Sisseton South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sisseton, South Dakota.
1. Joseph N. Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center
THREE-STATE PANORAMIC VIEWS
The Joseph N. Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center offers breathtaking views from atop its 75-foot observation tower where visitors can see three states. The Interpretive Center features a 12-minute film called 'Dakota Encounters' about French mapmaker Joseph N. Nicollet's 1830's mapping of the area. Visitors can explore Nicollet's map and original artwork by John Wilson on display from mid-May through mid-October.
2. Stavig House Museum
NORWEGIAN IMMIGRANT HERITAGE
The Stavig House Museum is an authentic 10-bedroom Victorian home built by Norwegian immigrant Andrew Stavig that tells stories of Scandinavian immigration through a collection of letters and historical photographs. This National Register of Historical Places site was the setting for the Emmy-award winning documentary 'The Stavig Letters' produced by South Dakota Public Broadcasting in 2011. The century-old house is open to visitors from early June through Labor Day weekend, offering daily tours throughout the summer.
3. Sica Hollow State Park
MYSTICAL DAKOTA WOODLAND
Sica Hollow State Park is a mystical woodland area named 'sica' meaning 'bad' by the Dakota people due to unusual phenomena they encountered including glowing tree stumps, moaning sounds, and a stream that ran red. Today, the park is known for its excellent hiking and horseback riding trails through enchanted hollow landscapes. Each fall, the park draws numerous visitors who come to witness its incredible display of autumn colors as the foliage transforms.
4. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
PRESERVED FRONTIER HISTORY
Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is a picturesque historic fort named after the nearby Sisseton Tribe, where visitors can walk the grounds of an 1864 frontier army outpost originally called Fort Wadsworth. The site features preserved officers' quarters, stone barracks, powder magazine, guard house, and other original buildings from the western frontier era. The park hosts the annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival featuring period entertainment and activities that attract thousands of visitors each year.
5. Song to the Great Spirit Building
DAKOTA CULTURAL ARCHITECTURE
The Song to the Great Spirit building is a distinctive structure at Sisseton Wahpeton College that honors the traditions and past of the Dakota people while functioning as an academic building. Uniquely constructed in the shape of four drummers sitting around a drum, the building represents the cultural heritage of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. This remarkable architectural landmark is visible from Interstate 29, serving as a prominent cultural symbol in the region.
6. Roberts County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Roberts County Courthouse stands as an important historical landmark in downtown Sisseton. This government building serves as the administrative center for Roberts County while also preserving architectural elements of the region's past. Visitors can appreciate the courthouse's historical significance and distinctive design while exploring Sisseton's municipal center.
7. Sisseton Wahpeton College
TRIBAL HIGHER EDUCATION
Sisseton Wahpeton College is a tribal higher education institution dedicated to providing quality education while preserving Dakota culture and traditions. The campus features distinctive architecture including the famous Song to the Great Spirit building that honors Dakota heritage. As a cultural and educational center for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, the college plays a vital role in community development and cultural preservation.
8. Dakota Connection Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Dakota Connection Casino is one of three gaming establishments owned by the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, offering visitors a variety of gaming options and entertainment. The casino provides a vibrant atmosphere with slot machines, table games, and occasional live entertainment for guests. Visitors can also enjoy dining options and experience the hospitality of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate while supporting tribal economic development.
9. Valley View Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Valley View Golf Course offers golfers a scenic playing experience amid the rolling landscapes of northeastern South Dakota. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Golfers of various skill levels can enjoy the challenging yet accessible course while taking in the natural beauty of the Coteau des Prairies region.
10. Coteau des Prairies Lodge
RUSTIC HILLTOP RETREAT
Coteau des Prairies Lodge is a stunning rustic retreat perched atop the glacial highland formation known as the Coteau des Prairies. The lodge offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding prairie landscapes and serves as both accommodation and event venue. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences featuring locally sourced ingredients while immersing themselves in the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of the region.
11. Old Agency Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
The Old Agency Museum preserves and showcases the history of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and the Lake Traverse Reservation. Exhibits feature cultural artifacts, historical photographs, and educational displays about tribal governance and traditions. The museum offers visitors insight into the rich heritage and ongoing cultural practices of the Dakota people in this region.
12. Nicollet Trail
HISTORIC HIKING PATH
The Nicollet Trail follows portions of the route taken by French explorer Joseph N. Nicollet during his mapping expeditions of the 1830s. Hikers can experience the same landscapes that Nicollet documented while enjoying the natural beauty of northeastern South Dakota. The trail connects to the Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center, creating a comprehensive historical and outdoor experience for visitors.
13. Buffalo Lake
PRISTINE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Buffalo Lake offers visitors a serene setting for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation in the glacially formed landscape near Sisseton. The lake's clean waters support a variety of fish species, making it popular with local anglers and visitors alike. Nature enthusiasts can spot numerous bird species and other wildlife while enjoying the peaceful prairie lake environment.
14. Sisseton Farmers Market
LOCAL HARVEST HUB
The Sisseton Farmers Market brings together local producers offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and homemade foods to the community. Visitors can interact directly with farmers and artisans while learning about agricultural practices in the region. The market serves as both a shopping destination and a community gathering place that celebrates local culture and sustainable food systems.
15. Sisseton Main Street
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
Sisseton Main Street features a collection of historic buildings housing local businesses, shops, and eateries that showcase the community's heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. Visitors can browse unique gift items, locally made products, and enjoy small-town hospitality while exploring the downtown area. The preserved architecture and walkable layout provide a glimpse into the city's past while supporting its present-day commerce and community life.