Huron is a wonderful place to live, work, play and raise a family. With a population of approximately 12,000, we are known for our outstanding school system (both public and private), a state-of-the-art Medical Center, the Huron Event Center and the Arena. Huron offers a unique mix of services, entertainment, and recreational opportunities ranging from beautiful parks, golf courses, and walking trails to riverside fishing, paddle boating, miniature golf and swimming.
History
Huron, located in east central South Dakota, is a result of railroad and land booms in the 1880’s. The early history of the town is closely linked with the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. At the direction of Marvin Hughitt, General Manager of the Railroad, the west bank of the James River was selected as the division headquarters of the railroad. The company gained title to 880 acres of land at that location.
Huron was named for the Huron Indians. Exactly who gave it the name was never established, apparently either Marvin Hughitt or someone in the Chicago office of the C&NW railroad company.
Recreation / Community Activities
Murals on the Town: Using city buildings as its canvas, the community of Huron tells its story through colorful murals. Outdoor murals grace the sides of downtown buildings and depict unique aspects of Huron’s history. There are currently more than twenty murals and new ones are added to the collection regularly.
Huron is home to many annual events including the Huron Ringneck Festival, SD Women’s Expo, the Antique Power Show, Wheel Jam, Parade of Lights, Stock Car Racing, and the South Dakota State Fair, just to name a few. Each year Huron welcomes various performers, bands and cultural programs to entertain residents and visitors. While visiting Huron, take time to tour the Dakotaland Museum with its collection of more than 5,000 artifacts, historical documents, photographs, maps, and newspapers that portray the Spirit of Dakota heritage alive and well in Huron and the surrounding area. The home of Gladys Pyle, the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate, is a well-preserved example of Queen Anne architecture with original woodwork, fixtures, and leaded stain glass windows.
The World’s Largest Pheasant is located on the East side of Huron on Highway 14. Steel and fiberglass have been molded to create a 28-foot, 22-ton pheasant. From the tip of its feathered tail to the beak, it spans 40 feet. Huron has a wide variety of outdoor activities available for all ages, from hunting and fishing to spending time on beautiful Lake Byron or at the James River. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep one busy. Walking trails extend from Riverside Park to the north end of Memorial Park and circle Ravine Lake. The Maga TaHohpi Waterfowl Production area is a place of peace and tranquility where vistors can renew an intimate tie with nature. For winter fun you can enjoy many things in Huron. Stop by Toboggan Hill located at Sixth and Lawnridge to sled for hours of family fun! Huron also offers 73 miles of groomed snowmobile trails which extend way beyond its borders as it connects with other trail systems throughout the state.
Huron offers two fine 18 hole golf course and one 9 hole course and for those who golf. There are also plenty activities for families to enjoy such as mini-golf, bowling, catching a movie, walking on the trails or picnicking in the park.
Contact Information
- Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau, 1725 Dakota Ave South, Huron, SD 57350
- Phone: 605-352-0000 or 800-487-6673
- Email: cvb@huronsd.com
- Website: huronsd.com
Source: City of Huron
