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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Incredibly Unique Park That’s Right Here In South Dakota’s Own Backyard

Hartford Beach State Park in South Dakota offers unique landscapes, watersports, and year-round outdoor activities.

Published Dec 21, 2021

Written by 

Annie

Mount Rushmore. Falls Park. Crazy Horse. South Dakota is home to some of the most unique landscapes and landmarks in the country, but did you know that we also have some one-of-a-kind parks to match? Take, for instance, this incredibly unique (and, often, criminally overlooked) park that is located right here in South Dakota's own backyard:

Welcome to Hartford Beach State Park!

Sign for Hartford Beach State Park, featuring a stone base and a red wooden top, surrounded by greenery.
Hartford Beach State Park Facebook

Located in northeast SoDak, Hartford Beach is arguably South Dakota's most little-known and underrated state park, which is a shame considering all that this hidden oasis has to offer.

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A child in a life jacket stands at the water's edge, looking out at the waves on a sunny day.
Flickr/Goamick

What makes Hartford Beach so special? For starters, its centerpiece Big Stone Lake was created by runoff from melting glaciers some 10,000 years ago, which is popular for watersports (a la swimming and sunning in the summer, boating, and fishing) and general sightseeing.

A man and two children fish from a dock, holding fishing rods over the water on a cloudy day.
Hartford Beach State Park Facebook

Surrounding Big Stone Lake are rugged bluffs and timbered shorelines, which adds to the area's uniqueness.

A calm lake under a clear blue sky, with distant hills visible on the horizon.
Hartford Beach State Park Facebook

As if you needed another reason to visit, Hartford Beach State Park is also home to campsites and cabins, plus hiking and biking, cross-country skiing, wildlife sightings, and birdwatching.

A panoramic view of a grassy field with a wooden cabin and trees under a clear blue sky.
Hartford Beach State Park Facebook

Admission to Hartford Beach State Park is $8 per vehicle, with campsites starting at $26/night.

A serene lake at sunset, with a wooden dock extending into calm waters and lush greenery along the shore.
Hartford Beach State Park Facebook

To learn more about this hidden gem - or to reserve your campsite or cabin - please visit the South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks' website.

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A child in a green shirt wades through shallow water, with gentle waves and greenery in the background.
Flickr/Goamick

Hartford Beach State Park is open year-round.

A family snowshoeing on a snowy path, with two children leading the way in winter gear. Trees are in the background.
Hartford Beach State Park Facebook

Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in South Dakota? Remember to nominate it here! For even more SoDak state parks that you cannot afford to miss, you will want to Get Your Outdoor Fix At These 10 State Parks In South Dakota.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

6 Pristine Hidden Beaches Throughout South Dakota You’ve Got To Visit This Summer

Discover six hidden beaches in South Dakota perfect for a tropical getaway without the high cost.

Updated Jun 28, 2024

Written by 

Annie

Beaches? Does South Dakota have a beach? South Dakota is known both near and far for its landmarks, camping, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, but did you know that the Mount Rushmore State is also home to several can't-miss beaches? It's true! If you crave a little tropical getaway without the expensive price tag, check out one (or all!) of these six pristine beaches in South Dakota!

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1. Sylvan Lake - Custer County

A serene lake surrounded by rocky hills and trees, with kayaks stacked by the shore and people walking along the path.
Trip Advisor/georgiatn

Whether you dream of napping on the warm sand or splashing around in the cool water, there is no better place to be than Sylvan Lake! Located inside of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake came to be in 1881 after a dam was built across the nearby Sunday Gulch, making it one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the Midwest! Visit the official website of Custer State Park for more information.

2. Ravine Lake Park - Huron

A sandcastle with towers and an American flag, beside a calm lake with people in the background enjoying the water.
Putters & Scoops Facebook

You say you want to go to easy street? Guess what? Ravine Lake Park is literally located along Easy Street in Huron! In addition to its relaxing name, Ravine Lake Park offers a tranquil experience complete with crystal-clear water, a sandy beach, and the Putters & Scoops ice cream shop. Find more information on Ravine Lake Park.

3. Brant Lake - Chester

Sunset over a calm lake, with silhouettes of a dock and trees against a vibrant orange and yellow sky.
Google/Kevin Benson

Arguably the most hidden and little-known of these beaches is the charming Brant Lake in Chester. Featuring everything from swimming and sunning to fishing and boating, Brant Lake is sure to be your one-stop-shop for all things outdoors this summer.

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4. Newton Hills State Park - Canton

A sandy beach by a calm lake, with a blue kayak and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Newton Hills State Park Facebook

There is more to the 1,063-acre Newton Hills State Park than just hiking, as evidenced by the gorgeous beach area! In addition to the great swimming, Newton Hills is also home to music festivals and other can't-miss events that are sure to make your visit even more memorable. Here's the official website of Newton Hills State Park.

5. Angostura and Sheps Canyon Recreation Areas - Hot Springs

A sandy beach with a small sandcastle near calm water and distant hills under a clear blue sky.
Angostura and Sheps Canyon Recreation Areas Facebook

Everyone knows Hot Springs for Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, Mammoth Site, and Wind Cave, but until you have also taken a dip in the shining Angostura, you have yet to truly experience this wonderful town.

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6. Oahe Downstream Recreation Area - Fort Pierre

Children building a sandcastle on the beach, surrounded by trees and people relaxing in the background.
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area Facebook

Last but certainly not least on our list of hidden South Dakota beaches is the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area in Fort Pierre, which has one of the largest beach areas in the state! What are you waiting for? Grab your blankets, umbrellas, chairs, and picnic baskets, and we will see you there! Visit the official website of Oahe Downstream Recreation Area for more information.

Which South Dakota beach is your favorite? What do you think are the best beaches in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments! Whichever one you choose, though, be sure to bring sun protection! For even more summertime fun in the Mount Rushmore State, check out these five lazy river summer tubing trips that you may want to start planning right away.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-dakota/things-to-do-in-summer-south-dakota/

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Hidden Nature Park In South Dakota With Its Very Own Lake, Farmsteads And So Much More

Published Jun 4, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Hidden away in North Sioux City is an amazing place that even locals often overlook. This is unfortunate because here you'll find all kinds of awesome things to do, see, and experience, including some truly jaw-dropping state parks. Lovers of the outdoors will adore a visit to the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, an amazing hidden nature park in South Dakota that's sure to become one of your favorites. It's more than just a park; there are trails, a lake, beautiful woodlands, thrilling wildflowers, and so much more. Of all the best things to do outside in South Dakota, this one might be among my top faves.

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Welcome to the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve - a hidden gem in terms of awesome parks in South Dakota.

A serene landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
Brian Staab/Google Local

This land (and all the restored buildings on it) was donated to the state of South Dakota back in 1984 by the two granddaughters of the original homesteader who built this place (and called it home).

Today, it's a safe haven for humans and animals alike.

A red barn surrounded by lush green trees and a vibrant field of purple flowers under a clear blue sky.
Jason Baumann/Google Local

With nearly ten miles of stunning, limestone trails to explore the entire place on foot by, you can't go wrong; just be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, pack water, and definitely wear your sunscreen!

More than 100 species of birds call this amazing place home.

A serene morning scene with a misty path, trees, and a house illuminated by soft sunlight.
Randall Williams/Google Local

Nestled right on the Missouri River, this farmstead is in an ideal place for anyone into birdwatching or nature spotting to kick back, relax, and see what they can see (which is, admittedly a lot).

Historic buildings that stand in the park are few in number, but mighty in history.

A serene river scene at sunset, with dark clouds and lush trees reflecting in the water.
Phil Patterson/Google Local

You'll find places like the old Lamont Country School, the Brusseau Cabin, and the Stavenger Lutheran Church, among a few others. History comes alive in this amazing place; few things get me going more than history and nature, and this little hotspot's got 'em both.

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Popular activities at this hidden park in South Dakota include hiking, biking, wildlife watching, hunting, stargazing, and more.

A serene landscape featuring a shimmering body of water under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Brian Staab/Google Local

You'll want to make a whole day of it if you really want to check out all the awesomeness this park has to offer. It's the Goldilocks of South Dakota's parks: not too big, not too small, but just right.

This awesome South Dakota nature park is open year-round, so come back for every season to really get the full picture of just how splendid this little preserve is.

A serene landscape at dawn, featuring a winding road, misty fields, and a tree silhouetted against a colorful sky.
Randall Williams/Google Local

For more info, deeper history, and more, be sure to check out the Adams Homestead and State Nature Preserve website. Need some gear before heading into the wonderful outdoors? Check out all the awesomeness offered up by our friends at The North Face. What's your favorite nature park in South Dakota? Tell me about it in the comments!

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