Cities and Towns in Moody County, South Dakota
Founded in 1873, Moody County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Moody County was formed from Brookings and Minnehaha Counties. The city of Flandreau is the county seat. With FIPS code of 101, Moody County has a population of 6,315 and area of 520 square miles (1,347 km²).
List of all cities in Moody County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Colman, SD | 57017 | 605 |
| Egan, SD | 57024 | 605 |
| Flandreau, SD | 57028 | 605 |
| Trent, SD | 57065 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Moody County, South Dakota
Flandreau, South Dakota
Location and History
Flandreau, the county seat of Moody County, is located in southeastern South Dakota, approximately 45 miles north of Sioux Falls. The town was founded in the late 19th century, during the expansion of the railroad into the region. Named after the French fur trader, Joseph Flandreau, who established a trading post in the area, the town quickly grew as a stop on the railroad. It was incorporated in 1873, and by the early 20th century, Flandreau had become a center for agriculture, particularly for farming and livestock. The town’s location along the Big Sioux River made it a key trading hub, with industries related to grain milling and livestock production contributing to its early prosperity. In the latter half of the 20th century, Flandreau began diversifying its economy, attracting businesses and industries such as manufacturing and retail. It is also home to the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, which operates the Flandreau Santee Sioux Casino. Today, Flandreau is a small but vibrant town, known for its rich history and welcoming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Flandreau is served by the Flandreau Public School District, which includes Flandreau High School, Flandreau Middle School, and several elementary schools. The schools provide a variety of academic programs as well as extracurricular activities such as athletics and arts. The town also has a significant presence of private educational institutions. Major landmarks in Flandreau include the Flandreau Santee Sioux Casino, which offers a variety of entertainment options and is a major economic driver for the area. The town’s historical significance is reflected in the Moody County Museum, which showcases the region’s history, from Native American culture to early settler life. The Flandreau Indian School, founded in 1893, is another historic landmark and provides an important educational service to the Native American community. The Big Sioux River, which runs through the town, offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. Additionally, Flandreau is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, including the Flandreau City Park, which is popular for picnics and family gatherings.
Key Statistics
- Area: 1.25 square miles
- Population: 2,300 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57028
- Latitude: 44.0919° N
- Longitude: 96.5816° W
Colman, South Dakota
Location and History
Colman is a small town located in the northern part of Moody County, about 18 miles northeast of Flandreau. The town was established in the late 19th century, following the construction of the railroad through the area. Named after the Colman family, early settlers in the region, the town was incorporated in 1890. Colman grew as an agricultural center, with settlers focused on farming and livestock production. The surrounding fertile soil made the area ideal for growing crops like corn, wheat, and oats. Over the years, Colman developed into a tight-knit farming community. Though the town has remained small, it has remained an important stop on the region’s agricultural route, with residents primarily working in farming or agriculture-related industries. Colman’s rural charm and proximity to larger cities like Sioux Falls make it an attractive place for families looking for a quieter, slower pace of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Colman is served by the Colman-Egan School District, which operates Colman-Egan High School and the elementary and middle schools in the area. The district is well-known for its strong academic performance and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics and fine arts. The town itself has few large-scale landmarks but is surrounded by the picturesque countryside, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. Colman is also home to the Colman Community Center, which hosts various community events, including local festivals, sports leagues, and social gatherings. The town’s agricultural roots are still visible today, with large farms and ranches surrounding the town. Residents often visit nearby parks and natural areas for recreation, and Colman serves as a gateway for those traveling through the region to explore Moody County and its agricultural heritage.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 500 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57017
- Latitude: 44.2332° N
- Longitude: 96.5194° W
Egan, South Dakota
Location and History
Egan is a small town located in the eastern part of Moody County, about 20 miles east of Flandreau and near the Minnesota state line. Egan was founded in the late 19th century during the period of railroad expansion across the Midwest. The town was named after one of its earliest settlers, James Egan, and was incorporated in 1888. Like many towns in the region, Egan grew as an agricultural community, and its economy was primarily based on farming, with the surrounding land ideal for the cultivation of grains and livestock. The town’s location on the railroad made it an important stop for transporting goods, which helped to fuel its growth. Over time, however, the town’s population remained small, and it became more of a quiet rural community. Today, Egan serves as a residential town with strong ties to farming and agriculture, with many residents working on nearby farms or in agriculture-related industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Egan is served by the Egan Public School District, which operates the Egan High School and elementary schools. The district focuses on providing personalized education, with small class sizes and a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. Major landmarks in Egan include the Egan Community Center, which hosts a variety of events, from seasonal festivals to community meetings. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling farmland and scenic countryside, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Egan is also known for its local park, which offers recreational opportunities for families and residents. The nearby Big Sioux River provides further outdoor activities and serves as a peaceful natural feature that attracts visitors and locals alike. While the town itself is small, its agricultural heritage and scenic beauty are key parts of its charm.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 350 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57024
- Latitude: 44.2441° N
- Longitude: 96.4194° W
Trent, South Dakota
Location and History
Trent is a small, rural town located in the southern part of Moody County, South Dakota, about 10 miles southeast of Flandreau. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was incorporated in 1891. Named after a railroad executive, Trent grew as an agricultural center, with many of its early settlers involved in farming and livestock production. The arrival of the railroad in the area in the 1880s helped to establish Trent as an important trading point for goods and agricultural products. The town remained relatively small through the 20th century, with its economy primarily driven by farming, but it has become a peaceful, rural community with a focus on family life and agriculture. Trent is known for its small-town atmosphere and serves as a bedroom community for those working in nearby towns such as Flandreau and Sioux Falls.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Trent is part of the Flandreau School District, with students attending school in Flandreau or nearby educational facilities. The town also offers recreational opportunities, particularly through its parks and community center. The Trent City Park is a popular spot for family gatherings, picnics, and outdoor activities. Trent is also home to several local businesses that cater to the farming community, including agricultural supply stores and small-town shops. The area is dotted with scenic views of farmland and gently rolling hills, making it an ideal place for residents and visitors to explore the outdoors. While the town itself lacks large-scale landmarks, its rich agricultural heritage and rural charm continue to define its identity.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 150 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57065
- Latitude: 43.6701° N
- Longitude: 96.7367° W
