Dell Rapids, South Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dell Rapids
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| Dell Rapids, South Dakota | |
Sioux Quartzite was used in the reconstruction of downtown Dell Rapids after a fire burned down the wooden buildings in the 1880s.
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| Nickname(s):
"The Little City with the Big Attractions"
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Location in Minnehaha County and the state of South Dakota
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| Country | United States |
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Minnehaha |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Incorporated | 1888 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.32 sq mi (6.02 km2) |
| • Land | 2.25 sq mi (5.84 km2) |
| • Water | 0.07 sq mi (0.18 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,539 ft (469 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,996 |
| • Density | 1,772.85/sq mi (684.39/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
57022
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| Area code(s) | 605 |
| FIPS code | 46-15980 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1267351 |
| Website | City of Dell Rapids |
Dell Rapids is a city in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, United States. It is known as "The Little City with the Big Attractions." In 2020, about 3,996 people lived there.
The city got its name from the Dells of the Wisconsin River. People thought the rapids on the local Big Sioux River looked similar.
Contents
History of Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids was first called Dell City. It was later renamed after the rapids of the Big Sioux River. A big fire once destroyed most of the wooden buildings on the main street. After the fire, the town was rebuilt using Sioux Quartzite. This is a very strong rock found in the area.
The Chicago, Milwaukee, and Saint Paul Railroad built a railway to Dell Rapids in 1881. Today, two large quarries that dig up Sioux Quartzite use this railway. The railway is now run by the D&I Railroad.
Fun Events in Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids celebrates its history with two special events.
- "Quarry Days" happens every July. It honors the city's connection to the rock quarries.
- In June, the city hosts "Cootie Days." During this event, rides and games are set up in the city park for everyone to enjoy.
Geography of Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids is located right along the Big Sioux River. The city covers an area of about 2.09 square miles (5.41 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Population of Dell Rapids
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 260 | — | |
| 1890 | 993 | 281.9% | |
| 1900 | 1,255 | 26.4% | |
| 1910 | 1,367 | 8.9% | |
| 1920 | 1,677 | 22.7% | |
| 1930 | 1,657 | −1.2% | |
| 1940 | 1,706 | 3.0% | |
| 1950 | 1,650 | −3.3% | |
| 1960 | 1,863 | 12.9% | |
| 1970 | 1,991 | 6.9% | |
| 1980 | 2,389 | 20.0% | |
| 1990 | 2,484 | 4.0% | |
| 2000 | 2,980 | 20.0% | |
| 2010 | 3,633 | 21.9% | |
| 2020 | 3,996 | 10.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2017 Estimate |
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In 2010, there were 3,633 people living in Dell Rapids. The city has grown steadily over the years. By 2020, the population had increased to 3,996 people.
Education in Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids has two different school systems for students.
- Dell Rapids Public School System: This system includes Dell Rapids High School, a middle school, and an elementary school. Their sports teams are called the Quarriers. This name comes from the large Sioux Quartzite rock quarries in the area.
- St. Mary's School: This is a private Catholic school. It also has St. Mary High School, a junior high, and an elementary school. The St. Mary School teams are known as the Cardinals.
Notable People from Dell Rapids
Many interesting people have come from Dell Rapids.
- Daniel Ahlers: A former member of the South Dakota House of Representatives.
- Dennis Daugaard: He used to be the governor of South Dakota.
- Jon Hansen: A current member of the South Dakota House of Representatives.
- William E. Merry: Another former member of the South Dakota House of Representatives.
- John Mortvedt: A soil scientist who grew up on a farm near Dell Rapids.
- Marsha Symens: A member of the South Dakota Senate.
