The Big Bend of the Missouri refers to the famous landmark that bends expansively along the Missouri River. Famous before Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery even reached it, the bend stretches an impressive width of 1.6 miles with a circumference of 22 miles. Having reached the base of the bend on September 19, 1804, the adventurers began the 30-mile trek through the bend on September 20th and finished their navigation of the bend on September 21st.
Today, the Big Bend of the Missouri serves as a recreational campground for outdoor enthusiasts. While the land within the bend belongs to the Lower Brule Indian Reservation, the rest of the location is managed by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Range of activities include but are not limited to biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. Avid campers have their choices of accommodations in the event they want to stay for more than a day.
210 Sitting Bull St, Lower Brule, SD 57548, USA
Distance: 1.98 mi (straight line)
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oyate Cir, Lower Brule, SD, USA
Distance: 3.22 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours Tribal Experiences
Lode Star Casino & Restaurant, South Dakota 47, Fort Thompson, SD, USA
Distance: 5.21 mi (straight line)
Fort Thompson Mounds, Fort Thompson, SD, USA
Distance: 8.87 mi (straight line)
1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 20.76 mi (straight line)
Roam Free Park, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 21.04 mi (straight line)
American Creek Recreation Area, North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 21.20 mi (straight line)
115 North River Street, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 21.42 mi (straight line)
Silver Dollar Bar, North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 21.53 mi (straight line)
Upper Crust Pizza & Wings, West King Street, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 21.55 mi (straight line)
South Dakota Hall of Fame, South Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 22.17 mi (straight line)
Chamberlain SD Rest Area facility, Interstate 90, Chamberlain, SD, USA
Distance: 22.86 mi (straight line)
117 Cemetery Rd, Kimball, SD 57355, USA
Distance: 37.62 mi (straight line)
South Dakota State Historical Society, Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Distance: 44.19 mi (straight line)
LaFramboise Island Nature Area, LaFramboise Island Trail, Pierre, SD, USA
Distance: 44.28 mi (straight line)
Fischers Lilly Park, Ash Avenue, Fort Pierre, SD, USA
Distance: 44.95 mi (straight line)
4 East Main Avenue, Fort Pierre, SD, USA
Distance: 45.03 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.