Located about 95 miles north of Sioux Falls, Watertown is the seat of Codington County. It was founded in 1879 when Chicago & Northwestern Railroad established a rail terminus in its current location as part of a plan to reactivate a section of a line to Lake Kampeska. The city was originally supposed to be named “Kampeska,” but two of its founders, brothers John and Oscar Kemp, decided to name it after their hometown Watertown, New York.
In the 1880s, Watertown flourished as a transportation hub following the extension of the railroads. Due to its rapid growth, the city became a candidate for the capital of South Dakota, but it eventually lost out to the more strategically located Pierre. In the mid-20th century, it became an even more prosperous hub as a result of the construction of Interstate 29 through the eastern part of the state.
Today, Watertown is home to about 22,200 residents and covers an area of 25 square miles. It's the fifth most populous city in South Dakota.
When is the best time to visit Watertown, SD?
Average temperatures in Watertown vary greatly throughout the year. The city experiences cold weather for about six months in a year and fine weather with a low chance of rain for the remaining months. As far as the weather is concerned, the best time to visit Watertown is between mid-May and late September, when average temperatures range from the low 50s to low 70s. The warmest time of the year is from June to August.
Watertown receives the largest number of visitors in April, May, and June. While you can enjoy more activities and events during these months, you also have to be prepared to deal with limited accommodation availability and significantly higher hotel rates. However, you can save money and get your ideal accommodation if you book at least three weeks in advance. For a more budget-friendly and relaxing vacation, consider visiting Watertown in July, August, or September.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Watertown, SD:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average rate trends by star rating class in Watertown, SD. Analyze these charts to determine the cheapest time to stay in Watertown for any future trips.
What are the top hotels in Watertown, SD?
For a more comfortable stay, consider booking a room at the award-winning Quality Inn & Suites Watertown, SD. Located in downtown Watertown, this hotel is a few minutes from attractions such as Redlin Art Center, Watertown Mall, Odyssey Grand 8 Theater, and Bramble Park Zoo. Each of its 58 rooms is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD TV, cable programming, refrigerator, hair dryer, pillowtop bed, and premium bedding. As a guest, you can take advantage of amenities such as an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, 24-hour business center, and convenience store.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watertown-Thousand Islands offers a wonderful stay with its tranquil environment, excellent amenities, and impeccable service. It's about 3.4 miles east of Watertown, 1 mile from Redlin Art Center, and 2 miles from Watertown Mall. The rooms in this family-friendly hotel feature soothing decor and amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, satellite programming, and refrigerator. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the indoor pool and spa tub, work up a sweat at the fitness center, and have fun in the arcade room.
What are the affordable hotel options near Watertown, SD?
3 Star Average Prices: $110.68
If you want to keep your travel expenses low, staying at Super 8 by Wyndham Watertown is a good option. Located about 1.5 miles from downtown Watertown, this hotel is close to attractions such as Codington County Heritage Museum, Watertown Mall, and Watertown Family Aquatic Center.
Although it's one of the most affordable hotels in the area, this Super 8 location has a wide range of amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. It offers in-room amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cable programming, and microwave, as well as an indoor pool, spa tub, picnic area, and complimentary hot or cold buffet breakfast.
Econo Lodge - Watertown, SD is another budget hotel worth considering. It's situated about 1.8 miles from Watertown, less than a mile from Prairie Pasque Campground, 2.3 miles from Pelican Lake, and 2.5 miles from Bramble Park Zoo. It has 47 air-conditioned rooms that come with free Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerator, and coffee maker. During your stay, you can have a nice picnic around a barbecue grill and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast daily.
2 Star Average Prices: $96.47
What are the best discounts in Watertown, SD?
If you're an AAA member, you can get a special rate at Ramkota Hotel & Watertown Event Center. Situated about 1.3 miles southwest of downtown Watertown, this hotel is less than a mile from Pelican Lake, 1.9 miles from Bramble Park Zoo, and 2 miles from Codington County Heritage Museum. It has 101 rooms that come with complimentary Wi-Fi, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. In addition, it offers amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, game room, business center, on-site restaurant, and free round-trip airport shuttle.
Super 8 by Wyndham Milbank, SD is one of the hotels in the area that offer discounts to government and military personnel. It's located about 32 miles northeast of Watertown in Milbank, 1.5 miles from Lake Farley Park, 12.7 miles from Ortonville Municipal Golf Course, and 15.8 miles from Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. This hotel offers 39 rooms that are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cable programming, and coffee maker, as well as event facilities, discounted use of a nearby fitness center, laundry facilities, and tour assistance.
What are the best value options in Watertown, SD?
If you're looking for a hotel in Watertown that offers good value for money, book a room at Days Inn by Wyndham Watertown. This hotel is about 2.8 miles from downtown Watertown, less than a mile from Redlin Art Center, 2.2 miles from Watertown Mall, and 3.6 miles from Watertown Family Aquatic Center.
All the 56 rooms in this Days Inn location come with free Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerator, microwave, and safe. When you're staying there, you can work out at the fitness center, hold an event at the conference hall or meeting room, and use the laundry facilities to wash your clothes. Complimentary continental breakfast is available every day.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Watertown, SD is another hotel that's popular among value seekers. Located about 3 miles east of Watertown, it provides easy access to popular attractions such as Redline Art Center, Watertown Mall, Pelican Lake, and Lake Kampeska. This hotel has 72 comfortable rooms that feature complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD TV, cable programming, and hair dryer. To ensure a pleasant and convenient stay, it offers amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, business center, and fireplace in the lobby.
What are the top attractions in Watertown, SD?
Watertown is a great destination for cultural exploration due to its rich history and vibrant art scene. You can start discovering the city's interesting past with a walking tour of Historic Downtown Watertown. As you stroll along Kemp Avenue, you can see 60 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Codington County Courthouse, Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad Depot, and Codington County Heritage Museum. Make sure you check out the exhibits in Codington County Heritage Museum. This museum has thousands of artifacts, pictures, and activities that provide a comprehensive insight into the storied history of Codington County.
After exploring the historic district, head down to Mellette House. Built in 1885, this historic home served as the residence of Arthur Mellette, the first governor of South Dakota. During your tour, you can listen to interesting stories about the Mellette family and view original furnishings, heirlooms, and portraits.
Redlin Art Center is another must-visit attraction in Watertown. This art gallery features more than 150 original paintings of renowned wildlife artist Terry Redlin. The paintings depict different experiences and events throughout the life of the artist, including his childhood in Watertown.
If you're interested in outdoor activities, spend a day or two at Lake Kampeska. Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, this inland glacial lake is the third largest natural lake in South Dakota. It offers activities such as swimming, boating, water-skiing, fishing, camping, biking, and picnicking.
Pelican Lake is another popular recreational destination in the area. It's a preferred stopover site for migrating waterfowl, making it a great place for bird-watching in summer and fall. Besides birding, you can also enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping at this lake. If you're traveling with your family, you can have a fun day out with your kids at Bramble Park Zoo or Watertown Family Aquatic Center.
Watertown is one of the best-kept secrets in Eastern South Dakota. It offers a wonderful travel experience with its rich historical and cultural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings. While its laid-back lifestyle makes it a great place for unwinding, it also has all the amenities needed for a pleasurable stay. Choosing the right hotel can make your Watertown trip more cost-effective, hassle-free, and enjoyable. Do some research to find a hotel that perfectly suits your budget and needs.
FAQs about hotels in Watertown
How much does a cheap hotel in Watertown cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Watertown can be as cheap as $96.47 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Watertown cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Watertown has been $110.68 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)