 |
|
Recreation
Sisseton is where history, culture and the natural world of the Glacial Lakes Region
come alive. A bustling city of more than 2,500 ... Located on the northeast
slopes of the Coteau des Prairies where the area's natural endowment of scenic beauty
in an area known for its lakes, parks, and environmental areas, Sisseton will
take your breath away.
|
Hunters can pursue game birds, waterfowl, and white-tail deer in
season. Duck and goose season opens the 1st Saturday in October. The
pheasant season opens the 3rd Saturday in October. Resident and
non-resident small game, and resident waterfowl licenses can be
purchased from the county treasurers office and many sporting goods stores,
hardware stores, convenience stores and other businesses. Non
Resident Waterfowl Licenses are only available from the Licensing
office in Pierre. For more information contact the Game Fish and
Parks Department in Pierre at (605)773-3485. |
 |
Explore history. Camp, hunt and fish in natural beauty in six nearby state parks.
|
 |
Roy Lake, a 1,500 acre lake, is located 20 miles west of
Sisseton along highway 10. The Lake has sandy beaches, boat
ramps, picnic shelters, 95 campsites, and cabins. Water sports
dominate the activities offered at Roy Lake. Visitors can drop a
line in the deep, clear blue lake where successful anglers snag
walleyes and northerns. Visitors can also jet ski, boat sail, of
wind board. During the winter months, Roy Lake is known for its
groomed snowmobile trails and cross country ski trails.
RoyLake@state.sd.us
Within a 20 to 30 minute drive of Sisseton, there are 30 lakes |
|
in a variety of sizes, which
offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the state. State
recreation areas include camp sites, boat ramps, and beach areas.
Local sites include: Other State Parks, include Hartford Beach,
Hartford@state.sd.us , Big
Stone Natural Area, Pickerel Lake (East and West), Buffalo
Lake (North and South), Lake Traverse, Clear Lake, and Roy Lake
(East and West). The state fish hatchery stocks these lakes and
monitors their fish production. |
|
|
| The scenic wooded Sica Hollow State Park is located 15 miles
northwest of Sisseton on the east face of the Coteau des Prairies. The park has
been designated a National Natural Landmark. Sica Hollow is an area of tree
filled ravines and hills. A glacier created this disruption of
the plain several thousand years ago. People of all ages can
enjoy the scenic beauty by hiking the trails and bridges though
the woods in the summer and fall months. Mid-September is a busy
time in the park as visitors come to enjoy the spectacular color
show of the leaves. Cross country skiing is available in the
park during the winter months. The park is known for its scenic
beauty and Native American legends. The “Trail of the Spirits”
is a Registered National Recreation Trail. Inquiries about the
park can be directed to: Park Manager, Roy Lake State Park, Lake
City, SD 57247. Groups are welcome. Please call ahead for a
guided hike (605) 448-5701.
www.sdgfp.info/parks/Regions/GlacialLakes/SicaHollow.htm
You can also enjoy
horseback riding in Sica Hollow and view the valley from the Nicollet Tower
in addition to numerous other activities that will satisfy the
whole family. National wildlife refuges include Sand Lake, Waubay, Tauwauken,
and Big Stone. Wetlands are preserved as waterfowl production
areas. Just |
 |
| beyond the Sand Lake Refuge is the Ordway
Prairie. Fishing, hunting, bird-watching, and camping all have
long traditions in this area. |
| |
 |
Indulge yourself with the numerous attractions that the
Sisseton area has to offer. Hiking, biking, swimming and
golfing as well as skiing and snowmobiling will expose you
to the beautiful relaxed atmosphere that abounds in
Sisseton. Over 95 miles of groomed trails allow snowmobiling
enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the Coteau area.
The trail from Sisseton loops up into the hills and past
several of the lakes in the area. Stops can be made
along the route at area resorts. A warming shelter is
also provided along the trail in the west unit of Roy Lake
State Park. Parking is available at the Nicollet
Tower, three |
miles west of Sisseton or at Roy Lake
State Park. For snowmobiling trail conditions call the state SnoWats #
1-800-445-3474. For a Snowmobile Trail Map check with the
Northeast Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club.
|
The area between 3rd and 5th Avenues West and Maple and Ash
Streets is often referred to as the “Sledding Hill” and is
another great past time enjoyed
by all ages in the winter months.
Annual events throughout the year will keep you coming back to visit us time and time
again. We personally extend an invitation to each of you and look forward to seeing you
soon.
JUNE
The first weekend in June is the Fort Sisseton Historical
Festival and Rendezvous. Some activities include military
encampment, Indian cultural programs, a medicine show, a costume
ball, melodramas, art in the park, and square dancing. For more
information call
(605) 448-5701
 |
The first weekend in June also hosts the Lake Area Cruisers
Car and Motorcycle Show. The car show activities include
valve cover races, along with numerous contests that are held at
the Dakota Connection Cruise-In on Friday evening.
Downtown Sisseton hosts the show on Saturday concluding with a
parade.
|
The second weekend in June is the Hills and Valley Trail Ride,
which averages 400 riders. Some of the activities include daily trail rides,
campfires, youngest and oldest rider trophies, and a dance. All ages welcome.
JULY
|
Dancers in colorful regalia take part in the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Nation's Annual
Wacipi or Pow-Wow. Established in 1867, it is the oldest continual event in
South Dakota. The pow-wow provides an opportunity for people from different cultures to
come together for mutual understanding and friendship and to keep artistic traditions
alive. Over the 4th of July holiday, the
annual Wacipi, or Pow Wow takes place at the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Ceremonial Grounds, located seven and one-half miles south of
Sisseton on Old Agency Road. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe
tribal members and friends gather in colorful, traditional costumes
each summer. A festive atmosphere includes pounding drums and fancy
dancing. Visitors are welcome at this annual cultural and historic
event.
For more information visit:
www.swo-powwow.com
|
|
|
| The Sisseton Alumni Reunion is held on the 1st
Saturday in July. The Alumni Golf Tourney is held on Saturday
morning at Valley View Country Club. Saturday at 6 PM the
Alumni Supper is held at the Sisseton High School cafeteria.
Honored Classes are for the given years. Alumnus of the
Year is awarded along with two Alumni Association Scholarships.
Contact Marge Eide: 605-698-7218 |
| |
| The annual Horse & Buggy Days takes place the week-end of the third Saturday of
July and includes a parade, street dance, art-in-the-park, stage entertainment,
ranch rodeo, wagon train, and much more for a fun filled week-end.
For information write PO Box 151, Sisseton, SD 57262. or call 605-698-7642 |
Sisseton offers four motels, camping opportunities
and a wide variety of restaurants in addition to a full-service business
community.
The Siston Theatre is considered a historical building. The current movies are shown weekly, and a stage has been
constructed so theatrical presentations may be provided to the community. Call:
605-698-7776 for listing of current and future premiers.
|
The City of Sisseton sponsors a summer city recreation program
for youth. The program includes activities such as T-ball, baseball, softball,
tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and arts in the park. The city
recreation program typically runs from the beginning of June until the mid
August.
For more information contact City Hall: 698-3391.
Structured swimming lessons for adults and children, and recreational swimming
which are offered each summer at the three pool complexes opened in 1988.
The pool’s
phone number is (605)698-7552. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Bowling is available at the Lakeland Lanes bowling
alley, located at 614 West Hickory on the west end of Sisseton on
Highway #10. The lanes, open evenings all year long, have
Men's, Women's, Mixed and Junior league bowling as well as open
bowling for everyone to enjoy. View our website:
http://web.tnics.com/hippens
For further information call (605) 698-7407. |
The city maintains two parks. Drentel Park
and Anderson Park. Drentel Park is
located off Highway #10 in the center of town and has picnic shelters,
playground equipment, and open spaces for large groups. Anderson Park
is located between Main and First avenues and Maple and Ash Street. in the
center of downtown and has a picnic shelter, playground equipment, and a
basketball court. Located near Anderson Park are a tennis court an a
basketball complex. The baseball complex is located on east Highway
#10.
 |
A nine hole golf course, the Valley View Country
Club, is located two miles west of Sisseton. The men’s League golf
Wednesday afternoons/evenings, the Women’s League golf Tuesday
afternoon/evenings, and the Couples League golf Friday evenings.
For
further information call (605) 698-3742. |
Dakota Connection Casino, located East of
Sisseton’s Exit 232 on Interstate 29, is the premiere bingo center in the
Glacial Lakes Area. The hotline for daily information is 1-800-837-9822.
There are reel slots, quarter, penny and nickel machines, $1 “red, white, and blue". Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate also owns and operates Dakota Sioux Casino
near Watertown and Dakota Magic Casino near Hankinson, ND. The Crossroads
Restaurant offers a great menu and a buffet like none other. Dakota
Connection C-Store is a 24 hour full service C-Store.
www.dakotanationgaming.com
With so much variety to offer you and your family, you just have to spend a few days in northeast South Dakota and explore our great history!
Places of Interest:
|
 |
Fort Sisseton State Park
became a state park in 1959, but its history stretches back more
than 130 years ago, when Maj. Gen. John Pope directed that a series
of forts be established in eastern Dakota Territory. Over the next
25 years, soldiers and officers ensured peaceful passage for
settlers, surveyors, military expeditions and other into Dakota
Territory. This1864 military outpost, is located 26 miles west and 6
miles south of Sisseton, and is known for its festival and
rendezvous. Each June, the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
re-creates the pioneer era in a salute to frontier soldiers,
settlers, and Native Americans. The festival includes |
|
artists and craftsmen, cavalry drills, a melodrama, Dakota dancing, buckskinners, muzzle loaders, and much more. The
festival is also rated among the top 100 event in North America by the
American Bus Association. The visitors center is open from Memorial Day to
Labor Day. In mid-December, the Frontier Christmas Program offers
activities such as sleigh rides, baking bread in a military cook stove,
making decorations, and lighting the candles on an old fashioned decorated
tree. Fourteen historic buildings can be seen and toured. Call 448-5701 for
more information. Located:
25 miles west on SD Hwy. 10; 6 miles south on County Road 23. |
|
|
 |
Before our time, Sica Hollow State Park
once offered peaceful Indians protection from the cold North Wind. Today, this woodland on
the prairie shades a spectrum of colorful wildflowers. Whether exploring sunlit bogs and gurgling springs or meandering
along darkened woodland trails and a waving sea of prairie, let your imagination set the
pace as haunting Indian legends speak to you from the past. Hiking, horseback riding and
picnicing are the favorite pastimes of this park which remains a
near-wilderness area. The park is well |
| known for its "Trail of Spirits," which has been designated as a
National Recreation Trail. Located: 2 miles west of Sisseton
on SD Hwy. 10; 8 miles north on County Road 6; 6 miles west on County Road 12. |
| |
| Completed in 1903, the Roberts County Courthouse is the seat of
government for Roberts County. The regal building has stood the test of time, still being
used for county business for more than 90 years. Repairs and improvements continue to be
made as necessary to keep it in good shape, and all space is being used. Many additions
and improvements have been made since the courthouse was built, including the jail
building in 1933 and the Courthouse Annex in 1980. In 1988 the rotunda was restored to its
original colors and design. |
| |
| The Stavig
House is an elegant three-story Victorian home built in 1916, and features a wrap
around porch and a majestic corner tower. Having undergone no major interior or exterior
alterations through its history, the house is an historic artifact of a bygone era. The
history of the house and its occupants is closely entwined with the history of the
settlement and development of Sisseton. Located: From Hwy. 10
take 1st Ave. West; north 2 blocks; second house on the left. |
 |
| |
|
|
 |
When you're looking for a way to escape the hectic rat-race of daily life in the city,
consider a trail ride over the high Coteau area of Northeastern South Dakota to get a
different perspective. Located close to Sica Hollow State Park, Canyon Ranch
is particularly popular in September, when the glorious colors of fall foliage fill the
hollow and surrounding area.
|
| |
|
|
The Joseph N. Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center,
located 3.5 miles west of Sisseton is a 75 foot observation
tower with three floors that provides a breathtaking view of the
great valley carved by the glacier some 40,000 years ago. The
tower gets its name from the French map maker, Joseph N.
Nicollet (pronounced "Nick-o-LAY") who was a sort of real-life
Lt. Dunbar in the movie "Dances With Wolves". He spent 1838 and
1839 creating the first accurate map of the vast area between
the Mississippi |
 |
|
and the Missouri Rivers. An Interpretive Center houses Nicollet's great map of the area
created in the 1830's. Visitors watch a video of the
mapmaker's travels in the 1830's and his encounters with the
Dakota Indians. |
|
|
|
Sisseton ... Catch the Dream. |
|
|
|
Old Agency Village - 7 miles south on BIA 7. You'll find the Sisseton
Wahpeton College, historic Goodwill Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (1870), historic St.
Mary's Episcopal Church and Cemetery (1880), Pow-Wow and Rodeo Grounds, Tiospa Zina Tribal
School, Chief Gariel Renville's brickhouse ruins (2 miles southeast of village), Chief
Gariel Renville's grave on bluff (2.5 miles southeast of village).
Canyon Ranch- 11050 Canyon Ranch Road, Veblen, SD 57270 call:
605-738-2480
Roy Lake State Park - 19 miles west on SD Hwy. 10; 2 miles south on
County Road 25.
Squaw Hill Massacre Site - SD Hwy. 10 located 3.5 miles west of Lake
City.
Hartford Beach State Park - 14 miles south on I-29; 14 miles east on
SD Hwy. 15.
Windy Mound - From Veblen go 4 miles north; 9 miles west on County
Road 2; 1/2 mile south on
County Road 5.
Continental Divide - Marker is 4.5 miles east of Sisseton on SD Hwy.
10.
Mound Builders Burial Ground - National Historic Landmark 11 miles
east of Sisseton on SD Hwy. 10.
Sam Brown Cabin and Museum - Browns Valley, MN; 12 miles east of
Sisseton on SD Hwy. 10. From Browns Valley enjoy the scenic drives around Big Stone Lake
or Lake Traverse, each 60 miles.
Buffalo Herd - Can be seen near Buffalo Lake, 10 miles west on SD Hwy.
10 and 2 miles south on BIA 3.
Valley View Golf Club and Historic Swenumson Homestead - 4 miles west
on SD Hwy. 10, near Nicollet Tower.
Scenic Coteau Skyline Drive - 3 miles west of Sisseton on SD Hwy. 10;
8 miles south on County Road 15; 3 miles east on County Road 5; 7 miles north on BIA 7.
Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery - 1 mile north of Waubay, SD.
Pickerel Lake State Park - 10 miles north of Waubay, off SD Hwy. 12.
Waubay Wildlife Refuge - 8 miles north of Waubay, off SD Hwy. 12.
Blue Cloud Abbey - South on I-29 to Summit, SD Exit 207; 8 miles east
to the Abbey.
Prairie Sky Guest Ranch - From Lake City, SD; 2.5 miles east; 6 miles
north.
Dakota Connection Casino & Crossroads Restaurant
- The Sisseton
Wahpeton Sioux Tribe offers gaming and dining at the casino located at Exit 232 on I-29.
|
TOP OF PAGE |
