Buffalo County

Buffalo County is an administrative county in central South Dakota that covers rolling hills and prairie grasslands along the Missouri River. The landscape consists of gentle terrain typical of the Great Plains region, with the Crow Creek Indian Reservation occupying the majority of the county's area.

Buffalo County was established in 1873 during South Dakota's territorial expansion period in the late 19th century. Its creation reflected the broader settlement patterns and administrative organization of the Great Plains region during westward expansion.

The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe forms the heart of this county, with their reservation encompassing most of the land and their cultural traditions shaping daily life here. Visitors notice the presence of tribal governance, local events, and community spaces that reflect Native American heritage and contemporary tribal life.

Gann Valley serves as the county seat and offers basic government and community services, with access to regional highways for travel. The open terrain and low population density mean that services are spread out, and visitors should plan accordingly for supplies and amenities.

Gann Valley functions as the county seat despite having only a few residents, making it one of the smallest administrative centers of its kind in the United States. This unusual setup reflects the sparse settlement patterns of the rural Great Plains.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1873

Capital city: Gann Valley

Shares border with: Hand County, Jerauld County, Brule County, Lyman County, Hyde County

Website: https://gannvalley.com/buffalo-county-1

GPS coordinates: 44.08000,-99.20000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08