Thousands of waterfowl migrate through Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge every spring and fall. The refuge’s lake formed during the last Ice Age, bringing natural history and seasonal bird migration together in one place. In Charles Mix County, discoveries also lead to riverbanks, historic buildings, and traces of the past.
Bird Migration and Waterscapes
The lake at Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge covers 4,700 acres and dates back to the last Ice Age. In spring and fall, the refuge becomes a stopover for thousands of waterfowl. If you’re interested in how bird movements change with the seasons, you’ll find a clear contrast between the two migration periods here. The Owens Bay Nature Trail runs along the shore of Lake Andes, adding a route along the water’s edge to your view of the lake.
North Point Recreation Area offers a different river landscape: it lies on the banks of the Missouri River, just upstream of Fort Randall Dam. At Lake Francis Case, fishing and boating take center stage. Platte Creek Recreation Area offers fishing opportunities; Snake Creek Recreation Area is used by boaters and anglers. These descriptions offer different points of reference when choosing between fishing and boating. Snake Creek Recreation Area also has two campgrounds with a total of 115 campsites and ten camping cabins.
Fort Randall: History on Site
From 1863 to 1865, Fort Randall served as an important outpost on the upper Missouri River for operations against the Sioux. Archaeological remains of the outpost’s former buildings can be found on the site. Visitors can walk along the fortified parade ground, which is about half a mile long. A cruciform building is also among the historic traces: it was built in 1875.
Exhibits at the Fort Randall Dam Visitor Center cover the construction of the dam, local cultural history, paleontological history, early exploration, and the region’s natural history. The visitor center’s hours vary by season; check current hours before your visit. The Fort Randall Visitor Center also houses a freshwater aquarium with fish species from the Missouri River.
The eagle roosting site at Randall Creek Recreation Area is designated a National Natural Landmark. For an outing that brings historic sites and scenery together, the Wild And Scenic Middle Missouri River Driving Tour follows more than 65 miles of road to Fort Randall Historic Site. At mile 15.6, the tour crosses Choteau Creek; the road then becomes Charles Mix County Road 2.
Historic Buildings and Stories
The Charles Mix County Historical Society preserves several buildings for public viewing and use. They include an original log cabin, a church, a small dwelling, a blacksmith shop, and a post office. Antique farm equipment, photographs, and other artifacts are also on display on the grounds. The different buildings and objects offer different ways to explore local history, from home life and work to the things people kept.
Geddes, too, preserves tangible traces of its history. The Geddes Historical Society offers tours of historic buildings that have been restored to their original condition; check locally to arrange a tour. The Geddes Claim Shanty was built around 1883 by Charles and James Phillips. Peter Norbeck’s boyhood home was the home of South Dakota’s ninth governor.
Geddes also hosts Fur Trader's Days every year, a celebration featuring games and entertainment. Since dates may change, check the current event date before making plans. The Pickstown & Fort Randall Museum organizes its collection into four historical periods and is located in the Rainbow Room Complex. The complex includes the last three original buildings in town. The collection’s four-part organization and the historic buildings offer two different ways to engage with the area’s history.
Discover more destinations: Platte, Stanley, Grant County, McCook County, Roberts County, Kingsbury County, Brookings, Beadle County.
For the overview of the wider region: South Dakota.
