Dell Rapids

History

Dell Rapids was originally named Dell City, but was renamed after the rapids of the Big Sioux River. After a fire broke out on the main street and burned most of the town, it was rebuilt out of Sioux Quartzite, a common rock in the area. The Chicago, Milwaukee, and Saint Paul Railroad built a railroad into the area, reaching Dell Rapids from Egan in 1881. Two large Sioux Quartzite quarries owned by LG Everist are operated via this rail line, which is now operated by LG's subsidiary, the D&I Railroad. The community celebrates its heritage with the annual "Quarry Days" in July, and in June, the city hosts "Cootie Days", where rides and games are set up and available in the city's park.

Geography

Dell Rapids is located along the Big Sioux River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of , of which is land and is water.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Dell Rapids Elementary - 02
  Elementary · Dell Rapids · 393 students · 14:1 ratio
• Baltic Elementary - 02
  Elementary · Baltic · 317 students · 16.7:1 ratio
• Dell Rapids Middle School - 03
  Middle · Dell Rapids · 299 students · 14.2:1 ratio
• Dell Rapids High School - 01
  High · Dell Rapids · 290 students · 15.3:1 ratio
• Baltic High School - 01
  High · Baltic · 162 students · 14.7:1 ratio
• Baltic Middle School - 03
  Middle · Baltic · 129 students · 18.4:1 ratio