LEMMON SOUTH DAKOTA, NO EXPLANATION NEEDED BY LARRY ROHRER

Self portraits are a challenge. Also note, archery hunting is allowed in many state parks. I try to wear something in a color not found in nature. Exhibit A: the blaze orange hat.

Even if you’re visiting Lemmon for the first time, you won’t need anyone to take you aside and explain what is special about the community. They will if you ask, but you will see it all around you.

For me, the experience starts with the drive north from Howes Corner, through Faith, and along the 70 plus mile length of Perkins County. I’m an annual visitor to the area, but always appreciate the unobstructed view of 20 plus miles to any horizon, punctuated by buttes, rolling prairie, and the Moreau and Grand Rivers.

Lemmon is like many communities in the state, there is at least “one of everything” available in town. But be prepared to drive the 25 miles west to Hettinger ND, or 98 miles east to Mobridge, or even to Bismarck. The North Dakota capitol is an hour closer to Lemmon than driving to Pierre.

Back to what you will see all around you… The Petrified Wood Park is extraordinary. This connection to the area’s prehistoric past can be overwhelmed by the creativity, scale, and detail of the park.

If you want the full picture, spend some time at the Grand River Museum. The executive summary is in the “Cowboy riding a Triceratops” sculpture outside. Inside, is a history of the land, prehistoric inhabitants, native and white cultures, and legend like that of Hugh Glass and the grizzly bear.

But I hope you will ask. You may meet renowned sculptor John Lopez driving downtown in his pickup. As we were filming out front of his Kokomo Gallery in the snow, John drove up and said...

“I’ve got some errands to run, but the Gallery is open is you need to go inside and warm up.”

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Or you’ll see Phyliss Schmidt from the Grand River Museum. “The Museum is closed for the season, but if you want to stop by, I can let you in the have a look around.”

Or Brad Wheeler, whose parents loved the area so much, they bought a jewelry business in Lemmon so they could move there. And after 75 years of innovation and a commitment to community and customer service, multi-generational Wheeler Manufacturing is a leader throughout North America. Brad Wheeler says the longevity of 100 plus Wheeler employees in Lemmon “tells you all you need to know” about the business and the community.

I live in a small community, but near my hometown of Sioux Falls. So, what is it about living in a rural and somewhat isolated community like Lemmon? I get the sense that they understand who they are, what they want, and they find it in the community and the wide-open spaces… and their opportunity is all around, if they make the most of what you have.

Special thanks to Jen Suter, Lemmon Chamber of Commerce www.lemmonsd.com

Local history is on display at the Grand River Museum.

A tribute to native leader Sitting Bull illustrates his life. G.E. Lemmon is the town’s namesake.

Art by John Lopez commemorates the legend that is Hugh Glass.