10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Watertown, South Dakota
Looking for a laid‑back Midwest escape with lakes, wildlife, art, and small‑town charm?
Watertown, South Dakota in
Codington County is a great spot for a weekend getaway or a road‑trip stop.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, hanging out as a couple, or passing through on I‑29, there are plenty of things to do near Watertown that might surprise you.
Below are
10 fun things to do in Watertown, SD and the surrounding area that mix nature, history, and classic South Dakota experiences.
1. Meet Giraffes & Big Cats at Bramble Park Zoo
If you’re in Watertown,
Bramble Park Zoo is a must‑see. It’s small enough to enjoy in a couple of hours but big enough to keep the whole family excited.
You’ll find:
- Giraffes you can get surprisingly close to
- Big cats like tigers and lions
- Play areas and petting‑zoo style animals for younger kids
- Shady paths that feel great on a warm summer day
What makes this zoo special is how personal it feels. You’re not fighting big‑city crowds, and you can actually take your time at each exhibit.
Travel tip: Plan 2–3 hours here. Go early in the day during summer when the animals are more active.
2. Relax by the Water at Lake Kampeska
Watertown is wrapped in lakes, and
Lake Kampeska is the local favorite. It’s just a few minutes from town and offers that classic “lake weekend” feeling.
Things to do at Lake Kampeska:
- Swim at one of the public beaches
- Rent or bring a boat for fishing or cruising
- Kayak or paddleboard along the shoreline
- Have a picnic and watch the sunset
On a calm summer evening, the lake turns glassy, and the sky lights up. It’s the kind of simple moment that feels like a scene from a movie.
Travel tip: Bring a light jacket, even in summer. Lakes in South Dakota can get breezy once the sun starts to drop.
3. Explore the Terry Redlin Art Center
Even if you’re not usually an art museum person, the
Terry Redlin Art Center is worth a stop. Terry Redlin was a beloved American wildlife and landscape artist, and he grew up in Watertown.
Inside you’ll find:
- Warm, nostalgic paintings of small‑town American life
- Landscapes filled with wildlife, barns, and old trucks
- A peaceful atmosphere that almost feels like a retreat
The building itself looks like a grand lodge overlooking a pond, and the grounds are beautiful for a short walk.
Why it’s great for visitors: It’s free to enter, easy to navigate, and makes a perfect rainy‑day stop in Watertown.
4. Get Outside at McKinley Park & Local Trails
If you need a place for the kids to burn off energy or just want a simple walk,
McKinley Park is a local favorite. It’s one of Watertown’s largest parks and has a mellow, neighborhood feel.
You’ll find:
- Playground equipment for different ages
- Shaded picnic areas
- Open green space to toss a frisbee or football
Nearby, you can also find
walking and biking paths that weave through town and along the water. It’s an easy way to stretch your legs during a road trip.
Travel tip: If you’re staying in Watertown overnight, grab a morning coffee and take a stroll through one of these parks before hitting the highway.
5. Go Bird‑Watching at the Dakota Sioux Prairie & Nearby Wetlands
Eastern South Dakota is a dream for bird‑watchers and nature lovers. Around Watertown and Codington County, you’ll see open prairie, marshes, and sloughs filled with wildlife.
Keep your eyes open for:
- Waterfowl like ducks and geese in spring and fall
- Pelicans and herons near lakes and rivers
- Songbirds along fence lines and shelterbelts
Even if you’re not a serious birder, just pulling over at a safe turnout and listening to the prairie in the evening can be surprisingly peaceful.
Travel tip: Bring binoculars if you have them. And if you’re driving around rural roads, watch for gravel and slow down—this is farm country.
6. Step Back in Time at the Codington County Heritage Museum
Curious about what life used to be like on the South Dakota prairie? Stop by the
Codington County Heritage Museum in downtown Watertown.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Local history exhibits about early settlers
- Old photos, tools, and everyday items from the late 1800s and early 1900s
- Stories about how Watertown grew as a railroad and farming community
It’s a great place to get a feel for the area beyond what you see from the highway.
Travel tip: Check hours before you go. Small museums in South Dakota sometimes have limited days or seasonal schedules.
7. Stroll Downtown Watertown for Small‑Town Vibes
Downtown Watertown has that classic Midwest main‑street feel. If you enjoy exploring local shops and grabbing a coffee or ice cream, this area is for you.
Things to do downtown:
- Browse antique and thrift shops
- Check out local boutiques and gift stores
- Grab a bite at a café or diner
- Look for murals and historic buildings
It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm. It feels like a real working town, not a tourist trap.
Travel tip: If you like photography, downtown Watertown has some great brick walls, storefronts, and signs that make nice backdrops for travel photos.
8. Enjoy Fishing & Boating on Lake Pelican
Just a short drive from Watertown,
Lake Pelican is another popular local lake. It’s quieter than some of the busier spots and has a relaxed, low‑key atmosphere.
You can:
- Fish from shore or from a small boat
- Look for pelicans and other water birds
- Enjoy a peaceful evening by the water
If you’re doing a
South Dakota lakes trip, Lake Pelican and Lake Kampeska make a nice pair—each with its own personality.
Travel tip: Always check local fishing regulations and licensing rules if you plan to fish.
9. Catch a Local Game or Event
One of the best ways to get a feel for a small town is to join the locals at a game or event. In Watertown, that might mean:
- High school sports, especially football or basketball
- Seasonal fairs or community festivals
- Local concerts or theater productions
If you’re in town on a Friday night during school sports season, look for stadium lights—you’ll probably find half the town there.
Travel tip: Check the city of Watertown or local tourism pages before your trip to see what’s happening while you’re in town.
10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Codington County
Sometimes, the best thing to do near Watertown is simply to drive. Eastern South Dakota has big skies, rolling fields, and that wide‑open feeling you don’t get on the coasts.
On a clear evening, you might see:
- Endless rows of corn and soybeans glowing at sunset
- Red barns and old farmhouses you’ll want to photograph
- Huge, colorful skies—especially during thunderstorm season
Think of it as a mini road trip within your road trip.
Travel tip: Fill up on gas in town, keep an eye on your GPS or map, and remember that cell service can be spotty on some backroads.
Planning Your Trip to Watertown, South Dakota
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for lake time, zoo visits, and walking trails.
- Winter travel: Watertown can get very cold and snowy. Check road conditions if you’re visiting between November and March.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Most things to do in and around Watertown are spread out.
Watertown isn’t a flashy tourist city—and that’s exactly why many travelers love it. It’s calm, friendly, and feels like a slice of real South Dakota life.
What Would You Do in Watertown?
Have you been to
Watertown, SD or anywhere else in
Codington County?
- Which lake did you like better—Lake Kampeska or Lake Pelican?
- Did you visit the Terry Redlin Art Center or Bramble Park Zoo?
- Do you have a favorite local restaurant or coffee shop?
Share your tips, stories, and questions in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their own trip.
And if you know someone planning a South Dakota road trip,
send them this guide or share it on social media so they don’t skip Watertown.
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