Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
Relive the western frontier
Named after the nearby Sisseton Indian Tribe, this historic fort is now a picturesque state park that unfolds the area's past. Walk the grounds where the officers' quarters, stone barracks, powder magazine, guard house, and other buildings that remain from time of the western frontier.
This 1864 fort, atop the Coteau des Prairies (or hills of the prairies), was originally a frontier army outpost called Fort Wadsworth. The site was chosen because it provided a strong natural defense, an ample supply of lime and clay for making bricks, an abundance of lake water for drinking and a thick stand of trees for timber and fuel.
Regarded as a National Historic Landmark, it has been restored and is now open to the public. Guided tours by fort "soldiers" and others in costume are available.
Join the festivities for entertainment, culture and history during the annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival. The festival features period entertainment and activities and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Restrictions/Safety
Contact
11907 434th Avenue
Lake City, SD 57247
605.448.5474
Email: FortSisseton@state.sd.us
GPS Coordinates
Lat: 45.659398
Long: -97.528266
Activities
Lodging Info
- Campsite details
- Camping cabins with shared kitchen
Facilities/Services
- Boat Ramp
- Campground
- Camping cabins
- Canoe/Kayak Rentals
- Drinking water
- Event tent rentals
- Flush toilets/showers
- Game Checkout
- Picnic Shelter
- Visitor Center
- Wi-Fi
- Snowshoe checkout
- Guided walking tours of the Fort available
Visitor Center
Visitor Center with interpretive displays and gift shop are open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Open House Weekend through Labor Day and weekend in September. Guided first-person tours are available, please call ahead.
ADA / Accessibile
- Visitor Center
- Cabin (1)
- Picnic shelter with kitchenette
- Wadsworth trail
Hours
Weekend before Memorial Day - Labor Day
Visitor Center, Museum, Gift Shop & Guided Tours: open 7 Days a Week, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
All Facilities: Open
September
Visitor Center, Museum: open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Visitor Center, Museum, Gift Shop & Guided Tours: open Saturday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
All Facilities: Open
October - Mid-May
Building & Site Tours: available by appointment
Comfort Station: Closed
Facilities: Open and closed due to weather conditions