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South Dakota's 66 Counties

When it comes to South Dakota counties, how many is too many? Sixty-six might seem like a lot, but we wouldn't want to cross a single one off the map. Each county has its own blend of history, landscape and culture — and that special blend is reflected in the people we find there. John Andrews is celebrating the fun, interesting things that make each South Dakota county unique in this series of web columns.

As our managing editor, web editor and history columnist, John Andrews writes features, edits our many departments and oversees the day to day writing of the magazine. A Lake Norden native, John attended SDSU, wrote for the Brookings Register and earned a master's degree in history at USD before joining our staff. Read more of John's work in his online columns or in each issue of South Dakota Magazine.

Hot Water and Old Bones

April 12, 2017
People flock to Fall River County for both.

Inspired by McCook County

March 14, 2017
The land of fishing, baseball, geese on wheels and a 60-foot longhorn. Photo by Stacey Stoddard/S.D. Tourism.

Pennington Revisited

February 15, 2017
A decade later, Pennington County hasn’t lost its diversity.

Keeping Tabs on Jerauld County

January 10, 2017
When we aren’t in the Wessington Hills country, the True Dakotan is the next best thing.

Built on Fur

December 13, 2016
Traders got Charles Mix County on its feet.

Getting to Know Deuel

October 11, 2016
I’ve learned a lot about my old county neighbor. Photo by Christian Begeman

History Lives in Union County

September 6, 2016
Interesting places lie around every corner.

Taking a Bite Out of McPherson County

August 9, 2016
You can taste the German-Russian heritage.

Cattle and Hogs

June 14, 2016
Meade County is ranch country, but it’s also famous for hogs — the two-wheeled kind.

Upon Further Exploration

May 31, 2016
Half a day in Walworth County doesn’t do it justice.

Explorers, Cowboys and Indians

May 17, 2016
The three have clashed, but they’ve been instrumental in shaping Stanley County.

New Days in Aurora County

May 3, 2016
There have been ups and downs, but hope is never further than its namesake.

Untamed Harding County

April 19, 2016
Ancient art, a deadly wolf and a legendary horse all come from our great Northwest. Photo by Harlan Humphrey.

Kingsbury County Connections

April 5, 2016
How has it influenced your life?

County of Extremes

February 23, 2016
You’ll find the smallest, the tallest and the hottest, but there are deeper stories in Buffalo County.

A Strange Fascination

February 9, 2016
Ranches, buttes and the mysterious White River captivate in Mellette County. Photo by Stephen Gassman.

Hyde County: Always Divided

January 26, 2016
Business and agriculture have been up for debate here since 1883.

Between the Reservations

December 29, 2015
It’s not officially part of Pine Ridge or Rosebud, but Lakota culture remains strong in Bennett County.

A Mighty Fair County

December 15, 2015
The summertime fair in Turner County is a must-visit, but that’s just the start.

Faulk County’s Heroes

November 17, 2015
They come in all shapes and sizes.

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