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Sica Hollow State Park
Where legends come alive
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These rolling hills
were left after the last glacier receded less than 20,000 years ago.
It is easy to understand why these hills, located in the middle of the
plains, were held in awe by ancient Indian tribes. Through the
centuries, these hills become the subject of many legends. A journey
through the area still reveals the natural occurrences that fueled the
legends.
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History/Legends |
Sica Hollow
State Park
C/O Roy Lake State Park
11545 Northside
Drive
Lake City, SD 57247
605-448-5701
Email:
RoyLake@state.sd.us |
The Hollow's first Indian visitors
named it "Sica,"
(pronounced she-cha) meaning evil or bad. Eerie Sioux legends recall mysterious happenings
here. Along the Trail of the Spirits, a Registered National Recreation Trail, you'll see
gurgling reddish bogs, which Indians saw as the blood and flesh of their ancestors. Swamp
gas and stumps glow in the dark, and small waterfalls are heard echoing as trapped air
escapes. Indian lore also gives new meaning to Sica's streams, rustic
bridges, waterfalls, and wildflowers. An interpretive guide is
available to bring these legends to life.
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National Designations |
Sica Hollow State Park has also earned attention nation-wide. The Old
River Warren and Coteau des Prairies are designated National Natural
Landmarks. The Trail of the Spirits, a self-guided interpretive foot
trail, was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1971.
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Horse Trails/Camping |
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Fifteen miles of marked trail guides
horseback riders through 900 acres of woodland, which remains much as
it did when the first settlers arrived in the 1840s.
A group base camp features water, vault
toilets, fire grates, tie rails and table shelters. Available by
reservation only, please call the park office at (605) 448-5701. Learn
more about horse camps and trails in South Dakota state
parks.
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Nearby Attractions |
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Copyright Ó 2006 State of
South Dakota |