Established Industries and Profile
Established Industries & Profile of the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota.
Because of the diversity in geography, Fall River is host to a number of natural resources which await the right entrepreneur and business to use them to their fullest potential.
The cities in Fall River County are as diverse as the vistas. Fall River County, in the southwest corner of South Dakota, encompasses the southern end of the beautiful Black Hills. The three cities in Fall River County, Edgemont, Hot Springs and Oelrichs, are as diverse as the vistas. Edgemont, a ranching and railroad town was established in 1890 and has a population of 774. Hot Springs with a population of 3711 is the largest of the three. Oelrichs, located on the eastern boundary of the county, has 126 inhabitants.
Hospitality Industry
Hot Springs has a broad group of businesses that provide services to consumers such as hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, restaurants and attractions for visitors and residents to enjoy. Whether you are watching volunteers digging out bones at the Mammoth Site or swimming in natural spring waters at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, there are things to do for all ages.
Beyond the city limits lies a national park, Wind Cave, which draws visitors into Hot Springs. Those wanting a more adventurous experience can hike or bike the many trails, fish, camp or play golf all within the 10
mile city limit. Others can enjoy the warm waters and healing properties. The biggest visitor groups for Hot Springs include the wellness community, outdoor enthusiasts, history & culture, and special interests. Hot Springs has the ability to cater to these groups in ways other communities cannot.
Health Care Services
Health Care Services is the number one career sector in Fall River County with five providers including Fall River Health Services, Monuement Health Clinic, the Black Hills Veterans Administration, the Micheal J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home, and the Pine Hills Retirements Home.
Ranching & Farming
Agriculture is the life-blood of South Dakota. It is our state’s #1 industry, and for the farmers and ranchers who work the land, agriculture is more than a job – it is a career, a passion and a way of life.
South Dakota always has been and will continue to be an agricultural state. In the 19th century, homesteaders used a mule and a moldboard plow to break the thick prairie sod. Two hundred years later, their descendants work the same land with no-till drills and combines equipped with Global Positioning Systems. Although the tools have changed, agriculture remains the common thread linking the citizens, businesses and communities of our state.
Railroad
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, a Class I railroad, is one of four remaining American transcontinental railroads and one of the largest freight railroads in North America. Approximately 85 trains on its Powder River line stop each day in Edgemont. A rail spur along the property’s northern boundary provides direct access to this line. Its traffic is a mix of agricultural, coal, industrial products, and ethanol shipments. It serves Western South Dakota and runs along the eastern edge of Fall River County with lines into Wyoming and Nebraska.
Geothermal
Geothermal use in industry is an untapped resource in Fall River County. In Hot Springs, the Fall River flows through town, fed by springs at 96 degrees. There are over 170 geothermal mineral springs along the Fall River valley. Edgemont’s four wells produce an abundance of water at 130 degrees. Throughout Fall River mining and energy opportunities abound. The waters found in Fall River contain minerals and elements long revered by the regenerative medical industry.
VA Call Center
Hot Springs is home to the Veteran's Administration's new call center. The call center receives calls from veterans from around the United States that have questions about enrollment, benefits, and pharmacy related issues.
The Mueller Civic Center
The Mueller Civic Center is available for conventions, conferences and meetings. Within the center there is a theatre, the Mueller Center Library and Auditorium. Book your next event at the Mueller Civic Center.