WATERTOWN, South Dakota – This is our latest proof that we can enjoy destinations that don’t involve golf. We hadn’t been to South Dakota since 2015 , the last time highlighted by a stop to see the iconic Mount Rushmore.
This time we made a side trip from a family gathering in Marshall, Minnesota, to check out the Terry Redlin Art Center – a 90-minute drive over the South Dakota state line to the late artist’s home town (population about 22,000).
Redlin was twice selected as America’s Most Popular Artist in the 1990s in a U.S. Art Magazine poll of the nation’s art galleries. Redlin Art Center was a gift from the late artist to his town. It contains over 160 of his original oil paintings, the best known probably being “2 am Feeding,’’ which depicts Redlin as a young father struggling to feed a new-born baby.
There’s a lot more to enjoy, as Redlin specialized in outdoor themes and wildlife. Redlin, who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident when he was 15, worked until 2007 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Redlin died in a retirement home in Watertown in 2016 at the age of 78.
The Redlin Art Center opened in 1997 and features a video presentation of the artist in which he gives insights into his creations, especially an eight-painting series entitled “An American Portrait.’’ He drew from his own memories and called it “the biggest project I’ll ever do.’’
Redlin had over 50 paintings in the works at the time of his death and the Art Center commemorated the 10th anniversary of his passing by sharing a collection of his unfinished works in April of 2026.
The Art Center offers self-guided tours of three floors of his art. It’s all well-displayed and is accompanied by the Redlin story that celebrates life’s simple pleasures in a place of peace and tranquility. And – a real bargain – there is no admission charge.
There’s three exclusive shops at the Center offering Redlin’s fine art prints, special gifts and unique home décor. For more information on this special place check the website redlinart.com.
Supplementing our most enjoyable visit was a lunch at The Grainery, a restaurant across the street from the Center. We requested a dish symbolic of South Dakota and came up with Tator Tot Hot Dish. It did not disappoint.
