- Biking (on trails)
- Birdwatching
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Cross-country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historical Interest
- Hunting
- Interpretive Signs
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Picnicking
- Snowshoeing
- Stargazing
- Wildlife Watching
State Parks
Photo © SD Tourism
LaFramboise Island Nature Area
LaFramboise Island Nature Area is a unique area along the Missouri River. The island is covered in trees and meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife and bird species.
The island was recorded in the Lewis and Clark journals when they passed through the area in 1804. They saw many elk and buffalo on the island and called it "Good Humored Island" in reflection of their good spirits that day. In contrast, further up the river the next day they had a tense encounter with the Teton Sioux. The group's campsite location that night was fittingly referred to as "Bad Humored Island," which is no longer there today. The island's current name is attributed to Joseph LaFramboise. He built Fort LaFramboise at the mouth of the Bad River (west of the island). In later years, parts of the island were farmed.
As upstream dams changed the water flow in the Missouri River in the mid-1960s, the tree habitat on this sand bar island has changed to include species such as cedar, ash and Russian olive. Native cottonwood trees are also part of the island landscape, and once flourished due to the once natural flooding of the river.
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Activities
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Fees
No entrance fee required.
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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: Southwest side of the city of Pierre
Nearest Town: Pierre
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Contact Info
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Amenities
- ADA/Accessible Features
- Biking Trail(s)
- Boat Ramp(s)
- Cross-country Ski Trail(s)
- Drinking Water
- Fishing Pier(s)
- Group Picnic Shelter(s)
- Hiking Trail(s)
- Historical Site(s)
- Picnic Tables
- Shore Fishing Access
- Vault Toilets (open year-round)
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Pet Information
A person may not allow or possess any pet in any state nature area from April 1st to September 30th, inclusive, unless the pet is under immediate control on a leash not more than 10ft long or under the immediate control and more than 200 feet from other park users. From October 1st to March 31st, inclusive, leashes are not mandatory; however, a person shall keep the pet under immediate control.
Owners must clean up after their pets; bags are provided at trailhead picnic shelter.
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ADA / Accessible
- Fishing Pier(s)
- Group Picnic Shelter(s)
- Picnic Tables
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GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 44.36117
Longitude: -100.3624
Longitude: -100.3624
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