State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie

August 25, 1804, was a stiflingly hot day when members of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery visited Spirit Mound. They came to the site because they had heard that little people with big heads inhabited the mound. At the mound the expedition didn't find any little people, but did find a "most beautiful landscape."

Years later, the Flood Control Act of 1944, authorized the construction of six main dams in the Missouri River Basin. In addition to flood control, the intent of this act was to provide hydroelectric power. With the damming of the river, most of the sites where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped or visited are now underwater. There are very few places where a person can stand today and know that Lewis and Clark stood in the same exact location. Spirit Mound is one of those few special sites.

In order to provide Spirit Mound visitors with an opportunity similar to what Lewis and Clark experienced, the site is being restored. Prairie grasses and other native plants are being reestablished. The prairie restoration began in 2001 and will take decades of growth before it becomes a good representation of the prairie as seen by the expedition. Spirit Mound has a rich variety of prairie wildflowers and grasses and is home to Fritillary butterflies, birds and many other prairie animals.

Activities

Birdwatching
Hiking
Historical Interest
Picnicking
Walking (on park roads)

Fees

No entrance fee required.

Park Specs

Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.

Park Size: Day use park; no camping

Directions: 5 miles north of Vermillion off SD Hwy 19

Nearest Town: Vermillion

Maps

Overview & Trails

Contact Info

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie
31148 SD Hwy 19
Vermillion, SD 57069
605.987.2263
Email: NewtonHills@state.sd.us

Amenities

Group Picnic Shelter(s)
Hiking Trail(s)
Historical Site(s)
Picnic Tables
TRACK Trail(s)
Vault Toilets (open year-round)

GPS Coordinates

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.86761
Longitude: -96.95443