Oldham can be explored through two distinct travel interests: local history and the natural surroundings. Socialist Hall was built here in 1912; the southern edge of Lake Thompson is about six miles to the west. An opera house that operated before the hall was built is also part of the area's history. For orientation, it is worth keeping the geographical connections separate: the cultural history encompasses former Oldham venues and Socialist Hall, which now stands outside Oldham; lakes and recreation areas form the natural connection.

Lakes, Recreation Areas, and Wetlands

From Oldham, you can access nearby lakes and recreation areas suited to fishing, hunting, and exploring nature. These three interests offer different perspectives: fishing and hunting refer to specific activities, while exploring nature offers a broader view of the surroundings.

A more specific point of reference is Lake Thompson: its southern edge is about six miles west of Oldham. The landscape there is shaped by open water, shallow mudflats, extensive cattail marshes, and surrounding wet meadows. This mix can support numerous water and land bird species. Conditions at Lake Thompson can change over time. The former flooded road, Oldham Grade, runs through the southern edge of the lake.

Oldham's Cultural History

Socialist Hall was built in Oldham in 1912 to commemorate the Socialist Party. Today, the former Oldham building is located nearby on the grounds of Prairie Village in South Dakota. It provides a performance venue for South Dakota State University's Summer Repertory Theatre's summer plays. If you plan to attend a summer performance, check the specific dates in advance.

Oldham had an opera house in operation even before Socialist Hall was built. After the hall was built, both venues offered the community a variety of entertainment and community activities. For a cultural focus, this sequence is more revealing than the year alone: it traces the story from the opera house that was already in operation to Socialist Hall's additional role in community life.

According to a historical account, Lawrence Welk made his first stage appearance at Socialist Hall in Oldham in the 1920s, when he was still young and largely unknown.

The Lorik, Peterson Heritage House Museum in Oldham also brought a rural schoolhouse from Spring Lake District 8 to town. The schoolhouse offers a different perspective from the performance venues: it shifts the focus from public entertainment to local education history.

Local History or Landscape?

This gives you two distinct connections to consider when planning your trip: the cultural history is tied to Oldham's former venues and the history of Socialist Hall; the nature focus is tied to nearby recreation areas and the wetlands around Lake Thompson. You can first decide whether historical culture or landscape is more important to your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: De Smet.

View the broader travel guide: Kingsbury County.