Terril is a rural community near the Iowa Great Lakes
Terril is a small city in the Iowa Great Lakes region, where one of its most notable features is the Pro Cooperative grain elevator. “You can drive through in about 2 minutes,” says Michael Jensen, owner of Jensen Real Estate, who manages four rental properties in the city. There were 334 residents in 2020, according to the U.S. Census. With only one restaurant and the library acting as the heart of the community, residents take country roads to nearby cities for most shopping and dining. Farmland surrounds the area, and the lakefront is about 10 miles away.
Iowa Great Lakes offer nearby recreation; library is closer to home
As part of the Iowa Great Lakes region, Terril is about 10 miles from East and West Okoboji and Big Spirit Lakes. Locals and vacationers alike spend a lot of their free time on the water, including fishing, boating, swimming and kayaking. The Iowa Great Lakes Trail System winds around the water and includes a paved, multiuse path about 14 miles long. On the shores of West Okoboji Lake is Arnolds Park, an amusement park open from May to September. Besides having roller coasters, carousels and other rides, this park features the Queen II, modeled after traditional steamboats, which cruises around the lake several times a day. The park hosts Live on the Lake, a free concert series held on Friday nights.
Within Terrel, residents spend much of their free time at the Terril Memorial Library. “It’s a hub for the community,” Jensen says. Every month, the library hosts Story Time and a food pantry. Several other community events, such as Easter egg hunts, are held there throughout the year. There is a playground on the library’s grounds.
Inexpensive homes are in Terril city limits and on surrounding farmland
Homes within the city limits are on grassy lawns surrounded by oak trees, while most other properties are on acres of farmland. Most houses were built in the late 18th and early 20th century, including American Foursquares, Dutch Colonial Revivals, and minimal traditional styles. Homes rarely hit the market, with only two sales between May 2024 and May 2025. As of May 2025, the average home value is about $165,000. “You get a lot of house for your dollar bill,” Jensen says.
Graettinger-Terril schools serve the community
The city is part of the Graettinger-Terril Community School District, which includes Graettinger-Terril Elementary, Middle and High schools. The elementary school earns a B-minus from Niche, while the middle and high schools, which share a campus in Graettinger, receive a C. Career and technical education programs in the district include business and vocational agriculture.
Residents rely on cars and country roads to get around
Country roads connect Terril to surrounding cities, so residents need a car. U.S. Route 18 is about 5 miles south of the city’s center, while U.S. Route 71 is about 8 miles north. Avera Holy Family Hospital has the nearest emergency room, about 15 miles away. People can travel about 100 miles to Sioux Falls, the closest major city, and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
Mainstreet Bar & Grill is the only restaurant in the area
Mainstreet Bar & Grill is the only restaurant in Terril. It has daily specials like steaks on Thursdays and French dips on Fridays. Residents travel to nearby cities for other options. Nektar is in Arnolds Lake and serves coffee and smoothies by day and cocktails and tapas at night. There are several chains in Milford, including Perkins and Godfather’s Pizza. Sunshine Foods in Milford is one of the closest grocery stores, and Walmart is about 17 miles away.
