Dell Rapids is rich in history dating back to 1871. Our historic district consists of 39 buildings on Main Street, the towns primary business center. The most striking factor of the district is the use of rose colored quartzite as a facing material on almost all buildings. The majority of the buildings were built before 1903 and several have been restored to their turn of the century elegance, offering unique gifts, entertainment, and dining opportunities.
The Opera House, built in 1888, presently restored to its original use, has a Romanesque Revival appearance, round-headed windows and a highly decorative stepped cornice.
The First National Bank Building, built in 1889, located on the corner of Orleans and Fourth Street, features a three-tiered tower, an arched entry, wrought iron balcony with double doors on the second level, and miniature crenellated towers on the third level.
The Smith Block, built in 1888, located at 400-404 Fourth Street, presently houses the Dells Museum and other offices. It reflects Victorian Romanesque design. Checkerboard stonework with vertical and diagonal masonry adorns the cornice line with a polygonal tower at the corner.
A leisurely stroll down Dell Rapids Main Street is sure to kindle thoughts of days gone by. Stop by any uptown Chamber member for a Circle Tour brochure to further enjoy the architectural history of the area.
Our primary attraction is of course, the beautiful and majestic Dells of the Big Sioux River. A convenient walking trail with picnic areas follows the river, allowing the visitor to enjoy the beautiful scenery at his or her own pace. Whether you choose to picnic, hike, shop, or just plain relax with the soothing sound of the rushing rapids, we know you'll have a day you'll not soon forget.
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QUARRY
The quarry is a "must see" when you come to Dell Rapids. Located in the southeastern part of town [follow 7th St East] you can't miss it.
Rose Quartzite is the rock crushed and shipped to most of the Midwest states. On a scale of 1- 10 [diamond], this rock is 7.5. Some of the hardest in the world. And because of it's beautiful rose color, is shipped all over the world. Another unique feature of this mine, it has it's own railway.
QUARRY DAYS, a yearly event in Dell Rapids, sees many visitors taking the half our train ride through the quarry.
The profitability of the company is enhanced by crushing the quartzite, loading on railway cars, and transporting to many mid-western states. Because of the hardness of this crushed rock, it is added to cement for roads in order to meet hardness qualifications.
