Native American Scenic Byway
Native American Scenic Byway travels between Pierre and Chamberlain in central South Dakota. The 100-mile byway follows SD 50, BIA 4, SD 47, BIA 5, BIA 10, and SD 1806. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Native American Scenic Byway is usually open all year.
Native American Scenic Byway crosses the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservations. It travels across South Dakota's high plains and the hills and bluffs alongside the Missouri River. Dams constructed by the Corps of Engineers created two scenic lakes on the river: Lake Francis Case and Lake Sharpe. Among the wildlife inhabiting the area are deer, eagles, and large numbers of waterfowl. Anglers will find catfish, walleye, pike, bass, crappie, and sunfish in both lakes.
Between Fort Thompson and Chamberlain, the byway follows the upper reaches of Lake Francis Case. The large 102,000-acre lake extends from Fort Thompson to Pickstown. A Corps of Engineers campground is near Chamberlain. American Creek Campground has 60 RV and tent campsites with electric hookups. From Fort Thompson to Pierre, the byway travels alongside Lake Sharpe. The 61,000-acre lake offers numerous campgrounds and picnic areas. Three campgrounds can be accessed from the byway: Tailrace, Iron Nation, and Cedar Creek. Tailrace has 72 campsites with hookups; Iron Nation also has 72 sites with hookups and 12 without.
Information: South Dakota Department of Tourism, 711 E Wells Ave, Pierre SD 57501 / 605-773-3301. Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Tourism/Public Relations, Convention Center, PO Box 187, Lower Brule SD 57548 / 605-473-5399. Farm Island and West Bend State Recreation Areas, 1301 Farm Island Rd, Pierre SD 57501 / 605-224-5605