About the Martin Area
Martin rests on U.S. Highway 18, 130 miles southeast of Rapid City. Surrounded by the tall prairie grasses of south central South Dakota, our heartland town of Martin has a population of 1,106 and serves a market area of approximately 8,000. The largest community in Bennett County and the county seat, Martin is the center for business, education and medical care.
City Government
Mayor: Gary Rayhill
Finance Officer: Jean Kirk
City Attorney: Sara Frankenstein
President: Kevin Rascher
Vice President: Cecilia “Tootie” Moffitt
Council Members
Ward 1: Cecilia Moffitt, Gloria Claussen
Ward 2: Lindsee Harris, Kevin Rascher
Ward 3: Gregg Claussen, Jay Yohner
Get involved
It’s the people in our small town who make living here so special. We share a strong community spirit that comes from active civic involvement, volunteerism, and positive relationships between business, schools and government.
Community Organizations include:
Martin Area Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, 4-H, political committees, Masons, Eastern Star, Knights of Columbus, PEO, Boy Scouts, and summer youth programs
Outdoor Recreation
Lacreek Wildlife Refuge
Located 12 miles southeast of Martin, S.D., the Lacreek Wildlife Refuge’s wet lands, wet meadows, and grasslands are home to a wide range of local wildlife.
The Refuge provides an excellent location for bird watching, photography, archery, hunting, fishing, walking trails, and environmental education.
Hunting and fishing
For decades, both locals and visitors enjoy Bennett County’s many hunting and fishing opportunities. Our area offers excellent opportunities for hunting antelope, mule and whitetail deer, ducks, pheasants and grouse. Many of the dams and lakes provide excellent bass fishing.
For more information and licenses visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website
Wellness
Martin has a Fitness Center, a modern indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and lighted athletic fields, including a state-of-the-art all weather track facility the public can use.
Pool
The city of Martin has an indoor pool, available to enjoy during the summer months June, July, and August. The pool is a great way to cool down or get in your exercise.
Bennett county Fitness Center
Bennett County has a newly updated weight equipment and fitness equipment to better our youth and others in the community. Located within the new school building, the space features treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and more.
The fitness center is open 24/7.
There are a few hours during the day the center will not be open to public as the students have class at that time. This will vary from year to year, depending on how classes are scheduled.
Members may pay for memberships at the business office 8:00 - 4:30 M-T.
Senior Citizen $15.00 per month
Adult (18-59) $30.00 per month
Family - $45.00 per month
Golf Simulator w/general membership - $25.00 per month
Gold Simulator w/out general membership - $50.00 per month
Golf:
Markota Acres features an affordable, 9-hole course right near town next to Brooks Memorial Park. The course features a driving range, and cart rentals are available.
Entertainment:
Looking for something to do? The bowling alley and Public Library are all excellent things for you to check out in your free time.
In addition, Martin has two city parks, Brooks Memorial Park and Hodson Park. These beautiful parks offer visitors playground equipment, volley ball courts, horse shoe pits, basketball courts, baseball field, picnic shelters, and walking trails.
The Chamber also hosts a wide range of events through out the year. Check out our events page to learn more.
Other Amenities
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.
Police & Fire
Martin has full-time police and volunteer fire fighters that keep the city safe.
Worship
The city of Martin has a number of Christian churches that serve the community with the Gospel.
Lindsey Memorial (Presbyterian)
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Roman Catholic)
Our Redeemer's (Lutheran)
St Katherine's (Episcopal)