Historic

A good place to start is his link is to the History of Prairie Village.

map image Prairie Village Map
Check out this map of Prairie Village that includes descriptions of the different Village historic buildings.

carousel image Steam Carousel
This turn-of-the-century wood carousel has been a cornerstone at Prairie Village since our founding year, 1966. It underwent a massive restoration during 2016-2018. Rides are offered most days based on guest count and requests. While it operates day to day by electric motor, we typically power it by its original steam during a couple of annual events, including our Steam Threshing Jamboree. The carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Chapel Car image Chapel Car Emmanuel
One of only thirteen chapel cars constructed to bring church to the early American West, it served many western states for 49 years beginning in 1893. It came to Prairie Village in 1972 and was subsequently restored. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Emmanuel is only open to the public during select special events.

Opera House image Opera House
The “Socialist Hall” was built by the Socialist party in Oldham, SD in 1912, but soon became a community event hall. Lawrence Welk made his actual stage debut in this hall in 1924, though he was completely unknown at that time. The structure was moved to Prairie Village in 1970 and named after Mr. Welk with his express permission and enthusiasm. It underwent a major restoration several years ago, including the addition of air conditioning

Madison Hotel image The Old Madison Hotel
Built in 1878 within the original Madison town site, this building served as a hotel and later as the Lake County Poor Farm.

Wentworth Hotel image Wentworth Hotel
This hotel served the community of Wentworth, SD as lodging for weary travelers. Its rooms are furnished as they might have been during its primary life

Junius Church image Junius Church
This classic country church was moved from nearby Junius, SD in 1967, where it had served that community since 1906. Church services are held in the church each Sunday during June, July, and August.

Junius Bank image Junius Bank
This bank is typical of those found in small prairie towns. It served as the bank in nearby Junius, SD, until it closed prior to the 1929 crash.

Junius School image Junius School
Serving as a school in Junius, SD until 1965, this building housed both elementary and high school students in its four
classrooms. The rooms now house various displays, including items from the Madison Community Hospital, a millinery, and a loom/weaving room offering demonstrations during our Steam Threshing Jamboree.

Wentworth Depot image Wentworth Depot
This is the only remaining union depot in South Dakota. It served the Great Northern Railway and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad in nearby Wentworth, SD.

Highland School image Highland School
Built in the 1880’s, this school was moved from nearby Nunda, SD. Known as the
Tobin, Carson, or Tweet School in its day, it was from the Hyland School District here in Lake County.

Library image Library
Originally the Howard, SD city hall, this building later housed the library there, which was the first chartered library in Dakota Territory. It was restored and furnished in its original style.