Eureka, SD

Quick City Facts

County: McPherson
Population (2019): 826
Population (2010): 868

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

The idea of naming South Dakota’s state dessert began in Eureka. When a bill appeared suggesting Kucken as South Dakota’s state dessert at the House State Affairs Committee, a large group of Eurekans again were present to testify on behalf of the bill, present a skit, and hand out kuchen samples. It passed that committee 11-1, however it was defeated on the House floor 41-26. The next year, kuchen did not fall by the wayside. As more people became familiar with kuchen, support for the state dessert grew. Many people across the state were surprised to learn that kuchen was not already the state dessert. Letters were sent to every town in the state asking if they wished to support the bill naming kuchen as the state dessert. Seventeen towns in addition to Eureka gave written support for the bill. When HB 1229 was introduced in the House State Affairs Committee on February 7, 2000, only a handful of supporters were present, but they carried the written support of towns from across the state. The amount of kuchen samples was minimal. The bill passed 8-5. When the bill was on the House floor two days later for debate and a vote, members from South Dakota Economic Development Group (comprised of Eureka and Mobridge) and community leaders were introduced in the gallery. It passed 39-24.

History

With Eureka’s location at the end of the railroad, some historically saw Eureka become the largest primary wheat market in the world. Between 1887 and 1906 the wheat industry boomed in the city. In 1897, 43% of the world’s wheat was shipped from Eureka.

Recreation / Community Events

The fourth Saturday in June is the Eureka Gold Classic Triathalon with swimming, running and biking in the area. Retailers Appreciation Day is the third Sunday in August. The city hosts a free picnic in the park and outdoor entertainment.

Firemen’s Annual Pheasant Hunters’ Steak Fry is held the opening day of pheasant season, and the Eureka Pioneer Museum begins a Christmas celebration mid-October for those getting a head-start on their holiday festivities. The Eureka Pioneer Museum is located along J. Avenue in Eureka and is open April 15 through November 1ston Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with hours 9:00-noon and 1:00-5:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. No admission fees, but donations are welcome. The museum is operated by memorials and donations.

German Schmeckfest is held the third weekend in September with pioneer demonstrations, songfest and a German meal. The focus is on German Heritage.

Contact Information

  • Eureka Community Development Company, Inc., P.O. Box 134, Eureka, SD  57437
  • Phone: 605-284-2130 or 800-EUREKA-7 (800-387-3527)
  • Fax:  605-284-5329
  • Email: ecdc@valleytel.net
  • Website: eurekasd.com

Source: City of Eureka

Popular Attractions

Granite Sports

Granite Sports

Hill City

Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce

Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce

Pierre

Big Sioux Power Sports

Big Sioux Power Sports

Sioux Falls

Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille

Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille

Sioux Falls

Mama’s Phried & Phillys

Mama’s Phried & Phillys

Sioux Falls

Founding Fathers Black Hills at Independence Hall

Founding Fathers Black Hills at Independence Hall

Rapid City

Old Market Eatery

Old Market Eatery

Brookings

Hartford Steak Co. Tavern

Hartford Steak Co. Tavern

Hartford

Moonshine Gulch Saloon

Moonshine Gulch Saloon

Rochford

Pizza King

Pizza King

Brookings

Dahl Arts Center

Dahl Arts Center

Rapid City

McCrory Gardens

McCrory Gardens

Brookings

The Brass Kettle

The Brass Kettle

Aberdeen

Mama’s Ladas

Mama’s Ladas

Sioux Falls

Queen City Bakery

Queen City Bakery

Sioux Falls

Oglala Lakota Living History Village

Oglala Lakota Living History Village

Interior

Grille 26 by Minervas

Grille 26 by Minervas

Sioux Falls

Hot Springs Murals

Hot Springs Murals

Hot Springs

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.