Murdo, S.D., is off the Interstate 90 corridor extending across the state from east to west. This prairie city is the county seat of Jones County and the midway point between Mitchell to the east and Rapid City to the west.
This transportation museum is the largest attraction in the city of Murdo. The collection of antique autos, motorcycles and tractors encompass 395 vehicles. Among the oldest are a 1906 Model N Ford automobile, a 1914 Indian twin-cylinder motorcycle and a 1908 Avery tractor. The Hallmark Gift Shop sells collectibles from the 1950s. An entire service station, part of the authentic prairie town display and originally located in the South Dakota city of Vivian, has been restored here. Hungry visitors can eat at the 1950's Diner on the grounds. Each year, about a week before Memorial Day in May, features a weekend auto show, swap and auction.
Pioneer Auto Museum
503 E. 5th St.
Murdo, SD 57559
(605) 669-2691
pioneerautoshow.com
Restored buildings in this town include a U.S. marshal's office, blacksmith shop, general store, log cabin, a church from 1915 and a cowboy line shack. The time frame of the buildings and collected artifacts span the years from 1880 to 1920 and are representative of life in South Dakota. Buildings and memorabilia from the Kevin Costner movie "Dances With Wolves" are on display. Casey Tibbs, a rodeo cowboy who was a world champion in his sport, is remembered in the Vanishing Prairie Museum. Two gift shops in the 14-sided barn and at the Shell Convenience Store sell souvenirs.
1880 Town
PO Box 507
Murdo, SD 57559
(605) 344-2236
1880town.com
The city park is located near the City of Murdo Number 2 Dam west of Murdo. This 18-acre body of water was constructed and is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The park has playground equipment, picnic shelters and a volleyball court.
Murdo City Park
US 83 S.
Murdo, SD 57559
Murdo Dam, also known as North Dam, is five miles north of Murdo. The 41-acre lake created by the dam contains bluegill, perch, large-mouth bass and northern pike. A boat ramp and toilet is available for fishermen. The dam is referred to on the Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Region fishing chart published by Travel South Dakota as the Murdo Railroad Dam. The area is also popular for water-skiing and picnicking. White Clay Creek empties into the lake to the northwest. The White Clay Butte area with an elevation of 2,507 feet lies about four miles northeast of the Murdo Dam.
Murdo Dam
270th Ave.
Murdo, SD 57559
The Murdo Municipal Airport is a small airfield located five miles south of the city and Interstate 90.
Murdo Municipal Airport
US 83
Murdo, SD 57559
