Central Region Top 10

1. Oahe Dam and Recreation Area
2. State Capitol Building
3. Pheasant Hunting
4. Hunting Lodges
5. Native American Scenic Byway
6. Missouri River
7. South Dakota Hall of Fame
8. Verendrye Museum
9. Christmas at the Capital
10. Tribal Casinos

History

White man first entered South Dakota in 1743 when the LaVerendrye Brothers, explorers from France, explored present-day Fort Pierre and claimed the region for France. In 1803, the United States made the Louisiana Purchase from France, gaining ownership of the region that is now South Dakota. In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson organized the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the newly acquired territory. Later that year, the Lewis and Clark Expedition canvassed the Missouri River portion of South Dakota en route to the Pacific Ocean. During their expedition, Lewis and Clark had their first encounter with the Yankton and Teton Sioux. On their return journey in 1806, the first United States flag was flown in South Dakota.

The first white settlers entered South Dakota in 1817, when an American fur trading post was established at present-day Fort Pierre. In 1823, the Arikara led an attack against a fur trading party led by General Ashley, resulting in the death of twelve fur traders.

The Great Dakota Boom began in 1878 and continued until 1886. During this time, the promise of land brought pioneer families to the region in droves. One famous pioneer family, the Ingalls, was part of the Great Dakota Boom, and Laura Ingalls Wilder later used South Dakota as the setting for five of her famous books.

In 1889, South Dakota was admitted into the Union, and Pierre was chosen as the state’s temporary capital. During this time, there was much turmoil between the whitesettlers and the Indians. In 1890, the 7^th Calvary killed more than 250 Lakota men, women, and children at the Wounded Knee Massacre.

The 1930s were a particularly devastating period for South Dakota residents. Drought, sweltering temperatures, and over-farming of the land produced what was dubbed the Dust Bowl throughout South Dakota and surrounding plain states. The devastation of harvests, a sluggish economy, and harsh living conditions caused many residents to move out of the area. President Roosevelt’s New Deal established the Civilian Conservation Corps, creating jobs for many South Dakotans. The efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps led to the establishment of many of South Dakota’s National Parks, and were instrumental in much of the state’s forest conservation efforts.

The economic status of South Dakota improved in the 1940s. In 1941, when the U.S. entered World War II, the demand for agriculture increased. The Flood Control Act of 1944 led to the taming of the Missouri River. The construction of dams and the harnessing of hydroelectricity created many jobs for South Dakotans.

Landscape and Natural Resources

In 1948, the Oahe Dam was constructed to harness power and tame the shores of the Missouri River. The damming of the Missouri River resulted in the formation of four reservoirs: Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark. Combined, they provide more than 440 miles of waterway and more than 3,000 miles of shoreline.

The reservoirs of the Central Region provide visitors with premier fishing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and swimming opportunities. The crystal clear waterways, rife with walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass, channel catfish, pan fish, and trout, are an angler’s delight. The Central Region is a haven for canoe enthusiasts and kayakers, who enjoy hours of peaceful paddling on the waterway’s glistening surface. Over 3,000 miles of cottonwood tree-dotted shorelines are perfect for hiking and observing wildlife. Migratory bird species and the majestic bald eagle are prevalent in the area.

The riding opportunities presented in the Central Region delight off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Oahe Downstream Recreation Area boasts more than 400 acres of shale slopes, hilly grassland, and river bluff trails.

In addition to countless hours of fun on the water, the twenty-two State Park Recreational Areas in the region provide numerous outdoor recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, disc golf, archery, rifle shooting ranges, volleyball, and horseshoe pitching. In the winter, the area is a popular site for ice fishing, show shoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

The Central Region is a mecca for nature lovers and water enthusiasts. With its year-round, family-friendly activities, it offers something for everyone. 

Central Region Cities

South Dakota's Central Region is the center of the state, and a hub of activity and sights to see.  Pierre anchors the state with the State Capitol Building, and just across the river Fort Pierre showcases the state's history.  The Central Region also has many smaller towns and open spaces that showcase the life of everyday South Dakotans.

Click here to see all South Dakota cities.