Cities and Towns in Roberts County, South Dakota
Founded in 1883, Roberts County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Roberts County was formed from Grant County. The city of Sisseton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 109, Roberts County has a population of 10,163 and area of 1,101 square miles (2,852 km²).
List of all cities in Roberts County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Agency Village, SD | 57262 | 605 |
| Claire City, SD | 57224 | 605 |
| Corona, SD | 57227 | 605 |
| Dry Wood Lake, SD | 57262 | 605 |
| Hammer, SD | 57255 | 605 |
| Linden Beach, SD | 57227 | 605 |
| Madsen Beach, SD | 57279 | 605 |
| New Effington, SD | 57255 | 605 |
| Ortley, SD | 57256 | 605 |
| Peever, SD | 57257 | 605 |
| Rosholt, SD | 57260 | 605 |
| Shady Beach, SD | 57227 | 605 |
| Sisseton, SD | 57262 | 605 |
| Sodak Park, SD | 57279 | 605 |
| Summit, SD | 57266 | 605 |
| Tekakwitha, SD | 57262 | 605 |
| Victor, SD | 57260 | 605 |
| Wilmot, SD | 57279 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Roberts County, South Dakota
Sisseton, South Dakota
Location and History
Sisseton, the county seat of Roberts County, is located in the northeastern part of South Dakota, near the Minnesota border. Situated along the shores of the Big Stone Lake, the city is approximately 30 miles west of the city of Ortonville, Minnesota, and 140 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. Founded in the late 1800s, Sisseton was named after the Sisseton tribe, a subgroup of the Dakota Sioux. The town grew rapidly during its early years, benefiting from its location as a regional transportation hub along the railroad. Agriculture and the fur trade were early economic drivers in the area, and as the town developed, it became a center for farming, ranching, and commerce for surrounding communities. Sisseton is also notable for its rich Native American heritage, with the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe being a significant part of the local culture and economy. Over the years, Sisseton’s economy has diversified, but it continues to maintain close ties to its agricultural roots, with farming, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock, remaining key to the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sisseton is served by the Sisseton School District, which includes Sisseton High School, Sisseton Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its academic achievements, sports teams, and community involvement. The city also boasts several landmarks, such as the Roberts County Courthouse, a historic building that houses county government offices. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, which offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe operates the Dakota Magic Casino, which serves as a major economic and entertainment hub for the area. Another notable landmark is the Veteran’s Memorial Park, which honors those who have served in the U.S. military. The Sisseton Heritage Center highlights the area’s history, including its Native American roots and early settlement. The town is also home to numerous local businesses and a strong agricultural presence. Throughout the year, Sisseton hosts community events such as the Sisseton Rodeo, a popular event for locals and visitors alike, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage.
Key Statistics
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 2,500 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57262
- Latitude: 45.6637° N
- Longitude: 97.0544° W
Wilmot, South Dakota
Location and History
Wilmot is a small town located in the northwestern part of Roberts County, South Dakota, about 15 miles southeast of Sisseton and 20 miles west of the Minnesota border. The town was founded in 1872, and like many small towns in the area, it developed as an agricultural center. Wilmot’s name is derived from Wilmot, Ontario, and the town grew as a stop along the railroad, which allowed local farmers to ship their crops and goods to larger markets. Throughout the early 20th century, Wilmot thrived as a regional center for farming and commerce, with grain elevators, general stores, and other businesses serving the agricultural community. However, like many rural towns, Wilmot experienced a decline in population in the latter half of the 20th century as mechanized farming and urbanization led to fewer residents. Despite these challenges, Wilmot remains a quiet, rural community with a close-knit population. Today, the town continues to be influenced by its agricultural roots, with many residents working in farming and ranching.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wilmot is served by the Wilmot School District, which includes Wilmot High School and Wilmot Elementary School. The district is known for providing quality education to the rural community, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular programs for students. Key landmarks in Wilmot include the Wilmot Community Center, a gathering place for social events, town meetings, and celebrations. The town is also home to the Wilmot Park, a small outdoor space for recreation, complete with picnic tables and playgrounds. The surrounding countryside, with its fertile farmlands, offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Wilmot is also situated near the Minnesota-South Dakota border, providing easy access to nearby attractions such as the Big Stone Lake State Park and the Ortonville area, which offers water recreation and scenic views. While Wilmot may be small, it remains an essential part of the agricultural landscape in Roberts County, serving as a peaceful, rural community for its residents.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 200 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57279
- Latitude: 45.4600° N
- Longitude: 97.3667° W
New Effington, South Dakota
Location and History
New Effington is a small town located in the northern part of Roberts County, South Dakota, near the Minnesota border, about 25 miles northeast of Sisseton and 10 miles west of the Big Stone Lake. The town was established in the late 1800s and initially attracted settlers looking for fertile land to farm. Early industries in New Effington were focused on agriculture, including wheat, corn, and livestock production, as well as some local businesses such as grain elevators and general stores. The town grew steadily until the mid-20th century when it saw a decline in population as larger agricultural operations replaced small family farms. Despite the decline in population, New Effington remains a small rural community that values its agricultural roots and small-town character. The town is named after Effington, Illinois, where many of its early settlers came from, and it still maintains ties to its farming heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Effington is served by the Sisseton School District, with local students attending schools in nearby Sisseton. The district offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, and the schools are an important part of the local community. Major landmarks in New Effington include the New Effington Community Center, which hosts events and serves as a gathering place for local residents. The town is also home to several small parks, including the New Effington Park, which provides outdoor space for recreation, picnicking, and relaxation. The surrounding farmland offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, particularly along the nearby Big Stone Lake and the Minnesota River. Although New Effington is small, its agricultural presence and rural beauty continue to make it a peaceful and welcoming place for its residents.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 120 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57255
- Latitude: 45.7306° N
- Longitude: 97.2981° W
Veblen, South Dakota
Location and History
Veblen is located in the southeastern part of Roberts County, approximately 30 miles south of Sisseton and 5 miles north of the South Dakota-Minnesota border. Founded in the early 1900s, Veblen grew as a small agricultural community centered around the railroad. The town is named after the famous economist and social scientist, Thorstein Veblen, who was born nearby in the region. Early industries in Veblen included farming, as the surrounding land is well-suited for growing crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans. The town also became a transportation hub for local farmers, with the railroad providing a means of shipping goods to larger markets. In the decades since its founding, Veblen has seen fluctuations in population, as with many small rural towns in the Midwest. However, the community remains closely tied to agriculture, and many of its residents are involved in farming or agricultural-related industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Veblen is part of the Veblen School District, which provides educational opportunities for local students. The district includes Veblen High School, which offers a variety of academic programs as well as extracurricular activities such as sports and music. Key landmarks in Veblen include the Veblen Community Center, a place where local residents gather for events and community activities. The town is also home to a small park, which serves as a venue for outdoor recreation and social gatherings. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking, particularly along the nearby streams and lakes. Veblen is a quiet, peaceful town, with a strong sense of community and an enduring connection to its agricultural roots.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57270
- Latitude: 45.7104° N
- Longitude: 97.2782° W
