State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Lake Alvin Recreation Area

Although small in size, Lake Alvin has become a very popular area. This 59 acre park is best known for its beach facilities and excellent fishing. Its proximity to Sioux Falls and Newton Hills State Park make it a great place to enjoy a day on the beach.

The focus of Lake Alvin Recreation Area is water recreation. The park has become a popular gathering place for swimmers, boaters and anglers.

Anglers can expect to catch walleye, northern pike, crappie, sunfish, perch, catfish and bullheads. The 105 acre lake is the perfect size for any boat and motor; however, the lake is designated as a no-wake zone to protect the shoreline from erosion. At no time can any boat exceed 5 mph or produce a visible wake.

Lake Alvin is an artificial impoundment formed by the construction of a dam across the lower end of Nine Mile Creek. It was named for Alvin Dempewolf, the only World War soldier form Harrisburg who died overseas. The construction of the dam was completed in August 1954 and the lake completely filled in 1957. The concrete spillway for the dam was completely replaced in 1994.

Activities

Birdwatching
Boating
Canoeing
Fishing
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Picnicking
Swimming
Walking (on park roads)

Fees

Daily: $8 per vehicle
Annual: $36 first vehicle | $18 second vehicle (with coupon) | $80 transferable license
Purchase Online

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: From Harrisburg, 4 miles east, 1 north off County Road 135

Nearest Town: Harrisburg

Maps

Park Overview

Contact Info

Lake Alvin Recreation Area
27225 480th Avenue
Harrisburg, SD 57032
605.987.2263
Email: NewtonHills@state.sd.us

Amenities

ADA/Accessible Features
Boat Ramp(s)
Fishing Pier(s)
Group Picnic Shelter(s)
Picnic Tables
Playground(s)
Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
Shore Fishing Access
Swim Beach(es)
Vault Toilets (open year-round)

Lake Alvin Spillway Replacement

Lake Alvin Spillway Replacement Open House Presentation

ADA / Accessible

Fishing Access
Fishing Pier(s)
Group Lodge
Group Picnic Shelter(s)
Picnic Tables
Suite(s)

GPS Coordinates

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 43.43925
Longitude: -96.619