Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · South Dakota

Preston

A ghost town of unknown status in Lawrence County, South Dakota.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Preston ghost town, South Dakota
Photo: Arkyan (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Preston isn't the ghost town on the postcards, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. Lake Preston is a city in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Lake Preston had a population of 589.

Lawrence County holds 43 documented ghost towns, including Albany, Allerton, Annie Creek — Preston keeps them company on the map.

The story of Preston

South Dakota's ghost towns mix Black Hills gold camps with prairie farm towns the Dust Bowl finished.

Lake Preston is a city in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Lake Preston had a population of 589.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Preston is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Preston is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Preston FAQs

Where is Preston located?
Preston is in Lawrence County, South Dakota. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Preston in?
Preston sits in Lawrence County, South Dakota. See our full guide to ghost towns in Lawrence County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Preston?
Lake Preston is a city in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Lake Preston had a population of 589.
What remains at Preston today?
The on-the-ground condition of Preston is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Preston?
Here's the honest truth: access to Preston is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Lake Preston, South Dakota”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Lawrence County

See all 43 ghost towns in Lawrence County, South Dakota