Lewis & Clark Recreation Area facts for kids

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
View of Lewis and Clark Lake from along a trail on the South Dakota shore.
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area Location in South Dakota
Location	Yankton, South Dakota, United States
Nearest city	Yankton
Area	928 acres (376 ha)
Elevation	1,214 ft (370 m)
Established	1966
Named for	Lewis and Clark Lake
Governing body	South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks
Website	Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a fun State Recreation Area in southeastern South Dakota. It's located right near the city of Yankton. This special area sits on the northern shore of Lewis and Clark Lake. This huge lake, covering 31,400 acres, is actually part of the Missouri River. It was created by the Gavins Point Dam.

Aerial photo of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake, looking north.

Fun Things to Do at Lewis and Clark

This recreation area is packed with activities for everyone. It's a great place to visit if you love the outdoors!

Camping and Staying Over

If you enjoy camping, you're in luck! There are three main camping areas here:

• The Yankton Section
• The Midway Section
• The Gavins Point Section

Together, these sections offer 418 campsites right along the beautiful shores of Lewis and Clark Lake. If you prefer something a bit more comfortable than a tent, there are also 19 cozy camper cabins available.

Trails and Outdoor Adventures

The park has many different trails for you to explore. You can go:

• Biking
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Nature walking

These trails wind along Lewis and Clark Lake and through the surrounding hills, called bluffs. They offer amazing views and a chance to see local wildlife.

Water Fun and Sports

Since the park is right on the lake, there are plenty of water activities. You'll find several sandy beaches where you can swim and relax. There are also boat launching areas, making it easy to get your boat out on the water.

Besides water sports, the area also has a disc golf course. This is like regular golf, but you throw a frisbee instead of hitting a ball. There's also an archery range where you can practice your bow and arrow skills.

About Lewis and Clark Lake

Lewis and Clark Lake is a large reservoir on the Missouri River. It was formed when the Gavins Point Dam was built. This dam helps control the river and creates the big lake that people enjoy today.

Zebra Mussels in the Lake

In 2014, something new was found in the lake: zebra mussels. These are a type of mussel that are not native to this area. They are an invasive species. This means they have come from somewhere else and can cause problems for the local environment.

Zebra mussels can spread quickly. They attach to surfaces and can clog pipes and harm native plants and animals. Park staff work to manage them, and visitors are asked to help by cleaning their boats to prevent spreading them to other lakes.

Lewis and Clark Marina and Resort

Inside the recreation area, you'll find the Lewis and Clark Marina and Resort. This resort is run by a private company. It offers many services to make your visit even better:

• A motel for overnight stays
• More cabins to rent
• A swimming pool
• A floating fuel dock for boats
• Boat rentals and slips (places to park your boat)
• A full-service restaurant

This resort makes it easy to enjoy all the lake has to offer, whether you're staying for a day or a week!