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originated in Germany, offer another way to explore Pierre. The a free Motor Vehicle Use Map of the area and explanation
Pierre Capitol Walk Volksmarch, held April thru September, of travel rules, contact the Fort Pierre Ranger District office at
winds along the river through scenic areas and include several 605.224.5517. Or stop by the office at 1020 N. Deadwood St. Fort
of the city’s parks. Visit the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Pierre, SD.
website, www.pierre.org, for more information.
Golf
Birding Fish in the morning, golf in the afternoon: It’s possible in Pierre,
Every season brings fresh opportunities for bird watching in where two area golf courses are located adjacent to the river.
the Pierre area, with diverse native species occupying local Next to the Fort Chouteau Historical Site, the Dunes Golf
woods, prairies and wetlands. The area is also an important Course is a USGA-rated 18-hole, par-63 course with a driving
corridor for many varieties of migratory birds. The interior least range and a lounge. This is located one mile north of Pierre on
tern and the piping plover are considered threatened and Highway 1806. 605.223.2525.
endangered species. Pierre’s 18-hole, par-72 championship Hillsview Municipal
Late fall and winter offer excellent birding at Oahe Dam. Golf Course is open to the public and groups are welcome.
Common birds include several varieties of gulls, ducks and The golf complex features an outstanding practice facility and
mergansers, typically found near the stilling basin and the open group and private lessons with PGA professional staff. Call for
water of the river. Watch for black-legged kittiwake, jaegers tee times up to a week in advance. Two miles east of Pierre on
and the yellow-billed loon, as well as the pair of barn owls living Highway 34. 605.773.6191. www.hillsviewgolfcourse.com.
in the tower at the top of the dam. In the winter, along with
grouse, gyrfalcons, hawks, balk and golden eagles are found Disc Golf
in nearby hills. The surrounding woodlands serve as a stopping A growing sport among people of all ages, disc golf is
point for many neotropical migrants. popular in the Pierre–Fort Pierre area, which features two disc
The best birding in the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area is golf courses.
found in late spring through summer and late fall though winter The game is simple: players take turns throwing plastic discs
along the shore of the Missouri River and the Cottonwood Path — Frisbees — at a metal basket. Each player then throws again
hiking trail. The park is the only known South Dakota breeding from wherever their disc lands, until they lands the disc in the
location of Chuck-Will’s Window, a species of nightjar. basket. At the end of the course, the player who finishes the
Oahe Downstream is also one of the best state parks for holes in the fewest throws wins.
viewing bald eagles, which often perch high in trees along the Play at the Oahe Downstream and Steamboat Park disc
riverbank and nest in the area from November to February. golf courses are free; at Oahe, a valid park entrance license
Observe the birds’ roosting sites from the road only; bald is required, and has discs available. Both parks have discs
eagles are sensitive to human interference and may abandon available for check-out. Contact the Pierre Parks Department
a roost if disturbed. You’ll know if you’ve gotten too close — the for more information: 605.773.7445.
birds make a guttural barking sound when they feel threatened
by humans. Tennis
The Exploration Nature Trail at Farm Island Recreation Area Tennis is a popular warm-weather pastime in Pierre, which
offers good viewing opportunities from late April through early offers a dozen free public courts at city parks. Griffin Park is
June, as a variety of small migrants — vireos, thrushes, warblers the local center for playing, learning or watching tennis. The
and sparrows — pass through the area. Warbler migration peaks riverside park’s eight courts include four lighted courts. A
in mid-May, and by the end of the month Farm Island’s summer nearby clubhouse and concessions provide convenient services
residents have arrived: yellow- and black-billed cuckoos, least to players and spectators. LaBarge Park, on the north side
and great crested flycatchers, Bell’s vireo, black-headed and of town, features two tennis courts. Contact the Pierre Parks
blue grosbeaks, the spotted towhee, the yellow-breasted chat, Department for more information about tennis facilities and
the indigo bunting and the green heron. activities: 605.773.7445.
Held on weekends throughout the year, the “Walk in the Park”
series of guided, educational hikes takes participants through Winter Sports
Oahe Downstream, Farm Island, LaFramboise Island and other South Dakota’s season of cold and snow creates the ideal
state parks to learn about local birds and other wildlife. The setting for winter sports. The trails at Oahe Downstream,
walks are led by park staff and volunteers.
LaFramboise Island and Farm Island are popular places to
snowshoe and cross-country ski. The best sledding is found at
Fort Pierre National Grassland Hilger’s Gulch Park, located close to the Capitol in Pierre. On the
Of the 20 national grasslands administered by the US Forest smaller lakes and ponds in the area, ice skating is a popular
Service, the Fort Pierre National Grassland is one of three winter pastime. Ice skaters also enjoy open skating, hockey
located in South Dakota. The other two are the Buffalo Gap and figure skating at the two ice rinks in the Community Expo
National Grassland and the Grand River National Grassland. Center, open mid-October through mid-March; rental skates
Located seven miles south of Fort Pierre, the Fort Pierre are available. For hours and fees, contact the Expo Center at
National Grassland encompasses 116,000 acres of public 605.223.2178.
land open to visitors year-round who are interested in hunting,
fishing, dispersed camping, bird and wildlife watching. For
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