Our Community

Location... 

Martin rests on U.S. Highway 18, 130 miles southeast of Rapid City, the state's second largest city, and 150 miles southwest of Pierre, the state capital. It is located 58 miles south of Interstate 90 on S.D. Highway 73 within 1 1/2 hours drive of the Badlands National Monument and three hours drive of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. A distinguishing feature is the city's location between two large American Indian reservations. To the west is the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and to the east is the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

Economy...

Martin is not dependent on the tourist industry and is considered strictly a service community. Farmers and ranchers support the city economically and provide cooperation and support on projects of improvement for the community such as a swimming pool, hospital, nursing home, baseball fields, senior citizens' center and many, many others. Production agriculture is the biggest industry in Bennett County, with beef cattle, winter wheat, sunflowers and millet being the chief products. Martin has a large retail trade area and a stable business community.

Education...

The Bennett County School District has elementary, junior high and high school facilities at Martin serving approximately 525 students from Bennett County and the surrounding areas. Oglala Lakota College is a North Central Accredited, tribally-controlled college located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It has a dispersed, decentralized campus system which features college centers in each of the nine reservation districts. Degrees are offered at the associate, baccalaureate and masters levels. Enrollment is approximately 1,400.

Health Care...

The healthcare industry is the largest employer in the Martin service area. Bennett County Heath Care is a 20-bed critical access hospital with an attached 48-bed long term care facility. Both are owned by the county. The attached medical and dental clinic, Bennett County Community Heath Center, is operated by Horizon Heath Care, Inc. of Howard, SD. There is also a private practice medical clinic, Weber Medical, and pharmacy, Martin Drug, in Martin.

Heritage...

Historical displays can be found at the Martin Community Heritage Center, preserving the history of both the Native American Culture and the early days of the white settlers.

Social & Civic Organizations...

A large number of organizations are active in Martin, including the Martin Area Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, 4-H, political committees, Masons, Eastern Star, Knights of Columbus, PEO, Boy Scouts, summer youth programs, and many other community and school groups.

Opportunities for Worship...

Martin is host to eight churches, including Episcopal, Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Lutheran.  All churches in Martin are highly involved within the community and support programs for the youth.

Recreation...

Bennett County offers excellent opportunities for hunting antelope, mule and whitetail deer, ducks, pheasants and grouse. Many of the dams and lakes provide excellent bass fishing. Martin has a 9-hole grass green golf course, a modern indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and lighted athletic fields.