Mellette, South Dakota was settled in 1878 as immigrant homesteaders came into the Dakota Territory. Mellette was platted in 1881, with the arrival of the railroad, and named for the last governor of Dakota Territory Arthur Mellette. Athur Mellette was also the first governor of SOuth Dakota.
Today, Mellette, South Dakota is a smaller community whose growth suffered from the 1930’s depression, drought and paved roads into larger cities.
The region near Mellette is a resting place for migrating birds and the local pheasants. Every fall the game birds bring a huge influx of out of state hunters from all over the United States. The Transcontinental Highway 281, that runs through Mellette, brings Canadian tourist and motorcyclist every summer headed either to a westward bound highway to the Black Hills or continuing south into the heart of the U.S.
Picture your next travel stop in Mellette, South Dakota!