Redlin Art Center in Watertown, South Dakota

Born and raised right in Watertown, Terry Redlin was one of the world’s most prolific and famous wildlife artists. Perched on 30 acres of prairie grasses and wetlands, the Redlin Art Center along the I-29 cultural corridor invites travelers to come stretch their legs and their imaginations. You’ll find time to relax, reflect and appreciate each of Terry’s original oil paintings and sketches.

The Man Behind the Canvas: About Artist Terry Redlin

When he was a boy, Terry Redlin spent so much of school staring out the window that teachers called him “Windows Redlin.” Nearby lakes, woods and prairies became his second home as he spent his childhood fishing, hunting and exploring the outdoors of northeastern South Dakota. When he grew up, he wanted to be a forest ranger, but a motorcycle accident at age 15 took one of his legs. “It seemed like the end of my world,” he once said.

So he turned to his other interest: art. He received a state scholarship for art school — a gift he never forgot, since it allowed him to earn his degree and work for 25 years in the commercial art business.

Once he started capturing the rural scenes of his past and present, his talent quickly gained recognition. One of his paintings graced the cover of The Farmer magazine in 1977. He won the Minnesota Duck Stamp competition in 1981 and 1985 and the Minnesota Trout Stamp contest in 1982. The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers presented him with the Lithograph of the Year award three times. Throughout the '90s, he was voted America’s Most Popular Artist through a poll taken by U.S. Art Magazine involving 500 art galleries throughout the U.S.

Plan Your Visit to the Redlin Art Center

In 1997, Terry Redlin repaid his scholarship by opening the Redlin Art Center, a place designed to share his work with the public year-round, free of charge. Set on the edge of Watertown, the three-level center features more than 160 of Redlin’s original paintings along with sketches, childhood drawings and a bust of the artist himself. Millions of visitors have walked through the doors to experience Redlin’s detailed and often heartwarming paintings of rural life. 

Beyond the galleries, the experience continues outdoors. The 30-acre Conservation Park acts as a “living painting” and a natural extension of Terry’s lifelong love of the South Dakota outdoors. The grounds are home to prairie grasses, wildflowers, pheasants, geese and more. They’re a great homebase for a picnic lunch, playtime with the kids and a little birding.

The Redlin Art Center is free to the public and open daily. Plan to spend at least an hour or two exploring the galleries, grounds and gift shop. 

Must-See Terry Redlin Paintings

To help you get the most out of your experience, here are some of the standout Terry Redlin paintings and sketches to see as you spend a day meeting the man behind the canvas.

The Cocker Spaniel

Did you know Terry’s wildlife works started with a dog and a rabbit? In the Early Art Room, you can see Terry’s childhood sketches, including a Bugs Bunny drawing (made at age 6) and a cocker spaniel he sketched during college for an instructor. After reviewing the sketch, the instructor said, “There is nothing I can teach this kid about drawing. He has more talent than any student I have ever taught or ever will teach.”

Comforts of Home Cabin

One of his most famous works, “Comforts of Home” depicts a rustic, lakeside cabin framed by a vibrant orange sunset. It’s a prime example of Terry’s signature style — shadowy scenes complemented by the warm glow of dawn or dusk. Alongside the painting, you can visit a physical re-creation of this cabin, complete with stone fireplace and cozy front porch.

The Sketch Room

In his early years, Terry worked as a sketch artist, drawing art for the backs of playing cards. This job also gave him access to original works from Norman Rockwell and John Klimer, which he studied up close. In the Sketch Room, you can see these influences collide as you observe nearly 50 original pencil drawings that set the foundation for many of his paintings.

Winter Snows

In 1977, Terry sold his first two prints for $10 each. Later that year, he experienced his first breakthrough moment when “Winter Snows” was featured on the cover of The Farmer magazine. Depicting a flock of geese flying over a frozen field, it’s easy to see how he drew inspiration from South Dakota scenery around him, no matter the season.

Lights of Home

Terry used hundreds of small memories to influence his art, like how his humble childhood home had a single light in each room. “Lights of Home” harks back to this memory, with a glowing light in each window of a cozy, family farmhouse. Known as “romantic realism,” the style of Terry’s work is meant to be less photographic and more rooted in places, people and moments he’s known. Once you see the painting, you can’t help but think of your own fond memories of going home for the holidays.

Morning Retreat

Terry was just as dedicated to saving and preserving wildlife environments as he was to painting them. That’s why he donated 2,400 prints of “Morning Retreat” to Ducks Unlimited, raising more than a million dollars for the conservation of upland habitats.

America the Beautiful

One of Terry’s largest projects was “America the Beautiful,” an eight-painting collection representing American ideals of freedom, family and optimism. “It is a tribute to a country I love dearly and that has treated me so well,” Terry said. From spacious skies to purple mountain majesties, each work is inspired by a line from the song, using our great American frontier as its backdrop.

Studio Collection / Unfinished Art Exhibit

Discover a different side of the South Dakota artist at the new Unfinished Art Exhibit. Featuring sketches and nearly completed paintings, it offers a glimpse into Terry Redlin’s creative process as one of America’s most beloved wildlife artists. 

Make it a Day Trip (or More)

From the Redlin Art Center, it’s just a short drive into Watertown — Terry Redlin’s hometown — where you can continue the day at Bramble Park Zoo or explore regional history at the Codington County Heritage Museum. Downtown, you’ll find a mix of shops and casual dining spots that make it easy to slow down and stay awhile.

If Terry’s paintings have inspired you to get out and explore nature, head to nearby Lake Kampeska, where locals fish, stroll the shoreline or simply take in the serene views.

Traveling along I-29? Brookings is just 45 minutes south and worth the detour. Add a stop at the South Dakota Art Museum or let kids explore hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota to round out a day filled with art, discovery and South Dakota scenery.

If You Go

Redlin Art Center
1200 33rd St. SE
Watertown, SD 57201
605-882-3877