South Dakota has distinctive landscapes from the Badlands and Wind Cave to Sioux Falls, operating rivers, and blue lakes. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a dwelling in South Dakota with quick access to lakeside alternatives, there are many locations to discover.

At Redfin, we’ve put collectively an inventory of the most effective lakes in South Dakota to stay on this 12 months. South Dakota has a variety of choices from quaint, tight-knit communities to bustling lake cities with all of the facilities. Let’s leap in and see what seven lakes made the checklist.

1. Huge Stone Lake (Huge Stone Metropolis)

Nearest metropolis: Huge Stone Metropolis, SD
Median dwelling sale worth: $125,000
Inhabitants: 450
Properties on the market in Huge Stone Metropolis, SD
Residences for hire in Huge Stone Metropolis, SD

Taking the primary spot on our checklist of lakes in South Dakota to stay on is Huge Stone Lake. Situated on the South Dakota-Minnesota border, Huge Stone Lake affords a serene life-style with its breathtaking views and peaceable surroundings. This lake is nice for each anglers and nature lovers, with quite a lot of fish species like walleye, pike, and bass. Surrounded by lush parks and scenic trails, residents can get pleasure from loads of out of doors actions. The closest metropolis is Huge Stone Metropolis, dwelling to simply about 450 individuals, making it an enthralling small city to name dwelling.

2. Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain)

Nearest metropolis: Chamberlain, SD
Median dwelling sale worth: $263,000
Inhabitants: 2,400
Properties on the market in Chamberlain, SD
Residences for hire in Chamberlain, SD

Lake Francis Case is a gem within the metropolis of Chamberlain, identified for its expansive waters and leisure alternatives. This lake is a paradise for boating and fishing fans, with its considerable fish populations and clear waters. The encircling space is wealthy in historical past and tradition, providing museums and historic websites for exploration, just like the Dignity of Earth and Sky landmark and the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Heart. Chamberlain supplies a comfy small-town really feel whereas nonetheless having the facilities for lakeside residing. The beautiful views of the Missouri River and the proximity to Lake Francis Case make Chamberlain an superior alternative.

3-4. Lake Herman and Lake Madison (Madison)

Nearest metropolis: Madison, SD
Median dwelling sale worth: $304,000
Inhabitants: 7,500
Properties on the market in Madison, SD
Residences for hire in Madison, SD

Lake Herman and Lake Madison are surrounded by pure magnificence and leisure services. These lakes provide an ideal setting for quite a lot of water sports activities, mountain climbing, and leisurely picnics within the quite a few parks dotting their shores. Lake Herman is dwelling to the Lake Herman State Park, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the lakefront views, camp, or have a picnic. Lake Madison has loads of waterfront eating places, clear waters for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, and bird-watching a number of the native species. Located between the 2 lakes is Madison, an enthralling group with its downtown space and faculty campuses.

5-6. Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake (Watertown)

Nearest metropolis: Watertown, SD
Median dwelling sale worth: $262,500
Inhabitants: 22,000
Properties on the market in Watertown, SD
Residences for hire in Watertown, SD

Watertown’s Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake are havens for out of doors fans and people on the lookout for a enjoyable time out on the water. These lakes are perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating, with a number of public entry factors and facilities. At Lake Kampeska, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a day {golfing} at one of many lakefront programs, camp, or discover the Sandy Shore State Recreation Space. Pelican Lake is a peaceable spot with loads of parks like Pelican Lake State Recreation Space and Thompson’s Level. Watertown itself is a bustling metropolis with a wealthy cultural scene, together with artwork galleries, theaters, and a zoo. The lakes’ presence affords picturesque landscapes and numerous leisure actions proper at the doorstep

7. Lake Oahe (Mobridge)

Nearest metropolis: Mobridge, SD
Median dwelling sale worth: $66,250
Inhabitants: 3,400
Properties on the market in Mobridge, SD
Residences for hire in Mobridge, SD

Lake Oahe, stretching past the horizon close to Mobridge, is an unlimited reservoir identified for its wonderful fishing and boating alternatives. The lake’s expansive waters are dwelling to a various vary of fish species, like Chinook salmon, walleye, and northern pike, making it a preferred vacation spot for anglers. There are many small cities across the lake, however yow will discover Mobridge within the lake’s central space. The town’s wealthy historical past and cultural heritage, like The Klein Museum, make it a singular place to stay. Lake Oahe’s pure magnificence and the world’s serene life-style are good for these on the lookout for lakes to stay on in South Dakota.

8. Lake Sharpe (Pierre)

Nearest metropolis: Pierre, SD
Median dwelling sale worth: $287,000
Inhabitants: 14,000
Properties on the market in Pierre, SD
Residences for hire in Pierre, SD

Situated close to South Dakota’s capital metropolis, Pierre, Lake Sharpe is a reservoir that provides a plethora of water-based actions and scenic magnificence. Its shores are a favourite amongst locals for fishing, swimming, tenting, and boating. Pierre has quite a lot of governmental and historic websites, alongside parks and leisure areas that create the group. For instance, you’ll be able to discover the South Dakota Discovery Heart, try the charming downtown, or go to one of many quite a few historic landmarks.

9. Lewis and Clark Lake (Yankton)

Nearest metropolis: Yankton, SD
Median dwelling sale worth: $270,000
Common 1-bedroom hire: $719
Inhabitants: 15,000
Properties on the market in Yankton, SD
Residences for hire in Yankton, SD

Lewis and Clark Lake, adjoining to Yankton, is a sprawling physique of water that attracts individuals with its beautiful vistas and leisure alternatives. The lake is ideal for crusing, kayaking, and fishing, with ample public entry factors and marinas, because it spans each South Dakota and Nebraska. Yankton, generally known as the “Mom Metropolis of the Dakotas,” combines historic appeal with trendy residing. The downtown space is dwelling to native breweries, eating places, and cafes, in addition to Riverside Park the place yow will discover the Dakota Territorial Capitol Duplicate Constructing.

Word, this checklist shouldn’t be complete of all of the lakes within the South Dakota. Median dwelling sale worth knowledge from the Redfin Knowledge Heart throughout April 2024. Common rental knowledge from Hire.com April 2024. Inhabitants knowledge sourced from the United States Census Bureau.