Things to Do Near the Missouri River

Opened in 1957, Ray's Western Wear and Saddlery is one of the area's oldest businesses. Ray Steckelberg purchased a men's clothing store on Main Street in downtown Chamberlain and sold horse tack in the basement. Ray kept the tack in the basement of the store until 1970 when the tack was moved to the main floor and adding western wear was added. Ray's youngest son, Duane and his wife Sheryl, joined the business in 1974 and moved the store to a new location in Oacoma to catch Interstate 90 traffic and travelers pulling horse trailers. Since then, the store has remained a family profession and is now owned by fourth generation great-granddaughter and her husband whoi continue the Ray's legacy and branding of South Dakota's Cowboy Store. 

The NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center in Yankton is the largest archery center in the world. Every archery format and range is available for archers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Situated on nearly 100 acres, the center includes three outdoor field ranges, a 3-D range with a 40-foot elevated platform, two FITA ranges, a 90-meter indoor range, two classrooms, a fitness studio, indoor tennis courts, and indoor air rifle. We are open to the public year-round.

Based out of Chamberlain along the Missouri River, Allen’s Hillside has fished South Dakota’s Missouri River from Lake Francis Case to Lake Sharpe to Lake Oahe during the past three decades. We place a great deal of pride and satisfaction in the personalized guide services we provide, with return clients and referrals comprising more than 70 percent of our business. We do our best to fit our experienced guides with your experience and interests. Our fishing and hunting lodge (Hillside Motel) caters to fishermen and hunters, and we provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our specialties are walleye and smallmouth bass fishing and pheasant and waterfowl hunting.

Sitting on the shores of beautiful Lake Oahe north of Pierre, Spring Creek Recreation Area is a water-lover's paradise. Lake Oahe has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and its clear waters are ideal for boating, sailing, fishing, water skiing and diving. Campers, history buffs, mountain bikers and hikers will find new adventures in this rugged land first explored by Lewis and Clark. A privately-run marina, convenience store, restaurant, recreation area and resort provide everything needed for the perfect getaway right in one location.

SOUTH DAKOTA MAGAZINE explores the state, looking for interesting people and places that define our culture, heritage, arts, nature and communities. The bi-monthly (6 per year) publication is written and headquartered at Yankton, the historic Missouri River city that was once the territorial capital. Our publishing headquarters encompasses three old brick buildings in downtown Yankton that were built in the 1870s by Territorial Governor John Pennington. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Right off Highway 52 in southeastern South Dakota near Yankton, Pierson Ranch Recreation Area provides easy access to picnic shelters and campsites. The large day-use area serves as an excellent facility for hosting family reunions and large groups. Located between Chief White Crane and Lewis & Clark Recreation Areas, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of recreation opportunities in all three parks. Facilities include a playground, picnic shelter, tennis/pickle ball court and disc golf course.

The Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts in downtown Chamberlain provides a venue for artists to showcase and market their work. The gallery also features artists who provide gallery talks, cultural classes, storytelling and author signings. The Dakota Indian Foundation is a non-profit organization that created the Dakota Plains Gallery for the purpose of promoting economic development for local tribal artists. Every purchase is a donation toward academic scholarships and grants that preserve Dakota culture. Business hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

JULY 1, 2026 - TEMPORARY EXHIBIT GALLERY IN THE MUSEUM OPENS TO THE THE PUBLIC ALONG WITH A PORTION OF THE MAIN GALLERY AND GIFT SHOP. Discover the rich heritage and complex history of South Dakota at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. Award-winning rotating exhibits capture the spirit of The Mount Rushmore State and hands-on activities offer new experiences and learning opportunities at every turn. Admission is free for kids under 18. We are open year-round. See our website for museum and archives hours. The Heritage Store at the South Dakota State Capitol is also open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday (also open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June through August).

The Pheasant Drive-In was built at it’s current location in northeastern Mobridge in 1960. Ron Maier, the current owner, has been running the Drive-In since 1976. Movies are shown May through September, with the schedule being posted on our website or Facebook page. Be sure to check out our concession stand for popcorn, soda, snow cones and candy, as well as hot dogs, nachos and homemade barbecues.