with several landmarks in the national historic register, take a walk back in time with a tour.
history comes to life at the jerauld county heritage museum on main street
Oh the stories we will tell… learn about your family history, look up old friends and see the history behind the stories first hand at the museum.
Tours may be set up to any of these locations by contacting the Chamber & Development Corporation at 605-539-1929 or loree@wessingtonsprings.com.
Anne Hathaway cottage at Shakespeare garden
Built to resemble the original Stratford-on-Avon in England and added to the National Historic Registry in 1979, Anne Hathaway Cottage is the only structure with a thatched roof in South Dakota. The garden is open to the public during daylight hours, however, an appointment is needed to tour the Cottage.
Carnegie Library
The Wessington Springs Carnegie Library, at 124 N. Main Ave. in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, is a Carnegie library built in 1917-18. It is Prairie School in style. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Today it still serves as the public library for the community.
The Harmony Friends Church
Located west of Wessington Springs the Harmony Friends Church has a history all its own. It was added to the National Historic Register in 2015.
The Field House
Built in 1936, as a WPA (Worker’s Progress Administration) building project under President Roosevelt, the Municipal Field House is located in the Wessington Springs City Park approximately one block off of Dakota Avenue. Used yet today, it is the center to the beautiful city park, trees, a ball field, and swimming pool. The Field House is an excellent example of a WPA era project that still functions for its original intent. The Field House was added to the National Registry of Historical Places in 2000.
Governor Robert S. Vessey House
Built in 1906 by the soon to be 7th Governor of South Dakota, Governor Vessey’s home is beautiful inside and out. It was added to the National Historic Register in 1978. Private tours may be set up by contacting the Chamber office.
United Methodist Church
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Wessington Springs is a church at the southeast corner of Main Street and State Avenue in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. It was designed in 1913 by Kirby J. Snyder in a Late Gothic Revival style. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999
The 1905 opera house
Built in 1905 and opened on November 3, 1905 to host live performances, Wessington Springs' 1905 Opera House was converted to a movie theater in 1912 and showed silent films until 1917. In the 1920’s the building became the community fire hall and by the 1960’s was no longer being used. Added to the National Historic Registry in 1976, the building has since been renovated and hosts numerous acts throughout year.
Jerauld County Courthouse
The Jerauld County Courthouse, at the intersection of South Dakota Ave. and Burrett St. is an Art Deco-style building built in 1930. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and is still in use as the county seat in Jerauld County.
