Big Stone Island Nature Area

An 1823 expedition led by Major Stephan Long and geologist William Keating explored the Big Stone Lake region. Shortly after entering present-day South Dakota, they met an American Indian village. Keating wrote in his journal that "The village ... consisted of 30 skin lodges... This permanent residence is on a rocky island (Big Island) ... they cultivate their cornfields secure against aggression of their enemies. "This island is now the 100-acre nature area.

Observing Nature/Hiking	Located on Big Stone Lake, 15 miles N of Milbank off SD Hwy 15 Location map Detailed location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.) DOT Road Report Open year-round Park entrance license NOT required. Camping: No camping, no facilities. Day use only. Recreation/Day Use: Natural environment, no maintained trails, no facilities. Accessible only by boat/canoe. Great area for canoeing/kayaking and hiking. Historical interest. Park maps: None available. Big Stone Nature Area C/O Hartford Beach State Park R.R. #1, Box 50 Corona, SD 57227 (605) 432-6374 Email: Hartford@state.sd.us
The island is a natural refuge for a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds. Natural environment with no maintained trails. Accessible only by boat/canoe. Learn more about canoeing in SD state parks.
Historical Interest
During the 1800s and early-1900s, resort hotels dotted the shore and excursion boats frequented the island's brothel. In an attempt to close the facility, irate women reportedly burned and sank a boat. In the 1940s, military aircraft practiced landing and take-off from a short runway on the island in preparation for war in the Pacific. Today, the area is accessible only by boat.
Nearby Attractions
Hartford Beach, Fort Sisseton, Sica Hollow and Roy Lake state parks Pickerel Lake Recreation Area Redlin Art Center, Watertown Grant County Museum, Milbank Milbank Train Festival, held annually every August More attractions and events can be found at www.TravelSD.com