Huron SD

Huron – Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, Huron blends small-town charm with rich prairie heritage. Known for its friendly faces and scenic beauty, this welcoming city offers peaceful living, outdoor fun, and family-oriented attractions. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, enjoying local events, or learning about South Dakota's history, Huron invites you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures.

• Population: ~13,500
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers (10–85°F).
• Places To Visit: South Dakota State Fairgrounds, Splash Central Waterpark, Dakotaland Museum, Ravine Lake Park, World’s Largest Pheasant Statue.
• Top Activities: Fishing and boating at Ravine Lake, attending the State Fair, biking trails, golfing at Broadland Creek, exploring the Huron Event Center.
• Famous Food: Classic Midwest comfort food, local diners, hearty breakfasts, and homemade pies from area bakeries.

Huron, South Dakota is a small yet vital community with a diverse local economy. Known for agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, this city offers steady employment opportunities across different sectors.

Top 5 Jobs in Huron, South Dakota

Huron, SD may be a small city, but it boasts a variety of cozy spots where students can unwind, take a break from their studies, and have a good time. Whether you're into nature, local eateries, or catching a movie, Huron has something to offer for everyone.

Campbell Park – Known for its beautiful greenery, this park is the perfect place to relax with a good book or enjoy a game of frisbee with friends. It's a wonderful spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic on a sunny day.

Huron Luxury Cinemas – Grab some popcorn and catch the latest blockbuster or a classic film. The comfortable seating and modern setup make it a great place to escape reality for a couple of hours.

Ravine Lake Park – For students who love the outdoors, Ravine Lake Park offers a serene setting with opportunities for fishing, paddle boating, or just soaking in the beautiful South Dakota scenery.

Huron Public Library – This is not just a place for studying. The library hosts various events and provides cozy reading corners where you can dive into a good book or spend time with friends.

The Plains – With its charming cafes and local dining options, The Plains offers a great atmosphere for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal or grab a coffee with friends.

Splash Central Waterpark – When the weather is warm, this waterpark is a fantastic spot to cool off, enjoy water slides, and partake in some fun, carefree adventure.

Huron, South Dakota, is a small yet vibrant city that provides access to quality higher education. While its local options are limited due to its size, the surrounding region offers a variety of respected public and private institutions. These colleges and universities contribute significantly to the region’s development, offering strong academics in areas such as agriculture, education, health sciences, and technology.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in or near Huron, SD

South Dakota State University (SDSU) – Located in Brookings, about 90 miles from Huron, SDSU is the largest and one of the most prestigious public universities in South Dakota. Known for its agriculture, nursing, engineering, and pharmacy programs, it supports students through strong research and hands-on learning experiences.

University of South Dakota (USD) – Located in Vermillion, USD is the state’s oldest university and is known for its law school, business programs, and health sciences. It offers a well-rounded education and a strong liberal arts foundation.

Dakota State University (DSU) – Situated in Madison, less than two hours from Huron, DSU is recognized nationally for its programs in cybersecurity, digital arts, and computer science. It combines practical technology education with academic rigor.

Mitchell Technical College – Located in Mitchell, just a short drive from Huron, this two-year public college offers specialized training in energy, agriculture, medical tech, and engineering-related fields. It's a leading choice for hands-on technical education in the region.

Lake Area Technical College – Based in Watertown, this school is nationally acclaimed for its strong student outcomes. The college provides associate degrees in fields like nursing, precision machining, diesel tech, and aviation maintenance.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in or near Huron, SD

Augustana University – Located in Sioux Falls, about 120 miles from Huron, Augustana is a top-tier private liberal arts college. It is known for its academic excellence in the sciences, humanities, education, and health-related programs.

University of Sioux Falls (USF) – Also located in Sioux Falls, USF is a Christian liberal arts college focused on values-based education and service learning. Its popular programs include business, education, and nursing.

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) – Situated in nearby Mitchell, DWU blends academic strength with a Christian-based approach. It has respected programs in education, business, and athletic training and emphasizes leadership and community involvement.

Mount Marty University – Located in Yankton, Mount Marty offers programs grounded in Catholic Benedictine values. Known for nursing, teacher education, and health sciences, it fosters a close-knit and supportive campus culture.

Presentation College (Aberdeen Campus) – Though recently transitioning to online options, Presentation was long known in eastern South Dakota for its allied health and nursing programs. The institution remains dedicated to healthcare-focused education under Catholic values.

Huron, South Dakota, is known for its tight-knit community and dedication to quality education. The city offers a few excellent public and private high schools that focus on both academic excellence and personal growth, helping students prepare for college, careers, and life.

Top Public High Schools in Huron, SD

• Huron High School – The primary public high school in Huron, it offers a range of academic courses, sports, and extracurricular activities. Students benefit from experienced teachers and a supportive community environment.
• James Valley Christian School (offers public programs) – While primarily private, this school offers public access programs. It focuses on character education and academic growth through Christian values and community service.
• Area Career & Technical Education Academy – Though not a full high school, this regional program serves Huron students with vocational and technical training. It gives students skills in healthcare, construction, and more.
• Huron Middle School (8th-grade feeder) – Serves as a transition to Huron High, offering advanced learning options in math and science, helping students be college-ready.
• South Dakota Virtual School (serving Huron area) – Offers online high school classes for students in Huron, giving more flexibility and course options for advanced learners.

Top Private High Schools in Huron, SD

• James Valley Christian School – A top private school in the region offering grades K-12. It emphasizes faith-based education, academic rigor, and moral development. It routinely performs well in state assessments.
• Holy Trinity Catholic School (K-6 with private transition programs) – While not a full high school, many students continue into private high school tracks through area partnerships. The foundation it provides is highly respected.
• Wolsey-Wessington School (nearby private options) – Offers private program tracks in partnership with education networks, including online and blended learning, geared toward smaller communities like Huron.
• Home School Cooperative Programs – Supported by several local churches and educational organizations, they offer structured learning for high schoolers, including science labs and literature discussions.
• South Dakota Christian Home Educators Association (SDCHEA) – Provides resources and a structured curriculum for Huron students learning at home under a private school model.

Huron, South Dakota, is a small city known more for its community events, such as the South Dakota State Fair, than for professional sports. While the city does not host any major professional sports teams from the big leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, or MLS, sports still play an important role in the local culture. The community supports semi-professional and amateur teams, and residents often cheer on college and state teams.

🏀 Basketball – Regional Support for Professional Teams

• No professional basketball team is based directly in Huron. However, basketball remains popular, with strong high school and recreational programs. Fans often support nearby NBA franchises like the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Denver Nuggets.
• Local youth and school teams are active in promoting the sport, and community events often include basketball tournaments.

⚾ Baseball – Summer Leagues & Local Talent

• While Huron does not have an MLB team, the city participates in amateur and semi-professional baseball through leagues such as the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association.
• In the summer, the Huron minor league or amateur baseball clubs attract local crowds and offer a fun, community-driven sports atmosphere.
• Residents often support major league teams like the Minnesota Twins or the Kansas City Royals as their favorite pro teams.

🏈 Football – College and High School Passion

• Professional football doesn't have a presence in Huron, but support is strong for college teams like the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the University of South Dakota Coyotes.
• High school football is a major attraction in the fall, bringing the community together under Friday night lights.
• Many locals also follow NFL teams such as the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos.

⚽ Soccer – Growing Interest and Youth Leagues

• Soccer is growing in popularity in Huron through youth leagues and school programs.
• Though there are no professional soccer teams in the area, many residents watch and support MLS teams like Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United FC.

🏒 Hockey – A Cold-Weather Favorite

• Hockey enjoys seasonal popularity due to South Dakota’s winter climate. Youth programs and local rinks allow kids to learn basic skills and join recreational leagues.
• While Huron doesn’t have a professional hockey team, regional NHL franchises like the Minnesota Wild are often followed by fans in the area.

Huron, South Dakota may be a small town, but it’s full of charm, history, and unique stories that make it stand out. From state fair fun to giant birds, here are some fun facts about Huron, SD:

1. World’s Largest Pheasant – Huron is home to the World’s Largest Pheasant, standing at 28 feet tall and 40 feet long!
2. Home of the South Dakota State Fair – Every year, Huron hosts the South Dakota State Fair, attracting thousands of visitors from across the state.
3. Named After a Tribe – Huron is named after the Huron Native American tribe, although the Huron people never lived in the area.
4. Presidential Connection – President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech in Huron in 1910 while traveling across the country.
5. Historic Downtown – Huron’s downtown district still features early 20th-century architecture, giving the town a nostalgic small-town vibe.
6. Center of the Pheasant Capital – Huron lies in the heart of pheasant hunting country, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts each fall.
7. Vibrant Murals – The city has embraced public art with colorful murals that reflect its history and culture.
8. James River Runs Through It – The scenic James River winds its way through Huron, offering fishing and boating fun in warmer months.
9. A Train Town – Huron was once a booming railroad hub for the Chicago and North Western Railway in the late 1800s.
10. Community-Minded Spirit – Huron is known for hosting community events year-round, from parades to music festivals and holiday gatherings.