City Highlight | Phillip

PHILIP BRITTANY SMITH, CITY ADMINISTRATOR

Philip, South Dakota, was founded in 1907 and is the county seat of Haakon County. The town was named after James “Scotty” Philip who is known for saving the buffalo. The school’s mascot is also his namesake, the “Philip Scotties.”

With a current population of 759 (2020 Census), Philip has a wealth of services and opportunities to support the community and surrounding agricultural area.

Philip’s downtown is thriving with a grocery store, variety stores, pharmacy, hardware store, bank, insurance companies, law offices, theatre, salon, fitness center, eateries, watering holes, auto body repair facilities and veterinary products. Along both highways through Philip, one will find various agricultural services from implement dealerships to livestock auction and agronomy facilities, convenience stores, automotive dealership, bowling alley, mortuary, and the one and only “Scotchman Industries.” A local specialty coffee and gift shop is also located on Pine Street, the major thoroughfare through town.

The community is home to Philip Health Services - the only hospital within 90 miles. It offers emergency, clinic, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy, nursing home, and assisted living care. Other local healthcare facilities include chiropractic and dental offices. Emergency support services are provided by the Philip Volunteer Fire Department and Philip Ambulance Service.

The local school district is comprised of Philip Elementary, Philip Junior High, and Philip High School as well as one country school, Milesville. A new K-12 school building was constructed in 2018. Go Scotties!

The Philip area provides a broad range of recreation activities. The swimming pool, kiddie park, baseball field, and rodeo grounds are located on the west side of town. The downtown area also has other parks and picnic facilities. Lake Waggoner, located three miles north of town, offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. A beautiful nine-hole golf course is also located by the lake. We are known as the hunter’s paradise for both trophy big and small game.

Scottie Philip Days is hosted annually in August. Other annual festivities include a Match Bronc Ride, Demolition Derby, 4th of July fireworks display, and more.

While all of these are vital contributions to Philip, the best part is the PEOPLE and PRIDE in our agricultural community. The sunsets are also amazing. Come visit our friendly community or better yet, make Philip your home! We are centrally located between Rapid City and Pierre on US Highway 14 and SD Highway 73. ■

Photo by DJS Photos