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Glacial Lakes and Prairies

Mile-high glaciers of the last Ice Age left their mark on the prairie of northeastern South Dakota. As a result, the land ranges from flat to hilly and is dotted with swamps, marshes and forest-rimmed glacial lakes ranging from a few yards to several miles wide.

The region is characterized by livestock farming and crops such as sunflowers, corn and other small grains. The Ordway Prairie near Aberdeen is one of the largest preserves of native tall-grass prairie in Midwestern and Mountain states, with nearly 8,000 acres of native vegetation. Considerable natural forest areas also exist in this region, and many have been designated as state parks. Two national wildlife refuges have been established as well. Rivers of the area cut picturesque gorges in the terrain.

One of the most well-preserved frontier forts in the country, Fort Sisseton, has been converted into a state park. An annual historical festival features period military and American Indian life, historical displays and re-enactments.

History of the region traces several hundred years of occupation by hunter-gatherers, beginning around the year 1200 A.D. with the Woodland People. The Sioux Indians migrated into the area in the 1700s and were followed by fur traders and explorers such as Lieutenant John C. Fremont in the 1800s. Missionaries, homesteaders and eventually the railroads opened the region for settlement. Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the "Little House on the Prairie" books, based six of her books on her life and childhood experiences in De Smet, S.D. Today, the area is known for its agricultural and recreational activities. Universities in Aberdeen, Brookings and Huron provide a variety of cultural and educational opportunities for residents as well as visitors.

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Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association
PO Box 244
1200 33rd Street SE
Watertown, SD 57201-0244
800-244-8860, phone
www.sdglaciallakes.com

Request a free Glacial Lakes & Prairies guide via an online form:
www.sdglaciallakes.com/AboutUs/FreeVisitorsGuide/