2023-01-23 03:45:45
BEING AROUND WATER IS GOOD FOR YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL If the first things that come to mind when you think of Southeast South Dakota's landscape is cornfields and pastures, you wouldn't be wrong. While our corner of the state is proud of its agricultural industry, we are also home to A LOT of water! With 175 lakes and three major rivers, there are really great ways to enjoy the water and all of the beauty, serenity, and recreation that goes with it! PADDLING Immerse yourself in the beauty of Southeast South Dakota by paddling. Pair your canoe or kayak outings with fishing, swimming, and camping. These adventures can be a couple of hours or an entire week. Make a plan, check regulations, and know safety tips for our area before you go. BOATING What's better than having a boat? Having friends with boats! And we have some great open waters to take that boat for a spin. Most of our state parks offer lakes that are great for skiing, tubing, wake-boarding, you name it. If it's sailing you're into, you'll want to venture south to Lewis & Clark Lake, where the open water and wind speeds are ideal for sailing. SWIMMING Spending a summer day at the beach is how great memories are made. Pack a picnic, some sand toys, and a floatie. Head to Lewis & Clark Recreation Area to find numerous beaches to choose from. Lake Herman near Madison and Lake Vermillion near Montrose are also great options for swimming waters. RIVERS THE BIG SIOUX RIVER The Big Sioux River flows through our entire region, from Brookings south to the Missouri River. Make plans to paddle The Big Sioux River in the spring or summer when water levels are high. Some paddlers favor the segment from Lien Park in Sioux Falls to Newton Hills State Park. We suggest using the Jay Heath Canoe and Kayak Trail, a map consisting of launch sites and campgrounds along the Big Sioux River. It also has some general information about the river that's super helpful! Are you an experienced paddler looking for a challenge to get your blood pumping? Look no further than Split Rock Creek, where you can white-water paddle after spring and summer rains increase the water flow. The elevation drops 130 feet in eight miles along this route. VERMILLION RIVER The Vermillion River is a scenic run from Centerville south to the Missouri River. We recommend exploring this in the fall when the colors are especially showy. JAMES RIVER The James River is a curvy prairie stream that meanders through our countryside landscape. This route is suitable for beginners as it's slow-moving and relatively shallow. MISSOURI RIVER Did you know that two segments of the Missouri River are managed by the National Park Service? Part of this national park can be found in our region. Exploring this part of the river is like taking a step back in time. The river is wild, untamed, and continues to flow as nature intended as it creates the border between South Dakota and Nebraska. Know your paddling ability! The mighty Missouri River is 20 feet deep or more in some areas. There are no rapids, but high winds and underwater sandbars can make this journey a tough one. We recommend only experienced paddlers venture this route. LAKES The sky's the limit when you head to the lake! Hang on the beach and take in the sights and sounds of the water. Go for a swim, practice your paddling skills, fish for that night's dinner, or picnic with a view. Whatever you decide to do, we recommensd you unplug and be present to soak it all in. Learn more at www.southeastsouthdakota.com/outdooradventure/canoeing-and-kayaking.
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