1. The Terry Redlin Art Center - Terry Redlin is truly one of the country's most widely collected painters of wildlife and Americana. For eight consecutive years, 1991 through 1998, Redlin has been named America's Most Popular Artist in annual gallery surveys conducted by U.S.Art magazine. The Terry Redlin Art Center is located in Watertown, South Dakota, where he now resides. The art center includes a regional tourism office, domed theater, and state-of-the-art amphitheater. Admission is free. Ph: (877) 873-3546 (Watertown SD, 52 miles northwest)
2. The Red Baron Museum - Try flying a virtual Red Baron bi-plane at the Red Baron Museum in Marshall. This newly enhanced, high-definition virtual reality destination experience will not soon be forgotten. The Schwan's Food Company has opened the museum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Red Baron's Stearman Squadron bi-plane aerobatic team. (Marshall MN, 33 miles east)
3. White River Paddling - After the spring thaw and after much rain, the Yellow Medicine River becomes great for white river paddling. Length is 19 total miles, gradient is 7.7 feet per mile, and skill level is Class II-intermediate. (Hanley Falls MN, 49 miles east/northeast)
4. Get pricked by cactus! - The Blue Mound State Park has habitat much unlike the rest of Minnesota, and even has cactus! The park also has a herd of buffalo and feels more like states found farther west. So it is not surprising that Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Western Kingbird, Say's Phoebe, and Mountain Bluebird have all been seen here. And nowhere in the state is Blue Grosbeak easier to find than here. (Luverne MN, 67 miles south)
5. Hit the Ski Slopes - Nearby "Hole in the Mountain" County Park is our areas downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing destination. Open the winter months. (Lake Benton MN, 23 miles south)
6. Spend a Day with Monks in the Abbey - Blue Cloud Abbey is a Catholic community of 45 Benedictine Monks. The monks of Blue Cloud Abbey are disciples of St. Benedict of Nursia, Italy, 480-547 A.D. Blue Cloud Abbey has a retreat house with a capacity of 35 (reservations required). Tours are available by appointment. Mass Schedule: Sunday & Holy Days 10:00 a.m.
Ph: (605) 398-9200 (Marvin SD, 75 miles northwest)
7. Go to a Vineyard - The Schade Vineyard produces wines made exclusively from South Dakota grown fruits and vegetables. Their goal is to create a relaxed environment in which to taste the wines and to have an opportunity to learn about the wine making process. Vineyard tours are Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm. (605) 627-5545(Volga SD, 37 miles southwest)
8. Devil's Gulch - Visit one of the most fabled spots of the old west. In 1876 Jesse James robbed the bank in Northfield, Minnesota, in which two of his partners were killed. Fleeing a posse that were literally right on his heels, Jesse and his horse jumped this dizzyingly high bluff which was Devil's Gulch to the other side and freedom. (Garretson SD, 68 miles south)
9. Go Salt Water Swimming - Salt Lake to the north of us is one of the few land locked salt lakes in the world. 3 miles south of Marietta, MN on Co. Rd.7. Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area is 1 mile west on the township road. Park on the southeast end of the lake. (Marietta MN, 33 miles north)
10. Go to a Pow Wow - Began in 1962, this annual pow wow features Native American dancing in full regalia, honor ceremonies, dance contests, traditional music, veterans recognition, food and more. Ph: (800) 833-8666 (Flandreau SD, 40 miles south/southwest)
11. The South Dakota Art Museum - The South Dakota Art Museum has over 6000 objects consisting of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, textiles, sculptures, and Native American artifacts and art. The objects are a cultural reflection of the work of local, national, and international artists. The emphasis however, is on the work of artists from South Dakota and the surrounding region. Ph: (605) 688-5423 (Brookings SD, 30 miles southwest)
12. Take a Tour of Golf Courses - The area is plentiful with dozens of breathtaking and unique courses golf courses within a 45 minutes drive. All have reasonable rates and almost no tee times needed. Minnesota courses include Tyler, Pipestone, Balaton, Marshall, Minneota, Granite Falls, and Canby. South Dakota courses are found in White, Clear Lake, and Brookings.
13. The Lake Benton Opera House - The historic Lake Benton Opera House hosts several dramatic and musical productions. The Opera House features some the areas finest stage and theater talent, many of which have gone on to have successful careers in New York and Los Angeles. The Lake Benton Opera House is on the National Register of Historic Places. Ph: (507) 368-9577 (Lake Benton MN, 23 miles south)
14. Hit the Water Slide - Perfect for cooling those summer blues or livening up a winter day, the Marshall Aquatic Center features a heated three-pool complex. Swim in the main pool or zip down the 35 foot high, tornado style water slide. Spring into action from one of two 1-meter diving boards or take flight from the 3-meter board in the diving well. (Marshall MN, 33 miles east)
15. It's County Fair Time - Our Lincoln County Fair comes around every August. (Tyler MN, 32 miles southeast)
16. Go Trout Fishing - At the Camden State Park, one can fish for trout in the Redwood River, hike or ride the trails, and then cool off in the spring-fed pool. Walk along the wooded river valley, climb the valley to the Dakota Valley Lookout and enjoy Brawner Lake. 15 mi hiking, 4 mi biking and 10 mi horse trails; 8 km cross-country ski and 7.6 mi snowmobile trails. There are 2 semi-modern campgrounds plus a primitive horse camp and a group camp. Two picnic shelters are available for rental year round. (Lynd MN, 32 miles east)
17. Ancient Petroglyph Rock Carvings - See a fascinating record of prehistoric life on a stretch of prairie near Windom. Now a state historic site, the Jeffers Petroglyphs include more than 2,000 rock carvings of human figures and animals, dating from 3,000 B.C. up to the 1700s. (Windom MN, 98 miles southeast)
18. Bramble Park Zoo - Experience over 500 mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and invertebrates representing 130 varieties from around the world and those native to South Dakota. (Watertown SD, 52 miles northwest) Another larger zoo is found in Sioux Falls.
19. Historic Grist Mill - Imagine grinding your wheat in this historic Grist Mill found in Milbank. The English-style mill was built by Henry Hollands in 1886, three years before South Dakota became a state. Operating until 1907, it was used by settlers to grind wheat, grind corn, and to saw wood. Ph: (605)432-9575 (Milbank SD, 59 miles north/northeast)
20. Brookings Summer Arts Festival - The Brookings Summer Arts Festival is an annual event featuring a juried exhibition of fine arts and crafts, continuous main stage and strolling entertainment, and a children's area with fun and educational activities. (Brookings SD, 30 miles southwest)
21. Celebrate Polish Sausage - Every second weekend in August, Ivanhoe celebrates their Polish heritage with their Polska Kielbasa festival. (Ivanhoe MN, 10 miles east)
22. Go to the Auto Races - Madison Speedway is a 3/8 mile high banked dirt / clay oval with wide sweeping turns. Races are held Sunday Nights. Hot laps start at 6:00, races start at 6:30 (Madison MN, 43 miles north/northeast)
23. Siouxland Renaissance Festival - Come and gather ye Lords and Ladies, good men and women, young and old to the Siouxland Renaissance Festival. Even the young will be entertained with thrilling tales of days gone by, fools and jugglers, puppets and play upon a stage and area of their very own. So come ye one and come ye all to our faire. Typically held in early June. (Sioux Falls SD, 88 miles)
24. Lac Qui Parle State Park - Lac Qui Parle, the "lake which speaks", is a dominant feature of this park. In fall, thousands of geese descend on the lake, bald eagles perch on nearby trees, and deer are a common sight. Fishing is popular year-round and the area is rich in Minnesota history. 6 mi hiking; 5 mi cross-country ski trails. (Montevideo MN, 62 miles northeast)
25. EROS Data Center - The Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROS) Data Center is the world's largest archive of earth science data such as satellite images, aerials, photographs, and data. On-site guided tours are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Abbreviated self-guided tours may be taken anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. To book a guided tour, call 605-594-6511. (Baltic SD, 73 miles south)
26. A Chili Cook-off - Our neighbors to the west in White SD host the state chili cook-off in July. From mild to nuclear, from regular chili to the exotics, this competition is one to put on your calendar. (White SD, 14 miles west)
27. Find Ancient Indian Artifacts - The areas around Hendricks offer some of the best places to find ancient Native Indian artifacts including arrowheads, clubheads, grinding stones, beads, and other artifacts. If you know what you are looking for, you should have no problem locating an artifact. Preferred places are high ground next to lakes and wetlands. Just be sure to ask permission before going on private property.
28. Attend a Poetry Reading - World-renowned poet Robert Bly occasionally returns home to Madison Minnesota's 'Prairie Arts Center' for special poetry readings. The Prairie Arts Center is also home to the Lac Qui Parle Players. An active local theater group, they have produced many plays and talent shows. In addition, children's theater productions, musical concerts, and community choir performances are held each year. Ph: (320) 598-7301 (Madison MN, 43 miles north/northeast)
29. The Song of Hiawatha Pageant - The Song of Hiawatha Pageant is held the last two weekends in July and the first weekend in August. This beautiful pageant is from Longfellow's poem and is held in a large outdoor natural amphitheater featuring a small lake, steep red Sioux quartzite cliffs, elaborate lighting, lovely costumes and a cast of 200. (Pipestone MN, 42 miles south)
30. Cross Country Ski Trails - Pleasant Valley south of Gary SD offers groomed cross country ski trails, and a hostel for overnight stays. Ph: (605) 272-5614 (Gary SD, 29 miles north)
31. Take an Aerial Tour - Take an airplane tour of the South Dakota and Minnesota areas, based out of the Brookings Regional Airport. Ph: (605) 692-9005 (Brookings SD, 30 miles southwest)
32. Upper Sioux Agency State Park - Reconstructed employee duplex from 1854 Indian agency destroyed in a US Government conflict with Dakota Indians in 1862. In addition to the historic site, this park is at the confluence of the beautiful Yellow Medicine and Minnesota Rivers. Approximately 18 mi of hiking and horse trails, and 16 miles of snowmobile trails. Explore the open prairie knolls, bluffs, and wooded slopes. Admission by state park vehicle permit. (Granite Falls MN, 64 miles northeast)
33. Win Big at the Casino - There is always something happening at Royal River Casino! Hit the slots, play Black Jack, have a game of Bingo, eat at the wonderful restaurants, or hear the frequent national recording artists that drop in. Come in on your birthday and grab free cash in the birthday booth! Ph: (800) 833-8666 (Flandreau SD, 40 miles south/southwest)
34. Pick a Basket of Strawberries - Pick yourself a basket of perfect strawberries and other fruits from the fields of nearby Sanderson's Gardens. Seasonal. Ph: (605) 693-4871 (Aurora SD, 28 miles southwest)
35. Visit a Pioneer Village - The 'Chippewa City Pioneer Village' is a collection of town buildings from the pioneer era. (Montevideo MN, 62 miles northeast)
36. Crystal Springs Rodeo - Known as "America's Most Natural Rodeo Bowl" because of it's grassy hillside seeding, Crystal Springs offers bareback riding, saddle bronc, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding, and barrel racing! This rodeo is "where the pavement ends and the West begins"
Ph" 1-888-CS RODEO (Clear Lake SD, 30 miles northwest)
37. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant - Visit Walnut Grove, childhood home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder and basis for the TV show 'Little House on the Prairie'. Experience the story of the Ingalls family at the Wilder Museum and annual Wilder Pageant. The Wilder Pageant is held every July on the banks of Plum Creek west of Walnut Grove. The amphitheater setting has been developed to allow for extensive lighting, sound, special effects, and imaginative sets. Ph: (888) 859-3102 (Walnut Grove MN, 65 miles southeast)
38. Split Rock Creek State Park - Enjoy a swim in Split Rock Lake or walk down to the dam area for good fishing or just to see the picturesque stone bridge built by the WPA in 1937. Be sure to stop by the Prairie Hill for an excellent vista. 4 mi of hiking and cross-country ski trails; boat, paddleboat, and canoe rental. (Jasper MN, 54 miles south)
39. Dakota Stoneware Pottery - See stoneware and pottery be made by one of the nation's finest manufacturers of stoneware. They specialize in pictographic, tribal, geometric, and nature designs. Dave & Julie Huebner Ph: (605) 693-4589
(Bushnell SD, 23 miles southwest)
40. Go Bird Watching - The area around Hendricks is known as a bird lover's paradise, having hundreds of exotic species. The diverse environments of marshes, lakes, wetlands, and prairie give home to this wide range of birds. The more exotic species include ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, western kingbird, say's phoebe, mountain bluebird, blue grosbeak, avocets, wilson's phalaropes, and eared grebes. See #4 and #9 for two good bird watching locations.
41. Visit the "Cathedral on the Prairie" - Beautiful. Massive. Historic. Visit the historic "Cathedral on the Prairie" in Wilno. Their 'July 4th celebration' is always a great time. (Wilno MN, 9 miles east)
42. Rent a Snowmobile and hit the Trails - Rent a snowmobile from Roelofsen Implement in nearby Toronto. Then ride the trails that connect Toronto to Hendricks and the rest of Lincoln County. Ph: (605) 794-2131 (Toronto SD, 16 miles west/northwest)
43. Pan for Gold - Believe it or not, there was a gold rush near us back in the 1870's. Trace amount of gold was found near Gary SD, causing a short lived gold rush to the area. Bring your own pan, but don't get your hopes too high on finding anything more than gold flakes. (Gary SD, 29 miles north)
44. Pipestone National Monument - The Pipestone National Monument, a 282 acre park is where the red stone used to make traditional Indian pipe bowls is quarried. In the visitors center you'll find interpretive exhibits and a pipe-filled gift shop, plus local American Indians demonstrating the art of carving. Enjoy a 10-minute slide show documenting the monument's history, which ends with the words "You Are Entering Sacred Ground." Featured sites on the beautiful three-quarter mile walking trail that loop through the park are the: Working quarries, Leaping Rock, Stone Face and the Winnewissa Falls. (Pipestone MN, 42 miles south)
45. South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum - Dedicated to preserving our rich agricultural history and rural heritage. Our collections and exhibits depict technology, crops, and livestock. In addition the exhibits examine human experiences, institutions, and cultures that were shaped by the state's rural landscape and diverse environment. Ph:(605) 688-6226 (Brookings SD, 30 miles southwest)
46. Photograph Old Barns and Prairie Churches - The area has a rich legacy of ethnically and architecturally diverse historic barns and churches. In addition to their importance as places work and worship, the churches are also beloved community landmarks. Many historic churches are significant symbols of ethnic heritage in Minnesota and South Dakota, and repositories of ethnic artifacts, and architectural/artistic monuments. Take a meandering drive through the area to find these gems which are ripe for photography and sight seeing.
47. Get apples from the orchard - Take a scenic drive through the apple orchards and along Big Stone Lake near Ortonville. On the shores of this large lake, visitors enjoy quiet sunsets and excellent walleye fishing at the source of the Minnesota River. Get out of the car for a while on their 1.5 mile hiking trail. (Ortonville MN, 72 miles north)
48. Indian Burial Grounds - Oakwood Lakes State Park is quietly nestled among eight glacial lakes. The Oakwood Lakes area was once used as a summer camp and annual gathering spot for Native American Indians. Three burial mounds remain in the park, as a visible reminder of their presence. Hardy trappers and traders gather in Oakwood Lakes State Park for an annual Frozen Foot Rendezvous during the winter. There are many other activities and events here throughout the year. (605) 692-6125 (north of Volga SD, 30 miles west)
49. End-O-Line Railroad Park - The famous words on the rail line come to life at the End-O-Line Railroad Park in Currie. Also includes other aspects of pioneer life. (Currie MN, 66 miles southeast)
50. Aebleskiver Festival - The Aebleskiver Festival is held the third weekend in July, paying homage to the Danish baseball-shaped pancakes. (Tyler MN, 32 miles southeast)
