Cities and Towns in Todd County, South Dakota

Founded in 1909, Todd County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Todd County was formed from Meyer and Tripp Counties. The city of is the county seat. With FIPS code of 121, Todd County has a population of 9,286 and area of 1,388 square miles (3,595 km²).

List of all cities in Todd County, SD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Hidden Timber, SD	57555	605
Mission, SD	57555	605
Okreek, SD	57563	605
Olsonville, SD	57555	605
Parmelee, SD	57566	605
Pine Run, SD	57555	605
Rosebud, SD	57570	605
Rosebud Indian Reservation, SD	57570	605
Saint Francis, SD	57572	605
Spring Creek, SD	57572	605
Yankton Indian Reservation, SD	57570	605

Major Cities and Towns in Todd County, South Dakota

Mission, South Dakota

Location and History

Mission is located in the central part of Todd County, South Dakota, approximately 15 miles south of the city of Winner and about 30 miles from the Nebraska border. Mission was founded in the early 1900s and is named for the nearby Rosebud Indian Reservation’s Mission Church, a significant religious and cultural center for the Lakota Sioux tribe. The town was initially established as a service center for the nearby reservation, with a focus on agricultural and ranching activities. As the county seat of Todd County, Mission became the administrative and economic hub of the area. Over the years, the town has maintained a strong relationship with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and many of its residents are members of the tribe. Mission’s economy has historically been based on farming, ranching, and government services, with the town serving as a point of access to local resources and services for people living on the reservation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mission is served by the Todd County School District, which includes Todd County High School, Mission Middle School, and several elementary schools. The school district plays a vital role in supporting the education of the Native American population, offering programs that emphasize both academic achievement and cultural preservation. Major landmarks in Mission include the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Cultural Center, which showcases the traditions, history, and art of the Lakota people. The nearby Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which is linked to the original Mission Church, is another important historical and cultural site. The town is also home to the Mission City Park, a central recreational area that includes playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for residents to enjoy. Mission’s proximity to the Rosebud Indian Reservation provides access to a range of cultural events, powwows, and traditional ceremonies, which draw visitors and participants from across the region. Additionally, the surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting.

Key Statistics

• Area: 1.0 square miles
• Population: 1,200 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57555
• Latitude: 43.2378° N
• Longitude: 99.2720° W

White River, South Dakota

Location and History

White River is located in the western part of Todd County, South Dakota, along U.S. Highway 18. It is situated about 50 miles northeast of the Nebraska border and roughly 70 miles south of the city of Pierre. White River was founded in 1887 and named after the nearby river, which is known for its chalky-white water. The town developed as a trading post and agricultural center for the surrounding area, which is rich in both farming and ranching resources. White River was originally part of the Great Sioux Reservation, and the town grew as a service and commercial hub for settlers in the late 19th century. The town’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, ranching, and trade, and it continues to serve as a center for local businesses and services. Despite its small size, White River has been an important crossroads in western South Dakota and has grown to become a regional center for both the surrounding ranching communities and the Native American population in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

White River is served by the White River School District, which includes White River High School, White River Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district emphasizes educational opportunities in a rural setting, with a strong focus on both academic and extracurricular activities. The town is home to the White River Museum, which preserves the history of the area, including the local Native American heritage and the early pioneer settlement. The White River itself is one of the town’s major landmarks, offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. White River also features several local parks, including the White River City Park, which has picnic areas, sports fields, and walking trails. The town is known for hosting the annual White River Rodeo, which celebrates the area’s ranching heritage and draws visitors from across the region. With its rich history, rural charm, and connection to the surrounding agricultural lands, White River remains a key community in Todd County.

Key Statistics

• Area: 1.2 square miles
• Population: 600 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57579
• Latitude: 43.2896° N
• Longitude: 99.7785° W

Parmelee, South Dakota

Location and History

Parmelee is located in the northeastern part of Todd County, South Dakota, situated approximately 15 miles south of Mission and near the border of the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Parmelee was established in the early 1900s, primarily as a service settlement for the surrounding farming and ranching communities. The town’s name is derived from a family that settled in the area, and it has remained a small but significant community within Todd County. Like other towns in the region, Parmelee’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as cattle ranching. However, the town is also home to a significant Native American population, as it is located near the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Over time, Parmelee has served as an important point for community services, and it remains a rural center of commerce and activity for the surrounding area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Parmelee is served by the Todd County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Mission. The district offers education for students in grades K-12, with a strong focus on the cultural history and traditions of the Lakota Sioux people. The town’s landmarks include the Parmelee Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and social gatherings. Additionally, the Rosebud Indian Reservation is home to several sacred sites, and Parmelee residents have access to cultural events, powwows, and traditional ceremonies. The surrounding natural beauty, including the prairies and hills of the reservation, provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation. While Parmelee is small, it plays an important role in the cultural and agricultural fabric of Todd County and remains a close-knit community.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.5 square miles
• Population: 100 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57566
• Latitude: 43.2265° N
• Longitude: 99.3663° W

Grass Ranch, South Dakota

Location and History

Grass Ranch is a small, rural settlement located in the western part of Todd County, South Dakota, near the White River. Founded as an agricultural outpost, Grass Ranch’s primary role has been to serve as a support community for nearby ranches. It is situated in a sparsely populated area, and the town’s history is closely tied to the growth of local ranching operations. While Grass Ranch itself has remained small, its surrounding region has been historically important for cattle ranching, with large tracts of grassland that were ideal for grazing. The town is located close to the White River, and its location has made it a key stop for ranchers and settlers who have long depended on the region’s natural resources for their livelihood. Over time, Grass Ranch has remained a quiet community, with agriculture and ranching continuing to be the foundation of its economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Grass Ranch does not have its own schools; instead, students attend schools in nearby towns such as Mission or White River. The area is home to a few local landmarks, including the Grass Ranch Memorial Park, which provides a space for outdoor activities like picnics and community gatherings. The White River, which flows through the region, is an important natural feature for residents and provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. The nearby prairie lands also offer scenic views and ample space for outdoor recreation. Although Grass Ranch itself is small, it plays an important role in the agricultural landscape of Todd County and remains a quiet rural outpost for the local ranching community.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.2 square miles
• Population: 50 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57570
• Latitude: 43.2505° N
• Longitude: 99.5371° W