Huron
Nestled in northeast South Dakota’s Glacial Lakes & Prairies region, Huron is a small town surrounded by wide open grasslands — but it’s larger-than-life attractions just might surprise you. Entering town from the east on U.S. Highway 14, one of the first things you’ll notice is a pheasant — a BIG one. Standing 28 feet and weighing 22 tons, the World’s Largest Pheasant celebrates Huron’s spirit of doing big things, whether it’s hosting the annual South Dakota State Fair or offering some of the best pheasant hunting in the nation.
Top Things to Do in Huron
Once you get your picture with the World’s Largest Pheasant, keep exploring! Waterslides, swimming pools and a lazy river make Splash Central Waterpark a perfect place to cool off in the summer. Head downtown to shop and see Murals on the Town, an outdoor art project that brings Huron’s history to life on building walls. Huron is home to trailblazers like Gladys Pyle, the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate, and former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, who once helped run the family’s drugstore. You can still visit Humphrey Drug today and tour the Pyle House Museum.
In addition to the annual South Dakota State Fair, the fairgrounds host livestock and equestrian events at the Dakota Events CompleX (DEX) and car races at the Dakota State Fair Speedway. For slower-paced pleasures, enjoy a stroll or picnic at Memorial Park; set along the James River, the on-site campground offers numerous campsites, some with full hookups. A paved trail follows the river and connects to Ravine Lake Recreation Area’s sandy beaches, miniature golf, paddle boats, picnic tables and an accessible fishing area for anglers with disabilities. Read more about parks and trails in Huron.
Annual Festivals & Events
- More than 200,000 people descend on the South Dakota State Fair each summer for five days of carnival rides, championship rodeo events, antique tractor and classic car shows, and nationally touring entertainment. There’s also a beer garden, wine pavilion and, of course, craveable fair food.
- Wheel Jam is the ultimate car, truck and motorcycle festival, featuring everything from stock car races and poker runs to show n’ shines and burnout competitions.
- Sample all the barbecue and chili you can eat at the South Dakota BBQ Championships. Held during Wheel Jam, this event is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society and showcases national pitmasters.
- Hunters will love the Ringneck Festival and Bird Dog Challenge. Thirty teams from around the country face off in hunting competitions, including a competitive pheasant hunt and a bird dog challenge.
- Don’t miss the annual Scarecrow Festival, where artists of all ages create their own scarecrows for a fun fall competition.
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