South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012 - (Page 50)

Outdoor Adventures southeast region (Continues from Page 44) River Rambling The James River is a typical prairie stream. It meanders back and forth, curves around and even turns back on itself. It has been called the longest unnavigable river in the world. Fortunately, this distinction doesn’t apply to paddlers who travel the river in spring and early summer. You never know what's around the next bend. It could be a picturesque pastoral scene, a flock of geese or a whitetail deer getting a drink at the water’s edge. There are several access points near US and SD Highways. Originating in northeastern South Dakota, the Big Sioux River winds southward to Sioux Falls, where it forms the boundary between South Dakota and Iowa, until it meets the Missouri River. With good water levels in the spring and early summer, it is possible to paddle from US 14 near Brookings to the river’s confluence with the Missouri River. Paddlers favor the segment from Lien Park in Sioux Kayaking on Split Rock Creek Falls to Newton Hills State Park. Spring and summer are the best times to paddle this stretch of river. Points of interest along the way include the Big Sioux Recreation Area, Gitchie Manitou Park, the old Klondike Mills site and Newton Hills State Park. Both Big Sioux and Newton Hills have canoe launch sites and camping facilities. A park entrance license is required. Note, there are several low head dams where your watercraft must be portaged to the other side. If you are a white-water paddler, the high water spring flow and heavy summer rains make the Split Rock Creek just the place for you. Winding through scenic northeastern Minnehaha County you'll eventually meet up with the Big Sioux River east of Sioux Falls. With an elevation drop of 130 feet in the eight miles from the SD 11 access, west of Garretson, through Palisades State Park, to the SD 11 access, north of Corson, there are stretches that can be quite hazardous for those not (Continues on Page 52) PORTER SCULPTURE PARK On Interstate 90 At Exit 374 KIDS FREE • 60 foot tall Bull’s Head, plus dozens more sculptures the entire family will enjoy • Open Memorial Day to Labor Day Located on I-90, Montrose Exit 374 25 miles west of Sioux Falls 50 www.portersculpturepark.com  http://www.portersculpturepark.com http://www.edgarssoda.com http://www.portersculpturepark.com http://www.edgarssoda.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012
Contents
Getting Here, Getting Around
Interstate Information Centers
State Facts
Native American Information
Places of Interest
Calendar of Events
Public Campgrounds and Recreation Areas
Southeast Region: A slice of South Dakota charm
Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region: Stories from the frontier
Great Lakes Region: Land of the mighty Missouri
Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region: Enchanting mountain getaway
Black Hills map
Index

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012

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