Hidden gems offer recreational activities, rich history, and fun
The South Dakota landscape features expansive prairies, rolling hills, jagged buttes, and many other beautiful places. Adventures await around the corner in every town within the Golden West service territory. Check out these local favorites throughout the state, including recommendations from Golden West employees!
Gems in the hills
Western South Dakota is home to state and national attractions and plenty of trails to explore, but some spots can be easy to overlook. Custer State Park offers many hiking trails including Little Devils Tower, which leads to a rocky summit with views across miles of forest and towering granite formations.
Another lesser-known destination is Cold Brook Lake and its small campground, with first-come, first-served primitive camping spots managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is nestled between hills, with a trail perfect for walking or biking. Make sure to bring everything you need, since electricity isn’t available.
Impressive art exhibits
A short trip south from the Black Hills can lead you to rich culture with diverse traditions, stories, and Native American art to enjoy. Six miles north of Pine Ridge, the Čhatkú Arts Center features hundreds of indigenous artists and showcases a few art exhibits each year.
The Čhatkú Arts Center also hosts the annual Red Cloud Indian Art Show, allowing individual artists from tribes around the country to show off and sell their artwork. Artwork is judged and awarded prizes in each division consisting of painting, drawing, graphics, photography, mixed media, three-dimensional, cultural art forms, and adornment.
Unique historical spots and fun lakes
Just east of the Black Hills, you can stop by the Badlands to find unique geography in the form of eroded buttes and pinnacles. Visitors can learn about fossils, wildlife, and more while experiencing sunrises and sunsets unlike anywhere else in the state.
In central South Dakota, the Missouri River has unique lakes like Lake Sharpe near Lower Brule in Lyman County. Located near Big Bend Dam, the lake was created by damming the river and allows fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, and more.
On the eastern edge of the Golden West service territory, lakes also serve as local fishing spots, summer hangouts, and relaxing destinations after visiting the many farmers markets. Wall Lake may be small, but it’s just five miles south of Hartford. The larger Lake Vermillion sits just five miles south of Canistota and includes extensive camping options at the adjacent state recreation area.
Wherever you go in the beautiful state of South Dakota, recreational activities and impressive parks abound. To learn more about what’s happening across the service territory, visit the Travel South Dakota website or check out local events posted to the Golden West calendar on The Exchange. You can even submit your own local events to share with others in the service territory.
