South Dakota
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2021 VISITOR’S GUIDE VERMILLION South Dakota So n V u o 2021 t i h l l i OFFICIAL D a m VISITORS r k e GUIDE o V t a y • Houses • Commercial Property • Land • Rental Propert 1 MAKING BIG THINGS POSSIBLE IN VERMILLION We’re First Bank & Trust – a community bank that understands the unique needs of our community and the people who make it great. 20 E MAIN STREET VERMILLION 605.624.2608 WWW.BANKEASY.COM 2 Spirit of South Dakota Vermillion may not be as warm or as tropical as sunny Florida, but it isn’t fondly known as the Miami of South Dakota for no reason. As southeast in South Dakota as you can get and brimming with art, culture, education, food, and history, you’re bound to experience something new (and we just happen to get the best weather in SD too). We’re number one in spirits, cats, and professors in rock bands. We love Vermillion and we know you’ll #LOVermillion too. @mad.oco.photography @usouthdakota @zbyneksurovec @jerredz @enosh.krupakar 3 LiveVermillion.com Contents 7 READY, SET, GO 29 THE ARTS Getting Here Arts & Culture Before You Go Galleries Galore 11 ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS 37 SHOPPING Calendar of Events Shop Local Top Seasonal Things To Do Health & Well-being Must See Attractions 21 OUTDOORS 41 VCDC & COMMUNITY On The Water Engage With Your Community On Foot Board of Directors & Staff Education 25 FOOD & DRINK 47 RESOURCES Dine Like a Vermillionaire Important Numbers Bars & Nightlife Churches, Clubs & Daycares VCDC Chamber Members Front cover photo: Aaron C Packard Productions 4 5 WELCOME TO Vermillion FROM NATE WELCH VCDC PRESIDENT & CEO No matter what your story might be – whether you’re planning a visit, looking to relocate, or are currently living here – we are thrilled that you are interested in Vermillion, South Dakota. The momentum following Vermillion being awarded South Dakota’s “Community of the Year” in 2014 has not slowed down. Vermillion continues to flourish, innovate, and offer an unmatched quality of life and is home to a community of passionate, friendly people. This community on the bluffs of the Missouri River is home to the University of South Dakota, the world- renowned National Music Museum, and ten thousand residents ready to welcome you to our great city! We like to say we’re the Miami of South Dakota — located in the southeast corner of the state, we’re just an hour from the larger communities of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Sioux City, Iowa, and only two hours from Omaha, Nebraska. No matter what your interests or passions might be, we have something for everyone here in Vermillion. Vermillion thrives as a diverse arts and culture hub in our region. Food lovers will adore the amazing local restaurants located along the street of our historic downtown which boasts in character and charm. We have everything from pizza to coffee to fair trade goods. It’s the kind of place you can get your nails and your finances done on the same block. Shoppers are enthralled by the unique retail shops like Sharing the Dream in Guatemala or Blue Monarch and you will be too! Cherry Street features dozens of bustling businesses to suit many of your needs. Bread and sandwich lovers must stop by Mister Smith’s Café & Catering, featured in Oprah Magazine where the “bread artistry” was named “The Best Bread in the World.” The University of South Dakota, South Dakota’s flagship university, is home to some of the brightest and most talented minds in the country and fantastic Division I athletics. USD is a driving force behind Vermillion’s energy. The University is not only the largest employer in our hometown, but with an enrollment of over 7,000, the student body nearly doubles the city’s population while school is in session! As the flagship university in the state, USD boasts South Dakota’s only law school and medical school. On campus, students learn the value of community and are always looking for ways to get involved. Vermillion is a community of hand-raisers, do-gooders, and show-uppers. It’s a unique place where business owners, artists, retirees, and educators share coffee and conversation on Wednesday mornings; students and farmers eat at the same sandwich shop in the local hardware store; and everyone agrees on three things: #LOVermillion, Go Yotes, and we are the spirit of South Dakota. 6 Getting Here CAN I FLY INTO VERMILLION? Vermillion does not have its own commercial airport, but is located near a few cities that do! Sioux Falls is home to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), which is the largest airport within an hour driving distance from Vermillion, and offers over 150 weekly flights with 10 direct flight destinations. The Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX), located in Sioux City, 39 minutes to the southeast, offers seasonal flights and three daily American Airlines nonstop flights. HOW DO I REACH VERMILLION BY CAR? Vermillion is conveniently placed 6 miles (8 minutes) from the Highway 50 - Interstate 29 junction. Sioux Falls is 63 miles (1 hour) north of Vermillion. Sioux City is 39.2 miles (41 minutes) southeast of Vermillion. DOES VERMILLION HAVE ANY RIDESHARING OPTIONS? Vermillion is home to a few Lyft drivers who are happy to pick you up when you need a “lift!” Download the Lyft app to view their availability. DO I NEED A CAR TO GET AROUND VERMILLION? Vermillion is definitely a walkable town, although you may want a car while visiting the surrounding areas (and likely during winter too). ANY OTHER WAYS TO REACH YOU? There are a handful of other options when you are looking to travel to and around the Vermillion Area. Stampede Shuttle’s mission is to provide professional, polite, and punctual transportation solutions throughout the Siouxland area. They provide daily, scheduled transportation for commuters and travelers connecting to Sioux City Airport, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Junction City Coffee Cup Travel Plaza, Vermillion, Beresford, Empire Mall, Veterans Affairs, Sanford, and Avera Hospitals, and Sioux Falls Airport. You can reach them at 605.659.1014. The Vermillion Public Transit system is another great option. This system serves the community of Vermillion and its surrounding area, with five buses and two vans providing nearly 400 different customers with more than 5,000 rides per month. Give them a call at 605.624.7433 to schedule a ride while you are visiting us! Meeting Rooms Free Breakfast Fitness Center Smoke-Free Free ParkingAccessibility # of Rooms Pet Friendly Free Wifi LODGING Pool Red Roof Inn 39 1 1208 E Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069 • 605.624.8005 Prairie Inn 31 2 916 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069 • 605.624.2824 Best Western 46 3 701 W Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069 • 605.624.8333 Studio 13 18 4 1313 W Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069 • 605.624.2601 Holiday Inn 56 5 1200 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069 • 605.624.2601 Valiant Vineyards Bed & Breakfast 6 1500 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069 • 605.624.2601 6 7 Before You Go LINGO YOU SHOULD KNOW Coyote: (n) [kai-oat] Mascot of Vermillion and consumer of critters such FUN FACTS as… jackrabbits. Also the state animal of SD. • Vermillion was once located below the bluff, until the entire Puppy Chow: (n) [puh-pee chow] community was destroyed by A South Dakota favorite, better eaten by humans than the Missouri River. In 1881, dogs – this sweet snack combines cereal, chocolate, the “Great Flood” swept away peanut butter and powdered sugar. more than 130 buildings and destroyed everything from Ope: Exclamation [ohp] houses and barns to fences and You know when you encounter something or someone livestock when the Missouri River’s water levels rose to unexpectedly? You may utter or exclaim the word “Ope” astronomical heights. as a reaction. • Vermillion is home to Spirit [n] Verm Cat: Mound, also known as “The Hill Citizens and students alike fondly refer to the stray cats of the Little Devils.” It is also in Vermillion as “Verm Cats.” They even have their own one of the few precise places Twitter account! @Vermcats where historians know Lewis and Clark to have stood in that exact location. Vermillionaire: [n] The term “Vermillionaire” refers to someone who has • Vermillion was actually named resided in Vermillion for a long time. after the color of the Missouri River, which in turn comes from the red (or “vermilion”) clay along the banks. 8 WELCOME HOME Wherever life takes you, the alumni association is your lifetime link to the University of South Dakota USD Alumni Association | Wagner Alumni Center 1110 N. Dakota Street | Vermillion, SD 57069 | usdalumni.com PrentisPrentis PlungePlunge 9 WELCOME FROM the Mayor As mayor of Vermillion, I’m pleased to welcome you to our amazing community! Our city offers something for everyone - a friendly small town feel with vibrant culture and amenities that may surprise you. We have our own (pretty popular) hashtag - #LOVermillion - that speaks to the deep attachment our citizens, USD alumni, and visitors have for this place. I guarantee you’ll feel that energy as soon as you arrive, whether it’s a brief stay or a more permanent move. Ours is a progressive city on the move - where we honor our history and traditions, while also celebrating new people and ideas. Vermillion is not just a place to live, it’s a place to love. Vermillion is home to the University of South Dakota, a vital and engaging component of our community since 1862. The cultural, educational, athletic and research opportunities offered by USD are utilized and appreciated by our community members, and they are prized as a truly special and unique feature of Vermillion.