Lewis and Clark Lake sits on the border of Nebraska and South Dakota on the Missouri River. The lake is a 31,400 acres (130 square km) reservoir that is about 25 miles (40 km) long. Surrounding the lake is 90 miles (140 km) of shoreline. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is impounded by Gavins Point Dam.
Lewis and Clark Lake has more than two million visitors annually. Scenery includes chalky bluffs on the shore near Gavins Point Dam, and the lake is popular among those who enjoy sailing. Other activities on the water include boating, water skiing, and fishing. While exploring the Lewis and Clark area, you can engage in other recreation activities, like camping and hunting. The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, which overlooks Gavins Point Dam, provides exhibits on the natural resources offered by the Missouri River, those who have lived along the banks of the river, and the expedition of Lewis and Clark.
A visit to Lewis and Clark lake will offer beautiful scenery, recreation opportunities and the chance to learn more about the rich history of the area.
From Sioux City, take I29 N for 29.3 miles (47.1 km), to exit 26 toward Vermillion/Yankton. Proceed for .2 miles (.32 km) and turn left onto SD-50 W, continuing for 5.6 miles (9 km). Keep right and continue on SD-50 W for 27.4 miles (44 km). Take SD-314 to SD-50 W in West Yankton and travel for 5.5 miles (8.8 km). Turn left at SD-50 W and proceed for 8.4 miles (13.5 km). Make a left at SD-52 W and continue for 3.2 miles (5.1 km) turning left on the Colony Road. After 3.2 miles (5.1 km) you will arrive at the lake.
Parking is available at Lewis and Clark Lake.
Public transportation is not available to Lewis and Clark Lake.
The park headquarters of Lewis and Park State Recreation Area, Weigand Area Campground offers sites for RV’s and trailers, as well as tents. Electric hook-ups are available and the campground includes a coin-operated shower house as well as restrooms. Each site has a fire pit along with a picnic table and grill, making it easy to prepare meals and enjoy a meal after a day of adventure. A playground is at the campground for those who have their children along for the fun. Drinking water is also available, so you can avoid lugging a lot of water. Weigand Area Campground is a great home base for time spent at Lewis and Clark Lake!
Next to Weigand Area Campground is Burbach Area Campground. This shady campground offers sites with electrical hookups as well as sites without. A coin-operated shower house is located at the campground, along with drinking water, a playground, picnic shelter, beach, and an RV dump station. The area also has 10 furnished cabins that can be reserved up to a year in advance and that offer views of the lake. Burbach Area Campground offers an ideal place to relax after a full day of fun, whether your visit is for one night or a week.
Located along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is located below Gavins Point Dam, which formed Lewis and Clark Lake. The campground includes 42 sites, 31 with electric hookups and 11 that are for tents only. Restrooms and shower facilities are available at the campground, along with drinking water, a dump station, and a fish cleaning station. Each site has a grill and a picnic table. Sites with electric hook-ups can accommodate RV’s and trailers up to 68 feet long. The campground, which is open from mid-May through mid-October, makes a great base from which to explore Lewis and Clark Lake.
Cottonwood Campground is located between the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. Lewis and Clark Lake can be found on one side of the campground, with Lake Yankton located on the other side. Each of the campground’s 75 sites include electric hookups, along with a barbecue, fire pit, and picnic table. Flush toilets and drinking water can be found at the campground, along with showers, a nearby boat ramp, and a playground. Camping at Cottonwood Campground ensures it won’t take long to get to where you can relax after a fun day of fun at the lake and surrounding area.
Lewis and Clark Lake is the perfect place to spend some time fishing. Fall and spring months are ideal times to fish the lake for largemouth and smallmouth bass, along with walleye and sauger. As crappie and northern pike are more active than other species when temperatures are cooler, anglers can aim for late fall and early April for the best opportunity to reel a few in. The summer is the best time to fish the lake for catfish, while late August through early October is ideal to fish for white bass. Fishing is an ideal way to relax and take in the beauty of the lake and its surrounding area!
An excellent way to enjoy the lake and its surroundings is by kayak or canoe. As you paddle along the waters of Lewis and Clark Lake, you can witness surrounding chalkstone bluffs along with other beautiful scenery. Paddling around the lake is a great workout, while also offering a relaxing outdoor experience. During warmer months at the lake, it will be easy to cool off with a quick swim before paddling back to shore.
A hike in the Yankton and Lewis and Clark Lake Area is a great way to experience the beauty of the area along with its rich history. The Meridian Trail System includes 22 designated trails along more than 40 miles (64.3 km). All of the trails in the city are paved and have lights so that they can be explored at any time. Those trails that lead to the lake area as well as through the campgrounds are also paved. Traveling along the trails will offer the opportunity to get some exercise while taking in the area’s scenery.
Located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area is the state’s second most-visited park. At the center of the Recreation Area is Lewis and Clark Lake; in addition to activities involving water, you can hike, bike and horseback ride, as well as play disc golf and horseshoes. Across from Ponca State Park, the Recreation Area is also a great place for birding and there is even an archery range for target practice. Camping is available within the Recreation Area, making it a great home base for a visit to Lewis and Clark Lake.
Located on a bluff that overlooks Lewis and Clark Lake in the northeast part of Nebraska, Crofton Lakeview Golf Course offers the chance to spend time on the links while taking in the spectacular scenery surrounding Lewis and Clark Lake. The public course, which opened in 1989, is a regulation 9-hole course with 3149 yards (9447 feet) of golf and a par 36. Including in the course is a practice green, a bunker for sand practice and a clubhouse where you can relax before or after your game. Cart rentals and a pro shop are also available.
Not far from Lewis and Clark Lake is Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium. The hatchery, which was built in 1960 on the Missouri River, is responsible for the production of more than five billion fish that were released into waters in the Midwest. While visiting the aquarium, you can view fish and turtles that swim within 13 tanks. While visiting, you can check out exhibits and displays within the aquarium in order to learn more the hatcheries’ work and its objectives. The hatchery is open year-round and the aquarium is open from May 1 through Labor Day.
