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Northeast Region

If you love the great outdoors, you’ll love the fresh glacial lakes and prairies of northeastern South Dakota. Here you’ll find unique family attractions, camping opportunities and plenty of outdoor adventures for kids of all ages. You’ll also find frontier history, plentiful walleye and one-of-a-kind events.

Things To Do | Events | More Information

Things To Do

Fisher Grove State Park, near Redfield
Wander through the woods and view the wildlife along the meandering James River. Enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, 28 modern campsites and much more. Fisher Grove is located seven miles east of Redfield off of US Highway 212. (Separate camping fees apply.)

Admission: $5/day/vehicle or $23/year for a park entrance license

Phone: 605-472-1212

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, near Lake City
Constructed in 1864, Fort Sisseton – originally called Fort Wadsworth – was a frontier army outpost. Today it has been fully restored and is a National Historic Landmark. The park offers three rustic camping cabins as well as tent camping sites. (Separate camping fees apply.)

Admission: $5/day/vehicle or $23/year for a park entrance license

Phone: 605-448-5474

Hartford Beach State Park, near Milbank
Located on the south shore of Big Stone Lake, this state park offers many historic sites, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, 43 campsites and more. From Milbank, Hartford Beach is located 15 miles north off of SD Highway 15. (Separate camping fees apply.)

Admission: $5/day/vehicle or $23/year for a park entrance license

Phone: 605-432-6374

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little Town on the Prairie,” De Smet
Wander along the windswept prairies and see the childhood home that inspired six of author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie” books. Enjoy a variety of attractions and hands-on activities.

Admission: Free for some, other fees vary based on attraction or event

Phone: 866-528-7273

Mellette House, Watertown
Tour the private home of South Dakota’s first governor, Arthur Calvin Mellette. This 1880s home has been fully restored and displays original Mellette pieces and early South Dakota memorabilia.

Admission: Free

Phone: 605-886-4730

Museum of Wildlife, Science and Industry, Webster
Tour 24 buildings full of historic exhibits and private collections of the places, people and things that shaped the northeastern region of South Dakota.

Admission: Free

Phone: 605-345-4751

Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center, Sisseton
This 75-foot observation tower provides breathtaking views of the valley carved by glaciers. The tower is dedicated to the French mapmaker, Joseph N. Nicollet, who created the first accurate map of the land between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Admission: Free

Phone: 605-698-7672

Redlin Art Center, Watertown
This brick and marble building sits atop a hill and is filled with original artwork of wildlife artist, Terry Redlin. The 30 acres surrounding the center are a conservation park with grassy hills, waterways and friendly geese:

Admission: Free

Phone: 877-873-3456

Sica Hollow State Park, near Sisseton
Hike, camp or horseback ride as you explore this scenic hollow filled with Native American legend. Sica (pronounced “she–cha”) Hollow is located 15 miles northwest of Sissteon of SD Highway 10.

Admission: $5/day/vehicle or $23/year for a park entrance license

Phone: 605-448-5701

South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Brookings
Celebrate South Dakota’s agricultural heritage. See antique tractors, livestock displays and historic exhibits.

Admission: Free

Phone: 605-688-6226

South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings
Discover the artistic legacy of South Dakota as you tour six fine art galleries featuring artists such as Harvey Dunn, Oscar Howe and Paul Goble as well as a Kid’s Sensation Station.

Admission: Free

Phone: 866-805-7590

Storybook Land and Wylie Park, Aberdeen
All your favorite storybook characters are larger than life at this magical park. Centered by a huge brick castle, this family-friendly attraction includes a carousel, miniature train and the Land of Oz where you can follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard’s Balloon ride. Located next to Storybook Land, Wylie Park offers camping, go-karts, paddleboats, mini golf and more. (Separate camping fees apply.)

Admission: Free (fees for the rides)

Phone: 605-626-7015

Events

June 1-Aug. 9, 2008
“Norman Rockwell in the 1940s: A View of the American Homefront,” Redlin Art Center, Watertown
A traveling exhibit, on loan from the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass.

Admission: Free

Phone: 877-873-3456

June 1-Oct. 31, 2008
“Bodies Human: Anatomy in Motion,” Goss Opera House and Gallery, Watertown
A unique exhibit displaying more than 100 authentic human specimens preserved through a special process called plastination.

Admission: $20/age 18+ – $18/age 65+ and Military – $14/age 13-18 – $10/age 12 and under

Phone: 605-882-9882

June 6-8, 2008
Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, near Lake City
Relive the days of the cavalry with military re-enactments, living history demonstrations and more at this annual festival.

Admission: Free (there is admission to the park)

Phone: 605-448-5474

July 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27, 2008
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, near De Smet
This outdoor play is based on Wilder’s book “These Happy Golden Years” and tells the story of when she left home for the first time to become a teacher and continues with the romance between her and Almanzo. The performances start at 9 p.m., with the gates opening at 7 p.m.

Admission: $8/adult – $5/child – free for children 5 and under

Phone: 800-776-3594

Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2008
South Dakota State Fair, Huron
Enjoy grandstand entertainment, exhibits, a midway carnival and plenty of food at this year’s South Dakota State Fair.

Admission: $5/age 16+ – $2/age 6-15 – free for children 5 and under
(additional fees for concerts, events and activities)

Phone: 800-529-0900

More Information

Vacation Packages in the northeast region.

More events all across the state.

Request a free 2008-09 South Dakota Vacation Guide.

Contact the Glacial Lakes and Prairies Tourism Association in Watertown.

Web site: www.sdglaciallakes.com

Phone: 800-244-8860

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The information provided is just a sampling of the countless activities and attractions available in South Dakota. This is a demonstration of the affordability of the state. The South Dakota Office of Tourism does not guarantee pricing. Rates and availability may vary.