Sights and must-dos along the Missouri River and in Central SoDak. MIGHTY MO BUCKET LIST 1 GREAT LAKES 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 east coast and the arid grassy plains of the foothills and mountains of the dry-climate midwest, 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 200 . 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. 4 2 GRAND DAMS 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 Visitor Center is open year-round and features the history of the making of the dam, as well as lots of local travel information. It’s a great stop if you have questions about the area. LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL 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 SD STATE CAPITOL BUILDING 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. WILD WESTERN RODEOS Dozens of rodeos take place annually across the state, from horse races and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association events, to 4H and high school rodeos. With so many opportunities, it’s easy to “cowboy up” and add a South Dakota rodeo to your trip’s itinerary. 3 5 190 // #SDMissouriRiver
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 190
