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Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Spanning 1,500 acres along the Missouri River, this area was donated to the people of South Dakota in 1984 by Mary and Maud Adams, granddaughters of original homesteader Stephen Searl Adams. They envisioned the area as a place where others, particularly youth, could enjoy the land and learn more about the natural world surrounding them. Mary and Maud wanted to give others a "place for inner renewal."

The three-story Shay-Adams house, shown here in winter, is one of several restored buildings at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve.

The Shay-Adams House
Photo courtesy iZZon Photography
 

Christmas at the Homestead
  • Located 2 miles SW of McCook Lake, Exit 4 off I-29  Location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)  DOT Road Report

  • Open year-round. Call ahead for visitor center hours.

  • Park entrance license NOT required.

  • Camping: No camping. Day use only.

  • Recreation: Biking. Cross-country skiing. Hiking; accessible hiking trail - guided golf cart tours available by reservation for visitors with physical limitations. Historical interest. Accessible picnic shelter. Nature observation. Visitor center.

  • Historical Interest: Buildings include restored Lamont Country Schoolhouse, Stavenger Lutheran Church, Shay-Adams Home and Brusseau log cabin. Visitor center has interpretive exhibits and signs, including information on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

  • Park maps: PDF files. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
    - Trail map and guide.
       (3 pages, 187KB)


Adams Homestead
and Nature Preserve
272 Westshore Drive
McCook Lake, SD 57049
(605) 232-0873 
Email: AdamsNature@state.sd.us  


Click for more information on Lewis and Clark in SD state parks.

Saturday, November 8, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit and take a step back in time by visiting Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. Tour the homestead buildings decorated for the Christmas season.  Enjoy refreshments in the Visitor Center and carolers in the Stavenger Church.

A Christmas Wreath contest will take place during this event. Come and vote for your favorite.

Christmas Wreath Contest
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is inviting organizations and individuals to participate in the Christmas Wreath Contest during the Christmas at the Homestead on Saturday, November 8 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Participants are asked to decorate and donate a Christmas wreath to be judged by visitors during the Christmas at the Homestead. Visitors will vote for their favorite by donating a dollar in a jar near their favorite wreath. The wreath with the most money will be the winner. Christmas wreaths will also be available to purchase through a silent auction. 

If you are interested, please have your wreath to Adams Homestead by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7. Please call (605) 232-0873, if you have any questions.

wreath

F all Programs
The staff at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve host a number of nature programs throughout the year at several parks in the area, including Adams Homestead, Spirit Mound and Newton Hills. Click here to learn more about these upcoming programs.
Historical Interest
Adams features several restored buildings, taking the visitor back in time. The Shay-Adams Home contains many of the original furnishings, and accompanied by a barn, country school and church, the area seems to come alive with history.

Observing Nature
Adams features more than 10 miles of trails that wind through prairie, forest and along the riverbank. And, with over 100 species of birds, a variety of native plants and a number of different animals, visitors are immersed in nature. Wildlife viewing blinds, the displays in the visitor center and nature programs all add to the experience.

Guided golf cart tours are available by reservation for visitors with physical limitations, contact the park for details.

Nearby Attractions

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