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About Watertown

South Dakota’s Rising Star

Watertown, South Dakota, is a thriving city of 22,000 located along the Big Sioux River and framed by Lake Kampeska and Lake Pelican. This unique prairie community offers vibrant seasons and endless ways to enjoy them.

Spend the day swimming or relaxing at local lakes and parks, join year-round fishing tournaments for world-class walleye, bass, and northern, or head into the fields for some of the nation’s best pheasant, duck, deer, and turkey hunting.

Whether you prefer snowmobiling, hiking, playing ball, jet skiing, shopping, dining, or exploring concerts and art galleries—there’s something here for everyone.

Indoor & Outdoor Recreation

LATC students receive a free membership to the Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, which includes:

  • Eight-lane swimming pool
  • Sauna & whirlpool
  • Handball/racquetball courts
  • Weight rooms & Nautilus equipment
  • Indoor track
  • Gymnasium
  • And more

The Watertown area also offers:
Baseball/Softball • 30 Miles of Paved Trails • Boating/Fishing • Bowling • Mini Golf/Go-Karts • Golf • Hunting • Indoor/Outdoor Ice Skating • Snowmobiling • Sledding • Ice Fishing • Stock Car Racing • Outdoor Pools • Beaches • Indoor/Outdoor Water Parks • Tennis Courts • Movie Theatre

Shopping

You’ll find everything from local charm to major retailers, including:
Uptown boutiques • Coffee shops • Restaurants • Art galleries • Watertown Mall • Target • Menards • Walmart • Specialty shops

Learn more about shopping, dining, and attractions on the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce website.

Parks

  • Bramble Park Zoo – Home to 500+ animals, a Discovery Center, gift shop, playground, picnic areas, and outdoor concerts.
  • Memorial Park (Lake Kampeska) – Swimming, camping, boat launch, and concessions.
  • Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park (Lake Kampeska) – Modern camping, swimming, and a boat launch.
  • Lake Pelican Recreation Area – Fishing, camping, swimming, boating, and winter amenities including a warming house for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
  • Sandy Shores State Park (Lake Kampeska) – Water sports, boat launch, picnic areas, and camping.

The Arts

  • Redlin Art Center – A 52,000 sq. ft. architectural landmark housing more than 150 original Terry Redlin paintings.
  • Goss Opera House – A beautifully restored historic opera house offering world-class entertainment and a gourmet restaurant in Uptown Watertown.

Restaurants

Craving burgers, pizza, wings, subs, or something more adventurous? Watertown’s food scene has it all—from fast casual to fine dining. Many establishments offer delivery and welcome LATC students with open arms.

Festivals & Events

Watertown Winter Farm Show • Crazy Days • 4th of July Celebration • Cookin’ on Kampeska • Winter Wonderland

Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Presentation

To learn more about Watertown and all it has to offer, visit the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce website, or click through this informative presentation courtesy of our Chamber of Commerce. With so much to offer in our area, there’s never any reason to be bored!

2022 LATC Presentation by Ashley Johnson