Our History

Vermillion, South Dakota, is a community of just over 10,000 people that lies atop a bluff of the beautiful, natural and pristine Missouri River. The present site of Vermillion was first visited by French fur traders at the close of the 18th century, and the town of Vermillion
was founded in 1859. Vermillion is a community known throughout
the region for its friendliness, its historical significance, its beautiful setting, its area attractions and its educational resources.

Home since 1862 to the University of South Dakota, the state’s oldest institution of higher education, Vermillion is rich in the visual arts, music, dance, theater and literature. Vermillion also has community events such as wacipis, parades, rodeos, sports, and recreational events, as well as celebrations of historic, ethnic and cultural heritage. Some unique visitor attractions and points of interest that the Vermillion community prides itself on are the Dakota Dome, the National Music Museum, the W.H. Over State Museum, the Austin-Whittemore House Museum, the Oscar Howe Gallery, the historical districts and the National Register Historic Sites in downtown Vermillion, Spirit Mound, Valiant Vineyards at Buffalo Run Resort, nature trails and paths along the river, great hotels and accommodations, a variety of restaurants to satisfy any taste and unique shopping experiences. These are among the many places to see and things to do in area.

Vermillion is located in the southeast corner of South Dakota
(derived its title from the Sioux name, WASE WAKPALA (wa sa
wak pa'la) meaning "red stream) and offers easy access to and
from surrounding communities in South Dakota, Nebraska and
Iowa. Vermillion has gotten attention for economic development
and growth through their community-wide efforts to focus on job
creation, housing needs, regional cooperation, industrial park development, recruitment of new industry, retail promotions, as
well as efforts to promote tourism and recreation in the area. Vermillion has many unique advantages to offer including a quality, talented, hard working and dedicated work force, and environment
that encourages innovation and progressive thinking, a blended and dynamic University community with diverse demographics, infrastructure to sustain growth and expansion, flexibility to accommodate the future, great school systems, quality health care providers and services, regional partnerships and a charming sense of community.

The community of Vermillion is one that demonstrates its commitment to preserving and enhancing a unique, diverse and outstanding quality of life. Vermillion values and appreciates its past and looks forward to a full and prosperous future with the upcoming celebration of the sesquicentennial in 2009. We welcome you to Vermillion and look forward to sharing everything that makes it a great place to live, learn, work, grow and play!