Grant County Between History and Nature

Grant County offers a range of options to help you plan your trip: Milbank’s history, museums and recreational spots sit alongside a nature area nearby. Milbank lies on the south branch of Whetstone Creek in northeastern South Dakota. The historic Yellowstone Trail through Milbank is now known as US Highway 12; Milbank is also accessible via South Dakota Highway 15.

History and Museums

The Milbank Grist Mill was built in 1884 by English settler Henry Hollands and fully reconstructed in 2009. The Amsden Country School offers a different glimpse into history. Built in 1876, the schoolhouse had a single classroom: typically, one teacher taught grades one through eight at the same time. Together, the two sites explore different topics, from the construction of a mill to teaching in a schoolhouse.

The Historical House in Milbank was also built in the 19th century, dating to the 1880s. The Anderson Claim Shanty was built in 1879. A former Carnegie library building from 1905 now houses the Grant County Historical Museum, whose collection includes numerous historical artifacts. The museum is accessible by appointment only; confirm your appointment before visiting. The Dolan-Justice Memorial Museum commemorates people who were significant in the history of Milbank and Grant County. You can explore regional history through historic buildings, collections and the remembrance of influential people.

The Brown Earth Indian Church, also known as the “Old Indian Church,” was built in 1877 by members of the Sisseton and Wahpeton tribes. Access is open seasonally from early May through late November; check accessibility again before your trip. Another historical connection to Milbank lies in sports history: the American Legion Baseball League was first proposed in 1925 at a state convention of the American Legion in Milbank.

Agricultural and technological history is the focus of several museum exhibits. The Ag and Tractor Museums display machinery, tools and vehicles used by pioneers. Their features and exhibits include an early-era depot, an agricultural repair shop, a country kitchen with original furnishings and a Linotype typesetting machine. The Tractor Museum displays tractors from different years, including older John Deere tractors. The Buggy Museum is located in Stockholm, South Dakota. Its collection includes 22 fully restored or original carriages, wagons, sleighs and a hearse; the number may change as exhibits are added or updated.

Parks and Nature

Pribyl Park on the southern edge of Milbank has two softball fields, a baseball field, a skate park, a disc golf course and a small playground. Hurley Park offers different attractions: it has a splash pad and an ice rink; ice skating is seasonal. If you’re comparing recreational options, Pribyl Park has several playing fields and sports facilities, while Hurley Park combines a splash pad with seasonal ice skating.

The 100-acre Big Stone Island Nature Area is located near Grant County. It is a refuge for songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds. This natural attraction complements the cultural and historical sites and recreational offerings in the parks.

Events and Local Products

Farley Fest is Milbank’s annual summer festival. The program includes live music, a car show, a cornhole tournament, a barbecue competition, a parade, activities for children, vendor booths and food options. Its mix of music, competitions, a parade and market stalls offers several different activities. Check the dates before your trip; individual offerings may vary from one year to the next.

The Abbey of the Hills hosts group gatherings, retreats, concerts, holiday celebrations, lectures and dinners throughout the year. Since individual schedules may change, it’s a good idea to check specific event dates in advance. The Milbank Farmers Market offers a changing seasonal selection of local products: vendors sell goods they grow, raise or make themselves. The focus is on the origin of the products on offer, which change over the course of the year.

Discover more destinations: Milbank, Edmunds, Charles Mix County, Fall River County, Brown, Clay, Davison County, Kingsbury County.

For the main travel overview: South Dakota.