State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

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, Sha/Adams House, Stavenger Lutheran Church and Brusseau Cabin. Tours of the buildings are available through reservation.

Activities

Archery
Biking (on trails)
Birdwatching
Cross-country Ski Rental
Cross-country Skiing
Hiking
Historical Interest
Hunting
Interpretive Signs
Museum/Visitor Center
Picnicking
Snowshoeing
Stargazing
Wildlife Watching

Upcoming Events

December 6 - 22, 2024
Homestead Holidays
December 20, 2024
Homestead Holidays
December 20, 2024
Little Naturalist Program - Animals in the Winter
December 21, 2024
Homestead Holidays

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.

Directions: 2 miles southwest of McCook Lake, Exit 4 off I-29

Nearest Town: North Sioux City

Maps

Park and Trails

Contact Info

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
272 Westshore Drive
McCook Lake, SD 57049
605.232.0873
Email: AdamsNature@state.sd.us

Amenities

ADA/Accessible Features
Archery Range
Biking Trail(s)
Cross-country Ski Trail(s)
Drinking Water
Flush Toilets
Group Picnic Shelter(s)
Guided Tours
Hiking Trail(s)
Historical Site(s)
Picnic Tables
Playground(s)
Pollinator Plot(s)
Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
TRACK Trail(s)
Vault Toilets (open year-round)
Visitor Center(s)

Observe Nature

Adams features close to 10 miles of 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.

Guided Tours

Guided golf cart tours are available by reservation for visitors with physical limitations, contact the park for details.

ADA / Accessible

Archery Range
Flush Toilets
Group Picnic Shelter(s)
Picnic Tables
Playground(s)
Vault Toilets (open year-round)
Visitor Center(s)

GPS Coordinates

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.53905
Longitude: -96.52818