Cities and Towns in Spink County, South Dakota

Founded in 1873, Spink County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Spink County was formed from Hanson County. The city of Redfield is the county seat. With FIPS code of 115, Spink County has a population of 6,269 and area of 1,504 square miles (3,895 km²).

List of all cities in Spink County, SD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ashton, SD	57424	605
Athol, SD	57424	605
Brentford, SD	57429	605
Chelsea, SD	57465	605
Conde, SD	57434	605
Crandall, SD	57434	605
Doland, SD	57436	605
Frankfort, SD	57440	605
Mellette, SD	57461	605
Northville, SD	57465	605
Redfield, SD	57469	605
Spink Colony, SD	57440	605
Spottwood, SD	57476	605
Tulare, SD	57476	605
Turton, SD	57477	605
Verdon, SD	57434	605
Zell, SD	57469	605

Major Cities and Towns in Spink County, South Dakota

Redfield, South Dakota

Location and History

Redfield, the county seat of Spink County, is located in east-central South Dakota, about 45 miles north of the Missouri River and 75 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. The city was founded in 1881 when the Chicago and Northwestern Railway established a railroad depot in the area. Redfield was named after the railroad executive, James Redfield, and quickly became a major center for commerce and agriculture. As a transportation hub, Redfield saw significant growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving the surrounding farming and ranching communities. Agriculture, particularly wheat, corn, and cattle, has remained the backbone of Redfield’s economy. Over time, the town developed a strong sense of community, with local businesses, schools, and cultural institutions playing an important role in its growth. Despite its small size, Redfield is a regional center for services such as healthcare, retail, and education, and it retains a strong connection to its agricultural roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Redfield is served by the Redfield School District, which includes Redfield High School, Redfield Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic teams. Key landmarks in Redfield include the Spink County Courthouse, which is an architectural landmark in the city, reflecting its role as the county seat. The Redfield Carnegie Library, a historic building, serves as a cultural center and is home to a variety of community programs and events. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the local parks, including the Redfield City Park, which features sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The nearby Lake Redfield offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The town also celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Spink County Fair, which draws visitors from the region for a variety of events, including rodeos, livestock shows, and entertainment.

Key Statistics

• Area: 1.5 square miles
• Population: 2,300 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57469
• Latitude: 44.8770° N
• Longitude: 98.5292° W

Frankfort, South Dakota

Location and History

Frankfort is a small town located in the northeastern part of Spink County, South Dakota, about 25 miles north of Redfield and 70 miles east of Pierre. Founded in 1882, Frankfort was named after Frankfurter, Germany, reflecting the German heritage of many of the early settlers. The town grew rapidly in the late 19th century, benefiting from its location along the railroad, which facilitated transportation and trade for local farmers and businesses. Much like other towns in the area, Frankfort was primarily an agricultural community, with crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans being central to its economy. However, the rise of mechanized farming and the decline of the railroad significantly reduced the town’s population and economic activity over time. Despite these challenges, Frankfort remains a close-knit community, with many residents involved in agriculture and local businesses. Its peaceful, rural setting continues to attract people who seek a quiet, small-town lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Frankfort is part of the Faulkton Area School District, and while the town does not have its own high school, students attend schools in nearby Faulkton. The district offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Landmarks in Frankfort include the Frankfort Community Center, which serves as a venue for various community events and gatherings. The town also boasts several parks, including the Frankfort City Park, which features sports fields and picnic areas. The surrounding landscape, with its expansive farmland and scenic views, offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. Frankfort’s small but dedicated community is closely tied to the land, and many residents continue to farm or operate small businesses that serve the needs of the local population. The quiet, rural charm of Frankfort makes it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the bustle of larger cities.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: 150 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57440
• Latitude: 44.6700° N
• Longitude: 98.5425° W

Whitney, South Dakota

Location and History

Whitney is a small, rural town located in the southwestern part of Spink County, South Dakota, near the junction of U.S. Highway 281 and South Dakota Highway 37. Founded in the early 1900s, Whitney’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, with many settlers coming to the area to farm the fertile land. Like many small towns in South Dakota, Whitney grew rapidly during the early 20th century, reaching its peak population during the Great Depression. However, over time, Whitney saw a population decline as mechanized farming reduced the need for local labor, and many younger residents moved to larger cities for better opportunities. Today, Whitney is a quiet community with a strong agricultural presence. The town remains closely tied to farming and ranching, with a few local businesses that support the surrounding farming community. Whitney is a peaceful town that offers a simple, rural lifestyle to its residents, many of whom are involved in farming or agriculture-related industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Whitney is part of the Redfield School District, with students attending schools in Redfield or other nearby communities. The district is known for its academic achievements and extracurricular programs. While Whitney itself does not have many large-scale landmarks, it is surrounded by the natural beauty of South Dakota’s prairies and farmland. Outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking are popular in the area, particularly along the nearby James River, which offers fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The town is also home to a small park where residents can enjoy picnicking and other outdoor activities. The surrounding countryside is home to several small family farms that produce crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Whitney’s location in the heart of South Dakota’s farming country makes it an ideal place for those who appreciate rural life and the agricultural way of living.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.3 square miles
• Population: 50 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57461
• Latitude: 44.5175° N
• Longitude: 98.3803° W

Tulare, South Dakota

Location and History

Tulare is a small town located in the western part of Spink County, South Dakota, approximately 20 miles south of Redfield. The town was founded in 1906 and named after Tulare, California, reflecting the migration of settlers from the West Coast to the Midwest. Tulare developed as an agricultural community, with the fertile land surrounding the town being used for growing crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans. The town also served as a railroad stop, and its early growth was tied to the transportation of agricultural products. Over the years, Tulare has remained a quiet rural community, with many of its residents still working in agriculture. The town has seen population declines in recent decades, as larger farming operations and mechanized agriculture have reduced the need for local labor. However, Tulare remains a close-knit community, with a small group of residents maintaining the town’s rural traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Tulare is part of the Tulare-Burke School District, with students attending Tulare High School and Burke School in nearby towns. The district offers a strong education in both academics and athletics, with several extracurricular programs available for students. Landmarks in Tulare include the Tulare City Park, which offers a variety of recreational amenities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and a walking path. The town is also home to several local businesses that provide services to the surrounding farming community. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the nearby prairies and the James River, which offers fishing, boating, and wildlife watching opportunities. Despite its small size, Tulare continues to serve as a hub for the agricultural community in western Spink County, and it retains a strong sense of pride in its rural roots and agricultural traditions.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.5 square miles
• Population: 150 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57476
• Latitude: 44.3525° N
• Longitude: 98.5023° W