Jones County: Prairie, Local History and Experiences

In Jones County, vast open spaces meet abundant wildlife: the prairie landscape seems to stretch all the way to the sky. Around Murdo, you’ll also find attractions to suit a wide range of interests—from a large car collection and local history to activities on the water. You can choose whether to focus your trip on culture, scenery or recreation.

Cars, Local History and Architecture

The Pioneer Auto Show near Murdo has more than 275 rare and hard-to-find automobiles, displayed in 42 buildings. The attraction also offers a self-guided tour through its collection of rare motorcycles. The Pioneer Auto Show diner serves burgers, milkshakes and daily specials—a convenient dining option during your visit.

Murdo’s history can also be traced through specific events. A railroad named the town after cattleman Murdo MacKenzie. Lots were sold on July 12, 1906; more than 40 businesses and several homes had already been built by then. The naming of the town and the sale of lots are two distinct points in its history, while the buildings already in place illustrate its early development.

A distinctive structure in Jones County is the Freier Round Barn. It is the only known example in South Dakota of a prefabricated, wood-frame catalog round barn that was built from prefabricated components and has retained its historic integrity. This makes it one of the region’s notable architectural features.

Prairie and Outdoor Activities

The vast prairie and its wildlife shape the landscape of Jones County. The Fort Pierre National Grassland extends partly into the county. Together, the landscape and grassland give your trip a different focus from the exhibitions and local history around Murdo.

There are two different options for shore fishing: at Draper Dam, you can fish for bass and catfish; at the White River, for catfish. However, access to the White River is limited. Conditions and access can change, so check the latest information before fishing and take particular care to plan for access to the White River.

North Dam near Murdo has a weather-resistant dock and is suitable for boating. If you plan to go, it’s a good idea to confirm the dock’s condition before your visit.

Murdo City Park has a wheelchair-accessible walking path, covered picnic areas and a dedicated water feature. These amenities offer several reasons to visit the park, from a walk to a picnic break. If you rely on the accessible path, confirm its current condition in advance.

There are also specific options for sports: near Murdo, a nine-hole golf course has grass greens, and golf carts are available to rent. The Jones County Sportsmen's Club offers target shooting and archery. These are separate activity options, so you don’t need to plan the same kind of recreation for both.

The Murdo Municipal Swimming Pool has a large pool with a depth of 3 to 10 feet. There is also a one-foot-deep wading pool for small children.

Events and Trip Planning

Murdo hosts recurring cowboy events: the annual Pioneer Auto Show and Flea Market, the Rising Sun Rodeo and the Ranch Rodeo. If you’d like to plan your trip around a particular event, check the dates in advance. This lets you factor the events into your plans alongside the area’s scenery, culture and recreational activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Murdo, Jackson County, Edmunds, Yankton, Fall River County, Hughes County, Jerauld County, Lake County

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