Page 15 - visitor-guide-2020-2021

If you’re 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 outdoor activity that has really gained
are available ranging from a few hours to a couple days. The traction in the community of Pierre. It is an enjoyable and
popular Dam run, which starts at the Oahe Dam and ends affordable way to appreciate the beautiful Missouri River. There
at the LaFramboise Causeway, is a two and a half hour trip. is a misconception that you must stand (drawn from the name
Or combine a water and land trip by cycling to the dam and ‘stand-up paddle board’ (SUP)); however, you can sit, kneel,
kayaking back to town. 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, on
available in Pierre. Guides can accommodate all levels of the beaches and in our State Parks.
experience. See page 23 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, inviting nature.
sandy beaches are zoned for swimming. With no lifeguard
on duty, swim at your own risk, observe all signs and posted Kayaking
warnings, and be alert to abrupt drop-offs and changes in lake Kayaking the Missouri River has been a popular activity for
bottom characteristics. almost 20 years. The sport really took off with “dam” runs; when
The Pierre YMCA Aquatic Center has an indoor pool making a driver shuttles your group and kayaks up to the Oahe Dam to
swimming a year-round sport. The Aquatic Center features a enjoy a nice paddle down river back to Pierre. The scenic views
waterslide, diving board, spray toys and an eight-lane, 25-yard during this paddle are delightful. The adventure can take as
pool. Locker rooms and showers are available in the complex little or as long as you’d like it, but averages two hours.
along with a fully outfitted gym with racquetball courts and Kayaking on the Missouri River is an affordable way for
indoor tack, weights, treadmills and other exercise equipment. friends and family to get active and enjoy the river at relatively
Call 605.773.7445 or visit www.pierre.sd.gov for hours, fees and low costs and low exertion. The waters are calm with a very
other information about the Pierre YMCA Aquatic Center. gentle current and provide beautiful scenery and a vast array
Learn more about water sports in South Dakota state parks of wildlife
by visiting www.gfp.sd.gov.
Motor Sports
The Sunset Paddleboat Motorcycles, motocross bikes, golf carts and all-terrain and
The Pierre/Fort Pierre area has a 74-foot, 40-ton paddleboat off-road vehicles (ATVs and ORVs) are allowed in many public
to take visitors on a cruise of the area. It is the last working areas around Pierre.
paddlewheel on the Missouri, has a total capacity of 120 In the Oahe Downstream ORV area, you’ll find a motocross
and a dining capacity of 84, with an on-board beverage bar race track open to the public as well as some 400 acres of hills,
and catering available. Reservations are available through bluffs and shale slopes to explore. There are no designated
Steamboat, Inc. at 605.222.4149. trails but boundaries are marked — and ORVs are 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, SD, 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 is home to the Pierre Trappers and will start
its third season in 2020.

www.pierre.org | 15