New life for Lone Tree Corner

Carleen Wild, Enterprise staff
Posted 5/7/25

Many know of Lone Tree, just off Highway 34, for the historical marker that stands near the intersection east of the I-29 exchange, and for what it used to be. It’s been quite some time since a …

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New life for Lone Tree Corner

Posted

Many know of Lone Tree, just off Highway 34, for the historical marker that stands near the intersection east of the I-29 exchange, and for what it used to be.
It’s been quite some time since a business has established itself there.
That’s about to change. A new drive-thru coffee shop is being planned for the structure that currently stands alongside the busy highway, and its owners are excited about what they hope to offer both locals and travelers passing through.
Michael Jopson and his wife, Hannah, will be running the business. The building itself is owned by a family member, who also owns one of the smaller dairies just north of Lone Tree corner.

The new venture, Lone Tree Coffee, will bring new life to a spot that’s seen its share of transformations over the years. The building has served as a steakhouse, a bar, a gas station, a taxidermy shop — “it’s been all kinds of things,” said Michael.
“We’re trying to serve high-quality coffee, no fuss, really. We want something around here everyone can enjoy. We want to create a good atmosphere in the area and supply good coffee to our neighbors.”
The Jopson family has been part of the local community for more than 18 years. Michael attended high school in Flandreau.
Work has just begun on improvements to the site and the county commission earlier this month approved a conditional use permit for the property. The team is also working with the South Dakota Department of Transportation to meet highway regulation requirements.
An opening date hasn’t been set just yet, but watch for Lone Tree Coffee to open as soon as all the pieces come together.