How far is De Smet, SD from Lake Preston, SD?
The driving distance from De Smet, SD to Lake Preston, SD is about 9.7 miles (15.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 8.7 miles (14 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 25m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 12m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between De Smet and Lake Preston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between De Smet and Lake Preston.
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1
Start on 1st Street
115 m · 19 sec · 1st Street
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2
Turn right onto Calumet Avenue
1520 ft · 48 sec · Calumet Avenue
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3
Turn left onto US Highway 14 East
8.5 mi · 10 min · US Highway 14 East
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4
Continue on 1st Street Northwest;1st Street Southwest
1.1 km · 1 min · 1st Street Northwest;1st Street Southwest
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5
Turn left onto Main Avenue North
889 ft · 38 sec · Main Avenue North
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Avenue North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between De Smet and Lake Preston.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
US Highway 14 East
Turn left onto US Highway 14 East
8.51 mi · 00h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Rain Showers Likely leaving De Smet and Rain Showers Likely near Lake Preston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from De Smet to Lake Preston?
The road trip is about 9.7 miles (15.6 km) and usually takes 00h 12m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Erwin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 4.8 miles from De Smet and 4.8 miles from Lake Preston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 8.7 miles (14 km), while the road route adds roughly 1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.44 one way or $2.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around De Smet and Rain Showers Likely near Lake Preston.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between De Smet and Lake Preston. Straight-line distance: 8.71 mi (14.01 km).
#1 De Smet
City in and county seat of Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 308 |
| Coordinates | 44.3874700, -97.5503500 |
| Altitude | 526 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Preston
Human settlement in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 558 |
| Coordinates | 44.3635800, -97.3772900 |
| Altitude | 525 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Preston (-97.37729, 44.36358)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 16 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.23 | $1.44 | $2.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $1.52 | $3.03 |
| Premium | $5.05 | $1.72 | $3.43 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $2.04 | $4.09 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in South Dakota · Oct 15, 2026