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 Searls Adams. They envisioned the area as a place where people, 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."

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve features close to 10 miles of limestone trails that wind through prairie, forest and along the riverbank. With over 100 species of birds, a variety of native plants and a number of different animals, visitors are immersed in nature.

Restored historical buildings include: Lamont Country School, Shay/Adams House, Stavenger Lutheran Church and Brusseau Cabin. Tours of the buildings are available through reservation.

Commonly seen birds:  Eastern Bluebird, Wood Duck, Baltimore Oriole

Birds to look for: American Woodcock, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Red-headed Woodpecker, Marsh Wren, Eastern Meadowlark

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed Deer, Muskrat, Raccoon, Red Fox, Coyote

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy

A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L490929?yr=all

 

The area is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Seasonal birding on both sides of the dam and river should offer views of gulls, waterfowl by the tens of thousands and Bald Eagles are a common sight during migration and in winter.

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is one of the state park system's most popular resort parks. Three separate campgrounds comprise this recreation area. Modern resort facilities - from marinas to camping cabins to sandy beaches - attract water lovers to Lewis and Clark Lake.

Gavin’s Point National Fish Hatchery (NFH) and Aquarium is one of 70 federal hatcheries and fish technology centers operated nationwide by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Gavin’s Point NFH offers fully guided group tours, fish feeding opportunities, two miles of nature trails and an aquarium featuring 10,000 gallons of display space and many local species of fish, amphibians and reptiles.

Commonly seen birds:  Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Spotted Towhee, Western Kingbird

Birds to look for: Ross’s Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed deer, Coyote

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy; park user and camping fees may apply

There are several species hot spot lists compiled from eBird observations for the Nebraska side and the South Dakota side of Gavin’s Point Dam. Here is a list specific for Gavin’s Point Dam, South Dakota: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1347667. Other hot spot lists are available for both sides of the dam and river.

 

On a sweltering day in August 1804, Captains Lewis and Clark, along with ten of their men intended to explore Spirit Mound, located north of what is now Vermillion, South Dakota. The Sioux, Omaha, and Otoe tribes told of 18-inch tall humans with “remarkable large heads” who inhabited the site. Armed with arrows, these spirits attacked anyone who approached the hill.

As Sergeant Ordway noted, they “found none of the little people.” They did, however, observe hundreds of bison, expansive prairie, and great flocks of birds flying above the mound. Clark deduced that the steady wind over the open prairie drove insects to seek shelter on the leeward side of the mound. The birds came to feed on the insects. Writing in his journal, Clark hypothesized that the stories associated with the site might have their origins in the unusual animal activity.

Today, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is one of the few places where you can walk, with certainty, in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The Missouri River, shifting over the last two hundred years, has cast doubt on the exact location of many other sites. Thanks to descriptions recorded in the Expedition journals, we know that Lewis and Clark stood on the top of Spirit Mound, viewed the extensive prairie below, and endeavored to understand the mystery of the site.

Commonly seen birds:  Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Ring-necked Pheasant, Eastern Kingbird

Birds to look for: Eastern Meadowlark, Bell’s Vireo, Upland Sandpiper, Bobolink, Grasshopper Sparrow

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed Deer, Coyote, Badger

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy

A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1147397?yr=all

 

Union Grove State Park began as a county park around 1936. The land was leased to the State of South Dakota in 1946. Since then, the park has been host to residents and vacationers alike.

Rich glacial soils support a lush growth of native woods. Horseback riders, hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers enjoy several miles of trail through the forest along Brule Creek. The trees and plants attract a variety of birds. Campers enjoy the quiet well-shaded campsites, and the horse camp is the perfect base for a weekend of riding.

All types of hunting are allowed within the park from October 1 until April 30th during designated hunting seasons. Uncased firearms and bows are not allowed with the campground and picnic areas.

The multi-use trails are ideal for horses and mountain bikes and span up to 4.3 miles. The hiking trail is foot traffic only and is 1.2 miles.

The park is open year-round. Daily or annual state park user fees are applicable. Between October 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Vault toilets usually remain open. There are campground fees.

Commonly seen birds:  Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wild Turkey

Birds to look for: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Swainson’s Thrush, Long-eared Owl

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed Deer, Coyote, Beaver

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy; equestrians; public hunting in season

A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1147410?yr=all