Things To Do

Photo © Chad Coppess

Geocaching

Geocaching is a great way to explore South Dakota’s state parks. This modern day treasure hunt can lead you to great surprises. Geocachers hide "treasures" in waterproof containers that typically include trinkets like key chains, small toys and buttons. The real reward is being able to find the caches.

How do I start?

To look for caches, enter the coordinates (latitude and longitude) into your GPS unit or enabled smartphone, and follow them to the area the cache is hiding in. They'll get you close, but you'll still have to do some hunting for the actual cache. Geocaches can range in size from a small film canister to bigger than a 5-gallon bucket. They'll likely blend in with the environment. Coordinates for several caches that we know of are below, but there are many apps and websites available as well.

What happens when I find a cache?

Once you find the cache, enter your name(s) and date into the logbook to mark your accomplishment. If the cache contains trinkets, take an object from the cache while leaving something of equal or higher value. Replace the geocache in the same place where you found it so future geocachers can enjoy it as well.

Outdoor Campuses

Location Latitude Longitude
The Outdoor Campus - West N 42° 05.445 W 103°  17.169
N 44°  05.384 W 103° 17.398

State Parks

Location Latitude Longitude Elevation
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve N 42° 31.116 W 096° 32.255
Hugh Glass Lakeside Use Area N45° 44.311 W102°14.507
Indian Creek Recreation Area N 45° 32.245 W 100° 23.500
N 45° 32.284 W 100° 22.945
N 45° 31.224 W 100° 24.173
Lake Louise Recreation Area N 44° 32.397 W 99° 08.286 1,599 ft.
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area N 42° 51.562 W 97° 32.601
N 42° 51.429 W97° 33.134
N 42° 52.008 W 97° 30.831
N 42° 52.257 W 97° 30.636
N 42° 51.962 W 97° 31.409
Little Moreau Recreation Area N45° 20.917 W101°05.083 2,120 ft.
Llewellyn John Recreation Area N45° 46.525 W102°10.643 2,300 ft.
Mina Lake Recreation Area N 45° 28.681 W 98° 44.954 1,434 ft.
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area N 44° 34.371 W 100° 30.206
N 44° 25.332 W 100° 23.053
N 44° 26.440 W 100° 23.773
Palisades State Park N 43° 41.107 W 96° 31.512
N 43° 41.373 W 96° 31.512
Pelican Lake Recreation Area N 44° 51.294 W 97° 12.611
Pickerel Lake Recreation Area N 45° 29.006 W 97° 15.550
N 45° 29.334 W 97° 15.720
N 45° 30.081 W 97° 16.951
Revheim Bay Recreation Area N 45° 31192 W 100° 23.992
Richmond Lake Recreation Area N 45° 32.114 W 98° 37.252
N 45° 31.981 W 98° 37.140 1,401 ft.
Rocky Point Recreation Area N 44° 43.213 W 103° 42.047

 

State Parks that have Geocaching