Lake Herman State Park

Lake Herman State Park lies on a 227-acre peninsula that offers a spectacular view of the 1350-acre lake that was formed thousands of years ago as a result of melting glacial ice. To access Lake Herman State Park just travel two miles west of Madison Town, South Dakota, off Highway 34. 

The park was named after Herman Luce one of the early Caucasian pioneers who settled near the lake with his son in the 1870s. The log cabin built by Herman Luce in 1871 still stands in the park as a historic place. Before him, Lake Herman was a popular place among the Native Americans who for hundreds of years camped by the lake on their way to the nearby Pipestone quarries among other destinations important to them.

Today, popular activities at the park include fishing and other outdoor activities. Some of the other unique features at the park include the Herman Luce historic cabin and his burial ground, horseshoe pits, paddleboard rental, canoe/kayak rental, disc golf course, bird watching, and other park programs. Some of the facilities available to accommodate these activities include 72 campsites most of which have electricity and at least one that is handicap accessible. The park also has showers, a swimming beach and bathhouse, picnic shelters, playground, handicap accessible fishing dock, boat ramp, dump station, and a ski beach.

Additionally, there is access to an easy hiking trail during the summer or a five-mile cross-country ski trails you can access in the winter. These trails cut across wonderful grass prairies, native oak woodlands, and wetlands where you can observe wildlife in their natural environment.

You can enjoy this beautiful park with your dog as long as you have your doggie on a leash no longer than 10 feet long. Furthermore, you must immediately clean up after your dog and avoid going to any park buildings or designated swimming beaches. Beyond these simple rules, the park will provide you with lots of activity and fun for both you and your pooch.