Located east of Pierre, Farm Island Recreation Area attracts all types of visitors - campers, swimmers, hikers, anglers, bird watchers and bicyclists. With easy access to Lake Sharpe and popular beaches and trails, this park stays busy throughout the year. Additionally, the park has ties to the Lewis and Clark expedition, which is detailed in the Lewis and Clark Family Center. Planning your vacation here is easy, using the online reservation system. Two campgrounds contain a total of 90 sites and feature showers and electric hookups. Camping cabins, outfitted with beds, heating, air conditioning and electricity, are open year-round.
Farm Island features an island nature area, which provides an outdoor classroom for visitors. Eight miles of hiking trails wind through the island and give hikers, walkers, cross-country skiers and bicyclists a chance for peace, quiet and nature observation. Deer and a variety of birds are very common to see on the island. Trail users may also notice traces of beaver activity near the water. Visitors also have access to a nature observation blind. The Farm Island Visitor Center stands in the center of the original Fort Sully and provides exhibits that help visitors learn more about the fort. No buildings remain, since it was abandoned and dismantled to use as steamboat fuel.
To take advantage of all the activities at Farm Island Recreation Area, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats and bicycles can be rented. Those who come to do a little fishing can use the fishing dock and fish cleaning station, and even checkout a fishing pole. There's also a boat ramp, picnic shelter, beach volleyball court and playground. With Pierre, South Dakota's capital, only four miles away, it's a quick trip to some great attractions. Tour the Capitol, the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center and the South Dakota Discovery Center.