Editor Pick
Fort Sisseton, South Dakota
- August 24, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
cd19 from Severna Park, Maryland
A couple dozen miles west of Sisseton, South Dakota is historic old Fort Sisseton which is still standing. When first constructed in 1864 it was called Fort Wadsworth and renamed Fort Sisseton in 1876, taking the name of the local Indian tribe.
To get to the fort from I-29, take U.S. Highway 12 west about 24 miles, then Highways 25 and 73 north about another 24 miles. Or, from I-29 take Highway 10 west about 26 miles, then Highway 73 south about 5 miles.
Walk the grounds where the officers' quarters, stone barracks, powder magazine, guard house, and other buildings remain at frontier Fort Sisseton. This 1864 fort, atop the Coteau des Prairies (or hills of the prairies), is a rare reminder of the western frontier. The fort's name comes from the nearby Sisseton Indian Tribe, and it is now a picturesque state park that unfolds the area's history.
Facilities at a Glance -- Visitor Center and Interpretive Displays, Campground with 15 Campsites , Boat Ramp, Comfort Stations, Picnic Area, Shelter with kitchen, Guided Walking Tour.
When -- Fort Sisseton Visitor Center is open daily, June-August. The park is open all year. Park fee. The Fort Sisseton Festival, held the first full weekend in June, is a rendezvous featuring cavalry, fiddlers, square dancing, draft horse pulling, tomahawk throwing, a melodrama, and other excitement. Admission to the Festival.
From journal Touring Northeastern South Dakota