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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Underrated Natural Wonder Every South Dakotan Should See At Least Once

The Missouri River, the longest river in North America, is a vital and historically significant natural wonder in South Dakota.

Published Jan 26, 2019

Written by 

Annie

South Dakota has more natural wonders than any other place on earth, but we are willing to bet that you take this one spot in particular for granted. While it does not have as many geologic deposits as the Badlands or thousands of bison like Custer, this natural wonder is quite possibly the most underrated in all of South Dakota.

Does anything about this picture strike you as familiar?

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Flickr/Taber Andrew Bain

That's right; today we are gushing all about the mighty Missouri River!

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Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

Spanning an incredible 2,341 miles, the Missouri River is the longest river in North America and runs through Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Montana, Kansas, North Dakota, and -- of course -- South Dakota.

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Flickr/Taber Andrew Bain

Aside from it being easy on the eyes, the Missouri River is vital for states like SoDak, as is contains several reservoirs that serve for such purposes as hydroelectric power, municipal water, wildlife habitats, and much more.

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Wikimedia Commons

In addition to serving for everyday uses, the Missouri River is also historically significant in several ways, with evidence showing the river first being used by Native Americans thousands of years ago.

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Wikimedia Commons

What the Missouri River is best known for is also worth mentioning, as the river was traveled by Lewis & Clark, who explored this new territory before the western part of the United States was even established.

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Wikimedia Commons

There are countless ways to explore and enjoy the Missouri River today, including fishing, photography, boating, and other water recreation.

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Flickr/USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation

How lucky are we to have all of this in our own backyard?!

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Flickr/Keith Ewing

Discover even more underrated spots around South Dakota by clicking Most People Don’t Know These 8 Hidden Gems In South Dakota Even Exist.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Explore One of South Dakota’s Deepest Natural Lakes at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area

Nature lovers rejoice! Pickerel Lake is the deepest natural lake in South Dakota, and it's absolutely awe-inspiring.

Published Sep 2, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Hidden away, up in northeastern South Dakota, is a special place that holds a very interesting distinction. Regarded as one of the deepest natural lakes in South Dakota, Pickerel Lake has 955 amazing acres of wonder and beauty just waiting to be explored - and best of all, it's open year-round.

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Did you know that there are more than 800 lakes in South Dakota? Yep - I know, it can get a little overwhelming at times, but for today let's focus on this one particular little slice of paradise featuring some of the coolest, clearest water you'll ever find.

The lake's value as a vibrant fishing area has at times been underestimated; up until 1979, there was a fish hatchery on-site, which has since been replaced with another facility at Blue Dog Lake.

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Kevin Kruse/Google Local 

There are dozens of awesome activities you can partake in while you're here: play a riveting game of basketball, horseshoes, or volleyball if you so desire. Alternatively, you can hike around the park (or simply around the lake!) and enjoy wildlife watching, geocaching, and LOTS more delightful things to do.

Pickerel Lake Recreation Area is open all year round, though between October 1 and April 30, showers and flush toilets might be closed - so if you need those, be certain to check before you go. There's an entry fee of just $8 per vehicle, which makes it delightfully affordable. Should you show up and fall madly in love with the park (don't worry, most folks do), you don't have to leave - you can always camp at one of the amazing designated campsites.

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Kelli Lardy/Google Local

If camping isn't quite your thing, worry not - there are also several wonderful, affordable cabins that are sure to please. Make sure to reserve yours in advance - these fill up quickly!

As for the lake itself, prepare for amazingness: this gorgeous, brilliant blue body of water reaches depths of up to 41 feet, with clean water that perfectly reflects the sky above on sunny days. The lake is fed by cool, calm spring waters, ensuring an amazing experience from start to finish with anyone who has even a passing interest in the great outdoors. Are you planning to visit and need an amazing place to stay while you're here? Check out all the coolest offerings from our friends at Expedia Travel.

For more information about this amazing little respite from real life in northeastern South Dakota, be sure to visit the official Pickerel Lake Recreation Area website.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In South Dakota To Start Planning Now

Discover five top spots for river and lake tubing in South Dakota that should be on your summer bucket list.

Updated Jun 28, 2024

Written by 

Annie

Whether you need something to look forward to this summer or just want to try something new and exciting, there is nothing quite like tubing. If you are new to this lazy, and sometimes thrilling, activity and are not sure where to go, we recommend checking out these five lazy rivers for river tubing in South Dakota. They most certainly belong on your summer bucket list.

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1. Spearfish Creek - Lead

Two children float on colorful inner tubes in a serene stream, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Wickiup Village

When it comes to river floating, there is no better place to begin than Spearfish Creek, the best portion of which is managed by Wickiup Village. Reserved for their guests, Wickiup Village provides both tube rentals and fun for all ages, thanks to both fast and slow-moving streams.

2. Pactola Lake - West Pennington

A person stands by a serene blue lake surrounded by green trees and hills under a clear blue sky.
Google/Rocio Ferrer

It may not be a river, but you will always find people floating around the waters of Pactola Lake. Whether you hitch your tube to the back of a boat or float near the shore while awaiting the waves from the said boat, you are guaranteed a memorable day of rafting in South Dakota at Pactola Lake.

Take a look at this video by @HighSightDronePOV:

3. Rapid Creek - Rapid City

A serene landscape featuring a winding stream surrounded by lush green grass and trees under a blue sky with clouds.
wikipedia/Jeffrey Beall

The next time you visit Rapid City, South Dakota, make sure to carve out some time for not only its many landmarks and attractions but also for some tubing fun along Rapid Creek. Tucked away in the heart of the Black Hills, Rapid Creek is surrounded by the same pristine mountain beauty that you have come to expect from western South Dakota.

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Take a look at this aerial tour of Rapid City by @hunterfergen7039:

4. Missouri National Recreational River - Yankton

A group of people in life jackets paddling on blue rafts in a calm river surrounded by greenery.
Missouri River Rafting and Campground/Facebook

We couldn't have a list of the best river floats in South Dakota without mentioning the Missouri National Recreational River. Spanning a whopping 60 miles, there is no shortage of places to hop on and off in the recreation area. This is one of the best places for rafting in South Dakota.

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5. Big Sioux River - Sioux Falls

A group of people in inner tubes floating on a river, wearing matching hats and enjoying drinks.
Google/Miranda Burfeind

Last but certainly not least on our list of places to tube down a river in South Dakota is the Big Sioux River, which is a 419-mile-long tributary of the Missouri River. In addition to tubing, the Big Sioux River is also a favorite destination for fishing, kayaking, and rafting in South Dakota. You'll want to plan a weekend to try it all.

So, grab your tubes or rafts, and head for the water - and remember the sun protection! Do you have a favorite place for river tubing in South Dakota? If so, please share it with us in the comments. Also, if you've ever visited any of the tubing destinations above, please share your experience(s) with us. For even more summertime fun, be sure to check out this list of outdoorsy things in South Dakota that anyone can do.

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

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