TV channels & antenna towers in Leola, South Dakota
Leola has 7 TV transmitters within 70 miles. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K36NW-D, 26 miles to the SE.
Over-the-air TV in Leola
Leola is a small community of about 440 people in South Dakota. There are 7 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 3 full-power, 2 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Leola, 4 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 3 are more than 45 miles out.
No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KBMY in Bismarck, ND, 107 miles to the northwest. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KCCW-TV in Walker, MN, 230 miles to the northeast. 3 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Leola
Point your antenna SE, at about 130°. The nearest towers for Leola sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the nearest towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Leola, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Leola
The farthest of the closest towers for Leola is K33MI-D, 26 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other TV stations near Leola
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K36NW-DLow power | 26 mi | 130° SE | Weak | Aberdeen, SD |
| K24DT-DTranslator | 26 mi | 130° SE | Weak | Aberdeen, SD |
| K33MI-DTranslator | 26 mi | 130° SE | Fair | Aberdeen, SD |
| KJREFull power | 40 mi | 5° N | Fair | Ellendale, ND |
| K17KW-DLow power | 53 mi | 245° WSW | Poor | Gettysburg, SD |
| KQSD-TVFull power | 59 mi | 239° WSW | Weak | Lowry, SD |
| KDSD-TVFull power | 63 mi | 104° ESE | Weak | Aberdeen, SD |
How Leola compares with the rest of South Dakota
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Leola ranks 68th of 101 places in South Dakota: fewer than the typical South Dakota town (4).
47% of South Dakota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Aberdeen, 28 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Leola: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 130° SE, the direction of K33MI-D, 26 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 2 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Leola?
7 transmitters within 70 miles of Leola; around 2 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Leola?
Point your antenna SE, at about 130°. The nearest towers for Leola sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Leola?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Leola?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Leola?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby South Dakota cities
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in South Dakota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Leola; signal estimates ignore terrain.