South Dakota — Fisher Grover State Park

For a nominal fee of $8 to $11, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful Fisher Grove State Park, South Dakota, located seven miles east of Redfield off of U.S. Highway 212. The park was named after Frank I. Fisher, the first white settler in the region and it encompasses 277 acres of natural, raw splendor.

The James River ambles through the wildlife-filled park. This area is of historical significance in that the river was used by the early Sioux, and nearby is the site where Lewis and Clark observed the councils and trade events of the area tribes.

Today, the river serves outdoor enthusiasts with various recreational activities.
• The park boasts numerous hiking trails, including the .75-mile Dakota Hiking Trail that follows along the river. Brochures that will guide you through the trails and park are available at the historic 1884 school house that functions as a visitor’s center.
• Wildlife viewing – Deer, coyotes, foxes and rabbits can often be seen and yield fantastic, calendar-quality pictures—a photographer’s dream
• Freshwater Fishing – You’ll snag walleye, northern pike, and bullhead catfish in the river, but remember that a license is required. You can find a list of fishing licenses and costs at the following website: http://gfp.sd.gov/fishing-boating/fish-licenses.aspx
• Boating and canoeing – There is a canoe launch area with several ramps on the river with nearby parking.

The Fisher Grover State Park also affords several other types of outdoor pleasure to enhance your visit. The park offers the wild splendor of a natural forest and grasslands, which are home to an abundance of birds for the casual ‘birder’ or bird-watcher. The quiet serenity of the park will give you a relaxing birding experience you’ll want to recapture time and time again.

Hunters too will enjoy their favorite seasonal activity with the typical South Dakota big game of antelope and deer and waterfowl like ducks and geese. Obviously, you’ll also find land fowl, including pheasants, partridge, quail and grouse, and small game like rabbits and tree squirrels. With a Preditor/Varmint License, hunters will also enjoy the thrill of bagging small game like coyote, red and gray fox, raccoon, skunk, badger, gophers and prairie dogs, jackrabbits, marmots, porcupines and even crows. This license excludes trapping. Youth, age 16 to 18 must obtain a Junior Combination License, which will allow them to fish and hunt.

Throughout the summer months, the temperature at Fisher Grove State park are typically in the eighties with nighttime cooling down into the fifties. For those who would prefer a leisurely visit, you can extend your stay in the park’s modern 28-site campground, which boasts of 22 electrical hookups, a playground for the children, fishing dock, picnic shelters, dump station, restrooms and showers, public phone. They even offer firewood for your relaxation around the fire after a long, fun-filled day of satisfying enjoyment in the park. Long-term rates are also available for an extended stay. It is good to note that backcountry camping is prohibited in the park. Online reservations are available at: http://www.campsd.com/SelectCampArea.aspx?pk_id=10554 or you may call toll-free at 800-710-2267.

Fisher Grove State Park is managed and kept up by the adjoining Fisher Grove Country Club. Those who enjoy the sport of golfing will enjoy this scenic nine-hole golf course. For information you can call 605-472-1336.
And for those of you who enjoy winter sports, Fisher Grove State Park is open year-round. The cross-country ski trail with warming shelter will be the perfect outdoor exercise in a quiet, natural setting. Show shoeing is also welcome.

Read more at Trails.com: State Parks in South Dakota | Trails.com http://www.trails.com/list_22700_state-parks-south-dakota.html#ixzz174knGSTB.

As you can see, there is an outdoor activity for just about everyone at Fisher Grover State Park in South Dakota. Make your plans now to visit soon. You’ll find the rest, relaxation and recreation you’re looking for.