Parks and Picnic Areas
A well-lighted walking trail and views of the State Capitol are highlights of Hilger’s Gulch Park, a favorite sledding spot in snowy weather. On the west slope, Governor’s Grove features historic identity markers of former South Dakota governors.
The Pierre Riverwalk/Bicycle
Path begins at Griffin Park, located adjacent to
the city’s marina and boat ramp. As the path
continues upriver, it passes through Steamboat
Park.
Across town, free tennis courts and playground
equipment are found at two of Pierre’s smaller
parks, Devine and LaBarge.
For information about Pierre city parks, visit
http://ci.pierre.sd.us/Department.aspx?id=14, or call (605)
773-7437.
Located in Fort Pierre at the mouth of the Bad
River, Fischer’s Lilly Park marks the spot where
Lewis and Clark’s expedition first met the Teton
Sioux. Learn more about this park — and the
historic encounter that took place there — at
www.fortpierre.com.
Seven miles of hiking, bicycling, snowshoe and
cross-country skiing trails traverse the woods
and meadows of LaFramboise Island, a day-use
state park to the southwest of Pierre.
Excellent fishing, hiking and bird watching and
its close proximity to Pierre make Farm Island
Recreation Area a popular state park year-round.
Recreational opportunities abound at Oahe
Downstream. Along with fishing, hiking, disc
golf and three campgrounds, Oahe features the
only ORV area in the state park system.
Located on Lake Oahe 15 miles northwest of
Pierre, Cow Creek Park is a great place for
fishing and boating. Stay in this state park’s
campground or enjoy primitive camping along the
shore for spectacular views of the water.
A day-use state park, Spring Creek is known for
its walleye, sauger and pike fishing. Camping is
available at nearby Cow Creek.
Campers and day-trippers alike enjoy the
wilderness seclusion and sandy beaches of
Okobojo Point Recreation Area, a state park 17
miles northwest of Pierre.
The cool waters of West Bend Recreation Area
offer great walleye fishing, and the state
park’s protected marina provides convenient boat
launching. West Bend is 35 miles southeast of
Pierre.
For information about South Dakota state parks,
visit
www.sdgfp.info.
Weather
Adverse weather is possible in any season and
can make unsurfaced roads impassable. Listen to
or watch local weather reports to avoid becoming
stuck and stranded in remote areas. The radio
stations listed below, along with others,
provide general weather information and
broadcast storm watches and warnings. Include a
portable radio when you pack for your trip.
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. Click 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
