About Our Community

Centrally located in eastern South Dakota, De Smet is a small community with about 1,150 residents. Renowned as the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, American pioneer and children's author of the famous "Little House on the Prairie" books, the town of De Smet has become an attraction stop for tourists traveling through South Dakota.

Visitors can capture the pioneering spirit by visiting the Ingalls homestead and the original Loftus store, and experience Laura's story of her family's struggles and joys at a live, outdoor, summer pageant.

In addition to its history, De Smet also hosts a variety of other unique recreational activities. Lake Thompson, South Dakota's largest natural lake, is a fisherman's haven of walleye, perch and northern pike. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the city library, which houses several original works of prairie artist Harvey Dunn, a South Dakota wildlife display, a country print shop, two family-oriented parks and several other recreational activities located in and around the area.

Call 1-800-LAURASD or  visit the City of De Smet website for more information on this "little town on the prairie."