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Menno, South Dakota

Menno, South Dakota

Menno owes its beginnings to the railroad industry. A railroad line was necessary to transport livestock and grain to market. In 1879 the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad began laying tracks through the area. The commerce the railroad brought to the area resulted in the towns of Menno and Freeman being laid out. Its first local census showed 22 people living in Menno, most because of the rail line.

When the railroad officials were hanging up the town names on the depots of Menno and Freeman, they put "Menno" on the depot that was suppose to be the town of Freeman and "Freeman" on the depot that was suppose to be the town of Menno. Menno was to be named Freeman because of the oppression left behind in Russia. Due to this mix up, the City of Menno is named for the predominant Mennonite sect of Freeman.

Most of the early settlers in the Menno area were Germans from Russia. Immigrants from the Kassel and Crimea area of the Black Sea made the Menno area their home. They scratched out a living from the land and lived in sod houses. They went through the emigration process to escape oppression and having their young men forced to serve in the Russian armed forces. When you visit Menno today, you will find that a majority of its citizens are descendants of these early German's from Russia who are proud of their heritage and continue to celebrate it. Three of their biggest cultural celebrations occur in August, September, and October.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Menno Pioneer History Association Museum

We are proud to share the history of our forefathers and their way of life by creating a living museum dedicated to the preservation of the cultural and ethnical heritage found in southeastern South Dakota. The museum is home to exhibits and memorabilia from Menno's founding to the community'

Menno, SD Museums

Things to do near Menno, SD

Elmwood Golf Club -East Nine

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 6 days...

Two Rivers Golf Club

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...

Alcester Golf Club

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

River Ridge Golf Club

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...

2nd Annual Salem Car SHow

2nd annual Salem Car Show. All Proceeds go to the Salem Pool Restoration Fund. Last years event drew over 120 registrants....