Lake Francis Case facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Francis Case |
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Fort Randall Dam, with Lake Francis Case in the background
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 Lake Francis Case
Location in South Dakota
Lake Francis Case
Location in the United States
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| Location | South Dakota, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°03′35″N 98°33′43″W / 43.05972°N 98.56194°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Missouri River, White River |
| Primary outflows | Missouri River |
| Catchment area | 263,480 sq mi (682,400 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 107 mi (172 km) |
| Surface area | 102,000 acres (41,000 ha) |
| Max. depth | 140 ft (43 m) |
| Water volume | 5,700,000 acre⋅ft (7.0 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 540 mi (870 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,355 ft (413 m) |
| Settlements | Pickstown, Oacoma, and Chamberlain |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake Francis Case is a very large reservoir (a man-made lake) in south-central South Dakota, United States. It was created by the Fort Randall Dam on the Missouri River. This lake is huge! It covers about 102,000 acres (410 km2) and can be as deep as 140 ft (43 m).
Lake Francis Case stretches for about 107 mi (172 km). Its shoreline is super long, reaching 540 mi (870 km). This makes it the eleventh-largest reservoir in the United States. It is located across several counties in South Dakota. These include Charles Mix, Gregory, Lyman, Brule, and Buffalo. The lake reaches from Pickstown, South Dakota all the way to Big Bend Dam.
The lake is named after Francis Higbee Case. He was a U.S. Senator from South Dakota.
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Building Lake Francis Case
The idea for the Fort Randall Dam and Lake Francis Case came from a special law in 1944. The dam was built near an old military base called Fort Randall, which was built in 1856.
Construction of the dam started in 1946. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built it. In 1954, the dam officially began working. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was there for the opening.
When the lake was filled, it covered a Native American village called White Swan. The people living there had to move. Many of them settled in Lake Andes, South Dakota.
Fish and Wildlife at the Lake
Lake Francis Case is home to many different kinds of fish. You can find walleye, northern pike, and sauger. There are also sunfish, yellow perch, and common carp. Other fish include black bullhead, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass.
Around the lake, you might spot large animals. These include whitetail and mule deer. You might also see coyotes and wild turkeys.
Many birds live near the lake too. These are called Waterfowl and game birds. You can see ducks, geese, and pheasants. Prairie chickens and grouse also live here.
Just below the dam is the Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge. This special place protects bald eagles in winter. Many bald eagles can be seen around the dam during the colder months.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) helps people enjoy Lake Francis Case. They have many areas around the lake where you can go.
The GFP also runs seven State Recreation Areas on Lake Francis Case:
- North Point Recreation Area, near Pickstown
- Randall Creek Recreation Area, near Pickstown
- Pease Creek Recreation Area, near Geddes
- North Wheeler Recreation Area, near Geddes
- Platte Creek Recreation Area, near Platte
- Snake Creek Recreation Area, near Platte on South Dakota Highway 44
- Buryanek Recreation Area, near Burke
- American Creek Campground, near Chamberlain (This is a city park in Chamberlain)
Crossing Lake Francis Case
Several main roads go over Lake Francis Case. South Dakota Highway 44 crosses the lake. It connects parts of Charles Mix County and Gregory County. The bridge here is the longest in South Dakota!
Interstate 90 also crosses the lake. It connects the towns of Chamberlain and Oacoma.
