Hand County

Hand County spans rolling terrain across South Dakota with ponds and lakes scattered throughout the Great Plains agricultural landscape. The land shows the characteristic features of the region with mixed prairie and farming areas.

The Dakota territorial government created Hand County in 1873 and named it after George A. Hand, the territorial secretary at that time. This establishment marked a key administrative step in organizing the region during settlement expansion.

Communities across the county preserve German, Irish, and Norwegian heritage through local gatherings and celebrations that reflect settler backgrounds. Miller and other towns show these traditions through events and community life.

Several major routes connect the county with surrounding areas including U.S. Highway 14, U.S. Highway 212, and South Dakota state highways. These roads provide straightforward access through the region.

Multiple state game production areas including Collins, Dakota, and Lake Louise exist within the county, offering habitat for wildlife. These protected spaces are significant for nature observation across the sparsely populated landscape.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1873

Capital city: Miller

Elevation above the sea: 475 m

Shares border with: Faulk County, Spink County, Beadle County, Jerauld County, Buffalo County, Hyde County

Website: https://hand.sdcounties.org

GPS coordinates: 44.55000,-99.00000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:50