Chester, South Dakota

Southeast Region of South Dakota

Lake County 43

Chester is part of Lake Country. It is 40 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. Population: 187

On the South Dakota license plates, Lake Country is # 43.

Lake County is one of 66 counties in South Dakota

Surrounded by lakes!!!

Chester is surrounded by many lakes!! These lakes include Brandt Lake, Round Lake, Skunk Creek, and Long Lake.

Other area lakes include Lake Herman and Lake Madison.

Many people spend their weekends boating and relaxing by these lakes.

Agricultural Community

Chester is a farm community. Farmers raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa, flax, and oats. 4-H’ers bring many projects and livestock to the State Fair in Huron.

Damaging Tornado

In 1990, a damaging tornado destroyed half the town of Chester. Many businesses lost their buildings. For a short time, people were not allowed to enter the town because of broken pipelines.

Shortly after, the town rebuilt homes and businesses.

Chester  High School

The Chester High School was destroyed by fire in 1967. It was later rebuilt, joining other smaller communities of Franklin and Wentworth.

Old Chester School Chester Area HS