The Legendary
Highway 14 Tower

Competition introduction

Competition organisers

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The Legendary Highway 14 Tower Design Competition, set in De Smet, South Dakota, USA, invites participants to design an iconic observation tower and accompanying landscape elements.

Welcome to The Legendary Highway 14 Tower Design Competition, an architectural challenge set in the picturesque rural community of De Smet, South Dakota, USA. Participants are invited to design an iconic observation tower and accompanying landscape elements that highlight the region's rich history and natural beauty. This project aims to enhance the visitor experience and boost tourism in the Glacial Lakes Region and the state of South Dakota.



Highway 14 is a vital component of the transportation infrastructure in South Dakota. It spans the state from east to west, connecting numerous communities and serving as a major transportation route for tourists and locals alike.

The competition site, located at the north edge of the Big Slough transitioning to Silver Lake, offers an ideal vantage point for observing the area's historic natural features. 

Nestled in the heart of De Smet, South Dakota, the Big Slough and Silver Lake form a vital ecosystem teeming with life and natural beauty. These interconnected water systems play a crucial role in sustaining the region's biodiversity, providing habitats for various plant and animal species, and supporting the local community and tourism industry.
Participants are tasked with creating a cohesive design solution that focuses on user experience, incorporating movement, observation, and contemplation of the Silver Lake and Big Slough ecosystem. Emphasis should be placed on accessibility, safety, sustainability, and promoting local, regional, and statewide tourism.

The Ingalls Homestead holds great historical and cultural significance, not just for De Smet, but for the entire United States. The homestead was the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved Little House on the Prairie series, and her family. The site is now a living history museum that allows visitors to experience life as it was in the 1800s, including pioneer activities like churning butter, driving horses, and making hay.
The Legendary Highway 14 Tower Design Competition offers architects and designers a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of the Legendary Highway 14 Tower Trail project. The winning design will not only enhance the visitor experience but also serve as an enduring symbol of collaboration and innovation in rural communities. As winning designs will be put forward for consideration for construction, this competition presents a remarkable chance for participants to leave a lasting impact on the landscape of South Dakota.

The Legendary Highway 14 Tower Trail project has the potential to boost the visibility and accessibility of the Ingalls Homestead, attracting more visitors and preserving this valuable piece of American history for future generations.

Download full competition brief for more information!

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.