On the scenic banks of the Missouri River, Mobridge is Lake Oahe’s finest destination. Whether it’s enjoying our world-class hunting and fishing, retracing the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and Sitting Bull or shopping on our vintage Main Street, Mobridge has something for everyone to enjoy. We are proud of our award-winning school system and our excellent healthcare professionals and facilities. Shopping options are expanding and the climate for growing a variety of businesses is impressive.
History
Mobridge area is rich in history, reflecting its importance as a meeting place for two cultures. Meaningful connections to the Native American culture are found throughout the community. Mobridge was inhabited by mound dwellers followed by the Woodland Indians, as well as the Mandan and Arikaras. They were farming people who lived in permanent earth covered lodges. The Arikara or Rees were partial to the bend in the river around Mobridge. Smithsonian and other archeological crews have named over 30 major village sites within 10 miles of the city. The Sioux came later from the east, roaming from place to place and living almost entirely on wild game. Their homes were tipis made of buffalo skins, easily moved.
In the late 1800’s white settlers began to move onto the land that is presently Mobridge, standing on land that was once owned by General S.E. Olson. A thought came to him when he was goose hunting in 1885 that this was the place the Milwaukee Railroad would cross the Missouri River. He remarked to his friends this would be a grand crossing for the Milwaukee. The phrase grand crossing stuck and a corporation was formed named Grand Crossing and Improvement Company. Grand Crossing Boulevard is the imposing name of the portion of Highway 12 within Mobridge city limits. A telegrapher’s dots and dashes gave Mobridge its name when the town formed, as railroad crews were building the railroad bridge across the Missouri River. He ended his telegraph transmissions with M.O.Bridge. The Milwaukee Railroad reached Mobridge on September 9, 1906, and the first lot was sold on October 3, 1906.
Recreation/ Community Activities
Mobridge has many events going on throughout the year. The annual Sitting Bull Stampede is the major event of the year, with its parades, carnival & rodeos. Enjoy the recreational activities of the community, like the newly resurfaced & lighted tennis courts, the challenging golf course, walking frisbee golf, ball games or the Lewis and Clark hiking trail along the shoreline, even take in the relaxing nightlife of Mobridge.
Mobridge’s tourism in not just for the outdoor visitors but also for those that want to do some other type of recreation like shopping and taking in historical atrractions such as the famous Sitting Bull monument and gravesite. Mobridge invites all of its visitors to explore the many different shops that are located in our community as well as those in the surrounding towns of our area. Here you will find that item that you just have to have or that gift for that special person who enjoys the quaintness of the local craftsmen and vendors.
If you prefer to be land-based, the Mobridge area offers year around activities. If hunting is the name, we have the game for you. Unmatched Ringneck Pheasant hunting in the fall is the beginning of the fun.
Try your hand at these other exciting hunting adventures that are located just out our backdoor: sharptail grouse in the river breaks of the Missouri River, prairie dog hunting on the thousand and thousands of acres of the wide open prairies of western South Dakota, call in a coyote in the winter, an art in itself, or test your aim at the quick and agile antelope or the trophy mounts of the whitetail and mule deer that roam the prairies surrounding Mobridge. With several access points to Lake Oahe, you are just minutes from the “Hot Spot” of your favorite fish species. There are several fishing tournaments in the Mobridge area year-round. Explore the lake by boat or jet ski and to have a great time on the water.
Contact Information
- Mobridge Chamber of Commerce, 103 Main St., Mobridge, SD 57601
- Phone: 605-845-2387
- Fax: 605-845-3223
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: mobridge.org
Source: City of Mobridge
