If you’re curious about the numerous things to do in Watertown, SD, this article is specially written for you!
Watertown, South Dakota, has enough activities to do and iconic sites to visit that can satisfy even the most curious tourist.
The town has many attractions to keep you entertained and occupied throughout your stay. It is almost impossible to run out of options in Watertown, South Dakota.
The list is endless, from the historic Goss Opera House to the Bumble Park Zoo. Watertown is famous for many things, it houses the Redlin Art Center, which contains over a hundred and fifty legendary wildlife artist Terry Redlin’s original paintings.
Where is Watertown, South Dakota?
Watertown city is the seat of Codington County, eastern South Dakota, United States.
It was established in 1878 and was named for Watertown, New York.
Watertown, South Dakota, is a manufacturing hub known for manufacturing several things such as high-technology electronic components, welding equipment, mechanical tubes, construction equipment, et cetera.
Watertown, South Dakota, is also known for tourism. Tourism is also vital to the city’s economy with historical sites such as Bumble Park Zoo, Goss Opera House, et cetera.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Black Hills (SD)
Fun Things to Do in Watertown, SD
There are so many things to do in the beautiful city of Watertown, South Dakota, and we’ll show you some of them.
These are some of the exciting and adventurous things or places to visit while vacationing in Watertown, South Dakota;
1. Bramble Park Zoo
The Bramble Park Zoo has been in operations as far back as 1912 and comprises of 15 acres of land with approximately 500 wild and domestic animals representing over 130 (one hundred & thirty) various species.
They are an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1993.
Watch the Zookeeper Talks and Animal Training demonstrations daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In addition, they offer unique guided tours for groups of people, usually booked in advance and multi-purpose rooms to reserve.
Celebrate your birthday party at Bramble Park Zoo with Wild Birthday Parties. It is open all day of the week, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Address: It is at Terry Redlin Environmental Center 800 10th St NW Watertown, SD 57201, USA.
2. Buffalo Ridge Resort and Business Center
The Buffalo Ridge Resort and Business Center is a historic property whose history dates back to 1872.
The Resort was once home to South Dakota’s first School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
As of today, the property still retains much of its historical appeal, including a unique system of underground tunnels that helped the blind students travel from one building to another in lousy weather.
At the Buffalo Ridge Resort & Business Center, you will likely discover a fantastic blend of the past and present with a touch of western allure.
The Buffalo Ridge Resort and Business Center is the ideal place for business or leisure.
Address: The Buffalo Ridge Resort is at 1312 Coteau St Gary, SD 57237, USA.
3. The Century Gallery
It is in the heart of Uptown Watertown in the historically renovated Century Building.
Find Watercolor and Acrylic, florals, angels, landscapes, and abstract paintings.
Sandy Ellyson has many works of art, such as florals, landscapes, and abstracts.
Address: The Century Gallery is at 26 E Kemp Ave Watertown, SD 57201 USA.
4. Casino Speedway
The Casino Speedway Races in Watertown, SD, is a racing track that holds several races throughout the spring, summer, and fall months in Watertown, SD.
It is also home to the WISSOTA Series dirt track stock car racing.
The grandstands and all the racing excitement will ensure you have a great time in the warm summer months.
This attraction is accessible from April to September.
Address: The Casino Speedway is at 104 South Lake Drive, Watertown, SD 57201, USA.
5. Dempseys Brewery Pub & Restaurant
Dempseys Brewery Pub & Restaurant is the 2nd oldest brewery in South Dakota.
It is family-run, with an award-winning staff. They have over 21 tap lines, house-brewed beers, root beer, and cream soda.
In addition, they also have a full menu with made-from-scratch recipes, a full liquor rail, and over 160 seats.
There is atleast something for everyone here. During the summer, they have a deck with outdoor seating.
The brewery’s owner, Sean Dempsey, is a member of the US Pizza Team and is a winner of multiple awards.
The brewery is accessible from Monday-Saturday from 11:00 am-10:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am-9:00 pm.
Address: This attraction is at 127 North Broadway, Watertown, SD 57201 USA.
6. Codington County Heritage Museum
This museum is in the former historic Carnegie Library building in Downtown Watertown, South Dakota.
Many historical exhibits, fun events, and activities are happening at the Codington County Heritage Museum.
Address: This attraction is at 27 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201, USA.
7. Goodwin Lodge & Music Hall
Another fun thing to do when visiting Watertown, South Dakota, is to soak in some art and culture at the Goodwin Lodge & Music Hall.
Goodwin Lodge & Music Hall is a venue in Goodwin, SD, 10 miles East of Watertown, where cows outnumber humans 10-1.
The 100-year-old facility was recently renovated to be able to house a lodge and a 300-person music hall.
It is the perfect destination for a wedding, b, dinner theater, family or class reunion, concert, and much more.
Address: The exact address of this establishment, in case you’re thinking of going, is 141 West Chicago Avenue, Goodwin, SD 57238.
8. Golf on Kemp
You’ll find your favorite courses here if you’re looking to hit the back nine at dusk or dawn. So, come along with your golf clubs and try out the 43 different courses.
Use the Shooting Simulator to enhance your shooting skills and have hours of fun and enjoyment.
Ensure you make reservations before coming, as walk-ins are not allowed. Refreshments such as wine, pizza, and beer are readily available.
Address: Golf on Kemp is at 11 E Kemp Ave, Watertown, SD 57201 USA.
9. Dustin Sinner Fine Art
Dustin Sinner Fine Art is a locally owned and operated boutique in The Goss Opera House featuring Dustin Sinner’s original artwork, prints, apparel, merchandise, and decor items.
Dustin Sinner is proud of his South Dakotan heritage.
His passion has always been inspired by the traditions and pastimes of his home state of South Dakota and the good ole USA.
His love for entrepreneurship gave him the idea to re-brand and expand his vision into a brick-and-mortar retail experience.
Address: The Dustin Sinner Fine Art is at 100 East Kemp Avenue Suite D, Watertown, SD 57201.
10. Joy Ranch of South Dakota
This 126-acre piece of South Dakota offers a diverse landscape with fun activities and many opportunities to explore.
Joy Ranch remains a special place on a quiet lake in the middle of the rolling prairie hills.
Joy Ranch is ideal for events such as family reunions, business meetings, weddings, or any occasion.
Address: The joy ranch is at 16633 448th Ave Florence, SD 57235 USA.
11. Jackson Crossing Disc Golf Course
This Disc Golf Course was built with the help of the Watertown Park and Rec, TruGreen, and the Watertown Community Foundation.
It has nine challenging holes alongside the shores of Lake Kampeska at Jackson Park, 250 S. Lake Drive.
Disc golfers are steadily growing in numbers, and with this new course, they can offer more opportunities to meet the high demand.
Jackson Crossing is arguably one of Watertown’s top courses; everyone is invited to play around.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Brookings (SD)
12. Redlin Art Center
The Redlin Art Center is very popular because it houses over 160 original paintings by wildlife artist Terry Redlin.
It’s almost like traveling back to Terry Redlin’s childhood when you visit the art center in Watertown, South Dakota.
Each of his paintings on display tells a story and marks a specific time in Terry Redlin’s life and career.
While visiting, you can browse the beautiful gift shop and bring some of these nostalgic memories with you.
The Art Center is usually open year-round, and admission is free.
Address: The Redlin Art Center is at 1200 33rd Street SE Watertown, SD 57201 USA.
13. The Odyssey Grand 8 Theater
The Odyssey Grand 8 is a modern theater facility with 100% electronic lounger chairs with wall-to-wall screens.
Address: The Odyssey Grand 8 is on Southeast Highway 212 across from the Super 8 Hotel.
14. The Glacial Lakes Multicultural Center
The center provides education, referrals, and multicultural resources, including ESL classes, Work preparation and assistance with job applications, Citizenship classes, and translation and interpretation services.
Staff, interns, and volunteers believe in serving their neighbors through celebrations and community building.
The GLMC relies on donors and community investment to better equip the clients and community they bridge.
Address: The center is at 653 W Kemp Ave Watertown, SD 57201 USA.
15. The Goss Opera House
The Watertown, SD community rallied around and saved the 130-year-old Goss Opera House from destruction.
They also recently completed a $5M renovation to the building.
Modern touches help highlight the remarkable history of Watertown’s last remaining opera house.
The Goss also offers numerous spectacular spaces for perfect business meetings, family gatherings, or wedding celebrations.
It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a few people or a large crowd; the Goss Opera Center will comfortably host them.
Address: This attraction is at 100 E Kemp Ave Suite A, Watertown, SD 57201, United States.
16. Mellette House
The Mellette House was erected in 1885 by Arthur Calvin Mellette. Mr Mellette was the last governor of the Dakota Territory and the First Governor of South Dakota.
The Mellette Memorial Association has been able to restore this home to its former glory.
Some of the original furnishings and heirlooms presented by the Mellette family help make this historic spot special.
Address: The Mellette House is at 421 5th Ave NW Watertown, SD 57201.
17. Veterans Memorial Park
The Veteran’s Park, located on Lake Kampeska, stands to remember and honor past military Veterans.
The service wall has all the Veterans’ names carved on it to immortalize them for their active years of service.
The POW/MIA flag is on the south side of the memorial. Nineteen benches provide a resting place for visitors throughout the memorial.
Veteran memorial charges no Admission fees and is open year-round.
Address: The veterans memorial is at 90 South Lake Drive, Watertown, SD 57201, USA.
18. Thunder Road
If you enjoy go-kart racing or fancy a round of Adventure Mini Golf, then the Thunder Road will be ideal for you in the spring, fall, or summer.
Thunder Road is a fun park for the family located in Watertown, SD. It is loaded with fun activities for the whole family.
Thunder Road is a unique place to host several occasions such as your church group, office party, or get-together.
They also offer discounts that help make your party or event inexpensive and fun filled at the same time.
Thunder Road Family Fun Parks are great places to bring friends and family.
They provide clean family entertainment for all ages and create job opportunities for 100 people, from kids in high school, to adults who want a fun and exciting summer job.
Address: This attraction is at 825 3rd St SW Watertown, SD 57201 USA.
19. The Painted Fox
The Painted Fox aims to create an enabling environment for kids, families, or groups.
They help kids celebrate their birthdays with friends. Six kids are the minimum number required to reserve the party area.
Party packages start at $14 per child. Please call to reserve the party area.
The parties usually last for an hour and a half. You are welcome to bring your treats and decorations. There’s also a refrigerator and freezer for you to use.
The Painted Fox is a hands-on art studio offering paint your pottery, glass fusing, and clay hand building.
Address: The painted fox is at 208 E Kemp Ave, Watertown, SD 57201 USA.
20. Voodoo Dart Lounge
Voodoo Dart Lounge will serve all your darting needs. The lounge also offers regular in-house dart tournaments for every player level and is open to the public.
Also, they have a large selection of darts and dart accessories. Food and drink are also available.
Address: This attraction is at 916 5th Street Southeast, Watertown, SD 57201.
21. Watertown Family Aquatic Center
It includes a bathhouse with locker rooms, family change rooms, and a concession area. You can spend a day in the sun here
There’s a main pool with zero-depth entry, lap area, floatables, basketball goal, ¾ meter diving board, drop slide, water walk, frog slide, in-water playground, and four additional interactive play features guaranteed to get you wet.
Three slides are available at the aquatic center for those who love the thrill of the water.
Address: The Watertown family aquatic center is at 825 3rd St SW, Watertown, SD 57201 USA.