Wasta, South Dakota was named by the first State Historian, Doane Robinson. Wasta is a word from the Sioux language meaning “good”.

Wasta, SD was the trading center for the vast country to the North at one time, . In the early 1880’s, the region around Wasta was an enormous range territory with huge cattle outfits and cattle were shipped from the railroad siding in Wasta. There are not any ranches of comparable size remaining today. Before the cattle moved in, buffalo in the thousands ranged across this area. The rolling hills along the Cheyenne River made for the almost perfect grazing land. Today, this area is still home to large cattle herds, mule tailed deer, antelope, coyotes, prairie dogs and a few privately owned buffalo herds.

Wasta, SD may be a small town but it still has all the conveniences for the travelers. Wasta has a self service gas station open 24/7, a motel, two campsites, a bar/restaurant and one of the most fascinating military museums in the United States. Wasta is another historical town you want to add to your itinerary as you make your way westward to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.

Picture your next travel stop in Warner South Dakota!