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Watertown, South Dakota is the fifth-most populous city in the state and the seat of Codington County. Located in the northeastern corner of South Dakota along the Big Sioux River, Watertown serves as a regional center for commerce, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is best known as the home of the Terry Redlin Art Center, which houses the largest collection of original paintings by one of America’s most popular wildlife and Americana artists. With a vibrant downtown, access to glacial lakes, and a strong arts culture, Watertown offers visitors a distinctive blend of prairie charm and cultural richness.
Founded as a railroad terminus in the late 1870s, Watertown grew quickly into an agricultural and industrial hub for the Glacial Lakes region. The city is surrounded by a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers, leaving behind rolling hills and more than a dozen lakes that provide year-round recreational opportunities. Watertown combines its historic railroad heritage with modern attractions that draw visitors from across the Upper Midwest.
Watertown was established in 1879 when the Chicago and North Western Railway extended its line into the area. The town was named after Watertown, New York, the hometown of several early settlers and railroad officials who shaped the community’s founding. The railroad established Watertown as a division point, with engine maintenance facilities and a roundhouse that employed many of the town’s early residents. The arrival of the railroad transformed the open prairie into a bustling settlement almost overnight.
The Codington County Courthouse, built in 1883 and expanded in 1908, stands as one of the oldest working courthouses in South Dakota. Its Romanesque Revival architecture and central clock tower have made it a landmark of downtown Watertown for more than a century. The courthouse reflects the civic ambition of Watertown’s early leaders, who envisioned their city as the commercial and governmental center of northeastern South Dakota.
The city’s manufacturing heritage took root in the early 20th century with the establishment of flour mills, grain elevators, and farm equipment factories. The Glacial Lakes region surrounding Watertown was among the most productive agricultural areas in the state, and the railroad connection to Minneapolis and Chicago made Watertown a critical link in the agricultural supply chain. This industrial foundation continues today with diversified manufacturing that supports the local economy.
The Terry Redlin Art Center is Watertown’s most celebrated attraction, drawing visitors from across the country to view the largest collection of original Terry Redlin paintings in the world. Redlin, who lived and worked in Watertown for many years, became one of America’s most collected artists through his nostalgic scenes of rural life, wildlife, and Americana. The center’s gallery spaces display more than 150 original paintings in a setting that reflects Redlin’s deep connection to the South Dakota landscape.
Bramble Park Zoo spans 15 acres and features hundreds of animals representing species from around the world. The zoo is a family-friendly destination that includes a children’s zoo, a reptile exhibit, and habitats for big cats, primates, and native South Dakota wildlife. Bramble Park Zoo is one of the few accredited zoos in the state and serves as both an educational facility and a popular community gathering place.
The Mellette House, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion built in 1883, was home to Arthur C. Mellette, the last governor of the Dakota Territory and the first governor of the state of South Dakota. The house museum is furnished with period pieces and personal belongings of the Mellette family, offering visitors a window into the lives of South Dakota’s foundational political figures. Guided tours provide historical context about the Mellette family and the early statehood era.
Downtown Watertown features the restored Goss Opera House, an elegant performance venue dating to 1889 that hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and community events throughout the year. The historic downtown district also includes Uptown Watertown, a walkable area with locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries that reflect the city’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while fostering a modern small-business culture.
Watertown is surrounded by the Glacial Lakes of northeastern South Dakota, a network of more than a dozen lakes carved by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. Lake Kampeska, the largest and most popular lake adjacent to the city, offers boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing during the warm months. The lake is ringed by parks, campgrounds, and boat launches, making it the centerpiece of Watertown’s outdoor recreation scene.
Pelican Lake and Lake Pelican provide additional fishing and paddling opportunities just minutes from downtown. Anglers target walleye, northern pike, perch, and smallmouth bass in the clear waters of the glacial lakes. The Big Sioux River, which flows through Watertown, offers canoeing and kayaking routes that connect to the surrounding lake system.
The Cattail Crossing Golf Course is an 27-hole municipal course that ranks among the best public golf facilities in South Dakota. The course winds through wetlands and native prairie, providing challenging play and scenic views. In winter, the region’s lakes freeze over for ice fishing, while the surrounding countryside offers snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing routes that attract winter sports enthusiasts from across the region.
The best time to visit Watertown is from late spring through early fall (May through September). May and June bring comfortable temperatures and the gradual greening of the prairie landscape, making this an ideal time for visiting the Terry Redlin Art Center and exploring the downtown historic district before the peak summer crowds arrive.
July and August are the prime months for lake recreation. Lake Kampeska and the surrounding glacial lakes are warm enough for swimming and waterskiing, and the long summer days of the northern plains allow for extended hours on the water. Bramble Park Zoo is at its most active during these months, and community events and outdoor concerts bring energy to Uptown Watertown.
September and October offer pleasant fall weather and the spectacle of autumn colors around the glacial lakes. Cooler temperatures make this an excellent time for golf at Cattail Crossing or fishing on the Big Sioux River. The harvest season across Codington County’s farm country creates a scenic backdrop for drives through the surrounding countryside.
Winter in Watertown brings genuine South Dakota cold, but indoor attractions provide warm alternatives. The Terry Redlin Art Center and the Mellette House offer climate-controlled cultural experiences, while the Goss Opera House schedules performances throughout the year. Ice fishing on the frozen glacial lakes and snowmobiling on regional trails appeal to visitors seeking active winter recreation.
Here are some of our recommended things to do in Watertown. Pick your favorite!
The Redlin Art Center is the premier cultural attraction in Watertown, South Dakota, and the official home of the largest collection of original Terry Redlin paintings in the world. Opened in 1997 as a gift from the artist to his hometown, the cente…