Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · South Dakota

Terraville

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

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

Terraville ghost town, South Dakota
Photo: Grabill, John C. H., photographer (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

The map remembers Terraville long after the crowds moved on. Terraville is a ghost town in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States. It was founded in 1877 as a mining camp and later evolved into a town.

Lawrence County holds 43 documented ghost towns, including Albany, Allerton, Annie Creek — Terraville keeps them company on the map.

The story of Terraville

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

Terraville is a ghost town in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States. It was founded in 1877 as a mining camp and later evolved into a town. It was purchased by the Homestake Mining Company and was destroyed in 1982 to make way for a new mine.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Terraville 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 Terraville 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.

Terraville FAQs

Where is Terraville located?
Terraville is in Lawrence County, South Dakota. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Terraville in?
Terraville sits in Lawrence County, South Dakota. See our full guide to ghost towns in Lawrence County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Terraville?
Terraville is a ghost town in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States. It was founded in 1877 as a mining camp and later evolved into a town. It was purchased by the Homestake Mining Company and was destroyed in 1982 to make way for a new mine.
What remains at Terraville today?
The on-the-ground condition of Terraville 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 Terraville?
Here's the honest truth: access to Terraville 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 (“Terraville, South Dakota”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Lawrence County

See all 43 ghost towns in Lawrence County, South Dakota