Glacial sculpting, breathtaking geological formations, a rich history, beautiful lakes, and the flowing Missouri River characterize the Eastern

With the beautiful scenery, rich history, and bevy of outdoor activities the Eastern Region has become a favorite spot for vacationers.

Eastern Region Top 10:

1. Mitchell Corn Palace
2. Sioux Falls
3. Storybook Land
4. Laura Ingalls Wilder
5. Palisades State Park
6. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
7. Terry Redlin Art Center
8. National Music Museum
9. Falls Park
10. Washington Pavilion

History

More than twenty thousand years ago, glaciers moved through South Dakota, sculpting the land and leaving massive depressions behind. In their wake, the glaciers smoothed much of the land, forming hilly regions and gentle slopes dotted with marshes and swamps. The depressions filled with melting snow and ice to form lakes, ranging in size from two acres to greater than 8,500 acres. The Eastern Region (commonly called the Glacial Lakes or Heartland region) covers a broad, beautiful stretch of South Dakota, encompassing more than 8,000 acres of tall-grass prairie and considerable natural forest areas. The area is unique in the variety of activities and attractions available to visitors.

History enthusiasts will enjoy the legendary stories of the Woodland People who inhabited the Eastern Region (specifically the Northeastern part of the state) beginning in 1200 AD. In the 1700s, Sioux tribes moved into the area, and the 1800s brought an influx of settlers to the region. Fort Sisseton, one of the best-preserved frontier forts in the country, has been converted to a state park and hosts historical re-enactments, live history demonstrations, and cultural displays.

The Coteau des Prairies, formed by glacial movements more than 20,000 years ago, is situated more than 2,000 feet above sea level, forming a 200-mile long and 100-mile wide plateau. Thick with oak and cottonwood forests, dotted with lakes and rivers, and rich with unique rock formations, the Prairies area is home to two state parks: Newton Hills and Palisades. Burial mounds at Newton Hills State Park, dating back to 300 B.C. to 900 A.D., are from the ancient Woodland Indian culture. The mounds suggest that the Coteau des Prairies have actually been inhabited for thousands of years. The quartzite spires and 50-foot quartzite cliffs of the Palisades are spectacular to view, and irresistible to rock climbing enthusiasts. Both Newton Hills and Palisades State Park offer hiking, water activities, and horseback riding.

Landscape and Attractions

The Eastern Region is home to over thirty State Parks and recreation areas along with two nature preserves, boasting a huge variety of water and recreational activities. The cool, crystal clear waters of the glacial lakes are thick with northern pike, walleye, and perch, providing outstanding fishing opportunities. The clean, sparkling waters of the glacial lakes are perfect for jet skiing, boating, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.

In the summer, daytime temperatures in the Eastern Region hover in the 80s, perfect for spending the day on the water. At night, temperatures dip down to the 60s—just right for sleeping beneath the stars. In the Eastern Region, the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends. Throughout the winter, visitors flock to the area to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and hunting.

One of the more popular locations in the Eastern Region is the Lewis & Clark Lake area – with more than one million vacationers visiting the area each year. It is located along the southeast part of South Dakota and runs along the Nebraska border. This site marks the spot where the Lewis and Clark expedition first encountered the Yankton Sioux.

Lewis and Clark Lake, a reservoir of the Missouri River formed by Gavins Point Dam, is the focal point of the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. The lake’s calm, pristine waters are excellent for sailing, swimming, and fishing and the scenic bluffs along the shoreline are perfect for hiking and mountain bike riding. The Lewis and Clark Recreation area is a modern resort park situated on the 90 miles of shoreline of Lewis and Clark Lake.

Family attractions, beautiful scenery, parks, fishing, outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, and history are just a sampling of what the Eastern Region has to offer visitors. After just one visit, it’s sure to become one of your family’s favorite vacationing sites.

Eastern Region Cities

The Eastern Region of South Dakota has some of the most populated cities in the state, abundant with culture and attractions.  Cities in South Dakota's eastern region range from very small towns to the state's largest city, Sioux Falls, and everywhere in between.

Learn more about the Eastern Region cities.