The Missouri National Recreational River protects sections of the Missouri River in Union County, South Dakota. The preserved landscapes include unchannelized and undammed river sections, as well as riparian forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats. The river and its banks reveal different sides of the same natural landscape: alongside the waterway are habitats ranging from wet floodplains to prairie.
The Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail extends from the Fort Randall Dam near Pickstown to Sioux City, Iowa. Its endpoints make clear that the water trail covers a long stretch of river. For Union, the protected river area is a defining natural feature; however, the route described extends far beyond this section.
Park History and Trails at Union Grove State Park
Union Grove State Park began around 1936 as a county park. For directions, it is located 11 miles south of Beresford on I-29, at Exit 38. The park’s history and its present-day trail network offer two different perspectives on the area.
The trails vary in both length and intended use. Multi-use trails extend up to 4.3 miles and are suitable for horseback riders and mountain bikers. There is also a 1.2-mile hiking trail reserved exclusively for pedestrians. If you are comparing options, this distinction in permitted use is important: horseback riding and mountain biking are allowed on the multi-use trails, while the hiking trail is reserved for pedestrians.
Traces of History
A memorial stone erected by the Old Settlers Association of Union County marks the site of Fort Brule in Union County. It highlights the site of Fort Brule as part of the region’s history.
The Union County Historical Society Museum houses an extensive collection of historical acquisitions from Union County and southeastern South Dakota. It is located in the Charles Murtha House, a two-story brick house with triple-thickness masonry, completed for Charles Murtha in 1892. Here, items from the region’s collection meet a building with its own history. Visits are available by appointment arranged in advance by phone, so call to schedule your visit.
Golf in Beresford
Bridges at Beresford Golf is a public 9-hole golf course in Beresford. Its name refers to eight bridges spread across the course, each donated by a South Dakota community. The grounds cover 140 acres, with well-maintained fairways, ponds, and gently rolling hills. The facility also includes a full-service bar and a snack bar.
For golf enthusiasts, the course name is connected to a specific local detail: the bridges in the name are not merely symbolic but refer to the course’s history.
Directions to Bolton River Access
The National Park Service directions, last updated in 2020, lead to Bolton River Access from I-29, Exit 18 near Elk Point, via Burbank Road and Union County Road 26. Check road conditions before you travel.
Discover nature, park history, regional landmarks, and golf as different facets of Union. Whether you start by getting your bearings along the Missouri River, learn more about the county’s history, or focus on the course in Beresford, the places and topics mentioned each offer a distinct focus for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: North Sioux City, Beresford, Elk Point, Brule County, Aurora County, Roberts County, Grant County, Kingsbury County
For the broader travel overview: South Dakota.
