Travelers weighing seasonal events, water recreation and local history when planning a trip will find a range of options in Lincoln County. The offerings vary by season, activity and any arrangements required.
Fall Activities: Festival and Corn Maze
The Fall Festival at Country Apple Orchard takes place every weekend in September and October. It features more than 20 attractions, including the Funny Farm Petting Zoo and an apple cannon. Festival offerings may vary from season to season; check the specific dates and opening hours before your visit.
The Country Store is also part of the orchard’s seasonal offerings. It sells bagged apples, caramel apples and pies. Product availability may vary with the season.
Another fall activity is the Heartland Country Corn Maze, an eleven-acre corn maze southeast of Harrisburg. The listed address is 27455 SD Hwy 11 in Harrisburg, South Dakota. From Harrisburg, drive two miles east, turn south onto South Dakota Highway 11 and reach the maze after about 1.5 miles. As this is a seasonal attraction, check operating dates and conditions in advance.
Water Recreation and Trails
Lake Alvin is a man-made reservoir created by building a dam on the lower reaches of Nine Mile Creek. The Lake Alvin Recreation Area focuses on water recreation and is used by swimmers, boaters and anglers. Those looking to center their stay on activities on the water will find a different planning option here than a fall festival or cultural program.
Lake Ole has a 0.5-mile paved multi-use trail. Lake Alvin offers water recreation, while the trail at Lake Ole—with its length, paved surface and multi-use design—provides a distinct option for trip planning.
Natural and Cultural History
From 1300 to 1700 CE, the site of Good Earth State Park was an important gathering place for seasonal ceremonies and a significant trading center for many Indigenous peoples. The visitor center includes an educational theater with a 20-minute film. Outdoor stations along the trails present natural and cultural history. Exhibits and programs may be updated over time.
At Newton Hills State Park, the Deer Run and Blue Diamond trails allow horseback riding on a six-mile loop. Trail use and conditions may change seasonally; check with the park for current conditions before riding.
Historic buildings also offer a chance to explore different aspects of local history. The Canton Depot dates to 1907 and currently houses a museum, meeting and event spaces, and the Canton Chamber of Commerce. Its current use therefore serves both cultural and community functions.
In Tea, the Tea Area Historical Society established its museum in a building that previously housed St. Nicholas Catholic Church. To arrange a tour, contact the Historical Society representatives by phone. The museum opens as needed, so arrange your visit in advance.
Harney Hospital offers another historic stop: Elizabeth Harney built it in 1915 with the support of Dr. Samuel Young. In 1984, it became a museum operated by the Lennox Area Historical Society. The two dates mark the hospital’s construction and its later conversion into a museum.
Choose Accommodation Based on Your Reason for Traveling
Plan around the relevant conditions—for example, festival dates, seasonal trail use or arranging a tour in advance.
Discover more destinations: Tea, Davison County, Walworth County, Beadle County, Tripp County, Meade County, Butte, Spink County.
For the broader travel overview: South Dakota.
