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Scenic Highway 10 (Gateway to the "Coteau Des Prairies")

Glaciers once covered the northeastern region of South Dakota. As they receded, they scoured and scraped the earth, leveling it in some places and building it up in others. Thus, French explorers dubbed this rolling landscape the "coteau des prairies" or "hills of the prairie."

Day One

Begin your trip at Sisseton. Just west on Highway 10, the 75-foot Nicollet Tower offers a spectacular view of the surrounding prairie. The tower is named for French cartographer Joseph Nicollet, who created the first accurate map of the vast area between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Other area attractions include Sica Hollow State Park, glacial lakes and bird watching opportunities. About six miles west of Lake City, turn south to Fort Sisseton State Historical Park. This 1864 military outpost has been recognized as one of the nation’s best preserved frontier forts. Return to Highway 10, where a sign on Main Street Britton marks the north-south Continental Divide. Overnight in Aberdeen.

Day Two

Popular attractions in Aberdeen include Storybook Land, featuring scenes from your favorite fairy tales; Centennial Village; and Hutterite Colony tours. Travel north to Highway 10, tour the Ordway Prairie and then west on Highway 10 to Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge for great opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. Head back east to Eureka, a community of German heritage. Visit a bakery featuring ethnic delicacies or a German fall festival. At the junction with Highway 83, connect with another offered itinerary.