedway

Hartford

GeoFunTrek Tours

GeoFunTrek Tours

Keystone

Nonna’s Kitchen

Nonna’s Kitchen

Spearfish

Silver Spur

Silver Spur

Fort Pierre

Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association

Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association

Yankton

The Outdoor Campus

The Outdoor Campus

Sioux Falls

Hot Springs Murals

Hot Springs Murals

Hot Springs

Tucker’s Walk Vineyard & Farm Winery

Tucker’s Walk Vineyard & Farm Winery

Garretson

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.