Page 15 - VisitorGuide2019

If your looking for an adventure above the water, consider Paddle Boarding
a kayaking or canoe trip. Both guided and non-guided trips Paddle boarding is an enjoyable outdoor activity that has
are available ranging from a few hours to a couple days. The really gained traction in the community of Pierre. It is an
popular Dam run, which starts at the Oahe Dam and ends enjoyable and affordable way to appreciate the beautiful
at the LaFramboise Causeway is a two and a half hour trip. Missouri River. There is a misconception that you must stand
Or combine a water and land trip by cycling to the dam and (drawn from the name ‘stand-up paddle board’ (SUP));
kayaking back to town. however, you can sit, kneel, stand or any variation in between.
Equipment rentals, dive classes and kayak classes are It is a common occurrence to see boards out on the water,
available in Pierre. Guides can accommodate all levels of on the beaches, and in our State Parks.
experience. See page 28 for boat ramp locations. Paddle boarding allows you to connect with nature. It could
be that you witness a fish jump, or you watch some birds flying
Swimming near by. Maybe there is a creature on the riverbank. Paddle
The cool, clean waters of our lakes and ponds are open to boarding on the Missouri River and in State Parks provide
swimmers during warm weather. a great opportunity to get out on the water and experience
Along the Missouri River, Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, nature.
inviting sandy beaches are zoned for swimming. With no
lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk, observe all signs Kayaking
and posted warnings, and be alert to abrupt drop-offs and Kayaking the Missouri River has been a popular activity
changes in lake bottom characteristics. for almost twenty years. The sport really took off with “dam”
Swimmers enjoy the public pool in Pierre located along the runs; when a driver shuttles your group and kayaks up to the
river. Pierre Aquatic Center’s indoor pool makes swimming a Oahe Dam to enjoy a nice paddle down river back to Pierre.
year-round sport. The Aquatic Center features a water slide, The scenic views during this paddle are very enjoyable. The
diving board, spray toys and an eight-lane, 25-yard pool. adventure can take as little or as long as you’d like it, but
Locker rooms and showers are available in the complex, which averages two hours.
includes the Pierre YMCA, a fully outfitted gym with racquetball Kayaking on the Missouri River is an affordable way for
courts, an indoor track, weights, and treadmills and other friends and family to get active and enjoy the river at relatively
exercise equipment. Call (605) 773-7445 or visit www.pierre. low costs and low exertion. The waters are calm with a very
sd.gov for hours, fees and other information about the Pierre gentle current and provide beautiful scenery and a vast array
Aquatic Center. of wildlife
Learn more about water sports in South Dakota state parks
by visiting www.gfp.sd.gov Motor Sports
Motorcycles, motocross bikes, golf carts and all-terrain and
The Sunset Paddleboat off-road vehicles (ATVs and ORVs) are allowed in many public
The Pierre/Fort Pierre area has a 74 foot, 40 ton paddleboat areas around Pierre.
to take visitors on a cruise of the area. It is the last working In the Oahe Downstream ORV area, you’ll find a motocross
paddlewheel on the Missouri, has a total capacity of 120, race track open to the public as well as some 400 acres
and a dining capacity of 84, with an on-board beverage bar of hills, bluffs and shale slopes to explore. There are no
and catering available. Reservations are available through designated trails, but boundaries are marked — and ORVs are
Steamboat, Inc. at 605-222-4149. only allowed within these areas of Oahe Downstream. Vehicles
don’t have to be licensed or have a park
entrance license within the ORV area.
In all other state parks, licensed ATVs and
ORVs may be used on designated, marked
roads and trails; a valid park entrance license
is required to use such vehicles on park
grounds. For more information, visit www.gfp.
sd.gov or call (605) 223-7722.

Expedition League Baseball
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., with
teams throughout the Great Plains Region, the
Expedition League is an elite summer collegiate
wood bat baseball league with 10 teams
playing a 64 game season beginning in late
May through mid-August. Pierre will be home to
one of the new league teams in 2019.

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