Charles Mix County

Charles Mix County is an administrative division in southeastern South Dakota that stretches along the Missouri River with rolling terrain and farming regions throughout. The landscape consists of gentle hills and crop fields that form the foundation of the area's economy and character.

This county was established in 1862 and named after Charles Eli Mix, a government official involved in treaty negotiations with Lakota tribes. The period following its creation saw settlement and agricultural development shape the region's growth and ties to the broader American frontier.

The Yankton Indian Reservation shapes daily life and community practices across much of the eastern section, with residents maintaining tribal traditions through local gatherings and crafts. Native American heritage is visible in place names, local events, and how communities gather in public spaces.

Lake Andes functions as the county seat and serves as the central hub for services and administrative facilities throughout the region. Spring through fall offers the best conditions for visiting, as outdoor activities and agricultural areas are most accessible during these seasons.

This county stretches nearly 100 miles from north to south, making it one of the longest counties in South Dakota in that direction. This unusual north-south extension creates distinct regional zones within the same administrative boundaries.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1862

Capital city: Lake Andes

Shares border with: Brule County, Aurora County, Douglas County, Hutchinson County, Bon Homme County, Knox County, Boyd County, Gregory County, Lyman County

Website: http://charlesmix.sdcounties.org

GPS coordinates: 43.21000,-98.59000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57