South Dakota Vacation Guide • 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide • MISSOURI RIVER REGION

Welcome to Central South Dakota where life revolves around the Missouri River and its rolling hills and plains. Come explore the countryside in this no-crowd area, where small towns are the norm and a day out on the water is a must. Follow the famous Lewis & Clark Trail and tour up and down the banks of the Missouri River, or drive through tribal lands on the Native American Scenic Byway. Driving through on I-90? Stop at the beloved Dignity: Of Earth & Sky statue in Chamberlain. The whole Missouri River valley has excellent hunting grounds in its prairies or along the water; upland birds, big game and small game can all be had here. The fishing is also supreme and the camping scenic in the rugged rolling hills. Take your chance to explore the wild and wonderful heart of South Dakota.

CENTRAL SODAK MAP

MIGHTY MO BUCKET LIST

The sunflower blooming season is between July and August, and rural central SoDak is full of the golden flower. Driving through Sully, Hyde, Hughes, and Stanley Counties, the area smack dab in the middle of the state, will give you stunning views of bobbing heads of gold for miles around - they are the perfect stop for a quick photo-shoot. The town of Highmore puts on a Sunflower Festival in August, where you can tour local sunflower fields.

The Missouri River region is sparsely populated even in its biggest towns. Driving 15-20 minutes into the countryside away from any dwellings on a clear moonless night will reveal a sky full of stars and the dusty clouds of the Milky Way Galaxy.

At 100 years old, the SD State Capitol Building is a historic landmark and active home of state government, displaying the life and times of South Dakota’s legislature and governors. The Capitol Building is open year-round to visitors. Outside on the grounds are various memorials: the Flaming Fountain, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam memorials, the Fighting Stallions, and several life-sized statues of past SD governors, part of the Trail of Governors walking tour. If you visit during the holiday season, the festive Christmas at the Capitol will be bustling with live entertainment and full of spectacular Christmas trees in the Capitol rotunda.

There are dozens of rodeos that take place annually across the state, varying from Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos to 4H and high school events. With so many opportunities, it’s easy to “cowboy up” and add a South Dakota rodeo to your next trip’s itinerary. Fort Pierre is notable for its year-round rodeo events.

The SD Missouri River is home to five tribes of the Oceti Sakowin nation: Standing Rock, Cheyenne River, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, and Yankton Sioux Tribe. Most tribes hold annual powwows to celebrate culture, family, history, and values. Wacipi translates to “powwow”. See page 198 for more information on native travel.

Four beautiful lakes are at the center of activity for water sports and recreation along the Missouri River: Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark Lake. The lakes cross the line between the forested flat-lands of the humid eastern states and the arid grassy plains of the foothills and mountains of the dry-climate western state, giving each lake a distinct landscape. If you aren’t going out on the water, you can enjoy the view of the river valley from historic highways 1804 and 1806 on the Lewis & Clark Trail and Native American Scenic Byway. See more about the NASB on page 201.

The four lakes are reservoirs created by four hydroelectric dams: Oahe Dam, Big Bend Dam, Fort Randall Dam, and Gavins Point Dam. These dams are engineering marvels and stunning places to visit. The Oahe Dam and Fort Randall Dam visitor centers still host free public tours of their power plants during the summer months.

Indulge in the local arts scene amidst the beauty of the Missouri River landscape. See the intricate and delightfully wild Walleye Up statue or the historic Oscar Howe Murals in Mobridge, the Sea of Grass art timeline at Timber Lake museum, the Dakota Plains Gallery of Native American art and the Dignity: of Earth & Sky statue in Chamberlain.

Local museums, historic buildings, and monuments are plentiful in central SoDak, featuring western culture history, Native American history of the Great Plains people, local history, artifacts, fossils, and stories. Many of these museums are free and very unique, displaying history and artifacts from their own area, and make great stops on a roadtrip. Unique finds at: Dakota Sunset Museum, Klein Museum, Timber Lake and Area Museum, the SD Tractor Museum, SD National Guard Museum, SD Cultural Heritage Center, SD Hall of Fame, Casey Tibbs Rodeo Museum, and the Verendrye Museum. Read more about museums on page 205.

Historic highways SD 1804 and 1806 are named for Lewis and Clark’s journey up and down the Missouri River in those years. The trail overlaps with much of the Native American Scenic Byway, which passes through tribal lands. Both scenic roadtrips showcase the breath-taking beauty of the river valley landscape-rolling hills, high bluffs, sweeping prairies, and the vast waters of the reservoirs. See page 196 for more roadtrip details.

ROMPING TRAILS

These dirt trails were built for mountain biking on the undulated hills next to Oahe Dam, strenuous but lovely, and are open to hikers as well. The two main trailheads also make a pitstop for a scenic overlook.

Several paved trails for easy walking and biking follow the river in Pierre, Fort Pierre, Chamberlain, and Mobridge. These trails are well kept and have historical markers along them detailing different aspects of river life, prairie life, western pioneer living, indigenous living, and Lewis & Clark’s journey. In Pierre, the trail starts in Farm Island RA, running into town, over the bridge and into Fort Pierre, where you can either visit Bad River Bridge to the south, or continue north onto a trail ending in Oahe Downstream RA next to the Oahe Dam. In Mobridge, the trail passes by the Walleye Up statue and downtown area. Chamberlain’s trail starts in Roam Free Park on a high bluff overlooking the river and runs into downtown and along the river’s edge.

Take this easy hike on the lovely, lonesome Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge, where the water is tranquil and the sunsets are mesmerizing. Immerse yourself in this remote part of the state on Yankton Reservation, home to ducks, geese, cranes, and more.

Lying between Pierre and Fort Pierre, this large river island is a piece of wilderness in the middle of town. With long dirt trails, both for biking and hiking, this island is a favorite spot for sunny beach days, kayaking, and spotting wildlife, such as deer and beaver activity.

Lake Oahe: Known for its lively salmon, record-breaking walleye and ice fishing, the big waters of Lake Oahe is a huge section of the river to explore, for fishing, hunting, or water recreation.

Lake Sharpe: Small but mighty, this smaller section is a hotspot for camping and fishing.

Lake Francis Case: Long and languid, this section has remote areas to the south that attract the road-less-traveled crowd, and features excellent hunting along either side of its banks.

Lewis & Clark Lake: Short and sweet, this little lake is a favorite spot for camping, sailing and water recreation.

Oahe Dam: The biggest dam in the state is a man-made landscaping wonder, well-worth the visit. Powerhouse tours and nearby camping make this a busy area in summer.

Big Bend Dam: Named for the largest natural bend in any US river just north of it, the area attracts campers and anglers.

Fort Randall Dam: Impressive in scope, this dam has history to explore on both banks, from the old Fort Randal Chapel and Cemetery, to Pickstown itself, built for the purpose of housing workers who built the dam. Check out its visitor center and powerhouse tours in the summer season.

Gavins Point Dam: On top of the small but mighty Gavins Point Dam is an amazing visitor center that acts as a mini-museum of Lewis and Clark history, and how dams in the Missouri River system function.

RECREATION AREA DIRECTORY

MIGHTY MO FISHING

The reservoirs of the Missouri River offer endless expanses of open water along with secluded channels and remote bays. With so much area to explore, Missouri River anglers enjoy uncrowded waters and plenty of fish species to chase. Local fishing guides can accommodate your solo fishing trip, group trip, corporate outing, and some offer resort lodging and meal packages. For fishing updates on the river, subscribe to the Fishing Report below!

Spring: A favorite time to fish in South Dakota, when the weather is chilly but not too cold or hot. Species move in spawn patterns, swimming upriver to the north ends of the reservoirs. Water levels are typically high in the spring. Fishing tournaments begin in spring and happen throughout the summer.

Summer: Fish spread out in the water as temperatures rise, flowing back south on the reservoir systems. Water levels vary as dams release water based on the needs of the systems.

Fall: The Fall Bite is a popular time for another wave of fishing, when the weather cools. Historically, fall is the season for catching record-breaking walleye. The salmon spawn on Lake Oahe takes off in October.

Winter: Ice-fishing can happen on all lakes, typically after the holidays when South Dakota’s extreme temperatures provide optimal conditions for thick ice.

See the Public Water Access Map on the SD GFP website under Maps on their homepage navigation bar for accessible boat ramps, shore fishing, ice fishing, streams, and ramp closures.

Resident Licenses: One-Day, Annual, Combination, Senior Combo, Senior Annual, Habitat Stamp

Fishing and Parks publications are updated every year and published at the beginning of the year. See these handbooks for regulations, licensing, limits, boat ramps, docks, fisheries and species information.

HUNT CENTRAL

South Dakota boasts 5 million acres of private and public hunting lands, including walk-in areas, game production areas, wildlife refuges, national grasslands, and more.

Hunting is a long-standing tradition along the Missouri River in central South Dakota. Pheasant season brings bursts of bright orange to everyday attire - deer season sees hunters rising at 4 AM for an early start. The rolling river breaks, brush-filled draws, sprawling grasslands, and agricultural fields provide prime habitat for a variety of game species.

In Central SoDak, there are many experienced guides and outfitters equipped with the know-how and personality to make a memorable trip. Guides and outfitters can be found in town or at private lodges and resorts. These guides have access to thousands of acres of hunting preserves and private grounds.

Upland Birds: Ring-necked Pheasant, Prairie Chicken, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Sage Grouse, Gray Partridge, Chukar, Quail and where is the line of

Small Game: Prairie Dog, Tree & Ground Squirrel, Cottontail Rabbit, Gopher, Marmot, Porcupine and more text for the other line to keep going

Furbearer: Mink, Weasel, Beaver, River Otter, Bobcat, Red & Grey Fox, Badger, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Jackrabbit, Coyotte one more line to make

Nonresident Licenses: Small Game, Waterfowl, State Migratory Bird Certificate, Federal Waterfowl Stamp, Predator/Varmint (hunt or trap), Furbearer (hunt or trap), Shooting Preserve, Big Game and Tags, Habitat Stamp

Resident Licenses: Small Game, 1-Day Small Game, Combination, Combination Senior, State Migratory Bird Certificate, Federal Waterfowl Stamp, Predator/Varmint (hunt or trap), Furbearer (hunt or trap), Big Game and Tags, Habitat Stamp

Youth Resident: Youth Small Game (12-17), some species require no license for resident youth under 18

Hunting publications are updated every year and published in August, right before fall hunting seasons begin. See these handbooks for regulations, licensing, limits, public hunting lands, seasons, maps, species and other useful information.

THE LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL

These highways are named after the years Lewis and Clark journeyed to the Pacific Ocean, winding through excessively beautiful and engaging landscape. These highways buck and twist, peak and sweep, glide along river valley lows and rise on high prairies. These highways are worth the scenic drive alone, though there is much more gold to discover in them there rolling hills.

Chamberlain, Oacoma, & Dignity: A very popular stop, driving through these river towns on I-90 gives you a hair-raising, spectacular view driving down into the valley. Dignity stands atop the east hill just before the plunge to the bridge.

Sights in Mobridge: The bridge crossing the river on US-12 takes you to a great look-out bluff with monuments Sitting Bull and Sakakawea. In the downtown strip on Main Street, the Walleye Up Statue and Oscar Howe Murals are notable artsy stops.

Oahe Dam: The largest dam on the Missouri River in South Dakota, you can see where the dam builders scooped tons of soil out of the hills to create this massive earth-rolled feat of engineering.

Verendrye Monument: Located in Fort Pierre on Verendrye Drive, the monument is situated on the perfect lookout over the valley; you can see the Oahe Dam and the whole lay of land and river between Pierre and Fort Pierre.

St. Anthony’s (short detour): Named “The Cathedral of the Prairie”, this impressive catholic chapel is in Hoven – taking a little detour off US-83 gets you there.

Bush’s Landing: At a little turn-off from 1804 between Pierre and Whitlock Bay, riding out to Bush’s Landing Recreation Area gives you a gut-punch of a view. Find it at the end of 182nd Street – this road is paved up to the look-out.

If you are attending the 85th Sturgis Rally this year, treat yourself to South Dakota’s backroads, where green-and-amber prairies drop away to grand sweeps of river, framed by rolling hills great and small: highways 1804 and 1806 are waiting for you.

TRIBES ON THE MISSOURI

The five allied tribes bordering the river are the Oceti Sakowin Nation, speaking three dialects: Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota. The Native American Scenic Byway runs through all five reservations.

The furthest north on the Missouri River, Standing Rock tribe is half in South Dakota and half in North Dakota. They include four bands of Dakota and Lakota people.

Just south of Standing Rock, the Cheyenne River tribal lands is the largest tribe on the Missouri River and the largest reservation in South Dakota. The Moreau River runs through it, and the Cheyenne River borders it to the south.

Sitting northeast of Lake Sharpe in the middle of the state, the area is split into three community districts: Fort Thompson, Big Bend, and Crow Creek.

Southwest of Lake Sharpe and the Crow Creek Reservation in the Big Bend area, the Lower Brule Tribe hosts an annual wacipi (powwow), fair and rodeo. Hunting and fishing are available as well; see their Department of Wildlife for more details.

Lying along the southern part of the Missouri River, north of Fort Randal Dam, the Yankton Reservation is home to many small towns: Wagner, Lake Andes, Dante, Marty and more. The area is great for fishing, hunting, and wildlife watchers, especially around the area of Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge.

✦ THE NARROWS RA/BIG BEND: The Narrows is a thin strip of land forming the inside of the Big Bend, the largest naturally occurring river horseshoe found in the United States. To access The Narrows, obtain a permit from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Wildlife.

✦ LAKOTA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Tipi Stays and Honey Lodge on the Rosebud Reservation close to Herrick, SD.

RIVER CITIES, PRAIRIE TOWNS

Nestled along the river and spread across the prairies, these charming western towns are perfect secluded vacation spots, away from the crowds of busy cities.

The capitol of South Dakota, Pierre, and its sister town, Fort Pierre, face each other across Lake Sharpe in a naturerich, rural area, just south of Lake Oahe and the Oahe Dam. The area is a great central location for a hunting, camping, fishing, or sight-seeing trip of South Dakota. Pierre is the place for sports like professional baseball; Fort Pierre takes to the arena for rodeos. Both preserve history in a variety of museums and historic buildings, monuments and memorials. Visitors can find downtown shopping, dining, and historic neighborhoods in either town. Special events happen all-year round in every season.

Two bridges connect Chamberlain and Oacoma on the banks of Lake Francis Case. The area is an artistic spot on the river, with fishing, hunting and camping being big draws all year long. Chamberlain’s downtown is full of unassuming little shops that house hidden treasures - open a door and never fail to be amazed by what’s inside. The Dignity statue can be accessed off I-90 while driving into town; she stands on a high bluff overlooking the entire valley.

The area is best known for its pristine fishing conditions, benefitting from being far north on the Lake Oahe system in South Dakota, and being just south of North Dakota’s waters. The downtown Walleye Up statue pays homage to its fishing reputation. Mobridge sits across the river from Standing Rock Reservation, connected by bridge, where stand the Sitting Bull and Sakakawea monuments. It’s an easy place to stay or camp, providing a family-friendly weekend getaway spot on the river.

North of Mobridge on Lake Pocasse, this lake town is a remote camping and fishing spot for the crowd-avoidant angler.

A hidden fishing and hunting haven - a gorgeous area in the middle of Lake Oahe across the bridge from Cheyenne River Reservation. Lodges, resorts, and recreation areas provide for staying in the area.

The nearest town to the Whitlock Bay area. Its Dakota Sunset Museum houses the famous Medicine Rock, and features local history, such as an original 1800s dentist office.

A small town on the prairie, family-oriented and with a lot of hometown pride. Open to sight-seers is the St. Anthony Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral on the Prairie.

The town is inside Cheyenne River Reservation and close to the Moreau River. Timber Lake & Area Museum houses Native American and western history, including an impressive collection of local fossils.

A prairie oasis in the middle of sunflower fields, this charming agricultural community hosts travelers and hunters looking to skip the crowds.

A small town in big land, this spot east of the river is picturesque and peaceful. Outdoor enthusiasts congregate here and it’s easy to see why. Visitors can stay at a hunting or fishing lodge out in the total quiet of the country, but be five minutes away from the comforts of a thriving downtown.

North of Ft. Randall Dam and close to Lake Francis Case, this prairie town draws down-to-busines hunters and anglers looking to immerse themselves fully in the fields and the water.

A hunting prairie-dise with lodges and prime game grounds, turkey being its specialty bird along with pheasant. This friendly community caters to hunters and has everything you need. Winner is close to Rosebud Reservation and the Badlands.

These rustic towns lining US Hwy 18 west of the river are little hidden gems that cater to curious travelers, hunters and anglers, scattered with hunting lodges, fishing guides, and taxidermists.

A unique town built to house the Fort Randall Dam construction workers and their families in the 50s and 60s. Below and above the dam are great spots for fishing and camping. The Ft. Randall Visitor Center gives free, public powerhouse tours in the summer. The Pickstown Museum displays the town’s unique history.

Lake town on Yankton Reservation, north of Ft. Randall Dam, home to the beautiful Lake Andes and Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge.

Agricultural town on Yankton Reservation near the Nebraska border. This energetic town has an active community hosting events and fantastic local businesses.

South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide

MISSOURI RIVER REGION

IN THE HEART OF SOUTH DAKOTA IS A RUSHING RIVER

CENTRAL SODAK MAP

MIGHTY MO BUCKET LIST

ROMPING TRAILS

RECREATION AREA DIRECTORY

MIGHTY MO FISHING

HUNT CENTRAL

THE LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL

TRIBES ON THE MISSOURI

RIVER CITIES, PRAIRIE TOWNS

Issue List

2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide

2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide

2024 South Dakota Vacation Guide

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2023

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2022

2021 South Dakota Vacation Guide

South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2020

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2019

SD Vacation Guide 2017