Dakota Life

In this Dakota Life story from 2011, SDPB takes a look at the history of some of the oldest stained glass in South Dakota.

Come with SDPB to the Wessington Springs Shakespeare Gardens.

A devastating tornado hit the community of Wessington Springs on June 18, 2014. In this Dakota Life story from November of that year, we talk with community members on how they are trying to rebuild and move on from the tornado.

Milbank, South Dakota is the birthplace of one of America's favorite pastimes, American Legion Baseball.

Milbank’s iconic Hollands grist mill, built by Henry Hollands in 1885, was painstakingly reconstructed between 1997 and 2009.

A group called Rails To Trails Conservancy wanted to revitalize the Highline railroad bed. By 1989, a plan was put together for what we know as the George S. Mickelson Trail.

The Rise of truck travel was one of the reasons for the Highline's demise. By 1983, the line was declared abandoned.

The Burlington sent seasoned contractors to traverse the unique grade of the Black Hills. They completed 110 miles of track in just over 100 days.

November 2, 1889, was the day South Dakota became the 39th state and the day the Burlington and Missouri River Rail Road began laying track for what would become the Burlington, better known as the Highline.

Schmeckfest is an annual event that celebrates the heritage (and food) of the Mennonite Germans from Russia who settled in the area in the late 19th century. The event started in 1959 and continues to draw large crowds and heartfelt community support.