Mayor Powell invites students to explore Vermillion

Welcome to Vermillion, SD!

Vermillion is honored to have the opportunity to welcome you to our fine city as you live among us during your years as a student of The University of South Dakota!  As a former student and member of the USD faculty, I can assure you that the time you spend here will rank among some of the best times of your life!  I am extremely pleased and privileged to be serving as Vermillion’s Mayor.  As such, I would like to invite you to visit the wide array of restaurants, specialty shops and businesses located in our Historic Downtown as well as the assortment of eateries, museums, galleries, and other services found along Cherry Street and on Highway 50.  We are proud to be the home of the University of South Dakota, an extremely important part of our community since 1862.    At the University, you will enjoy educational classes, forums, study abroad opportunities, plays, the arts, intramural sports and NCAA Division I athletics. USD’s campus has recently added new facilities such as the Muenster University Center (which has added an exciting addition), Coyote Village residence hall and the Wellness Center.   

We are excited to follow the construction of the new facilities being built south of the DakotaDome which will house PT and OT programs and a new basketball arena.  The Women’s basketball team is entering a new era after winning the WNIT tournament.   Football is also beginning a new season with a new coaching staff.  A new track and new soccer fields are just north of the Wellness Center.  The track is among the best in the nation!

Also, as a special note, the world renowned National Music Museum resides on the campus of USD.   This world class museum provides the opportunity to view a unique collection of musical instruments found nowhere else in the world, while the W. H. Over Museum and Austin Whittemore House provide a glimpse of local and regional history.

I have been a resident of Vermillion for over 50 years and I can assure you that it is a wonderful place to live and work.  Great parks, hike and bike trails, the Missouri River and a friendly, home town spirit provide for a welcoming environment. 

Please feel free to contact the Mayor’s office if we can be of any additional assistance. 

Sincerely,

John E. (Jack) Powell, Mayor