The Small Town Lake In South Dakota That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip
By Tori Jane|Published June 20, 2023
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Located in Brule County, South Dakota, right along the east bank of the Missouri River, is a small town that’s worth a day trip. As of the 2020 census, the population was just under 2,500; it’s a small town for sure, but there are plenty of things to do around here. It’s one of my favorite small towns in South Dakota, with a wonderful museum, shops, eateries, and what might just be the best lake in South Dakota, too. It’s the lesser-appreciated Lake Francis Case, and all the locals know it’s a great place to relax. Check it out:
Lake Francis Case is not a natural lake, but this doesn't seem to affect its extraordinary beauty.
Of the nearly 600 amazing lakes in South Dakota, 131 of them are natural (and large enough to be named). This one is not one of those - but it IS large, coming in at an impressive 102,000 acres in size, making it one of the ten biggest in the state.
It's a beloved centerpiece not just for residents of Chamberlain but for residents of numerous communities that have popped up around the water over the decades.
Folks around here see it for just as wonderful as it is: It's perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, and just about every water sport you can come up with. It's clean, clear, and beautiful - just waiting for adventure.
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It's got 504 miles of breathtaking shoreline, and it's 107 miles in length - something visible best from space. It meanders from Pickstown all the way up to Big Bend Dam.
If you're a fan of wildlife watching, you're in luck: Lake Francis Case is one of the best places for viewing both bald and golden eagles in their natural habitats. It's also excellent for hunting and camping.
Its waters are a gorgeous blue, as it's clean enough to reflect the stunning, never-ending blue of the sky above.
Hoping to come out? No worries - there are 19 awesome recreation areas surrounding the lake, all spread out and perfect for a day trip or a whole weekend (or longer). Campgrounds range from very modern, with bathrooms and electricity, to primitive - it all depends on what you're looking for!
It's a shame that South Dakota is one of the least-visited states in the US. It ought to have a larger audience: It's beautiful, and it's full of gems like this.
Thankfully, the locals know what's up - and during the warmer months, what's "up" is definitely Lake Francis Case. It's "up" there with some of the best lakes in South Dakota, and yet most folks who don't live here have never even heard of it (it IS the 11th largest reservoir in the country, by the way).
...and pro-tip: if you DO decide to do a day trip at the lake and in Chamberlain…
I strongly recommend a visit to the Aktá Lakota Museum. It offers a fascinating glimpse at how life in the Dakotas was a long, long time ago - and it's endlessly fascinating.
What do you think? What would you call the best lakes in South Dakota? Let me know! And if you’ve ever gone camping (or even simply paid a visit) at Lake Francis Case, feel free to chat about that as well.
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