When the Hutterites Came to South Dakota & Where They Are Now

Most South Dakotans know of the Hutterites. as there are several colonies scattered across the eastern and central part of the state. But, have you ever wondered where they came from and how they ended up in the state in the first place?

The Hutterite sect traces its roots back to the 16th century, with its founder, Jakob Hutter, in what is now parts of Austria and Italy. In the 1870s, nearly all of them emigrated to the United States and Canada, including the Dakota Territory.

Since their arrival, the Hutterites have made several spots in South Dakota their home and their population is bigger than you might think.

Get our free mobile app

Some of the first Hutterites to come to what is now South Dakota settled along the Missouri River near the town of Springfield. This was eventually named the Bon Homme Colony.

These days there are at least 62 colonies in the Mount Rushmore State, and a population of around 40,000 spread across Western Canada, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. While the majority of Hutterites live in Canada, South Dakota has the largest number of colonies in the United States.

Another important aspect of Hutterite life is agriculture. In fact, over 10 percent of South Dakota farmers are Hutterites.

Some South Dakota Counties have a fairly large Hutterite population. The four highest are:

Faulk County: 19.8%
Hanson County: 15.1%
McPherson County: 12.16%
Clark County: 11.32%

While the Hutterite sect shares many similarities with the Amish, there are also some stark differences:

One of the biggest differences between the Amish and Hutterites is their attitude to property ownership. The Hutterites don’t allow any private property ownership. All property is collectively owned by the colony.
This is in stark contrast to the Amish, who do allow private ownership of property.
-Amish Baskets Website

Another important difference between Hutterites and Amish is that the former does allow cars to be used as transportation. Many Hutterite colonies have cars, trucks, and vans, however, only men are permitted to drive these vehicles.

To learn more about the Hutterites and their fascinating history, check out this 1964 documentary in the YouTube link below.

Story Sources: Hutterite Website, Amish Baskets Website, Hutterite Wikipedia Page, South Dakota History Website, South Dakota State Open Prairie Website

Iconic Sioux Falls: Phillips Avenue Diner, a Downtown Gem

I'll never forget the best malt I ever had. It was many years ago at a new restaurant in Sioux Falls. The restaurant was housed in a silver Airstream trailer on Louise Avenue and was called The Market Diner. The malt was so creamy and I think it was probably the first time I'd ever had whipped cream on top of a malt.

The Market Diner was a unique '50s-style dining experience with neon signs, classic vinyl booths, stainless steel counter stools, and even a jukebox.

That was over 20 years ago. The Market Diner became Dixie Brothers Grill and eventually closed.

A few years later, the trailer was moved to a downtown location on Phillips Avenue, extensively remodeled and renamed Phillips Avenue Diner. The malts have not changed, nor has the diner ambiance.

POSE: Phillips Avenue Diner is South Dakota's Most Instagrammed Restaurant

My niece Ashlea and I ventured downtown and had lunch at Phillips Avenue Diner. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. It's diner classics turned up a notch.

The breakfast menu includes omelets, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, and of course waffles. Recently, Phillips Avenue Diner's waffles were named the best in South Dakota according to Food Network.

Ashlea had the Ranch Burger and it came topped with bacon, onion rings, American cheese, and BBQ sauce. She substituted sweet potato fries.

My selection was the Burger of Champions. You can substitute a chicken breast for any burger, so I had mine with chicken, Applewood bacon, ham, and American cheese. It also comes with a hard-fried egg on top, but I chose to hold that.

Eat local. Some of the best food and atmosphere can be found at local, non-national chain restaurants. Try Phillips Avenue Diner at 121 S. Phillips Avenue and explore downtown Sioux Falls while you're at it.

Check out the menu here and enjoy one of Sioux Falls' iconic restaurants.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown