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Lewis & Clark Trail
in Southeast South Dakota
Spirit Mound Historic Prairie
Local tribes believed that 18-inch devils, armed with arrows, inhabited this prairie hill. The story sparked Lewis and Clark’s linterest, and on Aug. 25, 1804, they set off on foot to investigate. The men hiked for four hours in the sweltering heat. At the top, the infamous devils were nowhere to be found. But the explorers did see an incredible sight: a herd of buffalo, nearly 800 of them, grazed in the distance. Spirit Mound stands along Highway 19 about six miles north of Vermillion. The land has a 3/4 mile trail to the top and is currently being restored to original prairie grasses and wildflowers, such as wild rose hips, evening primrose, sunflowers, silky aster and whorled milkweed. The prairie is home to Fritillary butterflies, birds and many other prairie animals.
Site of First Election
Following the death of Sgt. Charles Floyd, the captains needed a replacement. A vote was held on Aug. 22, 1804. On that day, members of the expedition selected Patrick Gass to replace Sgt. Charles Floyd, who had died two days earlier. Gass garnered 19 votes in what has been called the first election by U.S. citizens west of the Mississippi.
A marker in downtown Elk Point relays the story.
For more information call 605-356-3336 or visit www.elkpoint.org
Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve
In Lewis and Clark’s day, the Missouri River was shallow and unpredictable. Some days, the men spent hours towing the keelboat over sandbars. At Adams Nature Preserve, you can see one of the last free-flowing segments of the Missouri River. This section of the river retains its original character. More than seven miles of hiking and biking trails crisscross the preserve. Located near North Sioux City. Take the McCook exit off I-29 and follow the signs.
Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and Recreation Area
On Aug. 30, 1804 the expedition had its first council with the Yankton Sioux. The explorers presented the Yanktons with gifts of tobacco, flags and medals. The Yanktons prepared a feast. The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the expedition, the tribes they encountered and the river itself. Built on a bluff overlooking Lewis and Clark Lake, the center offers incredible photo opportunities. Pastel colored cliffs line the shore. The shimmering waters play host to sailors, anglers and water-skiers and swimmers throughout the summer. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area offers a full-service marina, sandy beaches, hiking/biking trails and a paved trail that hugs the shoreline. Options for accommodations include campsites (many with spectacular views of the lake), cabins and motel rooms. Take Highway 52 west from Yankton. To get to the Visitor Center, take the bridge across Gavins Point Dam.
Running Water
On Sept. 2, 1806, on their return trip, Lewis and Clark met up with a group of Yankton Sioux. After realizing they are friends, the two groups smoke several pipes and exchange news of what has happened in the two years since the expedition first passed through the area. Today the Chief Standing Bear Bridge spans the Missiouri River near this location. A scenic lookout offers a spectacular view of the river. Also, the Native American Scenic Byway begins near Running Water.
Fort Randall Dam
Following the Lewis and Clark Trail west through Wagner will take you to Fort Randall Dam. More than 50 years after Lewis and Clark forged a path up the Missouri River, Fort Randall was built along the river near present-day Pickstown. Today, you can walk the old fort grounds and view the remains of a chapel the soldiers built. Inquire at the Visitor Center about tours of the Fort Randall Dam and power plant. The stretch of river below the dam is great for canoeing. It remains undeveloped, however, so be sure to plan ahead.
Snake Creek Recreation Area
Snake Creek Recreation Area, on Lake Francis Case, is located near Platte, SD. Lightning or chemical reactions can ignite the oil-bearing shale on the bluffs sometimes causing them to smoke for years. The Lewis and Clark Expedition were told to watch for these “burning bluffs” as they passed through this area and there is an interpretive sign near the park telling of their lost (and found) comrade, Private George Shannon.
Lewis & Clark Information Center
The Lewis and Clark Information Center in Chamberlain is situated on the site of a Corps of Discovery encampment. At the center, visitors are able to climb aboard a re-creation of the expedition’s 55-foot keelboat, which sits both inside and outside the center and appears to traverse a 30-foot wall of windows overlooking the Missouri River. Exhibits inside the center depict items the explorers brought on their journey and show examples of the wildlife the Corps encountered. To reach to center take exit 264 off I-90.
Timeline of Corps of Discovery Expedition
in Southeast South Dakota
August 21, 1804 - The Corps of Discovery enters present-day South Dakota. Here in the "Garden of Eden," food sources are plentiful. Joseph Fields shoots the party’s first buffalo. Interpretive sign located at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City. See one of the last free flowing segments of the Missouri River.
August 22, 1804 - Lewis and Clark recognized the necessity to select a leader following the death of Sgt. Floyd two days prior. It was determined to leave the choice to the men. Therefore, the first election held by U.S. citizens west of the Mississippi took place that evening around a campfire. The three nominated, William Bratton, Patrick Gass, and George Gibson anxiously awaited as the ballots were counted. Captain Lewis announced that Patrick Gass received 19 votes and was duly elected. An exhibit in Elk Point tells the story.
August 23, 1804 - A wide variety of wildlife was sighted on this day one mile southeast of present-day Vermillion. Joseph Field killed the expedition's first buffalo. Capt. Lewis took 12 men to bring the buffalo to the boat.
August 25, 1804 - A hot, humid Saturday, Captains Lewis & Clark took 9 men and Lewis' dog Seaman and walked nine miles to Spirit Mound. It was a hard trip and Seaman, suffering from heat, had to be sent back. Spirit Mound was said by Indians to be a place of evil or mischievous spirits. ". . . in an emence Plain a high Hill is situated, and appears of a Conic form, and by the different nations of Indians in this quarter is Suppose to be the residence of Deavils. That they are in human form with remarkable large heads, and about 18 Inches high, that they are very watchfull and are arm'd with Sharp arrows with which they Can Kill at a great distance; they are Said to kill all persons who are So hardy as to attempt to approach the hill; they State that tradition informs them that many Indians have Suffered by those little people, and among others Three Mahar men fell a sacrefise to their merceless furry not many Years Sence. So Much do the Maha, Soues, Ottoes and other neighbouring nations believe this fable, that no Consideration is Suffecient to induce them to approach the hill." The men climbed to the summit, which they determined to be about 70 feet above the surrounding plain and to be of natural origin, but saw no sign of the little devils. Interpretive signs are located at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, north of Vermillion on Hwy. 19, which features a 3/4 mile trail to the summit. 300 acres of prairie are being restored to original grasses and wildflowers, such as wild rose hips, evening primrose, sunflowers, silky aster and whorled milkweed. The prairie is home to Fritillary butterflies, birds and many other prairie animals.
August 30, 1804 - The expedition has its first council with the Yankton Sioux at Calumet Bluff, near modern Gavins Point Dam, Yankton, SD. The explorers present the Yanktons with gifts of tobacco, flags and peace medals. The Yanktons prepare a feast and dance late into the night. Interpretive sign located at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area Welcome Center near Yankton. The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is another great place to learn more about the expedition, the tribes they encountered and the Missouri River itself. It is located across the bridge over Gavins Point Dam.
September 7, 1804 - The Corps of Discovery sees their first prairie dogs, or as they call them, "barking squirrels." The party spends hours trying to catch one by pouring water into its hole. They eventually manage to send a live prairie dog back to President Jefferson. Interpretive sign located at Fort Randall Dam Visitor Center in Pickstown, near Wagner.
September 11, 1804 - After being separated from the party for over two weeks, Private George Shannon re-joins the keelboat. Shannon, the youngest member at age 19, had gotten lost on the prairie and run out of bullets. He went 12 days without food, except for wild grapes and a rabbit, which he shot using a piece of stick in place of a bullet. Interpretive sign located at Snake Creek Recreation Area near Platte.
September 16, 1804 - The expedition sets up camp to dry their provisions following three days of rain. Interpretive sign located at the Lewis and Clark Information Center on I-90 at Chamberlain. Step out onto the keelboat-shaped balcony to photograph the river and its gentle bluffs. Exhibits inside depict items the explorers brought on their journey and wildlife the Corps encountered.
September 2, 1806 - On the return trip Lewis and Clark meet up with a group of Yankton Sioux, realize they are friends, and smoke several pipes together as they exchange news. Standing Bear Bridge, near Springfield, now spans the Missouri near the site of this meeting. A scenic lookout offers a spectacular view.
