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Cities and Towns in Brule County, South Dakota

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Founded in 1875, Brule County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Brule County was formed from Charles Mix County. The city of Chamberlain is the county seat. With FIPS code of 15, Brule County has a population of 5,242 and area of 819 square miles (2,121 km²).

List of all cities in Brule County, SD alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bijou Hills, SD 57325 605
Chamberlain, SD 57325 605
57326 605
Kimball, SD 57355 605
Lyonville, SD 57355 605
Ola, SD 57325 605
Pukwana, SD 57370 605
Saint Joseph Indian School, SD 57326 605
Shelby, SD 57370 605

Brule County, South Dakota, encompasses several cities and towns, each with its own unique characteristics and historical significance. Below is an overview of the major cities and towns within the county:

Chamberlain

  • Area: Approximately 4.5 square miles
  • Population: 2,496 (2024 estimate)
  • ZIP Code: 57325
  • Latitude and Longitude: 43.8111° N, 99.3372° W

Chamberlain, the county seat of Brule County, is situated on the east bank of the Missouri River, near Lake Francis Case. Established in the late 19th century, the city was named after Selah Chamberlain, a director of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad, reflecting its origins as a pivotal railroad town. Over time, Chamberlain has evolved into a vital hub for commerce and tourism, offering picturesque river views and serving as a gateway to the western regions of South Dakota.

The city is home to Chamberlain High School, which serves the educational needs of the local community. A notable landmark is the South Dakota Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have contributed significantly to the state’s heritage. Additionally, the 50-foot-tall “Dignity” statue, located nearby, stands as a tribute to the Native American cultures of the region, symbolizing the rich cultural tapestry of South Dakota.

Kimball

  • Area: Approximately 3.44 square miles
  • Population: 584 (2024 estimate)
  • ZIP Code: 57355
  • Latitude and Longitude: 43.7461° N, 98.9606° W

Kimball, located just north of Interstate 90, was first known as Stake 48 during the expansion of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad in 1880. The town was later named after J.W. Kimball, a railroad surveyor, and was officially organized in 1883. Kimball’s history includes resilience in the face of adversity, notably rebuilding after significant fires in 1890 and 1905, which led to the adoption of more fire-resistant construction materials.

The town is served by Kimball School District, providing education from elementary through high school levels. A prominent landmark is the Holy Trinity Church, originally built in 1895 in the town of Bendon and later moved to Kimball in 1982 to preserve its historical significance. The church is exemplary of the Bohemian religious architecture brought by Czech immigrants and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pukwana

  • Area: Approximately 0.77 square miles
  • Population: 239 (2024 estimate)
  • ZIP Code: 57370
  • Latitude and Longitude: 43.7744° N, 99.1800° W

Pukwana was established in 1881 and has maintained a small-town atmosphere throughout its history. In 1955, the town made a notable attempt to relocate the Brule County Courthouse from Chamberlain to Pukwana, highlighting its aspirations for greater regional significance. Despite this, Pukwana remains a close-knit community with a rich local heritage.

Educational needs are met by the nearby Chamberlain School District, as Pukwana does not have its own school system. The town is known for its community events and serves as a quiet residential area within Brule County.

Bijou Hills

  • Area: Approximately 5.25 square miles
  • Population: 2 (2020 census)
  • ZIP Code: N/A
  • Latitude and Longitude: 43.5200° N, 99.1300° W

Bijou Hills is an unincorporated community named after a nearby group of hills. Laid out in 1875, it once had a post office that operated until 1957. In 1976, the Bijou Hills area was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, recognizing its unique natural features. Today, it remains a sparsely populated area, valued for its natural beauty and historical significance.

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