Scenic
Town For Sale
State: South Dakota
County: Pennington County
Founded: 1907
Abandoned: 2011 (sold at auction)
Peak Population: 200
Scenic was a small cattle town near the Badlands. By 2011, only two residents remained. A Philippine church bought the entire town at auction for $799,000, planning a religious retreat that never materialized. The town remains largely empty.
Cattle Town
Scenic served ranchers in the Badlands region. The town had a saloon, stores, and a railroad depot.
Auction
In 2011, the town was auctioned. The Filipino Iglesia ni Cristo church bought the 12-acre site but has done little with it.
Timeline
- 1907 - Founded Railroad established
- 2011 - Sold Entire town auctioned for $799,000
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Quick Facts
- Entire town sold at auction
- Near Badlands National Park
- Church owns but doesn't use it
Location
Address: Scenic, South Dakota
Coordinates: 43.7847, -102.5611