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.
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.
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.
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.
Below are reviews of the city of Watertown, SD from an actual visitor's perspective.
Was there for grandkids hockey. Was very nice.
Restaurant choices. Movie Theater. Shopping.
The Redlin Art Museum was awesome. Watertown has some great dining options!
Watertown has great lakes and the art gallery!
Lovely town with lots of eating choices!
Has everything you could need. Restaurants, shopping, etc.
Watertown has some great spots to visit and see. A nice community!
Watertown has some great spots to visit and see. A nice community!
Zoo, mellete house, museum and lots of interesting stores. Terry Redlin museum. I liked all the flowers along hwy 81.