Kingsbury County: Discover Lakes and History

Kingsbury County combines a landscape of gently rolling hills, lakes, and ponds with the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder. In De Smet, historic homes, museums, and events take center stage; at Lake Thompson, water and outdoor activities shape the experience. When planning your trip, you can start by deciding which of these themes you would like to focus on most.

Lakes and Nature in Kingsbury County

Lake Thompson is designated a National Natural Landmark. Lake Thompson Recreation Area has 103 campsites, five camping cabins, and a group lodge. Fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing are possible at the lake; other outdoor recreational activities are also available. You can combine nature and a stay by the water with a range of activities here, from boating to wildlife watching.

The formation of the landscape is also evident in other bodies of water in the area: Silver Lake, a kettle lake, and the wetlands of Big Slough were formed by melting glaciers. Silver Lake and Big Slough are shallow lakes and wetlands. They provide important habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. For visitors interested in nature and landforms, this glacial history adds to the picture of the waterways today.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and De Smet

De Smet is in South Dakota’s Glacial Lakes & Prairies region and is linked in literature to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s five Little House books. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes offer guided tours of the Surveyor’s House, the First School of De Smet, and the Ingalls Home. Each building offers a glimpse of living conditions in the late 19th century and displays some original artifacts. Each of the three stops provides a distinct setting where you can learn about the history on a guided tour.

At the Ingalls Homestead, covered wagon rides cross the prairie to a one-room schoolhouse. Visitors can drive a team of horses or mules. In the schoolhouse, historic lessons and activities offer a glimpse of an ordinary school day. Activities also include making corncob dolls: you husk an ear of corn, wrap it in fabric, and take the doll home. Alongside stories about the past, hands-on activities are also a focus.

The Depot Museum in De Smet presents historical information and artifacts. These include De Smet’s original fire and curfew bell. Check current operating information before your visit. De Smet Cemetery is the final resting place of several members of the Ingalls family and other early pioneers. Another connection to the settlement’s history is the Wilder Homestead Historic Marker: it marks the tract of land that Almanzo Wilder farmed as a homestead, about one mile north of De Smet.

Art, Walking Tours, and Events

Calumet Avenue, De Smet’s main street, offers a walking tour through the town’s history, featuring historic buildings and interpretive signs. Along the same avenue, the Sculpture Trail showcases public art. QR codes on the pedestals link to information about the artists and artworks; the sculpture collection may change over time. A walk along the avenue lets you experience historic architecture and public art as distinct themes.

Events also give De Smet a cultural focus. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant is an annual outdoor theatrical event. From the stage, visitors look out at the cottonwoods planted by Charles and Big Slough. Old Settler’s Day takes place every year on the second weekend in June. The Plein Air Art event is also held annually, from the second Friday through Sunday in August; the specific dates may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for that year.

Discover more destinations: Oldham, De Smet, Yankton, Tripp County, Davison County, Lawrence County, Fall River County, Lyman County

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