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3,000 perennial plants and numerous annual plants will be offers good viewing opportunities from late April through early
established in an area approximately 90’X50’. Everyone is June, as a variety of small migrants — vireos, thrushes, warblers
welcome and encouraged to visit the garden to see native and sparrows — pass through the area. Warbler migration
prairie plants, try to identify some of the common butterflies of peaks in mid-May, and by the end of the month Farm Island’s
the area, and learn something new about butterflies of South summer residents have arrived: yellow- and black-billed
Dakota. The Garden is located south of the parking lot by the cuckoos, least and great crested flycatchers, Bell’s vireo,
Visitor Center. A large kiosk is at the edge of the trail. black-headed and blue grosbeaks, the spotted towhee, the
Within the city of Pierre, bike trails and walking paths yellow-breasted chat, the indigo bunting and the green heron.
connect historical sites and recreation areas. Hiking paths Held on weekends throughout the year, the “Walk in the
through Pierre’s Native Plant Arboretum, located off the Farm Park” series of guided, educational hikes takes participants
Island Nature Trail, can provide excellent views of deer, wild through Oahe Downstream, Farm Island, LaFramboise Island
turkey, mourning doves, bald eagles, songbirds and pheasant. and other state parks to learn about local birds and other
The Nature Trail ends near the Riverwalk/Bicycle Path, which wildlife. The walks are led by park staff and volunteers.
runs about 14 miles along the Missouri River shoreline. The
Capitol Creek Walk connects the Capitol grounds to the Fort Pierre National Grassland
Riverwalk. The Governor’s Walk winds just over a mile through Of the 20 national grasslands administered by the US Forest
Hilger’s Gulch Park. The map in this guide shows the location Service, the Fort Pierre National Grassland is one of three
of these walks and paths; call the Pierre Convention and located in South Dakota. The other two are the Buffalo Gap
Visitors Bureau at 800-962-2034 for more information. National Grassland and the Grand River National Grassland.
Volksmarches, noncompetitive walking events which Located 7 miles south of Fort Pierre, the Fort Pierre National
originated in Germany, offer another way to explore Grassland encompasses 116,000 acres of public land open
Pierre. The Pierre Capitol Walk Volksmarch, held April to visitors year-round who are interested in hunting, fishing,
thru September, winds along the river through scenic areas dispersed camping, bird and wildlife watching. For a free
and include several of the city’s parks. Visit the Pierre Area Motor Vehicle Use Map of the area and explanation of travel
Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.pierre.org, for more rules, contact the Fort Pierre Ranger District office at (605)224-
information. 5517. Or stop by the office at 1020 N. Deadwood St. Fort
Pierre, SD.
Birding
Every season brings fresh opportunities for bird watching in Golf
the Pierre area, with diverse native species occupying local Fish in the morning, golf in the afternoon: It’s possible in
woods, prairies and wetlands. The area is also an important Pierre, where two area golf courses are located adjacent to
corridor for many varieties of migratory birds. The interior least the river.
tern and the piping plover are considered threatened and Next to the Fort Chouteau Historical Site, the Dunes Golf
endangered species. Course is a USGA-rated 18-hole, par-63 course with a driving
Late fall and winter offer excellent birding at Oahe Dam. range and a lounge. This is located one mile north of Pierre on
Common birds include several varieties of gulls, ducks and Highway 1806. (605) 223-2525.
mergansers, typically found near the stilling basin and the Pierre’s 18-hole, par-72 championship Hillsview Municipal
open water of the river. Watch for black-legged kittiwake, Golf Course is open to the public and groups are welcome.
jaegers and the yellow-billed loon, too, as well as the pair The golf complex features an outstanding practice facility and
of barn owls living in the tower at the top of the dam. In the group and private lessons with PGA professional staff. Call for
winter, along with grouse, gyrfalcons, hawks, balk and golden tee times up to a week in advance. Two miles east of Pierre on
eagles are found in nearby hills. The surrounding woodlands Highway 34. (605) 773-6191. www.hillsviewgolfcourse.com.
serve as a stopping point for many neotropical migrants.
The best birding in the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area is Disc golf
found in late spring through summer and late fall though winter A growing sport among people of all ages, disc golf is
along the shore of the Missouri River and the Cottonwood Path popular in the Pierre–Fort Pierre area, which features three
hiking trail. The park is the only known South Dakota breeding disc golf courses.
location of Chuck-Will’s Window, a species of nightjar. The game is simple: players take turns throwing plastic
Oahe Downstream is also one of the best state parks for discs — Frisbees — at a metal basket. Each player then throws
viewing bald eagles, which often perch high in trees along the again from wherever his disc lands, until he lands the disc in
riverbank and nest in the area from November to February. the basket. At the end of the course, typically nine “holes,” the
Observe the birds’ roosting sites from the road only; bald player who finishes the holes in the fewest throws wins.
eagles are sensitive to human interference and may abandon Play at the Oahe Downstream, Griffin and Steamboat Park
a roost if disturbed. You’ll know if you’ve gotten too close — the disc golf courses are free; at Oahe, a valid park entrance
birds make a guttural barking sound when they feel threatened license is required. Both parks have discs available for check-
by humans. out. Contact the Pierre Parks Department for more information:
The Exploration Nature Trail at Farm Island Recreation Area (605) 773-7445.

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