03/26/2025
SULLY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ACTIVATES TALKING TRAIL
Written by: Sheila Ring
Visitors and residents of Sully County can now embark on a journey through history with the newly activated Sully County Talking Trail. Last Friday, March 21, Sully County Highway Superintendent JJ Schall, along with the Sully County Historical Society’s Talking Trail committee members Lew Robbenolt, Kelli Stephens, and Sheila Ring, installed the signage marking key historical sites along the trail.
The Talking Trail features ten stops: Sully Lake; the Clifton townsite west of Onida; Okobojo townsite; Fort Sully/Arikara Village (Codger’s Cove); Little Bend (Little Bend fish cleaning station); Blair Colony/Fairbank (West Prairie Resort); the Mennonite Cemetery and Blaine School east of Onida; Pleasant Township; and the communities of Onida and Agar. Each stop along the trail offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with Sully County’s past through engaging storytelling.
Sully County, officially organized in 1883, is located in central South Dakota, approximately 30 miles north of the state capital, Pierre. Named after General Alfred Sully, who constructed Fort Sully near the Missouri River, the county consists of two communities, Agar and Onida, with the latter serving as the county seat. The Talking Trail provides an opportunity for visitors to delve into the area’s rich history and discover stories that have been passed down through generations.
The Talking Trail offers an interactive experience through a free, easy-to-use platform available on iOS and Android devices. For those who prefer not to use a mobile app, a phone number on each sign allows users to access the content directly, and additional details can be found at www.talkingtrail.com/sullycountysd A built-in map feature also provides step-by-step directions to each historical location.
The installation of the Talking Trail was made possible through generous contributions from local sponsors, including:
• American Bank & Trust
• Ringneck Energy
• BankWest
• Rod & Tawana Grueb
• Morris, Inc.
• Vic & Andrew Utech/Codgers Cove
• Onida Lodge #173 AF&AM
• Mark & Dolores Evans
• Nye Lumber
• Wheatland Inn
• Barber Farm Service
With the activation of the Sully County Talking Trail, history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike can now explore the stories and heritage of this central South Dakota region in a dynamic and engaging way. Whether accessed through a smartphone or a simple phone call, the Talking Trail promises to bring Sully County’s past to life for all who embark on this historical journey.
The Sully County Historical Society formed in 2021 as a group of individuals interested in seeing the courthouse dome restored and to share their passion for Sully County History. Not only has the group seen the dome restoration to fruition, the SCHS continues to pursue and raise money for projects that preserve Sully County history and heritage, and welcomes suggestions for future projects. The Sully County Historical Society meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Sully County Courthouse. Anyone with an interest in history is encouraged to join.
