Lemmon South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lemmon, South Dakota.
1. Petrified Wood Park & Museum
WORLD'S LARGEST PETRIFIED COLLECTION
The Petrified Wood Park is recognized as the largest petrified wood park in the world, located in Lemmon, South Dakota. The park features locally gathered petrified wood formations and other geological specimens of interest throughout its grounds. A free museum constructed from petrified wood is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
2. Grand River Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND FOSSILS
The Grand River Museum is located on Highway 12 in Lemmon, featuring a wealth of paleontology displays including real fossils. Visitors can observe a preparation room where fossils from local dig sites are cleaned, prepared, and documented. The museum also showcases Native American history and Old West exhibits highlighting the cowboys, immigrants, and settlers who shaped Lemmon's development.
3. G.E. Lemmon Park
FAMILY RECREATION SPACE
G.E. Lemmon Park is named after the town's founder and is conveniently located adjacent to the Petrified Wood Park. This family-friendly park offers a playground for children to enjoy outdoor activities. Several picnic shelters and a veterans memorial make this park a versatile community gathering space.
4. Kokomo Gallery and Studio
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Kokomo Gallery and Studio stands as one of Lemmon's cultural highlights, showcasing local artistic talent. The gallery features a rotating collection of works from regional artists, providing visitors with a glimpse into South Dakota's creative community. Art enthusiasts can explore various mediums and potentially purchase unique pieces to commemorate their visit.
5. Lemmon Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION
Lemmon Country Club offers golfers a relaxing retreat on Airport Road in Lemmon. The club provides a well-maintained course where both locals and visitors can enjoy a round of golf amid South Dakota's scenic landscapes. Beyond golfing, the country club serves as a social gathering place for community events and activities.
6. Lemmon Trap and Skeet Range
SHOOTING SPORTS VENUE
The Lemmon Trap and Skeet Range provides enthusiasts with a dedicated facility for shooting sports on Airport Road. Sport shooters can practice their skills in trap and skeet disciplines in a safe, controlled environment. The range hosts both casual practice sessions and organized competitions for shooters of various skill levels.
7. Shadehill State Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR PARADISE
Shadehill State Recreation Area features the beautiful Shadehill Reservoir with nearly 100 miles of coastline just 12 miles south of Lemmon. The recreation area offers great views, excellent fishing opportunities, and diverse accommodation options including primitive camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Visitors frequently enjoy this destination as a perfect weekend getaway spot with various water activities available.
8. Grand River National Grassland
PRISTINE NATURAL WILDERNESS
The Grand River National Grassland encompasses 154,783 acres of diverse landscapes including mixed grass prairie, river bottoms, wooded draws, sand dunes, badlands, and buttes. Popular activities in this expansive natural area include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, biking, camping, and hiking. The grassland provides visitors with an authentic opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of South Dakota's natural environments.
9. Cedar River National Grassland
SCENIC PRAIRIE LANDSCAPE
Cedar River National Grassland presents visitors with sprawling prairies and natural habitats near Keldron, South Dakota. This protected grassland offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and reconnecting with nature's tranquility. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the area through various recreational activities while experiencing the authentic prairie ecosystem.
10. Custer National Forest - Slim Buttes
OTHERWORLDLY BADLANDS EXPERIENCE
The Slim Buttes area of Custer National Forest is located about an hour southwest of Lemmon, offering incredible views comparable to the badlands of North and South Dakota. Visitors can explore cow trails that lead to personal adventures, encounter a National Natural Landmark, and discover historic sites throughout the area. The unique landscape creates an otherworldly experience that makes travelers feel they've stepped onto another planet entirely.
11. Llewellyn Johns Memorial Recreation Area
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
The Llewellyn Johns Memorial Recreation Area serves as a dedicated space for community activities and outdoor enjoyment in Lemmon. The area features multiple facilities designed to accommodate various recreational pursuits for residents and visitors alike. This well-maintained space honors the legacy of its namesake while providing valuable recreation opportunities to the community.
12. Legion Club
VETERANS SOCIAL VENUE
The Legion Club in Lemmon serves as both a tribute to veterans and a social gathering space for the community. The venue hosts various events, meals, and activities throughout the year that bring together residents and visitors. Many travelers appreciate the authentic local atmosphere and opportunity to connect with the people who call Lemmon home.
13. Boss Cowman Square
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
The Boss Cowman Square stands as a central landmark in Lemmon, commemorating the town's western heritage and cattle industry foundations. Named after the town's founder, Ed Lemmon, who was known as the 'Boss Cowman,' this square serves as a gathering place and point of pride for the community. Visitors can learn about the region's cowboy history while enjoying this well-maintained public space.
14. Hugh Glass Monument
FRONTIER LEGEND MEMORIAL
The Hugh Glass Monument commemorates the legendary frontiersman whose survival story inspired the film 'The Revenant.' Glass famously crawled over 200 miles after being mauled by a grizzly bear and abandoned by his companions in the early 1800s. This monument allows visitors to connect with one of the most remarkable survival stories from America's frontier history.
15. John Lopez Studio
RENOWNED SCRAP METAL ART
John Lopez Studio showcases the extraordinary work of sculptor John Lopez, who transforms scrap metal into stunning life-sized sculptures. His unique artistic vision combines South Dakota's ranching heritage with repurposed materials to create internationally recognized works. Visitors can view these impressive metal sculptures that brilliantly capture the spirit of the American West and the local landscape.