Running Water, South Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Running Water, South Dakota
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Looking toward the Chief Standing Bear Bridge near the boat ramp
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 Running Water, South Dakota
Location in South Dakota
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| Country | United States |
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Bon Homme |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.09 sq mi (5.42 km2) |
| • Land | 2.09 sq mi (5.42 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,417 ft (432 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 47 |
| • Density | 22.48/sq mi (8.68/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 605 |
| FIPS code | 46-56820 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2612514 |
Running Water is a small community in Bon Homme County, South Dakota, United States. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's an area defined by the government for counting people, but it's not an official city or town. In 2020, only 47 people lived there. The name "Running Water" comes from an old name for the nearby Niobrara River.
Contents
Exploring Running Water's Location
Running Water is located in southern Bon Homme County. It sits right on the north side of the Missouri River. This river also forms the border between South Dakota and Nebraska.
How to Get Around Running Water
South Dakota Highway 37 goes through Running Water. It crosses the Missouri River and then becomes Nebraska Highway 14 on the other side. If you go north and east on SD 37, you'll reach Springfield in about 10 miles. If you go south and west on NE 14, you'll get to Niobrara in about 3 miles.
Land Area of Running Water
According to the United States Census Bureau, Running Water covers about 2.09 square miles (5.4 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Running Water and Lewis and Clark Lake
Running Water is located along the upper part of Lewis and Clark Lake. This lake is a reservoir, which is a large artificial lake, on the Missouri River. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks has a special area here. It's a great spot for enjoying the lake and river, and it includes a boat ramp for launching boats.
History of the Running Water Ferry
Running Water was once famous for its ferry boat. This ferry operated on and off from 1874 to 1984. It would carry people and vehicles across the Missouri River. The ferry connected Running Water, South Dakota, with Niobrara, Nebraska. At one point, the cost was just $1 per vehicle.
The need for the ferry changed when the modern Chief Standing Bear Bridge was built. This bridge now carries South Dakota Highway 37 and Nebraska Highway 14 over the river. It made the ferry service less necessary.
Who Lives in Running Water?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 47 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Running Water was 47 people in 2020. This number comes from the 2020 United States Census.
