on the water

Boating

What’s better than having a boat? Having friends with boats! Most of our state parks offer lakes that are great for skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, you name it. If it’s sailing you’re into, you’ll want to venture south to Lewis & Clark Lake, where the open water and wind speeds are ideal for sailing.

Swimming

Biking

See more in less time on your bike! Explore the Sioux Falls Bike Trail as it wraps around the entire city. Hit the hilly dirt trails in Mitchell. Need a bike? Rent one from the City of Mitchell, ACE Bike and Fitness, or Hotel on Phillips

Horseback

Bring your horses to Big Sioux Recreation Area and Clay County Park for a beautiful ride! Need to camp? Bring them to Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, Newton Hills State Park, or Union Grove State Park.

off-road vehicles

Sometimes it’s more fun to go fast. Talsma’s Trail Park, along the bluffs and ravines of the Missouri River, is THE place to kick up dust and mud with your ATV.

Thrill Seekers

Looking for an adventure to get your blood pumping? Paddle Split Rock Creek after spring and summer rains for a whitewater experience. The elevation drops 130 ft. in 8 miles along this route.

Spending a summer day at the beach is how great memories are made. Pack a picnic, some sand toys, and a floatie. Head to Lewis & Clark Recreation Area to find numerous beaches to choose from. Lake Herman near Madison and Lake Vermillion near Montrose are also great options for swimming waters.

River Paddling

THE BIG SIOUX RIVER

The Big Sioux River is a favorite for paddling in spring or summer when water levels are high. Use the Jay Heath Canoe and Kayak Trail to know where launch sites and campgrounds are located along the river.

VERMILLION RIVER

The Vermillion River is a scenic run from Centerville south to the Missouri River. We recommend exploring this in the fall when the colors are especially showy.

JAMES RIVER

The James River is a curvy prairie stream that meanders through our countryside landscape. This slow-moving and shallow route is great for beginners.

MISSOURI RIVER

Exploring our section of the Missouri River is like taking a step back in time. It’s wild, untamed, and continues to flow as nature intended as it creates the border between South Dakota and Nebraska. This mighty river is 20+ feet deep in some areas. There are no rapids, but high winds and underwater sandbars can make this journey a tough one. We recommend only experienced paddlers venture this route.

New Purpose For Mental Hospital

The Dakota Hospital for the Insane was created in 1879 to address the need for mental health care in the Dakota Territory. The impressive four story building that housed the hospital still stands today and is home to permanent and traveling exhibits that showcase the hospital’s and our area’s history. Visit the Mead Museum and make sure to take your photo on the beautifully restored marble staircase.