Leola is a small town in, and the county seat of, McPherson County, South Dakota, United States. It was founded on May 1, 1884, and named for Leola Haynes, daughter of one of the town's founders. The population was 457 as of the 2010 census. The town occupies an entirely rural area, and businesses and services include a grocery store a gas station-garage, restaurants and bars, a bank, a post office, a hotel, several small businesses (including farming supplies and equipment) and shops, grain elevators, local police and fire departments, and the county's public schools.