Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private Methodist university in Mitchell, South Dakota. It was founded in 1885 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The student body averages slightly fewer than 800 students.

If you need a great place to hold your event, consider the facilities at DWU! We have a variety of options that we are happy to customize for your needs. 

Choose from a variety of venue setups:

Theater-style setup: chairs facing the front of the room. This arrangement fits the largest number of people in the space.  

Classroom-style setup: tables with two chairs on one side, facing the front of the room. This arrangement fits the fewest number of people in the space. 

Dining-style setup: round tables with seven chairs per table. This arrangement is best for banquets and formal events.   

Depending on which setup you choose, we can accommodate a variety of group sizes. In addition to our classrooms, conference rooms and outdoor space, we offer:

DWU/Avera Sports and Wellness Complex (track and gymnasium)
Christen Family Athletic Center (gymnasium)
Knox Conference Room (20-40 people)
Pratt Alumni Board Room (160 people)
Sherman Center (200-425 people; balcony seats 160)

The Christen Family Athletic Center features workout and exercise equipment, available to all DWU personnel, in the weight room, cardio room and Cybex room. It also houses the athletic department offices, several classrooms and a full athletic training facility. Almost all of DWU’s 15 intercollegiate athletic teams use the wellness center for practice and training. The arena is home to the Tiger volleyball team, who holds all of their home matches in the on-campus facility which can hold a capacity of 240.

The DWU/Avera Sports and Wellness Complex located just to the south of the main DWU campus, the DWU/Avera Sports and Wellness Complex was announced in the fall of 2014 with an official ground breaking. The facility opened early in 2016 and sits just across Norway Avenue from the Christen Family Athletic Center. 

The new complex is 85,000 square feet and houses three indoor multipurpose sport courts. The courts are surrounded by a 200-meter track that plays host to indoor track and field events anchored by the Tiger track and field program. The DWU wrestling program also calls the complex home, as the facilities house a wrestling room for the Tigers to conduct practice. A community health and fitness center along with locker rooms also resides for use by DWU athletes and the community as a whole.

Catering Services:

DWU’s food service provider is Fresh Ideas. Work with our chefs to select the best menu for your event. From snacks to plated banquet meals, Fresh Ideas will develop a menu with your needs and budget in mind.

Dakota Wesleyan University

Bring in 2026, and get ready for another thrilling year as the Mitchell Pickleball Association presents the 2nd Annual DWU Pickleball Indoor Tournament!

Dakota Wesleyan University

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