Even though it was in the running for several years, Huron lost the chance to become its state's capital when that honor went to Pierre in 1904. However, the little town located on the James River in the midst of South Dakota's prairie did win the State Fair, now held the week before Labor Day each year. It's then that the community of Huron comes together to stand taller than the prairie grass, celebrate agriculture, and have fun with one of the largest exhibitions in the country!
In 1880, this town came into being because of the railroad
Even though it was in the running for several years, Huron lost the chance to become its state's capital when that honor went to Pierre in 1904. However, the little town located on the James River in the midst of South Dakota's prairie did win the State Fair, now held the week before Labor Day each year. It's then that the community of Huron comes together to stand taller than the prairie grass, celebrate agriculture, and have fun with one of the largest exhibitions in the country!
In 1880, this town came into being because of the railroad. The town site was originally located on the north shore of the river in 1879, and the site became headquarters of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, whose general manager named the town. Two parks were soon identified as possible sites for the fledgling state capitol building, but when the "other town" won the prize, a full city block in Huron became a neighborhood of stately Victorian homes built around 1906. Some of them still exist today.
Calling Huron Home
Distinct neighborhoods in Huron include City Center, which features small studio to 1-bedroom homes and apartments within walking distance of the major business and downtown shopping areas. Many of the buildings are historic, lending a unique character to the area. If that's the lifestyle you like, you should find rental houses or studio apartments in Huron fairly easily. If you live here, you can conveniently meet friends at Don't Spill the Beans, a popular coffee shop/bistro in Centre Plaza.
Cavour-Yale is a neighborhood full of historic homes built before 1939. In this walking neighborhood, a high percentage of residents work from home, and there are some grand old properties here. Following the river to the north gets you to Fowl Play, a popular dining spot on the shores of Lake Byron.
Two additional areas -- Dakota Ave. S. -- 45th St. SW and Custer SE -- 21st St. SE -- offer medium size to small suburban homes and apartments, many built between 1970 and 1999. Apartment complexes in these areas offer a range of sizes and amenities. You may also find appealing refurbished older homes. Primetime Tavern, a great steakhouse, is located at Dakota Ave. and 21st St. SE, near Southgate Shopping Center.
Getting Your Bearings
Huron is a welcoming little town with a population just over 12,000. It welcomes visitors and hunters alike with the "World's Biggest Pheasant," and sponsors a fall contest for the "best shot" -- photo shot, that is.
You can play golf at two municipal courses, get "cultured" with the local symphony orchestra, community band, and concert association, or enjoy drama at a community theater. Summer fun abounds at Splash Center Water Park and the adjacent Central Park, with its sensory garden and 1/3 mile walking loop.
Reasons to Love It
Huron is definitely the "Heartland" of America, and that's one of the reasons its residents "heart" it! Actually closer to Denver than it is to Chicago, it has an active regional airport and miles of good highway to allow residents to get where they're going quickly and easily. Most, however, like it just fine, with the river, the glacial lakes, and the wide open prairie for company and the giant pheasant to watch over the town! Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Charlie's Angel Cheryl Ladd both at one time called Huron home.
