Nicollet Tower

Scenic Highway 10 Road Trip

Written by: TravelSouthDakota.com Staff Writer

Meandering through South Dakota’s northeastern region, Scenic Highway 10 offers a majestic look at the state’s geological history in all its rolling glory.

Day 1

Begin your trip at Sisseton. Travel west on Highway 10 to the 75-foot Nicollet Tower, where you'll see a spectacular view of the surrounding prairie. The tower is named for French cartographer Joseph Nicollet, who created the first accurate map of the vast area between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

Next up, take a trip to Sica Hollow State Park. Be on the lookout for multiple glacial lakes and bird-watching opportunities. About six miles west of Lake City, turn south to Fort Sisseton Historic State Park. This 1864 military outpost has been recognized as one of the nation’s best-preserved frontier forts.

Return to Highway 10, where a sign on Main Street in Britton marks the north-south Continental Divide. Stay the night in Aberdeen.

A smiling family rides a kiddie roller coaster at Storybook Land in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Day 2

Start your day in Aberdeen. The fun begins at the Storybook Land theme park, featuring scenes from your favorite fairy tales. For a little down-home fun, check out Centennial Village and Hutterite Colony tours while you’re in town.

Afterwards, travel north to Highway 10 to tour the Ordway Prairie and then west to Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge for great wildlife and more bird-watching.

Head back to Eureka, a community of German heritage, and visit a bakery featuring ethnic delicacies. Stay the night in Eureka, or continue your journey at the junction with Highway 83.

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA

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About the Author
TravelSouthDakota.com Staff WriterThis article was authored by Travel South Dakota's team of writers and editors. We’re passionate about sharing the best of South Dakota, whether it's exploring national and state parks, road-tripping, diving into local culture or uncovering hidden gems. Some of us grew up here, others got here as fast as we could — but we’re all on the lookout for the best spots to eat, stay and experience in the land of Great Faces, Great Places.