Historic Hotel in South Dakota | The Herrick Hotel at Buffalo Ridge

The Historic Herrick Hotel & Woodbury Hall

Step into history. Stay in comfort. Leave transformed.

Buffalo Ridge Resort’s campus is unlike anywhere else you’ll stay in South Dakota—and at the heart of it all stands the crown jewel of our property: the Historic Herrick Hotel and Woodbury Hall.

Built around the turn of the 20th century, these magnificent structures have stood for over 125 years, carrying a story as remarkable as the buildings themselves. Their first guests were not travelers or tourists, but children—students of South Dakota’s first school for the blind who called these halls home for nearly 60 years. For six decades, these walls witnessed young lives being shaped, courage being built, and a strong community formed within their sturdy brick embrace.

A Passionate Restoration

Following a period of vacancy, a painstaking and passionate restoration breathed new life into the property, honoring every original detail while celebrating the spaces once again. The rich wood floors were brought back to their original warmth, and the exposed interior brick walls were preserved in all their character. The hand-carved woodwork, the wainscoting, and the architectural soul of the building were all lovingly saved and protected for generations to come.

In 2009, the doors opened once again, welcoming guests back to the old-world charm that had been waiting patiently all along. When you arrive at our Gary, SD hotel today, you feel that history the moment you walk through the door. The craftsmanship greets you immediately—authentic, unhurried, and genuinely beautiful. There is a warmth here that no new construction can replicate.

Our Historic Hotel Rooms

Our fully renovated 19-room hotel offers a variety of comfortable accommodations to suit every guest and occasion. Choose from spacious King Suites for a romantic getaway, comfortable King and Queen rooms for a couple’s retreat, or cozy Full rooms perfect for a peaceful, restful night in a remarkable setting. Every room has been thoughtfully updated to blend historic character with modern amenities, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy everything our 18-acre property has to offer.

Unique Amenities & Underground Tunnels

One of the most beloved and unique features of the Herrick Hotel is something that delights every guest who discovers it: our historic underground tunnels that connect all four buildings on campus.

Once you’re inside, you can move seamlessly between the hotel, Talking Waters Spa, the Rock Room Bar & Grill, and our event spaces—without ever stepping out into the South Dakota cold. Your entire Buffalo Ridge experience stays warm, connected, and effortless from arrival to checkout.

Start your morning with a chef-prepared breakfast. Spend your afternoon soaking in steam rooms, saunas, and cold plunges at the spa. End your evening over a hand-cut steak and a fresh salad of organically grown, hydroponically harvested greens in the Rock Room Bar & Grill. Then, return to your beautifully appointed room and sleep the deep, satisfied sleep of someone who has truly gotten away.

This is not just lodging. This is a living piece of South Dakota history—preserved, restored, and ready to welcome you.

Come stay with us. History is waiting. Reserve your room today: (605) 513-3337!