The county is entirely within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and contains part of Badlands National Park. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county; taxes on alcohol consumed within the county go to other counties.
Oglala Lakota County is one of two counties in South Dakota that does not have its own county seat (Todd County is the other). Hot Springs in neighboring Fall River County serves as its administrative center. It is also one of five South Dakota counties that are entirely on an Indian reservation. (The others are Corson, Dewey, Todd, and Ziebach.) [Article: Why Does a Reservation County also have a County Government?]
Oglala Lakota County was renamed in May of 2015, originally it had been named Shannon County. Until 1982 Oglala Lakota and Washabaugh County, South Dakota, were the last unorganized counties in the United States. Although it was organized and received a home rule charter that year, Oglala Lakota County, as noted above, contracts with Fall River County for its Auditor, Treasurer, Director of Equalization, State’s Attorney and Registrar of Deeds.
Election Day
November 5th, 2024 is Election Day. Below is some of the information you may need. Voter Information Portal – allows you to look up where you are registered to vote and provides a sample ballot for you to review Oglala Lakota County Polling Places Batesland: Oglala Lakota County Schools – Bill Conquering Bear Gymnasium – […]
Courthouse Closed – Veterans’ Day
The Fall River County Courthouse will be closed Monday, November 11th, in observance of Veteran’s Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, November 12th.
Tax Relief Programs – Deadline Reminder
A reminder that November 1st is a deadline for a number of tax relief programs including those for disabled veterans, paraplegic individuals (veteran and non-veteran), and exempt private organization such as churches and other charitable groups. It is also the deadline to file for Agricultural Status on property. This classification can provide significant tax reduction. […]
Courthouse Closed – Native American Day
The Oglala Lakota & Fall River County Courthouse in Hot Springs will be closed Monday, October 14th in observance of Native American Day. Regular business will resume as usual on Tuesday, October 15th.