Come Visit: Dell Rapids
Less than 20 miles from Sioux Falls, Dell Rapids is a great place to spend the day or night to spice things up and experience new shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The town was established in 1871 and is home to the “Quarriers” (their high school nickname inspired by quartzite). Check out a few of the options for what the area has to offer.
Population: 3,650
For Breakfast, Lunch, or Coffee
O LADELLE AND FOURTH COFFEEHOUSE
Owners Aaron and Amie Delgado opened LaDelle and Fourth Coffee house almost two years ago to have a place for healthier options in Dell Rapids. “I think we’re known for our specials and that we have a very simple menu,” said Aaron. Enjoy breakfast with a Yogurt Parfait, a Breakfast Burrito, or a Croissant sandwich, and have some lunch with items like the Harvest Salad, the Memphis Pork Pita, or a Thai Chicken Wrap. Aaron’s go-to is the Turkey Club, which has a secret sauce (the sauce is also on breakfast sandwiches). A play area is available for families, so kids can keep busy while parents indulge in food or Dark Canyon Coffee. Specials include “Layer Cake Day” on Fridays, Cinnamon Rolls on Saturdays, and Biscuits and Gravy (Aaron’s mom’s secret recipe) the first Saturday of each month. Amie described their clientele: “We know everyone, their favorite drink, the names of their kids. It’s become a big family. It’s like it’s our house and we’re welcoming people all day long.”
Open Monday-Friday 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
ladelleandfourth.com // (605) 428-4747
Established 1871
For Entertainment or Private Events
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
Built in 1888, owner Joan Rasmusson has refurbished the historical Grand Opera House of Dell Rapids to its Romanesque Revival splendor. “We bought the building in 2005, and it took four years to renovate the whole thing,” she said. The building still has its original doors, and the original backdrop still hangs from the late 1800s with all of the local businesses of the time displayed on it. Rasmusson said the theater was used for vaudeville, and then in the early 1900s it was used as a silent movie theater. Oddly enough, after that it served as a warehouse, which Rasmusson said kept it in “such good shape.” Now it serves for plays, symphonies, concerts, and dances. Want a unique event? You can rent it for private functions, like weddings.
Open for events and by appointment only.
Dellrapidsgrandoperahouse.com // (605) 321-9789
Rugged red rock vistas
headline the scenery in Dell Rapids
To Stay Overnight
ROSE STONE INN BED AND BREAKFAST
Make a night of it at a beautiful bed and breakfast. Sharon Skinner has been running Rose Stone Inn Bed and Breakfast for 26 years, and loves what she does. Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by her “Westie,” Maggie, when you check in. The large home was built in 1908, and Skinner said it was originally for traveling salesmen. Now, she has guests from all over. “I’ve had guests from over 20 countries and from all over the states. They’re wonderful people, and this has come back to me tenfold,” she said. Because the business is close to two intersecting interstates, she said that people will make a stop when traveling to places like Minneapolis or the Black Hills. Relax in the antique-styled home that has clawfoot bathtubs and “creativity” in each room. You can rent The Victorian Room, The Peach Blossom Room, Violet’s Room, or The Garden View Room. Rooms range from $50-$100 per night. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m. for guests on china Skinner has collected since 1991.
Rosestoneinn.com // (605) 542-3698
Dells Theater has been an art deco fixture downtown since 1938
For Dinner or Drinks
EL TAPATIO
By the same owners of Azteca in Sioux Falls, this is the third and newest El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant (other locations are in Yankton and Brandon). Try authentic dishes from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, like the “Super Trio” Nachos, Los Tres Rancheros, or the Ostiones en su Concha (oysters). General manager Moisés Mora explained, “We came to this town to offer some real Mexican food. Our recipes come from family recipes.” The restaurant is located in the same building as The Grand Opera House and is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary in November. Happy hour is every day from 2-5 p.m. with $1 off beer and margaritas.
eltapatio-sd.com // (605) 428-4401
