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Scenic Ghost Town

The empty town of Scenic, South Dakota, is owned by a church in the Philippines.

Scenic, South Dakota

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Trading Post   codytaylormcd / Atlas Obscura User
The Gallery   codytaylormcd / Atlas Obscura User
Skulls on top of the Saloon   codytaylormcd / Atlas Obscura User
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General Store   codytaylormcd / Atlas Obscura User
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Two Jail Cells just out in the open   codytaylormcd / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The town of Scenic was named for its picturesque setting.

In the 21st century, economic decline led local businesswoman Twila Merrill to acquire most of the town. In 2011, the 46-acre area was listed for sale at $799,000, including several buildings and a historic train depot.

That August, the property was purchased by the Philippine-based Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) church for nearly $800,000, though they did not disclose their reasons for the purchase.

By 2014, little development had occurred, but in 2015, an INC minister began leading services for a small local congregation.

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October 23, 2025

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