West Bend Recreation Area

Located along the Lewis and Clark Trail, West Bend Recreation Area is kind of a big deal for its walleye and small mouth bass fishing, enhanced by stable lake levels and cool water temps. Much of the fishing around here is done from boats, and a protected marina makes it easy no matter which direction the wind is a-blowin’. In the autumn, hunters use the area as a base camp to seek out pheasants and Canadian geese. The park is also just 35 miles from the state capital of Pierre, where you can check out the Cultural Heritage Center and Discovery Center and Aquarium. If you’re lucky you can also attend a powwow, or wacipi, held annually at local Native American reservations.