Oakwood Lakes State Park

History

More than 10,000 years ago, glaciers melted, forming the eight Oakwood Lakes. As the glaciers melted and moved, they carved the surrounding terrain, leaving behind fertile soil, hills and woodlands that we have today.

Indigenous people previously inhabited the land, leaving behind burial mounds dating from A.D. 300 to A.D. 1400. These tribes belonged to the Woodland Cultures. The tribe later occupied the area, naming it “tetonkaha,” meaning “look here, great house.” The abundance of fish, game and other resources in the area made Oakwood Lakes a significant gathering and living site for Indigenous people.

The first American settlers to visit this area were J.N. Nicollet and J.C. Fremont. They arrived in 1838, noting, “Wood is less scarce here. It is on all the tongues of land which separate the lakes from one another." Later, Samuel Mortimer, a shoemaker from New York, settled in this area in 1869, building a log cabin that is still standing today. Mortimer initially traveled to the area to participate in the booming fur trade. As the animal population declined, he pivoted to the lumber industry. Doing so played a crucial role in providing timber for settlers of the surrounding area. Following the industries’ declines, Mortimer eventually sold the land in the 1880s.

After World War II, South Dakota began establishing state parks. The state acquired the land, and Oakwood Lakes State Park was officially established in 1945, preserving the natural and historical significance for the public.

Things to Do: Activities & Amenities

• Sports: The park has several recreational facilities, including a basketball court, grass fields for soccer and a volleyball court. Equipment for these sports is available for checkout at the Welcome Center.
• Games: Equipment is available for a variety of lawn games, including horseshoes. Additionally, the park features a nine-hole disc golf course that is a half-mile long. To play, find the score cards and maps located next to Picnic Shelter #2.
• Birdwatching: The park’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands and grasslands, make it an excellent location for birdwatching. More than 150 species of birds have been identified in the area. Keep an eye out for vibrant eastern bluebirds and red-tailed hawks in the trees or spot great horned owls, active late at night.
• Water Recreation: The park’s unique habitat is created by eight connecting glacial lakes, which include major bodies like Lake Tetonkaha, Johnson Lake, Oakwood East and Oakwood West. Access to so much water provides opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming during the warmer months.
• Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity on the lakes, where anglers often catch northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, crappie and largemouth bass. Cast a line from the shoreline, your kayak, off the ice in the wintertime, or find the fishing pier on Lake Tetonkaha.
• Historical Interest: The park's history is a significant part of the experience, with many opportunities to learn about its past throughout the park. From Indigenous history dating back to the fourth century to early settler history, the park boasts insights into the lives of Indigenous people and pioneers. This includes interpretive signs, burial mounds and Mortimer’s Cabin, an original building from the first settlers of the area.
• Horseback Riding: Designated trails are available for horseback riding, and horse camping is permitted at assigned campsites.
• Picnicking: The park is well-equipped with amenities for visitors, including picnic tables and picnic shelters located near both campgrounds.
• Snowshoeing & Cross-country Skiing: During winter, Oakwood Lakes State Park offers activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowshoes are available for checkout at the Welcome Center.

Welcome Center

The Welcome Center in Oakwood Lakes State Park offers a central hub for information about the park's amenities and activities.

It also features an archaeology display of items discovered within the area. Additionally, a variety of equipment is available for checkout, including items for basketball, disc golf, fishing poles, horseshoes, lawn games, life jackets, snowshoes, soccer and volleyball. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are also available for rent.

Welcome Center hours:

• October-May (Winter):
  • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Weekends: Email staff for assistance.
• June-September (Summer):
  • Daily: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday: Open until 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: Open until 8 p.m.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Oakwood Lakes State Park offers a network of trails that provide access to various activities. There are 4.7 miles of trails divided among five routes. Some are hiker-only, while others allow bikes, horses and cross-country skiers in the winter.

The Tetonkaha Trail is a 0.8-mile grass loop that leads to Scout Island, providing excellent lake views and notable interpretive information. The Mortimer's Shoreline Trail is a 1-mile gravel path following the shoreline from the Welcome Center to the historic cabin of Samuel Mortimer, an early settler. For an easy lakeside stroll, try Lake View Trail, a 1.4-mile grass trail that offers scenic vistas of the surrounding lakes. Similarly, Prairie Trail, a 1.4-mile grassy path suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding, can also be used for cross-country skiing in winter. It holds historical significance, passing several Indigenous burial mounds.

Glacial Lakes

The park is situated among eight glacial lakes, including Lake Tetonkaha, Johnson Lake, Oakwood East and Oakwood West. These lakes formed as melting glaciers retreated, leaving depressions in the earth that filled with water. As the centerpiece for the park’s recreation, Oakwood’s lakes provide an abundance of water recreation. Visitors enjoy boating, swimming and fishing from these lakes while the park’s trails lead through the shores and islands across the park, providing scenic views and water access.

Where to Stay

For those seeking more luxury than a tent, several nearby lodging options are available. The OWL Lodge offers event accommodations just 2.3 miles from the park. This lodge is a unique venue, perfect for weddings, family reunions and other large group gatherings. Located just outside the park, it provides ample opportunity for exploring the outdoors while offering a comfortable stay right around the corner.

In Arlington, the quaint Arlington Inn is less than 20 minutes away on Highway 14. This charming inn offers complimentary breakfast and a full bar. Further out, in Brookings, both the Hampton Inn & Suites and Comfort Suites University provide reliable quality, comfortable rooms and spacious suites, roughly a half-hour drive from the park. The Country Inn and Suites Radisson, also in Brookings, rounds out the selections with its welcoming atmosphere and guest-focused amenities.

Dining Nearby

The park’s surrounding towns offer true South Dakotan classics, from bar and grill to farm-fresh fare. Visitors can expect to find classic American comfort food, often with a regional twist, ensuring a satisfying meal for every palate.

Head 7 miles east to Bruce, South Dakota, for Bruce's Bar, a classic small-town bar and grill, offering a menu with burgers, sandwiches, wings and their "World Famous Rocky Mountain Oysters." 

Alternatively, 15 miles southwest of the park, Arlington, South Dakota, boasts homestyle bars and grills like 1481 Grille, which serves homestyle cooking and a variety of dishes.

In Brookings, South Dakota, half an hour southeast, a variety of dining options are provided. Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill is known for its wall of TVs playing games of today and yesterday. Looking for farm-fresh food? Try Craft Chophouse & Lounge, serving Italian-American fusion while committing to using Brookings' freshest, homegrown ingredients to execute elegantly handcrafted dishes. The Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge is a local favorite, serving classic, upscale-casual dining with local flair to feed your soul with authentic South Dakotan cuisine.

Address, Hours & Contact Info

Address:
20247 S. Oakwood Shoreline Dr.
Bruce, SD 57220

Phone:
605-627-5441

Email:
[email protected]

Park Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily