Swan Lake (South Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swan Lake |
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 Swan Lake
Location in South Dakota
Swan Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Near Viborg, South Dakota |
| Coordinates | 43°13′15″N 97°6′9″W / 43.22083°N 97.10250°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
Swan Lake is a small, natural lake located in South Dakota, near the city of Viborg. Many cabins surround the lake, and it is a popular spot for fun activities and relaxation. People enjoy visiting Swan Lake for its beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities.
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History of Swan Lake
Swan Lake gets its name because its shape looks a bit like a swan! For many years, from the 1920s to the late 1970s, there was a special resort on the south side of the lake. It was a lively place where people could have a lot of fun.
The Old Resort Pavilion
The resort had a large building called a pavilion. This pavilion was a busy spot! It sold food, had a stage for bands, a dance floor, and even a roller skating rink all on the same level. Visitors could rent cabins to stay overnight and enjoy the music and dancing.
The pavilion also had a bath house where people could rent swimsuits. If you wanted to go out on the water, you could rent boats. You could even buy bait there if you wanted to go fishing!
Owners of the Resort
The Ebersen family first owned the pavilion after World War I. Later, in 1921, Peter N. Hansen and his wife Claudine bought it. Their children, Erna, Art, Lorna, and Earl, grew up right at the resort! The Hansen family owned the resort until about 1946.
Over the years, other families also owned the Swan Lake Resort, including Bill and Mary Myreholt, and Waldo and Marilyn Jorgensen. During the 1960s and 1970s, the cabins at the resort were sold to individual people. Sadly, the main pavilion building burned down around 1979.
Swan Lake Today
Even though the old resort pavilion is gone, Swan Lake is still a great place to visit. Today, there is a place called the Shore Store on the east side of the lake. It is still open and serves visitors.
Past Weather Events
On June 7, 1965, a very strong tornado, known as an F4 tornado, affected the north side of Swan Lake. This event caused significant damage to the area.
