Dakota Life Season 27 (2024-2025)

A one-of-a-kind place in South Dakota, the Shakespeare Garden and Anne Hathaway Cottage is a beautiful destination for locals and tourists alike.

In an effort to preserve the cowboy way of life, the annual Kyle Evans Memorial Wagon Train brings people from across the region for an epic ride in honor of South Dakota's Cowboy Troubadour.

In the 1880s, while Deadwood thrived on vice, Methodist minister A.B. Smart founded a town with a higher calling—it stayed dry for nearly 100 years. Those craving a drink? They made the trip from Wessington Springs down Whiskey Road to the “wet” town of Lane.

A new summer tradition in Wessington Springs, Rockin' Ribfest, brings the community together over music, drinks, and of course - ribs.

From the field to the classroom, FFA opens doors to all kinds of careers—not just farming. Meet the students and teachers from South Dakota’s most decorated chapter and see how it’s shaping their futures.

Dr. Thomas Dean dedicated decades to caring for Wessington Springs. Now, he shares with SDPB a heartfelt look at the town’s rich history and the land he’s long called home.

A group called Rails To Trails Conservancy wanted to revitalize the Highline railroad bed. By 1989, a plan was put together for what we know as the George S. Mickelson Trail.

The Rise of truck travel was one of the reasons for the Highline's demise. By 1983, the line was declared abandoned.

The Burlington sent seasoned contractors to traverse the unique grade of the Black Hills. They completed 110 miles of track in just over 100 days.

November 2, 1889, was the day South Dakota became the 39th state and the day the Burlington and Missouri River Rail Road began laying track for what would become the Burlington, better known as the Highline.