Discover History in South Dakota State Parks

South Dakota state parks and recreation areas are the largest outdoor museums in the state. Park visitors can visit and learn about prehistoric sites, American Indian cultural history, the Lewis and Clark expedition, Fort Sisseton, legacy of the Black Hills and the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. An education center at Bear Butte, visitor centers at Fort Sisseton, Lake Poinsett, Farm Island and Adams HNP, and interpretive signs along trails in many of the parks seek to tell the historical significance of the areas.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Explore Some Historic South Dakota State Parks

Dakota Forts

Don't Pocket Our Past
As you visit these and other areas, please remember that it is against the law to remove any natural or cultural features or artifacts from state parks. Penalties are stiff. Learn more about protecting our cultural resources.

Kids trying out a tent replica like the one the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition slept in. This and other interactive displays can be found at the Lewis and Clark Family Center at Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre.