Pickerel Lake (South Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pickerel Lake |
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 Pickerel Lake
Location in South Dakota
Pickerel Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Day County, South Dakota |
| Coordinates | 45°31′00″N 97°17′00″W / 45.5167°N 97.2833°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 1,850 ft (560 m) |
Pickerel Lake is a beautiful, spring-fed lake in Day County, South Dakota, United States. It covers about 955 acres, which is like 725 football fields! This lake is special because it's one of the deepest natural lakes in South Dakota.
Pickerel Lake is part of a larger area called the Glacial Lakes Region. This region covers much of Northeast South Dakota and stretches along the Coteau des Prairies hills. Thousands of years ago, huge glaciers moved across this land. When they melted, they left behind many dips and hollows in the ground. These hollows then filled with water, creating lakes like Pickerel Lake. This area is also known as the Prairie Pothole Region because of all these water-filled depressions.
The name "Pickerel Lake" comes from an old American Indian name. It means "where you spear long fish," which tells us that fishing has been important here for a very long time! In the past, especially until the early 1900s, people enjoyed taking boat trips on the lake. A special building for raising fish, called a fish hatchery, was built here in 1929. It helped to keep the lake stocked with fish until 1979, when a new hatchery was built at Blue Dog Lake nearby.
Fun at Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is a great place for outdoor adventures, especially if you love being on the water! Many people come here to enjoy activities like boating and fishing. The lake is known for its clear waters, which makes it perfect for these kinds of fun.
Pickerel Lake Recreation Area
The lake is home to the Pickerel Lake Recreation Area, which is a state park. This park offers lots of ways to enjoy nature. It has two main camping areas, known as the East Unit and the West Unit. Together, these units provide 77 campsites where families and friends can set up their tents or park their RVs. If you prefer something a bit more comfortable, there are also six cozy cabins available for rent. It's a wonderful spot to spend time outdoors, whether you're camping, fishing, or just enjoying the peaceful lake views.
