Boating, Swimming, Kayaking and Diving
South Dakota a destination for water sports? It’s true — the Pierre–Fort Pierre area has abundant opportunities for swimming, sailing, jetskiing and other water-bound activities.
Water sports
center around the area’s two major
lakes, Oahe and Sharpe. With more than
2,200 miles of shoreline along its
231-mile length, Lake Oahe has plenty of
room for waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, jetskiing
and other outdoor water sports. The
Farm Island Recreation Area, located on the
river four miles east of Pierre, offers all of
these activities, with waterskiing a particular
favorite.
BOATING
Sailboats, motorboats, canoes, jet skis, kayaks,
paddleboats: Vessels of all kinds are welcome on
the waters of the Pierre area.
Paddleboats and canoes are available for rent at
the Farm Island Recreation Area; local vendors
also rent out the craft, plus kayaks, paddles,
and life jackets.
Larger craft — at least 18 feet, with 50
horsepower outboard motors — are recommended on
Lake Oahe because of the lake’s size and the
possibility of high winds.
Boaters should observe all signs and posted
warnings on Pierre area lakes. Due to
fluctuating water levels, submerged objects pose
some hazard. Play it safe, and proceed with
caution at all times.
BOAT RAMPS
More than three dozen boat ramps dot the shores
of Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe; access to Lake
Oahe sites depends on the reservoir’s water
levels. Clink on the area map link for the
locations of area boat ramps. For updated
information on possible ramp closings, visit
http://gfp.sd.gov/fishing-boating/boating/default.aspx
SWIMMING
The cool, clean waters of our lakes and ponds
are open to swimmers during warm weather. Along
the Missouri River, Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe,
inviting sandy beaches are zoned for swimming.
With no lifeguard on duty, swim at your own
risk, observe all signs and posted warnings, and
be alert to abrupt drop-offs and changes in lake
bottom characteristics.
Swimmers enjoy the public pools in Fort Pierre
and at Griffin Park, located along the river, in
Pierre. Pierre Aquatic Center’s indoor pool
makes swimming a year-round sport. The Aquatic
Center features a water slide, diving board,
spray toys and an eight-lane, 25-yard pool.
Locker rooms and showers are available in the
complex, which includes the Pierre YMCA, a fully
outfitted gym with racquetball courts, an indoor
track, weights, and treadmills and other
exercise equipment.
Kayaking
The Pierre area has many opportunities
to hit the river in a kayak. Whether
you're interested in a sunset tour with
the Capitol in the background on the
beautiful Missouri River, or a six-day
trip on a river without a motor boat in
sight on a remote river, Pierre is the
place to come. Don't worry about
cooking, packing and pitching a
tent--you worry about relaxing. But you
may need to paddle a little!
Diving
Interested more in what is under water?
Sign up to become a certified diver.
Scuba certification dives are done on
Lake Oahe and in the Oahe tail waters,
providing students with the best
possible dive experience. Lake Oahe is
over 250 miles long, giving students
plenty of room to explore.
Call (605) 773-7445 or visit
click here for hours,
fees and other information about the Pierre
Aquatic Center.
Learn more about water sports in South Dakota
state parks by visiting
http://gfp.sd.gov/.
For maps or information about the Missouri
River, contact
• Missouri National Recreational River, (402)
667-2550 or
www.nps.gov/mnrr
• Missouri River Information Center,
1-866-285-3219 (toll-free)
