Lake Thompson (South Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Thompson |
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 Lake Thompson
Location in South Dakota
Lake Thompson
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kingsbury and Miner counties, South Dakota |
| Coordinates | 44°17′06″N 97°27′43″W / 44.28500°N 97.46194°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 16,236 acres (65.70 km2) |
| Max. depth | 26 ft (7.9 m) |
| Shore length1 | 44.6 miles (71.8 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,667 feet (508 m) |
| Designated: | 1975 |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake Thompson is a very large and important lake in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States. It is known for its changing size and as a great spot for outdoor fun. This beautiful lake is located in Kingsbury and Miner counties.
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Lake Thompson: A Big South Dakota Lake
Lake Thompson is one of the biggest natural lakes in South Dakota. It covers about 16,236 acres (65.70 km2) of water. The deepest part of the lake is about 26 ft (7.9 m). The edge of the lake, called the shoreline, stretches for about 44.6 miles (71.8 km).
Where is Lake Thompson?
You can find Lake Thompson in the east-central part of South Dakota. It sits on a special landform called the Coteau des Prairies. The lake is also part of the larger area that drains into the Vermillion River.
How Big is Lake Thompson?
The size of Lake Thompson can change a lot over time. For example, in the 1930s, the lake completely dried up! But by the early 1990s, it grew very large. At times, it covered more than 20,000 acres (81 km2). This made it the biggest natural lake in South Dakota at that time.
Fun Things to Do at Lake Thompson
Lake Thompson is a popular place for people to visit and enjoy the outdoors. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks manages a state recreation area here. This area has places where you can go camping. There are also several spots around the lake where you can launch a boat.
Fishing at the Lake
Fishing is a very popular activity at Lake Thompson. Many people come here to catch different kinds of fish. Some of the most common fish you can find include:
You might also find other types of fish like common carp and black bullheads in the lake.
A Special Place for Nature
The area around Lake Thompson is a very important home for fish and birds that live near water. Because of its special natural value, Lake Thompson has been named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a place recognized for its outstanding natural features.
The Story Behind the Name
Lake Thompson was named after an early settler in the area, John Thompson. The lake is also close to the town of De Smet. This town was one of the places where the famous author Laura Ingalls Wilder lived. She wrote many popular books about her life. Lake Thompson even appears in some of her novels. In her books, it is often called one of the "Twin Lakes", along with Lake Henry.
