Oglala Lakota County

Oglala Lakota County is an administrative territory in southwestern South Dakota covering semi-arid rolling terrain with sparse vegetation and exposed earth formations. A portion of Badlands National Park within its boundaries displays dramatic ridges and eroded badlands landscape.

The territory received its current name in May 2015 when residents voted to change it from Shannon County, marking an important affirmation of Native American identity. This renaming reflected a decision rooted in the region's indigenous heritage and community self-determination.

The county sits entirely within Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where Lakota language, customs, and ceremonies continue to shape daily life and community identity today.

Hot Springs in neighboring Fall River County serves as the administrative center since the territory has no county seat of its own. Visitors seeking services or information should plan to travel outside the territory for administrative purposes.

This territory stands as the only dry county in South Dakota, where alcohol sales remain prohibited by law. Related tax revenues instead flow to neighboring counties, a legal arrangement that shapes commerce in the region.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: January 1875

Capital city: Hot Springs

Shares border with: Pennington County, Dawes County, Cherry County, Sheridan County, Fall River County, Custer County, Jackson County, Bennett County

Website: https://oglalalakota.sdcounties.org

GPS coordinates: 43.33000,-102.55000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:48