Pierson Ranch - Yankton (SD)

2-mile straight-away across the Fort Randall Dam into Nebraska

Onward. Northward.  Driving parallel to the Missouri River and the passage first mapped by Lewis & Clark.  With Nebraska on our left and Iowa on our right, we drove a relative straight and level route towards The Dakotas.  At Souix City the Missouri River takes a turn to the northwest. We followed suit and continued to see where this mighty river led us.  We steered Hank onto the Exit 26 off-ramp and motored into the South Dakota visitors center.  The volunteers were very friendly, and we left this well manicured rest area with several pounds of literature on how to best leave our money in South Dakota.

We crossed over the interstate and followed Route 50 as it continued to parallel the Missouri.  When the Missouri briefly turned into the Lewis & Clark Lake, we had arrived at our next bed-down location--Pierson Ranch in Yankton.

Pierson Ranch (State Recreation Area) is a small campground that sits in the shadows of Fort Randall dam; a 10,700'-long/165'-high blockade of the Missouri that results in the creation of The Lewis & Clark Lake.  The campground is smallish compared to several that we've visited, with a couple-dozen level and paved pads providing electric-only service.  The campground had a park-like atmosphere, with the lush green fescue meticulously maintained.  The split-rail fence that establishes the campground boundary is lined with a variety of native and non-native evergreens.  The interior is heavily populated with a variety of shade trees--most notably cottonwoods; whose constant feather-light, powder-puff sheddings gave the effect of a light snow falling throughout the summer day.  

The camp hosts were very accommodating and helpful; offering to come to our reserved site to check us in.  The showers/bathrooms were cleaned daily by a contract vendor, and the cleanliness (plus great temps and water pressure) tempted me to give up the familiar surrounds of the RV and utilize better amenities.  We even had our firepit cleaned daily by one of the contracted staff.  Excellent service and a reasonable price!

Surrounding the campground is an extensive Frisbee golf course, children's playground, and paved pedestrian/bicycling trail that is part of a larger trail system spanning dozens of miles.  The downstream side of the dam houses another state campground, as well as an Army Corp of Engineers campground.  The camping opportunities are vast on the downstream side of the dam, yet pale in comparison to the massive Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area on the upstream side of the dam.

Kristy hikes the arid trails amongst the junipers bringing memories of Texas Hill Country

This area is flush with outdoor recreation amenities, and both South Dakotans and non-residents pack these campgrounds to take advantage of the beautiful terrain.  The stereotypical "flat, windy, & boring" descriptors of South Dakota do not apply here.  The terrain is rolling bluffs that overlook the lush Missouri River below.  The valley area is littered with fully-matured shade trees that could easily be mistaken for river regions in Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Georgia.  The terrain on the higher bluffs is steep and rugged, with dense thickets of junipers clinging to the dry, clay soil.  This scenery is a mirror image of the rocky elevations found in the Texas Hill Country.

Those who weren't here simply for the camping and beautiful mid-70's weather were here for the fishing.  Bank fishing, boat fishing, fishing off the dam spillway, and (most interesting to us) bow fishing.  On the south-side of the dam was a small flotilla of flat-bottom boats with home-made, raised platforms on the bow.  From this elevated position, fishermen would shoot large fish--namely carp--with a bow and arrow.  This is such a popular activity that many businesses in the nearby town of Yankton display signs welcoming "The Archers."

The Boys taking time to enjoy the water activities at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

The nearby town of Yankton is a smallish town that is large enough to have consumer amenities (i.e. Walmart, regional hospital, large chain grocery), but small enough that there never seemed to be any crowding or traffic.  The locals were incredible friendly and polite, and any act of courtesy (like opening a door for someone) was immediately followed by a sincere show of gratitude.  There was an obvious sense of pride in the community, as sidewalks and gutters were constantly swept and maintained in immaculate condition.  

The Lewis & Clark Meat Lodge: A Carnivore's Nirvana

This location was initially projected as a 1-2 day layover, but the weather, scenery, and wonderful personalities encouraged us to extend for a few extra days.  Such a nice community.  If they didn't reach -10F (and the land were more affordable), we would've given this area of the country a little more consideration as a retirement location.

Onward.  North Westward.  Following the Lewis & Clark path as best we can in an RV.  Headed to another spot on the Missouri River; home to big walleye and Big Sky Country.

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