Watertown SD

Watertown – Nestled in the heart of eastern South Dakota, Watertown is a charming city full of Midwestern hospitality, scenic beauty, and rich history. From peaceful lakeside views to vibrant local arts, this friendly community offers something for everyone. Whether you're exploring the historic downtown, spending time outdoors, or enjoying local events, Watertown is a welcoming place where tradition meets progress.

• Population: ~22,600
• Weather: Cold winters and warm summers (5-85°F); snowfall common from November to March.
• Places To Visit: Bramble Park Zoo, Redlin Art Center, Lake Kampeska, Terry Redlin Environmental Center, Codington County Heritage Museum.
• Top Activities: Boating on Lake Pelican, fishing year-round, biking trails, visiting art galleries, enjoying local dining spots.
• Famous Food: Steak at Minervas Restaurant, homemade pie at Stockman’s Café, burgers at The Drake, and fresh brews from Watertown Brewing Company.

Watertown, SD is a growing city in northeastern South Dakota that supports a diverse economy. Major industries include manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. The city’s location and industrial parks attract skilled labor, while its strong healthcare and education systems provide great career opportunities.

Top 5 Jobs in Watertown, SD

Watertown, SD, may be a small city, but it offers some great spots for students to kick back, relax, and enjoy some downtime. From beautiful parks to entertainment venues, there's something for everyone to enjoy here.

Bramble Park Zoo – A fantastic place to unwind and explore with friends, the zoo is home to a variety of animals and offers a relaxing, fun outing on a sunny day.

Terry Redlin Art Center – Dive into the world of art at this impressive gallery showcasing the works of famed artist Terry Redlin. It's a serene spot to relax and get inspired by beautiful art.

Goss Opera House – This historic venue is the place to catch live music, theater, or just enjoy a nice meal in its charming cafe. It's a cultural hub where students can enjoy a mix of activities.

Pelican Lake Recreation Area – Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this area offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. It's a great spot to chill and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Watertown Mall – Whether you're in for some retail therapy or just want to grab a bite to eat, the mall offers a laid-back experience with its mix of stores and dining options.

Stokes-Thomas City Park – Located on the shores of Lake Kampeska, this park provides sandy beaches, picnic areas, and stunning lake views, making it an ideal place to relax and have fun with friends.

Watertown, South Dakota is a vibrant city that offers quality education through a range of colleges and universities. Whether you're interested in technical skills, continuing education, or liberal arts, the city supports students on their academic and professional journey.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Watertown

Lake Area Technical College (LATC) – One of the top-ranked two-year colleges in the nation, LATC offers hands-on training in nursing, agriculture, automotive technology, and more. Known for strong job placement rates and student satisfaction, it’s a popular choice for workforce-ready degrees and diplomas.

South Dakota State University – Extension Office – While not a full campus, SDSU maintains an active extension presence in Watertown. It provides valuable agricultural research, community education, and youth development services through 4-H programs.

Watertown Regional Technical Education Center – A public center bridging high school students and technical education. It partners with LATC to prepare students for careers in welding, manufacturing, and other skilled trades.

Northeast Technical High School Career & Technical Education Programs – In partnership with public agencies and colleges, this high school offers early college credit and vocational training, offering students a head start on their careers or continued education.

Adult Education and Literacy Program – Cornerstones Career Learning Center – A publicly funded option for adult learners seeking GED completion, job skills, or English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, this program supports lifelong learning for local residents.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Watertown

Mount Marty University – Watertown Location – This private Catholic university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, education, and business. Known for its student-centered approach, it brings small class sizes and personalized support to the Watertown area.

Presentation College (Aberdeen, SD – Nearby) – A private Catholic institution located a short drive from Watertown, Presentation College is well-regarded for its health sciences programs, particularly in nursing and radiologic technology. Online options extend its reach to Watertown residents.

University of Sioux Falls (USF) – Online Programs – While based in Sioux Falls, USF offers accessible online degrees in business, teaching, nursing, and leadership that serve Watertown students seeking a private Christian education without relocating.

Dakota Wesleyan University – Online & Continuing Education – With a focus on mentorship and faith-based learning, Dakota Wesleyan University offers online programs that are popular among adult learners and working professionals in Watertown.

Globe University – Previously Served Watertown via Online Courses – Though now closed, Globe University once provided online career training in business, medical assisting, and technology to Watertown students seeking flexible, private college options.

Watertown, South Dakota is home to several high schools that provide excellent educational opportunities and strong academic programs. From public institutions to private faith-based schools, students have options that support both their studies and personal growth.

• Watertown High School – As the primary public high school in Watertown, this school offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. With Advanced Placement courses and a focus on college readiness, it's a top choice for local students.
• LATI High School Program – Partnered with Lake Area Technical College, this program allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school. It's a great option for career-focused education.
• Great Plains Lutheran High School – A private, Christian-based high school that offers a strong academic foundation with small class sizes and individualized attention. It promotes faith, leadership, and service.
• Immaculate Conception School – Though it only goes up to 8th grade, many students transition to affiliated high schools nearby. The school builds strong academic and moral foundations that continue into secondary education.
• Open Bible Christian School – A small private high school that focuses on Christian education. Students benefit from close mentoring, personalized instruction, and a values-centered environment.

Watertown, South Dakota is a vibrant community known for its love of sports and local pride, but unlike major metropolitan cities, it does not host any professional sports teams in the major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS. Instead, Watertown supports regional and semi-professional teams while celebrating its strong high school and college athletics.

🏀 Basketball – Local and College Teams

• Watertown High School Arrows – The Arrows are central to the local sports culture, with boys’ and girls’ teams competing at a high level in South Dakota’s high school sports system.
• Lake Area Technical College – While not known for a major sports program, LATC supports recreational athletics and has intramural sports options for students, helping to grow local basketball talent.

⚾ Baseball – Amateur and Summer Teams

• Watertown Lakers Baseball – A prominent American Legion baseball team offering a competitive outlet for young athletes in the city. The team frequently competes in regional and state-level tournaments.
• Watertown Rebels – An amateur men's baseball team that plays in South Dakota's highly competitive amateur baseball league, representing the community in the summer league circuit.

🏈 Football – High School and Local Programs

• Watertown High School Arrows Football – Friday night games draw large crowds as the Arrows are a source of pride in Watertown, competing in Class 11AA—the second-highest division in South Dakota football.
• Youth and Recreational Leagues – Several community-based youth football leagues help develop the next generation of players while promoting physical fitness and team spirit.

⚽ Soccer – Youth and Club Level

• Watertown Soccer Association – Offers a strong youth soccer program for kids of all ages and skill levels. The association hosts tournaments and league play throughout the region.
• Watertown Storm – A local competitive club team that represents Watertown in statewide soccer tournaments and helps train young athletes in advanced soccer strategies.

🏒 Hockey – Watertown Lakers

• Watertown Lakers Hockey – Playing at Maas Ice Arena, the Lakers are a respected high school hockey team in South Dakota. They compete in the South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association (SDAHA) and are a major part of local sports life during the winter season.
• Youth Hockey Programs – Watertown also fosters youth hockey through developmental leagues, introducing the sport to young kids and preparing them for competitive play.

Even though Watertown, SD does not have its own professional teams, the city’s strong school spirit, enthusiastic community support, and active participation in youth and amateur sports create a lively sports culture. Local athletes often go on to compete at collegiate levels, making the town a proud launching pad for sports talent.

Watertown, South Dakota, is a charming city with a rich history, scenic beauty, and small-town charm. It’s full of interesting stories, fun attractions, and hidden gems that make it a unique place to visit or live. Here are some fun facts about Watertown:

1. Birthplace of Redlin – Watertown is the hometown of famous wildlife artist Terry Redlin, whose art gallery draws thousands each year.
2. Lake Life – The city is located between Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake, making it perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.
3. Zoo in the City – The Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown is home to over 500 animals and offers hands-on learning experiences.
4. First Class Education – Watertown is home to Lake Area Technical College, one of the top-ranked two-year colleges in the country.
5. Historic Railroad Roots – Watertown was founded in 1879 when the railroad came through, and its easy access helped it grow fast.
6. Beautiful Murals – Downtown Watertown features vibrant public murals that celebrate the city’s history and culture.
7. Airport Access – Despite its small size, Watertown has its own regional airport with flights to major cities.
8. Winter Sports Central – In winter, you’ll find locals ice fishing, snowmobiling, and even skating right on the lakes.
9. Historic Goss Opera House – The beautifully restored Goss Opera House hosts music, dining, and special events in a grand setting.
10. Honoring Veterans – Watertown is home to the South Dakota Veterans Memorial Park, a peaceful place to reflect and honor those who served.