Haakon County

Haakon County is a large administrative area in central South Dakota with gently rolling hills and dry grasslands. The territory spreads between two rivers and is shaped primarily by ranching operations.

The county was established in 1914 and named after Norwegian King Haakon VII, who took the throne in 1905. This makes it South Dakota's only county named after a foreign person.

The region is shaped by strong ranching traditions that define daily life and the landscape. Visitors can observe the many cattle herds and the rural practices connected to them that give the area its character.

Visitors should prepare for large distances between towns and limited services since the population is spread thinly across the territory. The small town of Philip offers basic supplies and serves as a good base for exploring the surrounding area.

The area sits at the easternmost edge of the Mountain Time Zone in South Dakota and experiences dramatic temperature swings from freezing winters to hot summers. These extreme climate conditions have long shaped how residents live and work throughout the year.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1914

Capital city: Philip

Shares border with: Ziebach County, Stanley County, Jones County, Jackson County, Pennington County, Meade County, Dewey County

GPS coordinates: 44.30000,-101.53000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:04