Red Waters
The Dakota tribes that lived in what is now northeast South Dakota regarded certain parts of the land as evil due to the mysterious, gurgling red bogs, which the Dakota believed were filled with the blood of their ancestors. So they named the area Sica, for “evil.”
Groups traveling through the state can decide for themselves if the land is evil by visiting Sica Hollow State Park. Scientific investigation has revealed that high concentrations of iron particles give the park’s waters their reddish hue. Though this park is not as well known as others in the state, many outdoor lovers consider it to be one of the most hauntingly beautiful landscapes in South Dakota.
Recreation opportunities are abundant in the 900-acre park. Visitors can hike on numerous trails on their own or on guided hikes, which highlight the causes of the colored waters and other geological phenomena such as glowing grasses and tree stumps. Groups can also arrange for guided horseback rides through the park.
http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/sica-hollow
Kayak Pierre
If you mistakenly call South Dakota’s capital city by its true French name, locals will quickly point out to you that Pierre is pronounced “peer.” If you tell them that you’re looking for some outdoor adventure during your stay in town, they’ll quickly point you toward the area’s lakes and dam and the Missouri River.
There are a variety of ways to discover the aquatic site of Pierre. Kayaking and canoeing are two of the most popular options, and outfitters in the area can get groups set up with all the gear and guides they’ll need for such an excursion. Many outings begin at the impressive Oahe Dam and follow the Missouri River to the La Framboise Causeway.
Travelers with a passion for diving can rent equipment and explore Lake Oahe. While the divers are below the surface, other travelers in the group can have a more leisurely experience with a walk or bird-watching excursion in the adjacent tallgrass prairie of Fort Pierre National Grassland.
‘Bad’ Lands
The canyon territory in west-central South Dakota has always had a reputation for difficulty. The Lakota Sioux called the area “Mako Sica,” or “bad land,” and early French fur trappers gave it a similar name. Today, Badlands National Park is one of the best places in the state to discover stunning natural scenery.
The seemingly unfriendly territory of the Badlands is one of the most stunning landscapes in North America. The 244,000-acre park protects large swaths of prairie that are abruptly cut through with deep, rocky canyons. Each canyon wall is striped with layered shades of pink sandstone, and moonlike rock formations rise up from the surface to create vivid scenery.
Groups can explore the Badlands easily by taking a drive along the park’s scenic loop. There are more exciting ways to get to know the area as well, including hiking the park’s extensive trails, riding horseback through the canyons and going on ranger-led tours that highlight the park’s rich geology and fossils.
