Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · South Dakota

Redwater

A ghost town of unknown status in Butte County, South Dakota.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Redwater isn't the ghost town on the postcards, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. The Old Redwater Bridge near Spearfish, South Dakota was built in 1910. It was built by the Standard Bridge Company. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

Butte County holds 5 documented ghost towns, including Minnesela, Reed, Sampont — Redwater keeps them company on the map.

The story of Redwater

South Dakota's ghost towns mix Black Hills gold camps with prairie farm towns the Dust Bowl finished.

The Old Redwater Bridge near Spearfish, South Dakota was built in 1910. It was built by the Standard Bridge Company. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. It spans the Redwater River, south of Belle Fourche. The 70-foot-long (21 m) bridge was built in 1910 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Redwater is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Redwater is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Redwater FAQs

Where is Redwater located?
Redwater is in Butte County, South Dakota. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Redwater in?
Redwater sits in Butte County, South Dakota. See our full guide to ghost towns in Butte County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Redwater?
The Old Redwater Bridge near Spearfish, South Dakota was built in 1910. It was built by the Standard Bridge Company. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. It spans the Redwater River, south of Belle Fourche.
What remains at Redwater today?
The on-the-ground condition of Redwater is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Redwater?
Here's the honest truth: access to Redwater is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Old Redwater Bridge”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Butte County

See all 5 ghost towns in Butte County, South Dakota