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LaFramboise Island Nature Area

LaFramboise Island Nature Area is a unique area along the Missouri River in the Pierre Area. The island is covered in trees and meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Additionally, the island is mentioned in the Lewis and Clark journals as they passed through the area in 1804.   A group of hikers enjoy a winter stroll on LaFramboise Island before the sunshine melts the snow.
   
Trails - Hiking/Bicycling

  • Located in the SW side of the city of Pierre  Location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)  DOT Road Report

  • Open year-round. Part of the island closes during the winter due to bald eagle nesting.

  • Park entrance license NOT required.

  • Camping & Fees: No camping.

  • Recreation: Seven miles of walking, hiking, bicycling, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. LaFramboise trail is a National Recreation Trail. Listed on the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial National Recreation Trail. See maps below. Historical interest. Picnic shelter.

  • Nature Observation: View many species of wildlife and birds, including deer and bald eagles. 

  • Park maps: PDF files. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
    - Trail map and guide.
        (4 pages, 154KB)


LaFramboise Island
Nature Area 
C/O Farm Island
Recreation Area
1301 Farm Island Road
Pierre, SD  57501
(605) 773-2885
Email: FarmIsland@state.sd.us
 

 Click for more information on Lewis and Clark in SD state parks.
Over seven miles of trails wind through the island's trees and meadows, where users can view birds and a variety of animals. It is not uncommon to view bald eagles and deer on the island.

History
The island was known to Lewis and Clark as "Bad Humor" island due to a tense encounter with the Teton Sioux held nearby. The island's current name is attributed to Joseph LaFramboise. He built Fort LaFramboise at the mouth of the Bad River (west of the island). In later years, parts of the island were farmed.

Missouri River Landscape
As upstream dams changed the water flow in the Missouri River in the mid-1960s, the tree habitat on this sand bar island has changed to include species such as cedar, ash and Russian olive. Native cottonwood trees are also part of the island landscape, and once flourished due to the once natural flooding of the river.
Nearby Attractions

  • Farm Island, Oahe Downstream recreation areas

  • South Dakota State Capitol

  • The Cultural Heritage Center

  • SD Discovery Center and Aquarium

  • Oahe Dam and Visitor Center

  • Trail system connects Farm Island, the city of Pierre, LaFramboise Island, and Oahe Downstream.

  • More attractions and events can be found at www.TravelSD.com

 
 
 

 

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