Here's What Small Town Life In South Dakota Looks Like

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  • Опубліковано 24 вер 2022
  • This might be the last best place to live in the United States.
    Wessington Springs is way out in the middle of no man’s land farms. You’d never know it was here unless you were intentionally looking for it. It’s at least two hours to get to a place with a decent population. You could call it all farmer porn.
    You can see on a map just how rural it is here. People here think North Dakota’s empty, so I guess that’s saying something about how North Dakota is, crowd wise.
    Back in the day there was a trail that went right through town which Native Americans and settlers took to go east and west. There’s not a lot of traffic here now, though.
    Ain't a single stop light in this damn town. They actually have 6 stop SIGNS. And folks KNOW exactly where the stop signs are. They even fight to have new ones added in.
    There are 811 people in Wessington Springs these days, but that’s going down all the time. It’s 300 people smaller than it was just 10 years ago. So at that rate it’ll be gone by 2050.
    Times have changed. People don’t have big families anymore these days. Nobody wants to farm anymore - if there’s even any farm jobs around. They’ve all consolidated.
    The meatpacking plants all over the state had to close.
    These smaller towns were once the backbone of rural South Dakota, but today, they have a huge challenge remaining vibrant. Smaller businesses can’t stay open - and you can blame dollar stores for a lot of that.
    There’s limited healthcare out here, though Wessington Springs does have a hospital.
    It’s a thing here. More than half of South Dakota’s counties saw a population decline. Look at this chart - back in 1950, two thirds of South Dakotans lived in rural areas just like this. Today, it’s down to a third. (have screenshot).
    They’re gonna have to re-think small towns like this or they’ll be irrelevant one day.
    #southdakota #moving
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 401

  • @NickJohnson
    @NickJohnson  Рік тому +13

    Here's the Entire Midwest Road Trip Playlist here: ua-cam.com/play/PLq-_cmf3H6yreUhBrJwFhC9LeCYh1TvBL.html

    • @michellesaylor440
      @michellesaylor440 Рік тому +1

      Nick ~ hi there, I moved to Redfield, South Dakota, this summer from California after watching your South Dakota video. Are you still in the area? I'd love to show you around.
      Michele

    • @diy5729
      @diy5729 Рік тому

      Its also safe. This place reminds me of my family's island in Greece, which is in the middle of nowhere in the South Aegean Sea. Safe, quiet, cheap, no protesters, no riots, no crime....

  • @robson2939
    @robson2939 Рік тому +92

    If you think that SD is boring you should go to New Hampshire. My auntie lives in a small town there. She told me that a cat got stuck on a tree once and the police has rushed on sirens and blocked the road. It was some big time action for them.

    • @Chaz4543
      @Chaz4543 Рік тому +13

      Small town/rural SD and small town/rural NH aren't that similar. Small town NH the homes and taxes are a lot more expensive. Plus it doesnt look as poor and run down. Its more single family homes than trailer parks. In small town NH you arent far from Boston while in SD its much bigger land so you have to drive a lot more to get to the big cities. The rural Northeast/New England in general is a higher standard of living than in the rural south and midwest. Theres far less rural land available after all so its at more of a premium.

    • @robson2939
      @robson2939 Рік тому +7

      @@Chaz4543 Thanks for explaining me that. Besides the bigger cities near Boston, NH is a rural state. It is mostly covered by forests and there is no major urban development. Because of that there is not much to do there. Police does not have to deal with crime so there is not much going on for them too.

    • @seanberthiaume6909
      @seanberthiaume6909 Рік тому +1

      Try N Dakota blahhh...

    • @Wolff13
      @Wolff13 Рік тому +2

      @@robson2939 less crime is ALWAYS great.

    • @pattycake8272
      @pattycake8272 2 місяці тому +1

      I know this is a year old but you made me laugh and remembered my kids telling me about finding a big snapping turtle on the road in town of De Smet we and there were many people surrounding around while some couple went got a tub to transport it away, big time excitement in these small towns.

  • @louislamonte334
    @louislamonte334 Рік тому +143

    Tragically, you really wonder. It's hard to believe that in the 1930's nearly half of all Americans lived on farms or in communities of less than 3K people. Small communities certainly have their drawbacks but overall what a beautiful way to live and wonderful community to be a part of! Actually, watching a thunderstorm roll in sounds rather beautiful, especially when you live in the drought-ravaged west coast!!

    • @tnit7554
      @tnit7554 Рік тому +11

      Beautiful small towns in sd. Greetings from germany.😊

    • @davehughesfarm7983
      @davehughesfarm7983 Рік тому +7

      Its a sad story...The lure of a better way in a city took many people there..Then, neo-liberal hive mindset ruined them..
      Heres what also wrecked the very small towns in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska etc etc....1. Tearing out the short line railroads 60's 70's 80's 2.The 1980's farm crisis did many farm families in 3. Meth came to town in the mid 90's and never left then fentanl came in late 2000's......

    • @oddities-whatnot
      @oddities-whatnot Рік тому +6

      @@davehughesfarm7983 Id rather have the rural life anyday. I dont like cities, have to live in one currently but given the choice id be somewhere remote.

    • @Stanley-px3bt
      @Stanley-px3bt Рік тому +2

      I enjoy getting out of town to a rural location on occasion. After being there a week I get bored, and start missing the big city conveniences. One of the many reasons, Small towns have been dying for decades , is because younger people want a more fulfilling, and exciting life. There may come a time when most towns with a population under 100K become ghost towns.

    • @douglasthompson9482
      @douglasthompson9482 Рік тому +7

      I love the Midwest....my family is in Illinois. Great rural lifestyle. There is nothing better.

  • @jakebellinger8496
    @jakebellinger8496 Рік тому +59

    My mom grew up in South Dakota, as most of her relatives still live there. This video PERFECTLY represents the life she grew up with, and the life her relatives live considering they grew up on farms and ranches far away from the city. South Dakota has always been my home away from state, and favorite state besides Texas.

  • @RICKELLE13
    @RICKELLE13 Рік тому +44

    I’m incredibly proud to be from South Dakota ❤

  • @marksauck8481
    @marksauck8481 Рік тому +34

    I used to watch a TV show from the 1950s and 1960s called Route 66 where two young men drove all over the country in their Corvette. They went through countless towns, some very small and got involved with the locals and staying for a time getting jobs in each town or small city. It was like a tour of the US but with drama everywhere.

    • @martiniangoldberg
      @martiniangoldberg Рік тому +6

      I have that series on DVD.

    • @shaun8062
      @shaun8062 Рік тому +1

      That sounds like an amazing series and something like that needs to be done again now! We need things in the media that allow us to appreciate and cherish the good things about our country and being an American. I think most of my generation (20s-30s) in more congested cities have a negative world view on what it means to be an American and what American values actually are.

    • @potatoes1234
      @potatoes1234 Рік тому

      @@martiniangoldberg What's the name of the series?

    • @mama5136
      @mama5136 Рік тому

      @@potatoes1234 he said it’s called Route 66

  • @OwlingDogDesign
    @OwlingDogDesign Рік тому +36

    I grew up in a city. It was wretched, I guess because I have no heart for it. I hung out with small town friends and brought up my kids in the country. They learned to drive manual transmissions bombing around on dirt roads in trucks. Only a snowmobile could get down our road when it snowed.
    They have life-long friendships with kids who attended elementary school with them. Graduating classes were about 60 kids. They had farm animals and all kinds of pets. They learned about love, loyalty and loss. As they grew older they spent time in bigger cities, but as adults they went right back to country life.

    • @potatoes1234
      @potatoes1234 Рік тому +2

      Where in the US? And what city did you grow up in?

    • @SlapStyleAnims
      @SlapStyleAnims 17 днів тому

      Thank you for giving your children a childhood like that! I wish I had that. My dad never taught me how to drive a manual

    • @OwlingDogDesign
      @OwlingDogDesign 17 днів тому

      @@SlapStyleAnims Thank you 😊

  • @stuartriley
    @stuartriley Рік тому +58

    I liked your video series Nick. I am not from SD, but I appreciate the town and their people with the values of mid-America. It's amazing that most have never traveled through the Midwest areas that are not populated. I thank you for being respectful to the community and you being insightful to ask questions to the town's people.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +4

      Ok Stuart!

    • @midnyte6195
      @midnyte6195 Рік тому +2

      @@NickJohnson your welcome would suffice 😛

    • @carmenburgos1616
      @carmenburgos1616 Рік тому +3

      @@NickJohnson hi nick how are you … ? Thanks for your video , I’m from the island of Puerto Rico , and. It’s painfull to hear this , I’m tired out of living in the island and cities with Excessive Loud lives and Ruckus of people … Never was my place , Beach life is ok , but one needs a place of Peace … this painfull to see this , I LOVE THE U.S. soo much and it’s been hard to find work and cheap suitable rent but also a type of community of respect and honor .. Wish things can get better for this town .

    • @angeladoll9785
      @angeladoll9785 Рік тому +1

      THIS is him being respectful?!?!?!

    • @johnnycarter2283
      @johnnycarter2283 4 місяці тому

      Why do u think there's hardly no crime in south Dakota I know what u would think but u can't say it.l ​@NickJohnson

  • @DHarri9977
    @DHarri9977 Рік тому +63

    Thank goodness small-town rural America still exists, traditions,, wholesomeness, and grit, are all important parts of this part of America, very nice series.

    • @Zazz_Blammymatazz
      @Zazz_Blammymatazz Рік тому +3

      You forgot BORRING! 😆

    • @Zazz_Blammymatazz
      @Zazz_Blammymatazz Рік тому +1

      @@standunitedorfall1863 True that! 😆

    • @Wolff13
      @Wolff13 Рік тому +4

      @@Zazz_Blammymatazz I’ll take boring any day over crime.

    • @mpls1982
      @mpls1982 20 днів тому

      Wholesomeness??? Grit? Lol. Why does this only apply to rural America?
      I'm from rural South dakota and many people were mean, petty, selfish, etc. People gossiped like crazy and drama with neighbors was commonplace. There are also plenty of lazy folks living off the government. Plenty of good folk who work hard live in rural America, but that also applies to people in large cities.

    • @mpls1982
      @mpls1982 20 днів тому

      ​@@Wolff13I grew up in rural south dakota in the 90s and theft was extremely common, especially on farms.

  • @amazingsupergirl7125
    @amazingsupergirl7125 Рік тому +16

    So glad I grew up in South Dakota. I know exactly what she’s trying to say about small town wholesomeness

  • @worldnomad2301
    @worldnomad2301 Рік тому +20

    There’s not “little” healthcare in SD. Most of these towns have hospitals called critical access hospitals. South Dakota has one of the best nurse/bed to patient ratios in the country.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +1

      They're small

    • @worldnomad2301
      @worldnomad2301 Рік тому +8

      @@NickJohnson Small hospitals, but a lot of them. Like I mentioned, SD ranks number 1 in available hospital beds for patients. Even a little town like you visited had a hospital. That’s common in SD.

  • @BlueGoat682
    @BlueGoat682 Рік тому +26

    Loved the video. I too grew up in a real small town in Minnesota but the whole time I was growing up there it didn't feel like a good "fit" for me so I left there right after High School. I'm glad to see that people that DO live in these rural areas are perfectly content. This country needs more people like these genuine people as they are real "salt of the earth".

  • @sdq605
    @sdq605 Рік тому +10

    I grew up in western South Dakota and can say that our work ethic is rooted in the understanding that there will always work that needs to be done. "The fields that need to be plowed are endless. Just do what you can and rest. Don't worry about finishing it all because it's never going to be finished." --Ian Mackaye

  • @jv2139
    @jv2139 Рік тому +15

    Maybe it’s because I’m a bit of an introvert but I’d love to live in a place like This where you know all your neighbors and it’s not busy all the time.

  • @AdakStillStands
    @AdakStillStands Рік тому +16

    Too many small towns "sold out" and were incorporated into neighboring small towns that a few annexes later, voila! A city is born! I grew up in a poor backwoods farm town that exploded into an expensive city starting with a golf course lined with mini-mansions. The suburbs, shopping malls, gas stations attached from there. The small lake was/is no longer fit to swim in, the local mini airport - closed. Left in 1982 and I'll never be back.

    • @strongman8599
      @strongman8599 Рік тому +2

      and where would that be?

    • @AdakStillStands
      @AdakStillStands Рік тому +1

      Circa 1967 unincorporated Snohomish County, aka Alderwood Manor-Martha Lake-Mill Creek, Wa.

  • @bobs4291
    @bobs4291 Рік тому +9

    I am one year into my SD residency. Last September I made the trip to Rapid City to get my SD license and register and title my van. Earlier in the year I had established my domicile by getting a legally recognized address. No state income tax, just renewed my registration for 50 bucks less than it would have cost me where I “lived” prior to last September. Only am required to physically return to the state once every 5 years to renew my driver’s license. At that time I have to prove I spent one night in SD recently. My mail, which I have very little of is forwarded to me to any address I want by simply arranging it online. Now, I saw a few things I want to actually spend time exploring in SD. Did drive through Badlands National Park on my way to Illinois to visit a friend. Took a different route after Illinois in order to visit relatives in Kansas. A lot of nomads use SD as a domicile. Along with Texas, Nevada, and Florida, SD is a state you can be a resident of but not necessarily live there full time.

  • @danielmiller1753
    @danielmiller1753 Рік тому +5

    I'd like to take this time to thank all these small farm towns for feeding America.everone plays a part in the forward progress of America,you provide are energy.im truly grateful

  • @coreyforshey3812
    @coreyforshey3812 Рік тому +22

    Nick just keeps getting better and better at these videos. Hilarious! I absolutely love em

    • @mariapierce2707
      @mariapierce2707 Рік тому +3

      Me too! 😄 He killed it with that white mustache.

  • @IndianaCrane
    @IndianaCrane Рік тому +6

    The people in Wessington Springs are some of the nicest people I have met!

  • @jacobames3914
    @jacobames3914 Рік тому +20

    Westinghouse Springs was hit by a tornado not too many years ago which I'm sure contributed to it's drastic population decline. It is a great place to live. I grew up about 70 miles north of there. It's a lifestyle change for sure. A better one, I think.

  • @nolang4495
    @nolang4495 Рік тому +8

    I seen your older UA-cam videos, you have evolved to make your videos a lot better, I’m impressed how accurate your information is , thank you.

  • @burnthecandleatbothendz
    @burnthecandleatbothendz Рік тому +5

    Ive lived in Fargo for 39 years ,i couldnt imagine living anywhere else,its a big city but a small town feel

  • @ToddFamilyFarm
    @ToddFamilyFarm Рік тому +13

    Another awesome video, such good format and enjoyable to watch

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +3

      Aww hey guys! Your video is coming up in TWO more videos!

  • @jr2no160
    @jr2no160 Рік тому +21

    Welcome to South Dakota 😊 No, We don't eat the Casey's pizza. Pizza Ranch and Pizza Hut seems to be the preference for most Native South Dakotans. I'm just one of the many thousands of transplants that's migrated here for a better and quieter lifestyle. Twelve good years and counting in the Southern Black Hills 😊. Probably didn't expect such a response from a highly melanated fellow human being. 😊

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +2

      I can tell you guys don't eat Casey's - they make it terrible up there

    • @420killa
      @420killa Рік тому +1

      I don't know what Casey's in sd yall go to but i think anyone from sioux falls who likes quick gas station pizza knows caseys dominates. Plus be honest they're all going to get their dough and other products from the same place so really in the end this is a my dad could beat up your dad argument. I think Casey's pizza almost everywhere there is a Casey's (as a driver) and its all pretty consistent Casey's sausage pizza is my preference when it comes to gas station Pizza you have to get it while it's fresh before the grease starts to congeal

    • @Kreschavier
      @Kreschavier 4 місяці тому

      Tell that to Huron... burnt down and got built over by a car rental.

  • @MaryGreeley54
    @MaryGreeley54 Рік тому +6

    No homeless camps here. Crime low. Schools good. The bitter cold drive out the rift raft. No graffiti.

  • @mfitzgerald130
    @mfitzgerald130 Рік тому +12

    Well done again Nick, South Dakota looks lovely, when you get to my ripe age one seeks peaceful surroundings away from the traffic, pollution and the masses of people..less drama and less sirens is good medicine ..👍🐝🌞🙂🌲🐄

  • @indycharlie
    @indycharlie Рік тому +7

    Nice !! That " Corn Palace " was really cools IMO .

  • @bradyzimmel
    @bradyzimmel Рік тому +14

    If you want to see a sad town go to Spencer, SD or Manchester, SD. After a tornado hit them they never where the same.

  • @survivaldoggy
    @survivaldoggy Рік тому +2

    I grew up in a small town in Michigan that has grown to be a corporate city. Crime, drug use is up, quality of life is going down.
    I have desperately been searching for a place that is like the city I grew up in, and these are it!
    Thank you so much for all your videos. My family will be leaving Michigan for South Dakota because of your work!

  • @user-nw6qp1ki2n
    @user-nw6qp1ki2n Рік тому +9

    You make my day 💜
    What a nostalgic trip 💚
    Thank ya 🤍

  • @skophansen9525
    @skophansen9525 Рік тому +10

    Good man! Thank you, your videos are amazing. I've never been to USA, but your videos are quite educative and down on earth ! Cheers man, greetings from Yugoslavia!

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +2

      Yugoslavia has no flag emoji??

    • @Wolff13
      @Wolff13 Рік тому

      There’s no more Yugoslavia.

  • @alexandrej.maurent7155
    @alexandrej.maurent7155 Рік тому +6

    Once again my friend, you're not disappointed us. Great video one more of the many times. I am seriously considering getting the heck out of Illinois (Northwestern Suburbs) about 90 minutes from the down town area. But, ideally would be a small town like this one you are featuring specifically in this video. Thanks again buddy for taking us for the ride.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +2

      Go see it - it's great!

    • @alexandrej.maurent7155
      @alexandrej.maurent7155 Рік тому +2

      @@NickJohnson Thanks for replying buddy. I am almost a 100% that I will check it out. Thanks again for one of the many great videos.

  • @firstlas9647
    @firstlas9647 9 місяців тому

    Great video. Thanks for your travels, dude.

  • @oddities-whatnot
    @oddities-whatnot Рік тому +17

    Great video, really interesting. I am in England and just had a look on the map to see where this is, and its very remote, I cant believe how far it is to the nearest cities. Looks a nice place to live, safe, friendly, away from all the crap in todays society. Not sure what the ideal car would be living there. Im guessing a Ford pickup or a Subaru. Thank you

    • @Chaz4543
      @Chaz4543 Рік тому +2

      You definitely need a truck or at least a SUV.

    • @oddities-whatnot
      @oddities-whatnot Рік тому +3

      @@Chaz4543 cheers. Id love the lifestyle there with my girlfriend and she likes proper utility 4x4s, not shite Range Rovers 😁

    • @maracohen5930
      @maracohen5930 Рік тому +1

      Ford Pick Up. A Crown Vic works well over potholes and the long drives to get anywhere.

    • @Kreschavier
      @Kreschavier 4 місяці тому

      @@oddities-whatnot not as far away from the crap as you might think tho. It all gets down there eventually.

  • @melissadavis225
    @melissadavis225 Рік тому +10

    Your so funny my friend moved to Sioux Falls South Dakota from Marquette Michigan where we both became friends I still live in Michigan but she wants me to move out there think I'll stay in Michigan .

  • @BillKing3456
    @BillKing3456 Рік тому +13

    Again, you made a place I’d never think of going to interesting. We just did western South Dakota in June. We got as Far East as Wall (Wall Drugs) and the Badlands. You consistently have nice guests, Loree included (with her accent, she’d fit right into the Chicago area). Looking forward to your next video - seems like half the state of South Dakota is a ‘Native American Reservation’.

  • @KevinBullard
    @KevinBullard Рік тому +2

    Really enjoy your talk track and delivery!

  • @aaronkidd8932
    @aaronkidd8932 Рік тому +22

    Nick I'm really impressed sir. I've been following you for quite some time. You are literally making history. I was in South Dakota at the same time you were you.Traveling thru for an install job in Nebraska.We threw a serpentine belt and had to wait a few hours to get new part delivered. What a great town and great state. We thank all of you for being such genuine fine people. I was shocked. I live in North Dakota and knew had ND had changed since the " oil boom". I now know the accurate term to describe ND " progress" is actually the word " decline" and finally almost everything that made North Dakota one of the best states I ever been too or lived. Ruined. Totally. Used to be had vehicle issues here folks would be fistfighting to HELP you. Now in ND ,more likely they call cops on you or worse. Big oil has destroyed North Dakota,they sold their soul. People still work hard in ND,they need to put more work into getting back too the values that made it such an amazing place. North Dakota broke my ❤️,South Dakota thank you so much and God bless you. I thought America was dead. You are still beating strong in the heartland. Don't ever change and fight big oil to the death if need be. if oil industry takes hold in your state,everything that makes your state so amazing will be dead anyway. Oil money prosperity lol. Misery is what that black poop really brings you. However the Lord works in mysterious ways. A few miles outside of De Lacs due to scheduling conflict and sheer boredom I decided to walk a few miles down the road to look at some new equipment. One of the finest young men I have met stopped to askif I needed a ride. It was raining and decided to take offer. He will be entering US ARMY upon graduation this year. The North Dakota spirit is not completely dead. Thank you Nick and thank you Conner. May God continue to bless you both.

    • @skurinski
      @skurinski Рік тому

      did you hear about that crazy liberal man in ND that killed a teenager for being a conservative?

    • @superfisher4379
      @superfisher4379 Рік тому +2

      How does the oil industry destroy a state?

  • @robertjeffery6100
    @robertjeffery6100 9 місяців тому

    Thanks Nick great information as usual

  • @mudtailthunderfur317
    @mudtailthunderfur317 Рік тому

    Hey, it's chris. Thanks for the call. Nice editing on your videos. Really enjoyed them, can't wait to see your future videos.

  • @christopherr9331
    @christopherr9331 Рік тому +13

    Pure peace and serenity absolutely beautiful ❤️

    • @msway836
      @msway836 Рік тому +3

      and Boredom

    • @christopherr9331
      @christopherr9331 Рік тому +4

      @@msway836 Lol 😂 compared to the noise of NYC I prefer the boredom

    • @williamjameslehy1341
      @williamjameslehy1341 Рік тому +2

      I'm guessing you haven't travelled much if you call that beautiful. This is the most depressing-looking place I think I've ever seen.

    • @christopherr9331
      @christopherr9331 Рік тому

      @@williamjameslehy1341 LOL 🤣🤣🤣 no I just enjoy the peace of mind I get whenever I get out NYC so places such south Dakota is absolutely amazing to me

  • @patriciatennery3021
    @patriciatennery3021 Рік тому +6

    I’m from that type of town and moved to Houston for 35 years. I moved back to my roots.

  • @smason3541
    @smason3541 Рік тому +6

    You should go to Fairburn! Go collect Fairburn agate hunting in the agate beds! Now that’s a small town!

  • @Chaz4543
    @Chaz4543 Рік тому +10

    The idea of having a casino and slot machines inside a convenience store is so foreign and bizarre to me and I live in the US. We cant even buy alcohol in our convenience stores in my state.

    • @sandy_sd10
      @sandy_sd10 Рік тому +1

      Dang it, South Dakota has liquor and beer and casinos in the convenience stores😅😅😅😅 and chips

    • @420killa
      @420killa 10 місяців тому

      Video lottery no slot machines... Sad hole on the wall casinos. We don't pay state income taxes because of it tho

  • @jeffsmith846
    @jeffsmith846 Рік тому +5

    Make that "Stratford-upon-Avon" as in the hometown of Shakespeare in Warwickshire, England, UK. Avon is the river that Stratford is upon. Lol. (Not Stratford, Oklahoma which is near where I grew up.) Still loving these small town videos. Thanks Nick

  • @marksmith4582
    @marksmith4582 Рік тому +9

    Great informative video Nick! Except for the population of Wessington Springs, my hometown in southeast Iowa is similar other than we have about 7300 people in my hometown. I didn’t see quite as much crop land there but I know it exists. I would definitely like to visit the Corn Palace one day! I do have a very good friend living in Hot Springs South Dakota who is from our hometown. This was just really good! Hope your week goes well! Mark in southeast Iowa.

    • @QueenB572
      @QueenB572 Рік тому +3

      Where in Iowa, Mark? I have relatives in SE Iowa!

    • @marksmith4582
      @marksmith4582 Рік тому +2

      @@QueenB572 South of Iowa City. Washington.

  • @TargaWheels
    @TargaWheels Рік тому +14

    Wait. The Corn Palace has audience seating to watch people shop for items? GENIUS!!! 👍

    • @joinjen3854
      @joinjen3854 Місяць тому

      No silly. It is the GYM with audience seating.

  • @loreegaikowski2008
    @loreegaikowski2008 Рік тому +3

    Nick,
    A bit harsh on our Hummdinger coffee... don't you think? and yes... we do have parades.. 😉 But thank you for showcasing rural South Dakota in a realistic light and giving us a voice in a society that thinks we don't exist anymore. Please do come back .. we'd love to see you again :)

  • @bbqlips
    @bbqlips Рік тому +12

    I love this channel! I also wish there was a Canadian version! I think Canada's closest thing to nice places to live would be Nova Scotia?

  • @jdds1165
    @jdds1165 Рік тому +1

    This is a great video thanks

  • @JanicefromKansas
    @JanicefromKansas Рік тому +5

    Hello from Kansas 🇺🇸 great content!

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +1

      Hi Janice! I ❤️ your state too!

  • @GenXfrom75
    @GenXfrom75 Рік тому +9

    This is my dream! True rural life.

  • @iturbo5733
    @iturbo5733 Рік тому +3

    Cool, I enjoy your videos and like the one you just did on my hometown, Luverne Minnesota. Keep me in mind if you are going through Gillette, Wyoming.

  • @davel7014
    @davel7014 Рік тому +4

    It looks nice. I like the hills and greenery.

  • @janviergalle
    @janviergalle Рік тому +7

    Have been enjoying your trips across America. My dream of travelling across America has not been achieved though, somehow has been compensated by watching your trips.

    • @alk3078
      @alk3078 Рік тому +3

      What's stopping you? You don't have to see the whole country in one trip. I take a couple of one week road trips a year to different parts of the country. Bring a tent or fold the back seats down and sleep in the back of the car on a mat. Makes travel a lot cheaper.

    • @Chaz4543
      @Chaz4543 Рік тому +2

      @@alk3078 I have paranoia and OCD about my car breaking down in some strange place in the middle of nowhere where I have no idea how to get help. Sleep in the back of the car on a mat, where ? In some Walmart parking lot in bumfuck nowhere USA where I have no idea about the crime there ? No thanks.

  • @Ceilinggurl
    @Ceilinggurl Рік тому +7

    I’m laughing ..you are the King of Snark.

  • @QueenB572
    @QueenB572 Рік тому +8

    Nick, did you encounter any homes for sale in this cute place? I need some peace and quiet! Love this place! No traffic is a win win!

    • @jeremyjohnson253
      @jeremyjohnson253 Рік тому +3

      I live near Wessington. There are definitely places for sale for prices you won't find anywhere else. We moved to rural South Dakota by choice in 2015 and LOVE IT. It's a great place to raise kids and fishing is amazing! I live closer to the river though.

    • @loreegaikowski2008
      @loreegaikowski2008 Рік тому +1

      Becky Williams... Contact me.. I'd love to help you find a place :)

  • @pokemontas8025
    @pokemontas8025 Рік тому +6

    Looks quiet and peaceful

  • @elizabethnilsson1815
    @elizabethnilsson1815 Рік тому +2

    I loved this video and presentation , The people seems to be nice and natural and take care of each other....it was lovely to hear Nick and the Lady talking humble mature manner of her own town. love and greetings from Europe.

  • @mikedrown2721
    @mikedrown2721 Рік тому +5

    👍😊 thanks Nick

  • @TargaWheels
    @TargaWheels Рік тому +9

    Looks like all the yards are maintained. Kind of says a lot about a town. I'd live there for sure.

  • @troy3637
    @troy3637 Рік тому +1

    Love your videos, we have a great state

  • @craftedwithart
    @craftedwithart Рік тому

    I find it so interesting for some reason seeing and learning the lesser known states even though I've never been to America

  • @ebele4233
    @ebele4233 Рік тому +6

    tornado warning dinner time lights out love it :)

  • @subhashnamey5562
    @subhashnamey5562 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for your videos. A great deal of information is shared to us. I'm fascinated and my curiosity increases with every video. History and Geography is my subject. I have subscribed to your channel.From Pune City India.

  • @Unlucky1287
    @Unlucky1287 Рік тому +3

    South Dakota is the best, as long as you can entertain yourself. Ive lived in SD most of my life.

  • @TryingToGet1KSubsWithoutVids01

    As someone who lives in a small town of 2100 in South Dakota I can confirm, but it’s not as boring as people think

  • @jasonjames4254
    @jasonjames4254 Рік тому +2

    South Dakota perfectly illustrates the conservative vs. liberal divide in America's political ideologies. To call South Dakota a red state is an understatement. Unfortunately, South Dakota's ingrained conservative values can sometimes be it's own worst enemy. South Dakotan's often forget that for all practical purposes, we are a welfare state in that we receive more in federal benefits than we pay in in taxes. When I was a kid growing up in Sioux Falls, you could take a short drive and still see small 160 acre farms dotting the landscape everywhere. Small town American was still alive and well. After Reagan came into office in 1981, and the effects of his conservative agriculture policies and supply side economics set in, the population of South Dakota began dropping as small farms got swallowed up by big farms. Of course, this also decimated small towns and rural communities. This consolidation continues to this day. Wessington Springs is a rare survivor. It's now rare to see a farm that isn't at least several sections. And beyond the west river divide where ranching is king, the ranches are huge. Family-own and operated farms and ranches have to be big efficient corporate-style operations or they will not survive. Talk to any South Dakota farmer or rancher and you'll likely find a bright individual with an agriculture degree, as it takes a sophisticated skill set to navigate throw the plethora of issues surrounding crop and livestock management, financing and loans, government programs, etc. The days of the hillbilly farmer are long gone. Although I lean conservative myself, I can see how earlier policies that were more progressive benefited South Dakota more than they hurt. And let's not forget that South Dakota is the home of Democrat Senators George McGovern, Tom Daschle, and Tim Johnson, as well as a few democrat representatives here and there. The future of South Dakota and it's small towns is quite uncertain. The trend is toward more consolidation and the slow dismantling of a way of life that was quintessential American. Both liberalism and right-wing conservatism have the potential to destroy rural South Dakota. Let's hope we can strike a balance that will preserve rural America and our traditional American values.

  • @TheModestMama
    @TheModestMama Рік тому +8

    I LOVE South Dakota so was looking forward to a small town SD video lol

  • @garyjust.johnson1436
    @garyjust.johnson1436 Рік тому +3

    Your videos are great! I was inspired to visit mt. Rushmore and devils tower this weekend! Me! A complete couch potato!

  • @user-w8jhtre23
    @user-w8jhtre23 Рік тому +6

    This lady explained the best how its like to live in small town or better word is little village.

  • @josedosanjos2200
    @josedosanjos2200 Рік тому +1

    That's very interesting images.

  • @keithlauderjr1691
    @keithlauderjr1691 Рік тому +1

    So funny Nick!!! Did you notice the lack of Litter?

  • @757-David
    @757-David Рік тому +3

    I hope you hit Pierre and Spearfish,loved those towns. Had a great time in Deadwood at the Casino.

  • @SlapStyleAnims
    @SlapStyleAnims 17 днів тому

    I’ll be visiting South Dakota this August, I can’t wait!

  • @timetraveler1967
    @timetraveler1967 Рік тому +1

    love this video

  • @humanwolf1984
    @humanwolf1984 Рік тому +5

    Yesterday was my birthday party how is your weekend going so far Nick&Mappy. 💖🎂😉😇😍💓

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +1

      WHAT DID YOU DO FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY JOSH??

    • @humanwolf1984
      @humanwolf1984 Рік тому

      A Pizza Party @ my favorite Pizza place Nick & Mappy. 🍕🍕💖💓😋

  • @smason3541
    @smason3541 Рік тому +5

    I’m from Hill City South Dakota. My Dad co-owns the Black Hills Institute on main st. You should go see some dinosaurs!

  • @stevehiggins8623
    @stevehiggins8623 Рік тому +6

    I grew up in Wessington Springs. It has changed a lot over the last few decades as a result of some pretty significant tragedies .

    • @doubledown8229
      @doubledown8229 Рік тому +2

      What tragedies?

    • @stevehiggins8623
      @stevehiggins8623 Рік тому +2

      Over the last 50 (?) years there have been 2 tornadoes and I believe 4 devastating fires on main street.

    • @barbaraanderson1137
      @barbaraanderson1137 Рік тому

      Steve Higgins I'm from Woonsocket! 😊

  • @davidrowe4006
    @davidrowe4006 Рік тому

    I grew up in the 70s in Mobridge SD. The whistle blew at 6 and 10. Kids high tailed it home when it blew.

  • @timothykeith1367
    @timothykeith1367 Рік тому +6

    Many want to farm, but the startup costs are prohibitive. There should be a video on centennial farms - multi-generational farms of 4 or more generations. I'd like to know how some manage to keep the farms in the same family.

    • @ES-mc3cc
      @ES-mc3cc Рік тому

      Now Bill Gates and China own billions of dollars of farmland in the US. They want us to starve or get sick on their GMO food.

    • @Isenseven1080
      @Isenseven1080 Рік тому +1

      Yeah, farming is not something you just start up doing because you want to. Either born into it or have a ridiculous amount of money. Land is the key factor.

    • @88Cougars2015
      @88Cougars2015 Рік тому +1

      4th generation sd farmer here :)

  • @ericar
    @ericar Рік тому +4

    I used to live near Stratford Upon Avon in England (Shakespeare) it's a lovely place but gets so crowded with tourists 😂

  • @davidrowe4006
    @davidrowe4006 Рік тому

    Nick, check out communities along the river. The MO. river communities and the reservoirs are destinations for people all the way to Wisconsin. There's a lot of fishing tourism all up and down the river, Lake Oahe is king. From Pierre to Bismarck are a bunch of little towns and fishing villages.

  • @JaySmith-pv2mw
    @JaySmith-pv2mw Рік тому +2

    Vehicles in front of the Humm Dinger:
    Pickup, pickup, pickup, pickup, pickup, pickup...

  • @Cee_Nelly
    @Cee_Nelly Рік тому +3

    Thanks for that Casey's update;I'm genuinely curious as to how each rates. LOL
    How long before we get that "worse places in SD" vid? LOL

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Рік тому +1

      🍕 and the worst place is coming up next

  • @americanabulldog2465
    @americanabulldog2465 Рік тому +5

    The small town I went to in S. Dakota didn't have paved roads.

  • @bluesquidny
    @bluesquidny Рік тому +2

    They don't show you the cold harsh wind that blows on your face for 10 months a year

  • @arlenethomas1167
    @arlenethomas1167 Рік тому

    Hi Nick! I really enjoyed your tour video of SD. I am considering relocating out thata way n was wondering what area of SD you highly recommend?🕊️💛✨

  • @jacksonmorganfroghin4815
    @jacksonmorganfroghin4815 Рік тому +2

    Just so you know, Nick, this was not my first ruh DAY oh ......!
    Great video. (Or should I say vi DAY oh) Nobody wants big families or small towns anymore. Most folks like to be anonymous as they are on the internet. You can't have secrets in small town. Maybe Mellencamp can since he left John Cougar behind. I too, grew up in a small town in Indiana (with 3k population) and couldn't wait to get to Gotham. With sky scrapers and subways. And fern bars . Now I live in a medium sized town, it's fine by me.

  • @charlesclark4177
    @charlesclark4177 Рік тому +4

    Visit Winner, two hours to the SW. It’s a bigger small town, with just over 2,800.

  • @mrpoopoohead7668
    @mrpoopoohead7668 Рік тому

    Nick, I am a native Wisconsinite. Wonderful series here. I lived in Arkansas for 7 years, it was very hot every summer. I moved to northern Wisconsin so i could enjoy my summers 'cause the average temp ujp here is 70-75 degrees. I love playing disc golf, and have considered moving to Kansas 'cause Emporia is called the disc golf disneyland of america. I know it's HOT down there and windy, and 2nd only to Texas as far as # of tornadoes each year? But these Wisconsin winters are brutal, I'm 60 years old and getting tired of it. Lol's

  • @maximilianlagerfeld2403
    @maximilianlagerfeld2403 Рік тому +6

    Looks like a good community.

  • @drdwgmd14
    @drdwgmd14 Рік тому +6

    we will see, now with the proliferation of WFH (work from home), we may see a reversion of folks going BACK to smaller towns. to be determined.

    • @itsnick37
      @itsnick37 Рік тому +4

      Didn’t like the “virtual jobs” and don’t really know how to get into it but if I ever did I would move to small town, maybe around 5k population more ideal…. Living in busy New Jersey it flat out sucks and it’s expensive I want quiet place and cleaner air. Don’t really go out much anyway rather enjoy nature and get to know people and have an actual community….

  • @davidbea3711
    @davidbea3711 Рік тому +7

    Nick, how soon before you can help people in Puerto Rico find property in PR ??
    Im looking for a rural small farm property in the mountains

  • @marksauck3399
    @marksauck3399 9 місяців тому +1

    Sioux Falls had 50,000 people when I was born there. Now it’s over 200,000 and growing faster.

  • @keithlauderjr1691
    @keithlauderjr1691 Рік тому

    Hey Nick! Aberdeen checking in. ( ;;

  • @maxmayer1281
    @maxmayer1281 Рік тому +2

    I live in Sioux City where the corn palace used to be born in sd tho there’s some pictures of the old palace here my dad is from Mitchell where the new one is played some basketball games there in high school even scored 35 in a game there 10 threes

  • @Sparky-vu2ej
    @Sparky-vu2ej Рік тому +3

    It’s a double edge sword having out of staters move here. They can sell their homes for a good price and come out here were they think real estate is cheap. Like out in the black hills area. Gotten untouchable for locals who typically make low wages in South Dakota. Prices of real estate go up with demand. Same thing is happening where I live. Like a buddy of mine told an out of starter that moved in that’s fine just do not bring your friends along. Getting much tougher for locals to purchase a home where people are moving to from out of state. No South Dakotans do not like change.

  • @lauren9004
    @lauren9004 Рік тому +3

    Love this place

  • @gimmethepinkelephant3685
    @gimmethepinkelephant3685 Рік тому +1

    Work will set you free.👌🏻