According to Liuxers, Deuel County is located in northeastern South Dakota and is the 40th largest county in the state. It was established in 1873 and named after Charles Deuel, a prominent local politician. The county covers an area of 1,091 square miles and has a population of 3,906 people as of 2020.
The county seat is Clear Lake, and other cities and towns include Astoria, Brandt, Gary, Goodwin, Kranzburg, Lake Norden, Toronto and Willow Lake. The economy of Deuel County is largely based on agriculture with crops such as corn being the primary focus. Other important industries include manufacturing and retail.
Deuel County is served by two school districts: Clear Lake School District and Deuel School District. There are two hospitals in the area: Deuel County Hospital in Clear Lake and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Gary. The county also has a law enforcement agency known as the Deuel County Sheriff’s Office which provides law enforcement services to all areas of the county.
The geography of Deuel County consists mostly of rolling hills with small lakes scattered throughout. There are several wildlife refuges located within its boundaries including Sandhill Wildlife Area and Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge which provide great opportunities for hunting, fishing, bird watching and more.
Deuel County offers plenty of recreational activities with its many parks such as Clear Lake State Park which offers camping sites as well as trails for hiking or biking; Gary Park which features a playground; Astoria Park which includes a swimming pool; Kranzburg Park which features a baseball diamond; Toronto City Park which boasts tennis courts; Willow Lake City Park which includes an amphitheater; Brandt Community Center & Museum; Goodwin Community Center & Museum; Sturgis Falls Festival Grounds & Campground; Good Earth State Park & Preserve; Sica Hollow State Park & Preserve; Lewis & Clark Recreation Area at Big Bend Dam; Big Stone Wetland Management Districts Nature Center & Trails System; Waubay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitor Center & Trails System; Waubay National Game Production Area Interpretive Trail System; and much more. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or cultural activities you can find it all in Deuel County.
History of Deuel County, South Dakota
Deuel County, South Dakota is located in the Northeast corner of the state and was founded in 1883. It was named after Alfred Deuel, a Swedish immigrant who was a prominent citizen of the area. The county covers an area of about 518 square miles and has a population of about 4,000 people.
The first settlers to arrive in the area were mostly Scandinavian immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The settlers were attracted by the fertile land and abundant wildlife in the region. They quickly began to build homesteads and farms around what is now Gary and Clear Lake townships. As more settlers arrived, more towns began to be built such as Astoria, Brandt, Goodwin, Kranzburg, Lake Norden, Toronto and Willow Lake.
Agriculture has always been an important part of Deuel County’s economy with corn being one of its primary crops. Other major industries include manufacturing and retail. In addition to agriculture, there are also many recreational activities available in Deuel County such as camping at Clear Lake State Park or taking part in festivals such as Sturgis Falls Festival Grounds & Campground or Good Earth State Park & Preserve.
The county is served by two school districts: Clear Lake School District and Deuel School District as well as two hospitals: Deuel County Hospital in Clear Lake and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Gary. The sheriff’s office provides law enforcement services throughout the county. There are also many wildlife refuges within its boundaries including Sandhill Wildlife Area and Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge which offer great opportunities for hunting, fishing and bird watching among other activities.
Throughout its history, Deuel County has seen many changes but it has remained true to its agricultural roots while also embracing new technologies such as manufacturing which have helped it to become a prosperous place to live and work today. With its rich history combined with modern amenities, it is no wonder why so many people call this beautiful area home.
Major cities and towns in Deuel County, South Dakota
Deuel County, South Dakota is home to a number of small towns and cities, each with its own unique culture and history. Gary is the county seat and boasts a population of just over 1,000 people. This town was founded in 1881 by Swedish immigrants, making it one of the oldest settlements in South Dakota. It is home to many historic buildings, including the old Deuel County Courthouse which dates back to 1890.
Clear Lake is another small city located in Deuel County. It was founded in 1885 by Scandinavian immigrants and has since grown to a population of nearly 1,800 people. This town offers a wide range of recreational activities including camping at Clear Lake State Park or taking part in festivals such as Sturgis Falls Festival Grounds & Campground or Good Earth State Park & Preserve. Clear Lake also serves as a trading post for farmers and ranchers who come from all around the region to sell their goods.
Astoria is another small city located within Deuel County’s borders. This town was founded in 1882 and has since grown to a population of around 350 people. Astoria is known for its beautiful scenery and quaint downtown area which includes several historic buildings such as the Old Astoria Town Hall which dates back to 1886. The city also hosts many annual events such as the Astoria Days Festival which takes place every summer at the local park.
Brandt is another small city located within Deuel County’s borders with a population of just over 200 people. This town was founded in 1883 by German immigrants who were attracted by the fertile soil that this region offers for farming purposes. Brandt has managed to retain much of its original charm despite its growth over time with many historical buildings still standing today such as Brandt Lutheran Church which dates back to 1891.
Goodwin is another small city located within Deuel County with a population of just over 200 people. This town was founded in 1886 by Norwegian settlers who were attracted by the abundant wildlife found in this region along with its proximity to Clear Lake State Park for recreational activities like fishing and hunting trips during their stay here. Goodwin also hosts many annual events like Goodwin Days Festival which takes place every summer at the local park where visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, craft booths and more.
Kranzburg is yet another small city located within Deuel County’s borders with a population of just under 200 people as well as being home to Kranzburg High School which serves students from grades 7-12 across this region. Kranzburg was originally settled by German immigrants in 1880 who were drawn here due to its abundance of wild game like deer and pheasants as well as being close enough for them to travel into Sioux Falls if needed without having too long of an arduous journey ahead of them.
Lake Norden is yet another small city located within Deuel County’s borders with a population hovering around 500 people today who are predominantly descended from Norwegian settlers who arrived here during the late 1800s looking for more fertile land than what they had left behind back home. Lake Norden offers visitors access not only into nearby Clear Lake State Park but also to other outdoor recreational activities like fishing on nearby Wolf Creek Reservoir or taking part in annual events like Lake Norden Days Festival held every summer at Memorial Park.
Finally, Willow Lake rounds out our list of major cities found within Deuel County with an estimated population hovering around 400 individuals today making it one of the smaller towns found here but still offering plenty for visitors looking for outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking trails along Willow Creek or attending any number of cultural events hosted annually including Willow Lake Wild Rice Festival held each August.
Airports in Deuel County, South Dakota
Deuel County, South Dakota is a great destination for those looking for outdoor recreation and cultural events. The county is also home to several airports that provide transportation services to the region. See South Dakota airports.
The first and most popular airport in Deuel County is the Clear Lake Airport, located just outside of Clear Lake State Park. This airport is used by both commercial airlines and private pilots for general aviation purposes. It has one runway with a length of 4,000 feet and a width of 75 feet. The airport also has a terminal building with two gates, as well as a control tower and other amenities such as car rental services and pilot lounge areas. The airport offers flights to various destinations around the state including Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen.
Kranzburg Airport is another option for travelers in Deuel County. This small airport has one runway with a length of 3,000 feet and a width of 60 feet. It serves mainly private aircrafts but also offers non-scheduled commercial flights to nearby cities such as Sioux Falls or Aberdeen. In addition, Kranzburg Airport features an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch options throughout the day.
The third major airport in Deuel County is located in Willow Lake. Willow Lake Airport has two runways: one with a length of 4,000 feet and the other with a length of 2,500 feet; both are 75 feet wide. This airport primarily serves general aviation purposes but also provides non-scheduled commercial flights to nearby cities like Sioux Falls or Rapid City on occasion too. Additionally, Willow Lake Airport provides car rental services as well as pilot lounge areas for travelers who wish to relax before their flight departs or upon their arrival back home at this facility.
Deuel County offers three major airports that provide transportation options to travelers visiting this region from near or far away destinations alike. Whether you’re looking for scheduled commercial flights or general aviation services; these airports offer something for everyone.