Cities and Towns in Dewey County, South Dakota

Founded in 1873, Dewey County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Dewey County was formed from Armstrong County and Indian lands. The city of Timber Lake is the county seat. With FIPS code of 41, Dewey County has a population of 5,246 and area of 2,303 square miles (5,965 km²).

List of all cities in Dewey County, SD alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Cheyenne River Reservation, SD 57625 605
Eagle Butte, SD 57625 605
Firesteel, SD 57633 605
Glencross, SD 57630 605
Isabel, SD 57633 605
La Plant, SD 57652 605
Lantry, SD 57636 605
Lightcap, SD 57633 605
Parade, SD 57625 605
Ridgeview, SD 57652 605
Standing Rock Reservation, SD 57625 605
Timber Lake, SD 57656 605
Whitehorse, SD 57661 605

Major Cities and Towns in Dewey County, South Dakota

Timber Lake

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: Approximately 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Around 500 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Code: 57656
  • Latitude: 45.4283° N
  • Longitude: 101.0739° W

Location and History

Timber Lake, the county seat of Dewey County, is located in north-central South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Established in the early 20th century, the town grew as a result of the railroad and the surrounding agricultural development. Its name reflects the area’s natural landscape, which includes timbered hills and nearby water sources. Timber Lake is deeply connected to the Lakota heritage of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and continues to be a hub for cultural and administrative activities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Timber Lake School District serves the town, offering education from elementary through high school with a focus on academic and cultural programs. Key landmarks include the Timber Lake & Area Museum, which preserves and showcases the region’s rich Native American and settler history. Nearby, Timber Lake itself is a peaceful spot for fishing and outdoor recreation. Community events such as cultural festivals and rodeos are integral to the town’s vibrant life.

Eagle Butte

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: Approximately 1.6 square miles
  • Population: Around 1,300 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Code: 57625
  • Latitude: 44.9961° N
  • Longitude: 101.2322° W

Location and History

Eagle Butte, located in southern Dewey County, is the largest town in the county and serves as a significant cultural and economic center on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Established in the early 20th century, Eagle Butte expanded with the development of railroads and government agencies supporting the Native American communities in the area. The town is named after a nearby butte, which holds cultural and spiritual significance.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Eagle Butte is home to the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District, which provides education with an emphasis on Lakota culture and language. Landmarks include the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Headquarters, a vital center for governance and cultural preservation, and the Lakota Cultural Center, which offers exhibits and educational programs. Outdoor activities abound, with the Missouri River and local landscapes providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting. Annual powwows and community events celebrate the rich traditions of the Lakota people.

Whitehorse

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Around 140 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Code: 57661
  • Latitude: 44.7228° N
  • Longitude: 101.0433° W

Location and History

Whitehorse, a small community in Dewey County, is located on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation near the Missouri River. The town was named after a prominent Native American leader and developed as a ranching and farming community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Whitehorse remains a quiet, close-knit community that honors its Native American roots and rural traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Students in Whitehorse typically attend schools in nearby Eagle Butte or Timber Lake. Landmarks include the rolling prairies and hills that define the local landscape, offering opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and outdoor exploration. The proximity to the Missouri River enhances recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Whitehorse is also known for its cultural significance, as it plays a role in preserving Lakota traditions within the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.