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

Mad Mary’s Steakhouse & Saloon

Mad Mary’s Steakhouse & Saloon

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Jambonz Grill & Pub

Jambonz Grill & Pub

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Rockin R Trail Rides

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Badlands Distillery

Badlands Distillery

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The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School

The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School

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The District

The District

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Chicago and NorthWestern Historic Railroad Depot

Chicago and NorthWestern Historic Railroad Depot

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Bullwacker’s Saloon

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Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument

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Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

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Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch

Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch

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Botticelli Ristorante Italiano

Botticelli Ristorante Italiano

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La Luna Cafe

La Luna Cafe

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SculptureWalk

SculptureWalk

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Sage Meadow Ranch

Sage Meadow Ranch

Hot Springs

Deer Mountain Ski Resort

Deer Mountain Ski Resort

Lead

Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer

Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer

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Visit Rapid City

Visit Rapid City

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.