Have you ever been driving along one of South Dakota’s many picturesque roads and had to do a double-take because you saw a gigantic pheasant chilling on the side of the road? If so, you have most likely visited Redfield, the “pheasant capital of the world” that not only has a ton of birds but some other fun surprises as well!

Tucked away near northeast SoDak, Redfield is a small town of nearly 2,500 that is as charming as it is quirky. 

Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

Incorporated in 1883, Redfield was initially established as “Stennett Junction” and was later renamed in honor of railroad official J. B. Redfield, who helped grow the town into a vital hub for the Chicago and North Western Railway and Milwaukee Road Railroad.

Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

Despite the railroads no longer being the town’s claim to fame, Redfield was able to re-invent itself, this time as the previously mentioned “Pheasant Capital of the World”! 

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

How does a small town earn such a worldly title? It is thanks to Redfield’s 100+ year tradition of pheasant hunting, which is considered to be the best in not only the region but the world. 

Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

In addition to the ample hunting and various references to the colorful (and tasty) pheasant, Redfield is home to a charming downtown area with unique shops and restaurants, as well as year-round special events, a drive-in movie theater, museum, and more. 

JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

If you are looking for a great place to raise a family or retire, Redfield may be the place for you, too, thanks to its many job opportunities, affordable cost of living, and plans to develop a new school. 

Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

To learn more about the “Pheasant Capital of the World,” please visit the Redfield Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Redfield Chamber of Commerce

Do you have a favorite small town that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota? Remember to nominate it here! For even more of our favorite unique SoDak towns, check out Here Are The Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In South Dakota.

Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Redfield Chamber of Commerce

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Address: Redfield, SD 57469, USA