Plankinton is surrounded by rich farmland that attracts pheasant hunting to a prime hunting area. There are multitudes of recreational activities, from sport fishing in the Missouri River to golfing at the scenic Fish Lake County Club. Plankinton hosts an annual Pheasant Fest in August. Businesses cook and serve the pheasant”usually around 1000 birds. The cost is minimal and includes a demolition derby in the afternoon, Crazy Days, city wide rummage sales and a street dance in the evening. Plankinton intersects two national roadways, Interstate 90 and US Hwy 281. Proximate long-haul highway transport makes Plankinton a common choice for industry and distribution.
History
Plankinton was named for Milwaukee meatpacker and hotel owner John Plankinton, a friend of Alexander Mitchell, the President of the Milwaukee Road. Plankinton was home to an annual wheat palace, which became a successful regional attraction and inspired the Corn Palace in nearby Mitchell, South Dakota. Plankinton is the county seat of Aurora County, South Dakota. The Aurora County Courthouse is located at 410 North Main Street in Plankinton. Plankinton’s Old Railroad Hotel from the 1880’s”1890’s is being renovated into a museum and cultural center to open in approximately 2010. Their school was built in the early 2000’s and continues to foster history in the making.
Recreation / Community Events
- Pheasant Hunting – Hunt in prime pheasant hunting area (October – December)
- East River Deer Hunting “ (Fall)
- Holiday Extravaganza (December)
- Annual Chili Cook-off (January)
- Plankinton Annual Lawnmower Poker Run (June)
- Community Library (Open year around)
- Historical Museum (Open summer hours and by appointment)
- 4-H Achievement Days/County Fair (August)
- Crazy Days – held on Main Street with a kiddy parade (August)
- Three city parks – maintained by the City of Plankinton
- Fishing and Boating – at nearby lakes
- Golfing at Fish Lake Country Club- great sport for all ages
- Dart Leagues held at local establishments
- Baseball/Softball Programs – Amateur/Adult/Youth
- Swimming Pool
Contact Information
- Plankinton City Hall, 123 North Main Street, Plankinton, SD 57368
- Phone: 605-942-7767
- Email: planknsd@heartlandpower.org
- Website: plankinton.com
