One more place to enjoy near Watertown in South Dakota
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 center displays more than 160 original oil paintings across spacious galleries that highlight Redlin’s beloved scenes of wildlife, rural Americana, and nostalgic landscapes. The center sits on a wooded 30-acre campus along the shores of Lake Kampeska, combining world-class art with the natural beauty of the Glacial Lakes region.
Terry Redlin, one of America’s most collected artists, rose to national prominence through his warm depictions of farm life, hunting traditions, and small-town memories. His journey began in Watertown, where he developed his artistic voice while working as a highway department draftsman and graphic designer. The Redlin Art Center stands as his personal thank-you to the community that shaped him, and the family continues to offer free admission to all visitors, honoring Redlin’s belief that great art should be accessible to everyone.
The main gallery serves as the heart of the center, presenting a chronological journey through Redlin’s career from his earliest published works to his masterpiece series America the Beautiful and An American Portrait. Each painting is presented with interpretive materials that explain the artist’s technique, the story behind the scene, and Redlin’s deep connection to the upper Midwest landscape. The gallery lighting and layout are designed to draw visitors into the warm glow of Redlin’s signature twilight skies and meticulously rendered wildlife scenes.
Beyond the main gallery, visitors can explore the Early Art Room, which contains examples of Redlin’s earliest commercial work, and the Sketch Room, where preliminary drawings and studies reveal the creative process behind his finished paintings. The Comforts of Home Cabin is a full-scale replica of the rustic cabins that appear throughout Redlin’s art, furnished with period-appropriate pieces that invite visitors to step directly into the scenes they have admired on canvas.
The center’s Conservation Park is a 25-acre restored prairie and woodland area on the campus grounds, featuring walking trails, native plantings, and educational signage about the South Dakota ecosystems that inspired Redlin’s work. An outdoor amphitheater hosts seasonal concerts, art workshops, and community events with sweeping views of the surrounding prairie. The park embodies Redlin’s lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation, a theme that runs through his entire body of work.
The gift shop offers an extensive collection of Redlin merchandise including prints, books, puzzles, calendars, and home decor items featuring the artist’s most popular paintings. The shop also carries locally made crafts and South Dakota souvenirs, making it a popular stop for visitors seeking authentic regional gifts. Seasonal items, particularly the Christmas collection of cards and ornaments, draw shoppers from across the Upper Midwest during the holiday season.
The Redlin Art Center is open year-round with the best visiting months spanning May through October, when the Conservation Park trails are fully accessible and the amphitheater hosts outdoor programming. Summer months bring the largest crowds, particularly during the annual Terry Redlin Days celebration in June, which honors the artist with special exhibits and family activities. Winter offers a quieter pace with peaceful gallery viewing and holiday shopping opportunities in the gift shop. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with extended hours during summer weekends. Visitors should check the official website for current hours and seasonal event schedules before planning their trip.