Are there park entrance fees?

Yes, every vehicle entering the park must have a park license. These are available for purchase both online and at the Welcome Center at the park entrance. Daily : $10 for residents $15 for nonresidents Annual : $40 for residents $60 for nonresidents Campsites : Electrical: $30 per night Non-electrical: $16 per night Camping Cabins: $60 per night

Yes, camping is allowed in Lake Herman. The park features 72 electrical and non-electrical campsites to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and grill. You can reserve campsites and cabins online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reservation system.

What is the best time of year to visit?

While late spring, summer and early fall tend to be the most popular seasons to visit Lake Herman due to the variety of activities available, winter provides season-specific activities as well. The best time of year depends on personal preferences. If you prefer boating, summer is the ideal time to visit. But if you prefer ice fishing, winter is for you. Summer is the warmest season at Lake Herman with average high temperatures in the low to mid-80s. The nights tend to cool down to the mid-50s or 60s. Summer is also the wettest season, with an average of three to four inches of rain per month. Fall invites a chill to the air as temperatures drop to average highs in the 60s and 70s in September and reach the 50s in October. Winters at Lake Herman are cold and snowy with below-freezing temperatures. The lake freezes over and the trails are blanketed in snow, providing opportunities for ample winter recreation like ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Is Lake Herman pet-friendly?

Yes, Lake Herman welcomes leashed and controlled pets on park grounds and in camping cabins. Be sure to follow the rules so all visitors feel as welcome as your furry friends. Ensure pets are restrained by a six-foot leash at all times, cleaned up after and kept under control.

Is Lake Herman kid-friendly?

Lake Herman is a popular family destination, equipped with kid-friendly activities and amenities. This park is a perfect place to get your kids outside. Kids can swim in the lake, climb on the playground, meander the quick and easy trails, and check out lawn games from the Welcome Center. These features make the park a delightful place for kids to enjoy the great outdoors.

What is the closest airport?

The closest commercial airport to Lake Herman State Park is Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD). It’s located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, approximately an hour's drive from the park.

What are the busiest times of the week to visit?

The weekends typically see an uptick in visitors, especially during the summer and holiday weekends. For those who want to visit on a weekend and still avoid the biggest crowds, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall are a great option. The weather is still pleasant, and the park is less crowded since school is in session and summer vacation has ended.

What other attractions are nearby?

Prairie Village : Just a couple of miles from the park, Prairie Village is a living history museum with more than 40 antique-filled buildings. Ride the steam-powered carousel and historic train, catch annual events like the Steam Threshing Jamboree and immerse yourself in American pioneer history. Walker's Point Recreation Area : Nearby on Lake Madison, Walker’s Point Recreation Area provides opportunities to camp, boat and fish on the lake. Oakwood Lakes State Park : This park is known for its chain of eight connecting glacial lakes and is located 34 miles from Lake Herman State Park. Oakwood Lakes State Park offers boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. Sioux Falls : The largest city in South Dakota is an hour's drive away. Sioux Falls offers a wide range of attractions, including the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science , the Great Plains Zoo , the Butterfly House & Aquarium and the scenic Falls Park .

Lake Herman State Park

Named after the first permanent settlers of the area, Lake Herman State Park is located on a peninsula that offers spectacular views of the lake. Visitors love camping, boating, fishing and cross-country skiing at the park that’s known for its historical past and beautiful natural scenery. A variety of birds and animals make the various native oak woodlands and prairie grasses a popular spot to observe wildlife.

History

Thousands of years ago, Lake Herman was formed by the melting of glacial ice. This park and its surrounding “pothole” topography are the result of outwash deposits created by the glacier’s meltwater. Fast forward to a few hundred years ago, before the arrival of white settlers, when the Lake Herman area was a temporary campsite for various Indigenous tribes, including the Sioux, Dakota and Sisseton Wahpeton, as they traveled eastward to the red pipestone quarries. The route they followed is believed to be similar to the modern-day South Dakota Highway 34.

In the early 1800s, fur trappers migrated to the area looking for pelts, creating tensions between the Indigenous tribes of the area and white settlers. Following the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1851, the Lake Herman area was opened to white settlement. On June 17, 1870, Herman Luce and his son, William, became the area's first white settlers, building a log cabin the following year that would serve briefly as both a U.S. land office and a post office.

The village of Herman was platted in 1878 and grew as a rival to the nearby town of Madison. However, the arrival of the railroad in 1881 at a “new” Madison, located east of the lake, led to the decline and eventual abandonment of the town of Herman as residents relocated closer to the rail line. Today, the area's history is preserved, with the Herman Luce Cabin having been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

A man in a golden field at Lake Herman State Park in South Dakota.

Sunset at Lake Herman State Park in South Dakota.

Things to Do: Activities & Amenities

Biking, Hiking & Walking: Lake Herman State Park boasts more than 3 miles of grass-surface trails for biking, hiking or walking. These trails are generally easy and appropriate for all ages.
Boating & Water Sports: Lake Herman is a 1,350-acre glacial lake, making it a central point for a variety of water activities. The lake provides a boat launch for convenient boating. The park is also a great spot for quieter water sports. Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular water activities, but the lake also provides opportunities for wind sports like sailing. Lastly, the park’s swimming beaches make it easy to take a refreshing dip in the water.
Disc Golf: Lake Herman State Park has a dedicated 9-hole disc golf course that is open year-round. Check out discs from the Welcome Center and get playing!
Fishing: Fishing in park waters is permitted at Herman Pond, which has a fishing pier for convenient access. When the water freezes over in the wintertime, Lake Herman and Herman Pond become popular ice fishing spots.
General Recreation: Lake Herman State Park is designed to help visitors unwind and connect with nature, offering simple pleasures in a beautiful natural setting. Check out lawn games and horseshoes from the Welcome Center, observe wildlife and enjoy a meal at a picnic area around the lake.
Historical Interest: Lake Herman's history and natural environment are highlighted through educational features such as interpretive signs on trails and across the park. These signs provide information on the park's ecosystems and history, including the Herman Luce cabin, a key historical site.

Visitor Center

The Lake Herman State Park Welcome Center is a central point for information and services at Lake Herman. Additionally, the Welcome Center at Lake Herman State Park offers a variety of games and gear to check out or rent. Canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are available for rental, while other gear like fishing poles, life jackets and snowshoes can be checked out. Other activities like disc golf, horseshoes and lawn games are available at the Welcome Center.

Prairie Shores Resort and Events

Prairie Shores Resort and Events is a lakeside destination lodge for large groups and hosting events. With three distinct event spaces (the Bluestem Venue, Prairie Sage Performance Hall and Prairie Rose) and several outdoor ceremony locations, the resort can accommodate events of varying sizes. The Grand Oak Lodge sleeps 80-plus people, while cabins and campsites in the park allow the entire party and their guests to stay together. In addition, Prairie Shores provides a full-service bar, allows outside catering and offers many included upgrades like farmhouse tables and event coordination staff, making it a convenient and comprehensive venue.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Lake Herman State Park offers a network of multi-use trails throughout the area. The Luce Adventure Trail loops around Herman Pond, up to historical Luce Cabin and back down for a 1.3-mile round trip. Abbott Trail is connected to the Luce Adventure Trail and is an easy path offering views of the lake as it leads through wooded areas and tallgrass prairie. Pioneer Nature Trail links the park entrance to a gazebo, meandering through the wetlands and prairie.

Seasonal Information

Lake Herman State Park remains open all year. However, certain facilities close and some activities change with the seasons.

Entrance: The park is located at 23409 State Park Dr., Madison, SD, and this entrance remains open snow or shine.

Weather Conditions: In winter, the park transforms into a wonderland for recreational pursuits like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. You should generally be able to access Lake Herman State Park by car throughout the year. However, if you plan to visit during winter, it's always wise to:

Check current weather conditions and forecasts before you go.
Consult the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or call the park directly for any specific advisories or temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.

Facilities: Between Oct. 1 and April 30, the showers, flush toilets and other water systems at the park may be closed. However, vault toilets typically remain open for use.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking to end the day in comfort rather than in a tent, Madison offers several budget accommodations that are just a short drive away. Check out the Best Western Plus Lakeview Hotel, AmericInn by Wyndham Madison or the Super 8 by Wyndham Madison. They all offer complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym and free parking.

Dining Nearby

Madison, South Dakota, offers casual eateries to satisfy the hungriest adventurer. Check out one of the bars, like Broadwater Bar, offering lakeside dining, a bar and live music during the summer months. For a family-friendly option, try Pizza Ranch, a popular buffet serving pizza, chicken and a salad bar. Looking for a local spot serving classic American pub fare? Sporty's Bar & Grill dishes up burgers and sandwiches and other American plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Address, Hours & Contact Info

Address:
23409 State Park Dr.
Madison, SD 57042

Phone:
605.256.5003

Email:
[email protected]

Park Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.