South Dakota Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

Towards the end of August 1804 the Lewis and Clark Expedition entered Sioux country. Establishing good relations with this tribe were a top priority. Not only were they the largest tribe in the Louisiana Territory, but they controlled the Missouri River, and had turned back previous voyagers coming up from St. Louis. The first meeting was with the Yankton Sioux, near today's Yankton, South Dakota, and that meeting was cordial. The next meeting was with the Teton Sioux, at the site of today's Pierre, South Dakota. The Corps of Discovery was able to continue their voyage only after the Captains threatened the use of lethal firepower.

A Day in the Life of the Famous Explorers

While touring the region stop in at the Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and spend a day in the life of the two famous explorers. Follow the troupe through interactive attractions with animatronic mannequins to see the changing-river exhibit, brass-rubbing stations, replicas of Indian artifacts and military equipment, hand-painted murals, a 30’ x 50’ U.S. flag (a replica of the one carried by Lewis and Clark), and much more! There is a video presentation shown every 15 minutes in the Keelboat Theatre. Don’t forget to visit the Garden of Discovery - showcasing species of plants that were of utmost importance to the Lewis and Clark Expedition (collecting samples was one of their prime objectives).

Outdoor Camping on the Prairie

For those who enjoy more rugged outdoor activities, visit the Ft. Pierre National Grassland. Camp anywhere on the grassland you like - there are no facilities, so be sure to come prepared. Fires are not permitted, but petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices can be used. An assortment of warm-water fishing is available at the grassland ponds (i.e. ice fishing and fly fishing for bass or other pan fish). There are plentiful trails to hike or bike your way cross-country. In fact, the entire grassland is open to foot traffic - but watch out for the prickly pear cactus! You can even go horseback riding.

A Unique Nature Preserve

Another wide open attraction to enjoy on your road trip is the Broken Kettle Grasslands, the largest preserve of remaining prairie in Iowa. The Loess Hills here are a very interesting landform made from windblown silt particles as the glaciers from the last Ice Age retreated. These hills are unmatched except perhaps in the Far East. There is abundant plant life to explore including ground plum, purple coneflower, snow-on-the-mountain, ten-petaled mentzelia, bur oak, tumblegrass, to name a few. The birdwatchers need to keep their eyes to the sky to sight the black-billed magpie, upland plover, bobolinks or western kingbird. Watch out for prairie rattlesnakes (a rare species), badgers, and coyotes!

A Recreation Park for Everyone

Stretching across South Dakota and North Dakota for a total of 231 miles is one of the United States’ largest constructed reservoirs formed by Oahe Dam at the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. Sporty vacationers can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including boating, hiking, fishing, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Bald eagles roost in the treetops below the damn come wintertime. There are three campgrounds to choose from accommodated with showers, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Catch salmon, trout, northern pike, bass, channel catfish, panfish, walleye, and sauger at Lake Sharpe or nearby Lake Oahe. Tear it up in the off-road vehicle area or practice archery at the range! The Oahe Downstream Recreation Area has it all.

Shoreline Unlimited

The West Whitlock Recreation Area is nestled on Lake Oahe Reservoir which has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline. Water sports enthusiasts will love it here - this is the perfect place to go boating, sailing, fishing, water skiing or diving. History tourists, campers, hiking fanatics, and mountain bikers will love exploring this land first discovered by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition. There is a replica of an Arikara earth lodge made from cottonwood logs honoring the many seen by Lewis and Clark during their adventures in this area.

For owners of an RV, Camper, Motorhome, Trailer or Fifth Wheel