Small-town charm and river access define the Mobridge lifestyle
Mobridge is a small hub town along the banks of the Missouri River. Its claim to fame is the Private Bruce E. Ruby Memorial Bridge, one of only a few places to cross the Missouri River in the area. “We call it Bridge City because we have the next bridge across the Missouri south of Bismarck, and after us it’s another 60 or 70 miles to another crossing,” says Jackie Heil, broker with Bridge City Real Estate, who has lived in the area for over 20 years. “It’s a family oriented community with stable jobs, and there are lots of people who have retired here. We’re right on the Missouri River, so fishing and hunting are big draws as well. The small-town feel is the general reason – people like raising their families here. It’s just an all-around nice place to live.”
Ranch-style homes are common in Mobridge's housing market
Prospective homebuyers will find some multistory farmhouses in Mobridge that date to the town’s founding in the early 1900s, but new development is more common. The area has mostly ranch-style homes, many built between 1950 and 1970, and recent development has not changed the style's popularity. “Even with new construction, most stick to ranch-style. We’re mindful of growing old here,” Heil says with a laugh. Split-level homes and bungalows with Craftsman features can also be found. Prices typically range from around $80,000 to $340,000, depending on the number of bedrooms, square footage and year of construction.
Public schools support Native American students through JOM
From kindergarten through second grade, children attend Freeman Davis Elementary School, which receives a B-plus from Niche. They then proceed to Mobridge Upper Elementary, also rated B-plus, for grades 3 through 5. Mobridge Middle and High schools both earn B grades. The entire Mobridge-Pollock School District participates in the Johnson O’Malley Program, which promotes the education and welfare of Native American children through cultural development, tutoring and performance incentives.
Walleye fishing in Lake Oahe shapes outdoor recreation
Legion Memorial Park on the east side of town is home to the Mobridge Aquatic Center, along with a set of tennis and pickleball courts and three baseball diamonds. Like most of South Dakota, the area draws pheasant hunters. Access to the Missouri River completes the picture. “Well, the river runs through here, but we call the area Lake Oahe,” Heil says. “Walleye fishing is very popular here, and some people keep seasonal homes specifically for hunting and fishing.” The public 9-hole Oahe Hills Golf Course is just to the north of town.
Grand Crossing is the beating commercial heart of Mobridge
Most of Mobridge’s commercial footprint is concentrated around Grand Crossing, a road that cuts through the center of town. “We have two large grocery stores and a dollar store right in town, along with some coffee shops and several restaurants,” Heil says. Payless Foods and Merkel’s Foods are the two town supermarkets, and general goods like clothing, pet food and power tools can be found at Runnings. Local hallmarks include Bingers Bar and Grill and The Silver Dollar Saloon, along with Filler’s Bakery, a doughnut shop on the east side.
U.S. Route 12 connects locals to medical care and employment
U.S. Highway 12 is Mobridge's main commuter lane, connecting the town to surrounding rural areas and major employers like the Grand River Casino and Resort. The Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics are also located along this road. “Our hospital just did a huge expansion, and they’ve been a source of good jobs for years,” Heil says. “And you can also go north on Highways 1804 or 1806 if you need to get to Bismarck. A lot of times, what happens is, if your kids need an orthodontist appointment or something like that, you’ll just drive up to Bismarck for the day and come back. It’s about an hour and 45 minutes, and we’re used to that kind of trip.”
