South Dakota has a number of historic and abandoned towns to visit, but ghost towns that seem to get better with age? It isn’t an oxymoron, folks, but rather this South Dakota ghost town that manages to only get better with time:
Located in south-central South Dakota is that of Jones County and the ghost town of Okaton.
Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1906 in correlation with the nearby Milwaukee Railroad, Okaton seemed to disappear as quickly as it came about, due to both the railroad moving and the area’s historically harsh winters.
Google/Donald Wisehart
While the town was nearly abandoned by the 1980s, a local family made an attempt at reviving it as a tourist destination, complete with a petting zoo, cafe, and working general store.
Google Street View Unfortunately, the idea did not stick, but remnants from the town’s tourist attraction days can still be seen around the community.
What makes Okaton stand out from countless other ghost towns? It might be its still-standing and well-preserved buildings…
Google Street View
…homes…
Google Street View
…and nearby landmarks.
Google/Mario Couture It doesn’t get more iconic than the Skeleton Man Walking Skeleton Dinosaur!
Even better? Okaton is surrounded by some of the most peaceful and pristine landscape in the state!
Flickr/Jim Bauer
Okaton is located just off Exit 183 along Interstate 90.
Wikimedia Commons
Google/Donald Wisehart
Google Street View
Unfortunately, the idea did not stick, but remnants from the town’s tourist attraction days can still be seen around the community.
Google Street View
Google/Mario Couture
It doesn’t get more iconic than the Skeleton Man Walking Skeleton Dinosaur!
Flickr/Jim Bauer
For a more eerie SoDak ghost town, visit This Creepy Ghost Town In South Dakota Is The Stuff Nightmares Are Made Of.
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