Winner, city in and county seat of Tripp County, South Dakota, United States
Winner is a small city in south central South Dakota serving as the county seat of Tripp County. The downtown area contains government offices, local shops, and cafés where residents gather, while open fields and cattle ranches define the surrounding landscape.
Winner was founded in 1909 when a railroad survey missed the nearby town of Lamro by two miles, causing the railroad to establish its station here instead, giving the city its name. This railroad connection allowed the town to grow quickly into the county seat it remains today.
Winner reflects rural farming and ranching roots through its local museum and community events that celebrate the region's agricultural heritage. The town keeps these traditions alive in how residents gather and participate in seasonal fairs and market activities.
Winner sits at the intersection of highways 18, 183, and 44 making it accessible by car from multiple directions. The downtown area has restaurants and shops within walking distance, and a small airport serves those arriving by plane.
Winner owes its name to a railroad competition in 1909 where it was selected as the winner over nearby competing towns for the railroad connection. This origin story shaped the city's identity as a place that succeeded against the odds.
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